CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF HALF MOON BAY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026
7:00 PM
ADCOCK COMMUNITY CENTER Debbie Ruddock , Mayor
535 KELLY AVENUE Deborah Penrose, Vice Mayor
HALF MOON BAY, CA 94019 Robert Brownstone, Councilmember Patric Jonsson, Councilmember
Paul Nagengast, Councilmember
This agenda contains a brief description of each item to be considered. Those wishing to address the City Council on any matter not listed on the agenda, but within the jurisdiction of the City Council to resolve, may come forward to the podium during the Public Forum portion of the agenda and will have a maximum of three minutes to discuss their item. Comments on Consent Calendar items should be made during the Public Forum section of the agenda. Those wishing to speak on a Business or Public Hearing matter will be called forward at the appropriate time during that item’s consideration.
Please Note: Anyone wishing to present materials to the City Council, please submit seven copies to the City Clerk.
Copies of written documentation relating to each item of business on the agenda are on file in the Office of the City Clerk at City Hall where they are available for public inspection. If requested, the agenda shall be available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132.) Information may be obtained by calling 650-726-8271.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, special assistance for participation in this meeting can be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at 650-726-8271. A 48-hour notification will enable the City to make reasonable accommodations to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).
http://halfmoonbay.gov
HYBRID MEETING PARTICIPATION PROTOCOLS
This meeting will be held in-person and via Zoom for public participation. Remote participation is provided as a supplemental way to provide public comment, but this method does not always work. 1 The public is encouraged to attend in person to ensure full participation. Public comments may be made in-person or remotely via Zoom, and interpretation will be available. All Councilmembers and staff will participate in person. During any public comment portions, attendees may use the “raise your hand” feature and will be called upon and unmuted when it is their turn to speak. The meeting will also be streamed on Channel 27, on pacificcoast.tv, and on the City website at https://www.halfmoonbay.gov/315/City-Council-Agendas. Please click to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87674804231 or join by phone at 669-900-9128, using Webinar ID 876- 7480-4231. If joining by phone, use *9 to raise your hand, *6 to mute and unmute.
1. ROLL CALL / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
3.A MIDPEN OPEN SPACE UPDATE
3.B MIDCOAST COMMUNITY COUNCIL UPDATE
4. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
5. REPORT OUT FROM RECENT CLOSED SESSION MEETINGS
6. CITY MANAGER UPDATES TO COUNCIL
7. PUBLIC FORUM
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8.A WAIVE READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
8.B APPROVE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 16, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
ATTACHMENT
8.C APPROVE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 8, 2026 SPECIAL MEETING
ATTACHMENT
8.D APPROVE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 13, 2026 SPECIAL MEETING
ATTACHMENT
8.E APPROVE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 13, 2026 JOINT SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL-PLANNING
COMMISSION MEETING
2 ATTACHMENT
8.F AUTHORIZE OPPORTUNITY CENTER OF THE COASTSIDE FINAL ASSET DISPOSAL Staff Recommendation: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to dispose of assets acquired to provide services at the Opportunity Center of the Coastside in accordance with the City’s Asset Disposition Policy.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENT 1
ATTACHMENT 2
8.G ACCEPT WARRANTS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2025
Staff Recommendation: Accept the warrants list for the month of December 2025.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENT
8.H APPROVE HWY 1 NORTH PRE-CONSTRUCTION SERVICES AWARD OF PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT
Staff Recommendation: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Zoon Engineering in an amount not to exceed $69,084 for pre-construction services for the Highway 1 North project.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENT 1
ATTACHMENT 2
8.I APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BLACK AND VEATCH CORPORATION
FOR STORMWATER - NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) AND ANNUAL REPORTING SERVICES FOR 2026
Staff Recommendation: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Black & Veatch Corporation for Stormwater – National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Annual Reporting Services for 2026 in an amount not to exceed $137,516.
STAFF REPORT
3 ATTACHMENT 1
ATTACHMENT 2
8.J CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN (PHASE TWO) ADOPTION Staff Recommendation: By Resolution, adopt Phase Two of the Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENT 1
ATTACHMENT 2
8.K APPROVE MAYOR’S LIST OF UPDATED CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES AND DESIGNATED ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2026
Staff Recommendation: Accept Mayor Ruddock’s List of City Council Representatives and Designated Assignments for 2026.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENT
8.L APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR SENATE BILL 1383 PROCUREMENT Staff Recommendation: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of San Mateo for the implementation of a Senate Bill (SB) 1383 compliant procurement program in an amount not to exceed $25,000 annually.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENT 1
ATTACHMENT 2
8.M APPROVE CERTAIN PAST CITY COUNCIL REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES Staff Recommendation: By motion, approve certain past City Council Special and Regular Minutes from prior years, as presented.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENT 1
4 ATTACHMENT 2
ATTACHMENT 3
ATTACHMENT 4
ATTACHMENT 5
ATTACHMENT 6
9. ORDINANCES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS – None.
10. RESOLUTIONS AND STAFF REPORTS
10.A FRENCHMAN’S CREEK PARK - PHASE 2 PROJECT UPDATE (CIP PROJECT NO. 1013)
Staff Recommendation: Receive an update on the revised scope of the Frenchman’s Creek Park Improvements Project Phase II and provide direction on proposed improvements.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENT 1
ATTACHMENT 2
ATTACHMENT 3
10.B UPDATES ON THE RESIDENTIAL RENT STABILIZATION PROGRAM AND RESIDENTIAL
RENTAL REGISTRY PROGRAM
Staff Recommendation: Receive an update on the City’s Residential Rent Stabilization and Residential Rental Registry Programs and provide guidance to staff regarding the future of the programs.
STAFF REPORT
ATTACHMENT
11. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE UPDATES
12. FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION / POSSIBLE AGENDA ITEMS
13. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
5 14. ADJOURNMENT
6 MINUTES
CITY OF HALF MOON BAY CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2025
ADCOCK COMMUNITY CENTER, 535 KELLY AVENUE
1. ROLL CALL / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Brownstone called the meeting to order at 7:43 p.m. due to technical issues. Assistant City Clerk Rodriguez took the roll call, noting Councilmember Nagengast was attending remotely from The Lodge at Torrey Pines, 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037. Interim City Attorney Denise Bassano was introduced and welcomed to the meeting.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Jonsson, Nagengast (Remote Attendance), Penrose, Vice Mayor Ruddock and Mayor Brownstone
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Penrose moved and Vice Mayor Ruddock seconded a motion to approve the agenda.
The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
3. 2025 STATE OF THE CITY PRESENTATION
Mayor Brownstone presented the 2025 State of the City video presentation, highlighting all of the Council’s accomplishments over the past year.
4. REMARKS BY OUTGOING MAYOR
Mayor Brownstone provided final remarks as outgoing Mayor for 2025. All Councilmembers expressed appreciation to Mayor Brownstone for his year as Mayor.
The following individuals addressed the City Council:
• Supervisor Ray Mueller, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Mayor Brownstone turned the meeting over to Assistant City Clerk Rodriguez, who outlined the process for selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor for 2026. 7 December 16, 2025
City Council Minutes
5. SELECTION OF MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR FOR 2026
Assistant City Clerk Rodriguez declared the Mayor’s seat vacant and called for nominations for Mayor for 2026.
MOTION
Councilmember Brownstone moved and Councilmember Penrose seconded a motion to nominate Vice Mayor Ruddock as Mayor for 2026. No further nominations were received. Nominations closed. The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
MOTION
Mayor Ruddock moved and Councilmember Brownstone seconded a motion to nominate Councilmember Penrose as Vice Mayor for 2026. No further nominations were received.
Nominations closed. The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
6. REMARKS BY INCOMING MAYOR
Mayor Ruddock thanked the Council for its support and outlined her vision as Mayor in 2026.
RECESS TO RECEPTION
The Council recessed at 8:25 p.m. to a brief reception. The meeting reconvened at 8:40 p.m. with all Councilmembers present (Councilmember Nagengast was remote.)
7. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
7A. MID-COAST COMMUNITY COUNCIL UPDATE
An update was not provided.
8. MAYOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICE Mayor Ruddock encouraged community participation at the “Night of Lights” and community movie night featuring “Elf.”
9. REPORT OUT FROM RECENT CLOSED SESSION MEETINGS
Interim City Attorney Bazzano reported the Council met in Closed Session on Saturday, December 6, 2025 to conduct a performance evaluation for City Manager Chidester. No action was taken. 8 December 16, 2025
City Council Minutes
10. CITY MANAGER UPDATES TO COUNCIL
City Manager Chidester introduced the new Communications Program Manager Marijose Alvarado.
11. PUBLIC FORUM
The following individuals addressed the City Council:
• RJ Jennings
• Joaquin Jimenez
• Anita Reese
• Patty Ramirez
• Rocio Avila
• Carolina Carbajal
12. CONSENT CALENDAR
The Consent Calendar consisted of the following items:
12A. WAIVE READING OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES
12B. APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 2, 2025 SPECIAL MEETING 12C. APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 2, 2025 REGULAR MEETING 12D. APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 6, 2025 SPECIAL MEETING 12E. APPROVE CERTAIN PAST CITY COUNCIL REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES, as follows: Minutes of February 9, 2016 Special Meeting, December 6, 2016 Special Meeting, December 6, 2016 Regular Meeting, and December 20, 2016 Special Meeting, November 14, 2017 Special Meeting, December 21, 2017 Special Meeting, December 28, 2017 Special Meeting, December 30, 2017 Special Meeting, January 16, 2018 Special Meeting, January 16, 2018 Regular Meeting, March 20, 2018 Special Meeting, March 20, 2018 Regular Meeting, April 3, 2018 Special Meeting, April 3, 2018 Regular Meeting, April 17, 2018 Special Meeting, April 17, 2018 Regular Meeting, May 1, 2018 Special Meeting (Strategic Retreat), May 15, 2018 Special Meeting, May 15, 2018 Regular Meeting, June 5, 2018 Special Meeting, June 5, 2018 Regular Meeting, June 19, 2018 Special Meeting, June 19, 2018 Regular Meeting, July 17, 2018 Special Meeting, July 17, 2018 Regular Meeting, July 31, 2018 Special Meeting, August 7, 2018 Special Meeting, August 21, 2018 Special Meeting, August 21, 2018 Regular Meeting, August 28, 2018 Special Meeting, and October 16, 2018 Special Meeting 12F. APPROVE THE 2026 CALENDAR OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 12G. FILE MADDY ACT 2026 LOCAL APPOINTMENTS LIST FOR CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS,
AND COMMITTEES
9 December 16, 2025
City Council Minutes
12H. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 2025-02, ADDING CHAPTER 7.65 “COMMERCIAL VITALITY” TO
THE HALF MOON BAY MUNICIPAL CODE (SECOND READING)
12I. ACCEPT WARRANTS FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2025
12J. ACCEPT AB1600 REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025
12K. ADOPT RESOLUTION 2025-86, APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH INFINITY TECHNOLOGIES FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AT A COST OF $192,648 PER YEAR, WITH A 10% CONTINGENCY FOR UNFORESEEN ADDITIONAL NEEDS AT $19,264 PER YEAR 12L. APPROVING ONE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH HDL COMPANIES FOR BUSINESS LICENSE AND TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX ADMINISTRATION FOR THE TERM JANUARY 1, 2026, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2026, WITH A NOT-TO-EXCEED ANNUAL AMOUNT OF $80,000 12M. AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT A LETTER IN OPPOSITION TO THE DRAFT PROPOSED PROGRAM FOR THE 11TH NATIONAL OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF OIL AND GAS LEASING PROGRAM (BOEM-2025-0483), BEFORE THE JANUARY 23, 2026
DEADLINE
MOTION
Councilmember Brownstone moved and Vice Mayor Penrose seconded a motion to adopt the Consent Calendar items 12A through 12M, excluding items 12E and 12L. The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
MOTION
Councilmember Brownstone moved and Vice Mayor Penrose seconded a motion to adopt Consent Calendar item 12E, Approve Certain Past City Council Regular And Special Meeting Minutes, as listed above. The motion carried 3-0-2 by roll call vote, with Councilmembers Jonsson and Nagengast abstaining.
MOTION
Councilmember Brownstone moved and Vice Mayor Penrose seconded a motion to adopt the Consent Calendar item 12L., Adopt Resolution 2025-87, Approving One-year Agreement With Hdl Companies For Business License And Transient Occupancy Tax Administration For The Term January 1, 2026, Through December 31, 2026, With A Not-to-exceed Annual Amount Of $80,000. The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
13. ORDINANCES AND PUBLIC HEARINGS – None.
14. RESOLUTIONS AND STAFF REPORTS
14A. SETTING THE 2026 RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNIT ALLOCATION PURSUANT TO HALF MOON BAY MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 17.06 (MEASURE D)
10 December 16, 2025
City Council Minutes
Community Development Director Lacko and Associate Planner Wilson presented the staff report.
Councilmembers discussed the item and asked questions.
MOTION
Councilmember Brownstone moved and Vice Mayor Penrose seconded a motion to adopt a Resolution 2025-88, Setting the 2026 Residential Dwelling Unit Allocation and Administration System pursuant to Half Moon Bay Municipal Code Chapter 17.06 for 70 residential dwelling units, 47 units for the Downtown (24 base units and 23 bonus units), and 23 units Outside of the Downtown. The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. 14B. AUTHORIZE TRANSPORTATION FUND FOR CLEAN AIR (TFCA) FUNDING AGREEMENT AND ADDITIONAL LOCAL MATCH FUNDING FOR THE EASTSIDE PARALLEL TRAIL SEGMENT 4
PROJECT
Interim City Engineer Leda presented the staff report. Councilmembers discussed the item and asked questions.
MOTION
Councilmember Jonsson moved and Vice Mayor Penrose seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-89, Authorizing the City Manager to execute the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Transportation Fund For Clean Air/TFCA Funding Agreement with the City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) for the Eastside Parallel Trail - Segment 4 project in the amount of $200,000; and authorizing the transfer of $20,000 in matching funds from the General Fund to Capital Improvement Project No. 0619; and authorizing the City Manager to take any other actions necessary to give effect to the Resolution and comply with grant requirements. The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. 14C. ADOPT PROPOSED CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION CHANGES City Manager Chidester presented the staff report. Councilmembers asked questions and discussed the item.
MOTION
Councilmember Brownstone moved and Vice Mayor Penrose seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2025 – 90, Authorizing changes to certain job classifications and salary schedules as follows: 1) Create a new classification titled City Clerk; 2) Reclassify the Communications Director/City Clerk position to City Clerk; 3) Create a new full-time equivalent position in the Community Development Department and Resolution 2025-91 a new classification titled Chief Building Official. The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote. 11 December 16, 2025
City Council Minutes
14D. THIRD AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR CITY MANAGER, MATTHEW
CHIDESTER
Interim City Attorney Bazzano presented the staff report. Councilmembers asked questions and discussed the item.
MOTION
Councilmember Brownstone moved and Mayor Ruddock seconded a motion to approve Amendment No. 3 to the August 20, 2022, City Manager Employment Agreement with Matthew Chidester (“Agreement”) to amend Sections II and VI of the Agreement to eliminate the expiration date of the term of the Agreement, revise the terms and conditions related to the separation provision, and other related changes. The motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.
15. COMMISSION / COMMITTEE UPDATES
City Manager Chidester discussed the final Parks and Recreation Com meeting of the year.
16. FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION / POSSIBLE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Brownstone suggested that Mid-Peninsula Housing be invited to present their upcoming projects. Mayor Ruddock seconded the motion.
17. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Jonsson reported on an airport meeting regarding a discussion of future passenger and package drone-deliveries and airspace issues.
Mayor Ruddock announced Assemblymember Papan’s legislation regarding electric bikes and an upcoming e-bike workshop. She stated the 2026 Council assignment listing is forthcoming at the January 2026 meeting.
18. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ruddock adjourned the meeting at 10:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maggie Rodriguez, Asst. City Clerk
12 MINUTES
CITY OF HALF MOON BAY CITY COUNCIL
THURSDAY JANUARY 8, 2026
SPECIAL MEETING
ADCOCK COMMUNITY CENTER, 535 KELLY AVENUE
1. CONVENE SPECIAL MEETING / ROLL CALL
Mayor Ruddock called the Special Meeting to order at 5:32 p.m., noting Vice Mayor Penrose would be joining the meeting remotely, under the “Just Cause” provisions of A.B. 2449, due to an illness. City Manager Chidester called the Roll Call.
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS BROWNSTONE, JONSSON, NAGENGAST, VICE MAYOR
PENROSE (JOINED REMOTELY AFTER ROLL CALL) AND MAYOR RUDDOCK
2. OPEN SESSION IDENTIFICATION OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
3. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS – None.
4. CLOSED SESSION
4.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION (Govt. Code section 54956.9(d)(1))
Name of case: City of Half Moon Bay v. Thomas J. Gearing, et al., - San Mateo Superior Court Civil No. 21-CIV-01560
Name of case: Gearing et al v. City of Half Moon Bay, USDC Civil No. 3:21-CVJ01802EMC
ADJOURN SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor Ruddock adjourned the Special Meeting at approximately 6:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
13 January 8, 2026
City Council Special Meeting
Maggie Rodriguez, Interim City Clerk
Approved at the ________, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting 14 MINUTES
CITY OF HALF MOON BAY CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY JANUARY 13, 2026
SPECIAL MEETING
ADCOCK COMMUNITY CENTER, 535 KELLY AVENUE
1. CONVENE SPECIAL MEETING / ROLL CALL
Mayor Ruddock called the Special Meeting to order at 6:45 p.m., City Manager Chidester called the Roll Call.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Brownstone, Jonsson, Nagengast, Vice Mayor Penrose and Mayor Ruddock
2. OPEN SESSION IDENTIFICATION OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
Mayor Ruddock identified the items that would be discussed in Closed Session. Councilmember Nagengast announced
3. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS – None.
4. CLOSED SESSION
4.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION (Govt. Code section 54956.9(d)(1)) Name of case: City of Half Moon Bay v. Thomas J. Gearing, et al., - San Mateo Superior Court Civil No. 21-CIV-01560 Name of case: Gearing et al v. City of Half Moon Bay, USDC Civil No. 3:21-CVJ-01802EMC
4.B CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION (Govt. Code section 54956.9(d)(1)) Name of case: Casa Mira Homeowners Assn. et al. v. California Coastal Commission et al. (City of Half Moon Bay, Real Party in Interest) – San Mateo Superior Court Case No. 19- CIV04677; California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Case No. 168645
4.C CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION (Govt. Code section 54956.9(d)(1)) Name of case: Casa Mira Homeowners Assn. et al. v. California Coastal Commission et al. (City of Half Moon Bay, Real Party in Interest) – San Mateo Superior Court Case No. 21- CIV03202
4.D CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION (Govt. Code section 54956.9(d)(1)) Name of case: Ellingson v. City of Half Moon Bay-San Mateo Superior Court Case No. 25CIV-04838 15 January 13, 2026
City Council Special Meeting
5. ADJOURN SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor Ruddock adjourned the Special Meeting at approximately 7:04 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maggie Rodriguez, Interim City Clerk
Approved at the ________, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting 16 MINUTES
CITY OF HALF MOON BAY
CITY COUNCIL / PLANNING COMMISSION JOINT MEETING
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026
ADCOCK COMMUNITY CENTER, 535 KELLY AVENUE
1. CONVENE SPECIAL MEETING / ROLL CALL
Mayor Ruddock called the Special City Council/Planning Commission Joint Meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. Planning Analyst Jett took the Roll Call:
PRESENT: MAYOR RUDDOCK, VICE MAYOR PENROSE, COUNCILMEMBERS BROWNSTONE, JONSSON AND NAGENGAST; PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIR GORN, VICE CHAIR HERNANDEZ, COMMISSIONER RUDDOCK.
ABSENT: PLANNING COMMISSIONERS DEL NAGRO AND REMS.
2. STUDY SESSION: CITY COUNCIL / PLANNING COMMISSION
2.A JOINT STUDY SESSION TO REVIEW THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY’S GROWTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 17.06 (MEASURE D) Community Development Director Lacko and Associate Planner Wilson conducted a Study Session and presented a comprehensive staff report on the history of original Measure A, then Measure D regarding Half Moon Bay’s Growth Management System.
Planner Wilson presented a comprehensive overview of Measure D, including its history, purpose, and implementation process. Key points included:
• Measure D was approved in 1999 to control the rate, location, and density of residential development in the city, limiting growth to 1-1.5% annually • The downtown allocation area is defined by the 1998 redevelopment survey area • The process includes four main steps: annual unit authorization, application period, scoring ratification, and transfer process
• Current trends show increased demand for Accessory Dwelling Units, with applications outside downtown consistently exceeding available allocations The Council and Commission discussed several potential improvements to the Measure D process:
17 January 13, 2026
City Council / Planning Commission
Special Joint Meeting
1. Revising allocation requirements for ADUs from full to fractional allocations
2. Implementing rollover of unused allocations for ADUs and affordable housing
3. Updating scoring criteria to align with new fire regulations and improve consistency
4. Revising the downtown map to align with the town center map in the Local Coastal Program
There was consensus among most members to pursue a ballot measure to update the downtown map definition. Members also agreed to examine the scoring system to make it more efficient and potentially incorporate criteria related to fire safety and home hardening.
Mayor Ruddock invited public comments.
The following individuals addressed the City Council/Planning Commission:
• Greg Jamison
• Nancy Fontana
RECESS
Mayor Ruddock called for a recess. The meeting reconvened with all Councilmembers and Commissioners in attendance. Planning Commissioners Del Nagro and Rems were absent.
The Council and Commission directed staff to:
1. Proceed with code amendments for fractional ADU allocations and rollover provisions
2. Consider preparing a ballot measure for November 2026 to update the downtown map
3. Review the scoring criteria by mid-year, with consideration of fire safety elements
4. Explore ways to make the allocation process more efficient and transparent
5. Consider methods to track and verify deed-restricted affordable units
3. ADJOURN SPECIAL MEETING
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
Maggie Rodriguez, Interim City Clerk
Approved at the ________, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting 18
BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY
AGENDA REPORT
For meeting of: January 20, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
VIA: Matthew Chidester, City Manager
FROM: Julissa Acosta, Management Analyst
TITLE: AUTHORIZE OPPORTUNITY CENTER OF THE COASTSIDE FINAL ASSET DISPOSAL ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to dispose of assets acquired to provide services at the Opportunity Center of the Coastside in accordance with the City’s Asset Disposition Policy.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. Donations and retained assets will not incur additional costs beyond the minimal staff time for coordination.
STRATEGIC ELEMENT:
This recommendation supports the Fiscal Sustainability, Healthy Communities and Public Safety and Infrastructure and Environment Elements of the Strategic Plan.
BACKGROUND:
On February 7, 2023, City Council authorized acceptance of a $2,500,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant from San Mateo County to open and operate an economic advancement center. The Opportunity Center of the Coastside (OCC) opened in the Spring of 2024 to address economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, and as part of a key initiative of the Coastside Recovery Initiative (CRI) to create pathways for a new Coastside economy.
City Council authorized a two-year lease at 637 Main Street for the OCC and a sublease agreement with the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau for a portion of the site OCC on September 5, 2023. At the same time, separate contracts to manage the daily operations and facilities at the OCC, and to provide quality services for job seekers, small business owners and entrepreneurs, and startups were awarded to the Chamber, Job Train, Renaissance Entrepreneur Center, and American Energy Society, respectively.
ARPA funds were used to procure equipment, furniture, and technology necessary to support daily operations and programming between February 2024 through September 2025 for all 19
service providers. Additionally, the Chamber contributed its own furnishings and other materials to complement the OCC’s operational needs and to ensure ongoing Chamber and visitor services continued to be offered. With the lease at 637 Main St set to expire in January 2026, service providers started to wind down operations at that site and transitioned to new offices in downtown Half Moon Bay. Renaissance and Job Train collocated to Coastside Hope’s office at 248 Main St, and the Chamber relocated to 508 Main St, while American Energy Society transitioned to remote operations.
Prior to the relocation, City staff and the Chamber conducted a thorough inventory of all assets acquired with ARPA funding to determine potential community benefit. Furthermore, to ensure compliance, City and County staff confirmed that the recommended disposition plan aligned with ARPA asset management, reporting requirements, and ensured continued transparency and accountability.
On November 18, 2025, City Council authorized service providers to retain specific items to continue providing economic recovery and development services aligned with the original ARPA guidelines and the City’s Asset Disposition Policy. Service providers also retained possession of items they originally contributed to the facility and program.
DISCUSSION:
The City has retained all items excluded from the November 2025 asset disposition. To ensure remaining assets maximize community benefit in accordance with grant requirements and the City’s policy guidelines, staff continued exploring potential recipients in addition to original OCC providers.
Staff engaged with the Youth Advisory Group (YAG) and staff from the new youth-serving allcove center being developed on Main Street to determine if remaining OCC items would be suitable for their suite of offerings to ensure ongoing community benefit. The allcove program is a space designed by and for young people ages 12-25 offering free or low-cost mental, health, and social support. Their services help address the socio-emotional impacts left from the pandemic and are also designed to provide education and employment support through a holistic approach. The allcove center will be located near Stone Pine Center in downtown, providing access to youth from middle high school. Tenant improvements are underway, and the center will open its doors to the public in Spring 2026.
Staff has also identified additional items for use in City operations and services. The final asset disposition recommendation (Attachment 2) is presented for Council approval.
ATTACHMENT:
1. Resolution
2. Final OCC Asset Disposition
20 RESOLUTION NO. C-2026-____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO DISPOSE OF ASSETS ACQUIRED TO PROVIDE SERVICES AT THE OPPORTUNITY CENTER OF THE COASTSIDE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CITY’S ASSET
DISPOSITION POLICY
WHEREAS, on February 7, 2023, the City Council authorized acceptance of a $2,500,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant from the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors to establish and operate an economic advancement center to address economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, subsequently named the Opportunity Center of the Coastside (OCC); and WHEREAS, the OCC was established as a key initiative of the Coastside Recovery Initiative (CRI) to provide economic development and workforce resources to residents, business owners, and entrepreneurs seeking to improve their economic well-being; and WHEREAS, the City entered into contract agreements with the HMB Coastside Chamber of Commerce, JobTrain, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, and American Energy Society to provide daily operations and facility management, quality services for job seekers, small business owners and entrepreneurs, and startup services respectively; and WHEREAS, between February 2024 and September 2025, the City procured furniture, equipment, and technology necessary to support OCC operations using ARPA funds, while the service providers also contributed their own furnishings, equipment, and materials to support shared operations; and
WHEREAS, the service providers have concluded their operations at the OCC, with JobTrain and Renaissance relocating to Coastside Hope at 248 Main Street, the Chamber relocating to 508 Main Street, and American Energy Society transitioning to remote operations; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the City’s Asset Disposition Policy and ARPA compliance requirements, staff have conducted a comprehensive inventory of all OCC assets and developed a disposition plan identifying items to be retained, donated, or otherwise managed to ensure continued community use and public benefit; and
WHEREAS, City and County staff have confirmed that the proposed disposition plan is consistent with ARPA asset management and reporting requirements and supports the City’s goals of fiscal responsibility and community service continuity; and WHEREAS, on November 18, 2025, City Council authorized OCC service providers to retain specific items to continue providing economic development advancement services to the community; and
21 WHEREAS, to ensure items excluded from the November 2025 asset disposition maximize community benefit, staff engaged with original service providers and the Allcove youth program and concluded remaining items provide a community benefit through their services; and WHEREAS, City staff also concluded specific items present a benefit to City operations, while others shall be disposed of per City policy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The City Council of the City of Half Moon Bay hereby authorizes the City Manager to:
1) Dispose of assets acquired to provide services at the Opportunity Center of the Coastside as shown in the attached Final OCC Asset Disposition Recommendation, in accordance with the City’s Asset Disposition Policy and applicable ARPA requirements; and
2) Retain items for continued City use, dispose of items that have concluded their useful life, and donate qualifying items to nonprofit and partner organizations that provide community and economic development services consistent with the original ARPA intent.
***************************************************************** I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly passed and adopted on the 20th day of January 2026, by the City Council of Half Moon Bay by the following vote:
AYES, Councilmembers:
NOES, Councilmembers:
ABSENT, Councilmembers:
ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
___________________________ _____________________________ Maggie Rodriguez, Interim City Clerk Debbie Ruddock, Mayor 22 OCC Asset Disposition Recommendation
Quantity Description Recommendation
1 Acoustic/Sound panel set Allcove, City
1 Amplifier mixer Allcove
1 Apple computer Allcove
20 Armless chairs Chamber, JobTrain
1 Bissell Carpet Cleaner JobTrain
1 Bistro Set Allcove
2 Camera tripod Allcove
1 Coffee stations Chamber
1 Conference table Allcove
3 Counter ht. table sets Allcove
4 Soundproff curtain & rods Dispose
1 Décor items (throw pillows,
runners, tablecloths,
grapevines, art sets, etc.)
Allcove, Chamber
1 Design ATEM Swithcer Allcove
3 Door Stopper City
1 Dry-erase whiteboard City
1 End table Chamber
Multi Everblock dividers Allcove
4 Filing Cabinets Chamber
3 Fire Extinguisher Mounts Dispose
2 First Aid Kits Allcove
1 Green screen Allcove
1 Hexagon shelf Chamber
2 HP Smart Tank Printer Allcove
1 Lighting kit Allcove
2 Metal storage shelf City
4 Mic stands Allcove
4 Microphones Allcove
1 Mixer Allcove
1 Plant & pot Chamber
4 Podcast Tilt Allcove
1 Podium City
4 Roller shades Dispose
1 Round rug Allcove
1 Shelf storage cabinet City
4 Slatwall panels Chamber
1 Speaker system Chamber
23 2 Step stool City
4 Sugar/Teabag Organizer City
5 Tech room chairs Chamber
1 Tech desk Allcove
9 TP & paper towel holder Dispose
6 Upholstered armchair Chamber, Allcove
2 Video cameras Allcove
1 Video production system Allcove
1 Wall sign holder Dispose
3 Waltman desks Allcove
24 BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY
AGENDA REPORT
For meeting of: January 20, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
VIA: Matthew Chidester, City Manager
From: Kenneth Stiles, Interim Administrative Services Director TITLE: ACCEPT WARRANTS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2025
______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION:
Accept the warrants list for the month of December 2025.
STRATEGIC ELEMENT:
This recommendation supports the Fiscal Sustainability and Inclusive Governance Elements of the Strategic Plan.
DISCUSSION:
During this month, the City processed 4 check runs. The table below outlines each check run and their individual totals:
Check Run Date Amount
December 04 174,516
December 11 57,806
December 18 740,848
December 23 125,882
Total 1,099,052
The City processed payments related to 6 capital improvement projects, in total amount of $56,051: Highway 1 Safety - North, Eastside Parallel Trail Expansion, LCP Implementation Project, Climate Action And Adaptation, Smith Field Site Assessment, and the 2025 Pavement Management Program.
Staff has included a list of all vendors who received $30,000 or more during this reporting period, as shown in the table below:
25 City of Half Moon Bay
Vendor Payments Exceeding $30,000
By Vendor and Funding Source
December 2025
Payee General
Fund Other Funds Description
CHRISTINE D. BOLAND
38,110
-
ADDTIONIAL DUTIES, SERVICES AND AD-HOC PROJECTS IN CITY CLERK OFFICE
HMB COASTSIDE CHAMBER
31,446
- SEPT '25 BID PAYMENT
MARK THOMAS & CO, INC
-
33,887 HWY 1 SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
SEWER AUTHORITY MID-COASTSIDE
-
529,147 FY 25/26 SAM OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
SHUTE MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP
96,004
1,106 CITY ATTORNEY AND OTHER MATTERS
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Check Disbursement List by Check Date
26 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 1 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM Report Criteria:
Report type: GL detail
4LEAF INC.
57367 4LEAF INC. 12/23/2025 FY 25/26 ON-CALL BUILDING INSPECTION, OFFICIAL & PLAN REVIEW SERVICES 6,600.0057367 4LEAF INC. 12/23/2025 FY 25/26 ON-CALL BUILDING INSPECTION, OFFICIAL & PLAN REVIEW SERVICES 15,907.6457367 4LEAF INC. 12/23/2025 FY 25/26 ON-CALL BUILDING INSPECTION, OFFICIAL & PLAN REVIEW SERVICES 6,777.42 Total 4LEAF INC.: 29,285.06
ABAG POWER PURCHASING POOL
57331 ASSOCIATION OF BAY AREA GOVERNMENTS 12/18/2025 WORKING CAPITAL DEPOSIT 22.7857331 ASSOCIATION OF BAY AREA GOVERNMENTS 12/18/2025 FY23-24 ADJUSTMENT ALLOCATION 24.49-57331 ASSOCIATION OF BAY AREA GOVERNMENTS 12/18/2025 FY'24-25 TRUE-UP ALLOCATION 155.83-57331 ASSOCIATION OF BAY AREA GOVERNMENTS 12/18/2025 FY'26 LEVELIZED CHARGE-NAT GAS 630.00 Total ABAG POWER PURCHASING POOL: 472.46
ABUNDANT GRACE COASTSIDE WORKER
57368 ABUNDANT GRACE COASTSIDE WORKER 12/23/2025 PROVIDE HOMELESS COASTAL CLEAN-UP SERVICES 5,140.00 Total ABUNDANT GRACE COASTSIDE WORKER: 5,140.00
ALTA PLANNING & DESIGN INC.
57369 ALTA PLANNING & DESIGN 12/23/2025 CO 5, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR ADDITIONAL COSTS TO COMPLETE THE DESIGN & PE 5,295.00 Total ALTA PLANNING & DESIGN INC.: 5,295.00
AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES INC.
57329 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES 12/18/2025 BLACK TONER CARTRIDGE 65.91 Total AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES INC.: 65.91
AMERICAN DEBRIS BOX SERVICE INC.
57370 AMERICAN PORTABLES 12/23/2025 FY 25/26 PORTABLE TOILET RENTAL AND SERVICES 958.0057370 AMERICAN PORTABLES 12/23/2025 FY 25/26 PORTABLE TOILET RENTAL AND SERVICES 958.0057370 AMERICAN PORTABLES 12/23/2025 FY 25/26 PORTABLE TOILET RENTAL AND SERVICES 695.00 Total AMERICAN DEBRIS BOX SERVICE INC.: 2,611.00
AMERICAN ENERGY SOCIETY
56729 AMERICAN ENERGY SOCIETY 12/11/2025 JUNE '25-TO OPERATE COASTSIDE VENTURE STUDIO (CSVS) - A BUSINESS INCUBATOR VIA THE OPPOR 19,590.85-56857 AMERICAN ENERGY SOCIETY 12/11/2025 JULY '25-TO OPERATE COASTSIDE VENTURE STUDIO (CSVS) - A BUSINESS INCUBATOR VIA THE OPPORT 22,618.85- 27 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 2 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM 56965 AMERICAN ENERGY SOCIETY 12/11/2025 AUG'25-TO OPERATE COASTSIDE VENTURE STUDIO (CSVS) - A BUSINESS INCUBATOR VIA THE OPPORT 19,941.35- 57307 AMERICAN ENERGY SOCIETY 12/11/2025 JUNE '25-TO OPERATE COASTSIDE VENTURE STUDIO (CSVS) - A BUSINESS INCUBATOR VIA THE OPPOR 19,590.85 57307 AMERICAN ENERGY SOCIETY 12/11/2025 JULY '25-TO OPERATE COASTSIDE VENTURE STUDIO (CSVS) - A BUSINESS INCUBATOR VIA THE OPPORT 22,618.8557307 AMERICAN ENERGY SOCIETY 12/11/2025 AUG'25-TO OPERATE COASTSIDE VENTURE STUDIO (CSVS) - A BUSINESS INCUBATOR VIA THE OPPORT 19,941.35 57330 AMERICAN ENERGY SOCIETY 12/18/2025 TO OPERATE COASTSIDE VENTURE STUDIO (CSVS) - A BUSINESS INCUBATOR VIA THE OPPORTUNTY CE 10,767.60 Total AMERICAN ENERGY SOCIETY: 10,767.60
BIG CREEK LUMBER
57288 BIG CREEK LUMBER 12/04/2025 ACX PLYWOOD 57.0157288 BIG CREEK LUMBER 12/04/2025 FIR CONSTRUCTION STAKE 38.5457288 BIG CREEK LUMBER 12/04/2025 DISCOUNT .86- Total BIG CREEK LUMBER: 94.69
BLACK & VEATCH CORPORATION
57289 BLACK & VEATCH CORPORATION 12/04/2025 PO FOR THE PSA FOR STORMWATER (NPDES) & ANNUAL REPORTING SERVICES FOR 2025 5,971.34 57371 BLACK & VEATCH CORPORATION 12/23/2025 PO FOR THE PSA FOR STORMWATER (NPDES) & ANNUAL REPORTING SERVICES FOR 2025 6,653.50 Total BLACK & VEATCH CORPORATION: 12,624.84
BOUCHER LAW PC
57333 BOUCHER LAW, PC 12/18/2025 JULY'25, LABOR & EMPLOYEMENT LAW MATTERS 2,182.00 Total BOUCHER LAW PC: 2,182.00
CA DEPT OF JUSTICE
57372 CA DEPT OF JUSTICE 12/23/2025 OCT 2025 FINGERPRINT APPS 32.00 Total CA DEPT OF JUSTICE: 32.00
CALNET3
57308 AT&T 12/11/2025 NOV'25 PHONE SERVICE 64.1657309 AT&T 12/11/2025 NOV'25 PHONE SERVICE 1,071.3757332 AT&T MOBILITY 12/18/2025 NOV'25 PHONE SERVICE 425.18 Total CALNET3: 1,560.71
CAPITAL ONE TRADE CREDIT
57334 CAPITAL ONE TRADE CREDIT 12/18/2025 MAINT SUPPLIES NOV'25 1,878.94 Total CAPITAL ONE TRADE CREDIT: 1,878.94
28 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 3 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM CASELLE INC.
57310 CASELLE INC. 12/11/2025 FY 25/26 CASELLE ERP SOFTWARE-JAN 4,238.00 Total CASELLE INC.: 4,238.00
CHRISTINE D. BOLAND
57335 CHRISTINE D. BOLAND 12/18/2025 CO1 TO PERFORM DUTIES AND SERVICES RELATED TO THE OFFICE OF CITY CLERK 18,130.0057335 CHRISTINE D. BOLAND 12/18/2025 CO1 TO PERFORM DUTIES AND SERVICES RELATED TO THE OFFICE OF CITY CLERK 19,980.00 Total CHRISTINE D. BOLAND: 38,110.00
CINZIA MUZZI
57373 CINZIA MUZZI 12/23/2025 DEPOSIT REFUND TRAIN DEPOT 12/14/25 500.00 Total CINZIA MUZZI: 500.00
CIVIC PLUS
57336 CIVICPLUS 12/18/2025 RECURRING VIRTIAL CONSULTING ANNUAL FEE, SSL CERTIFICATE ANNUAL FEE, COMMUNICATION PLA 16,411.28 Total CIVIC PLUS: 16,411.28
CLAUDIA VELAZQUEZ
57290 CLAUDIA VELAZQUEZ 12/04/2025 DEPOSIT REFUND TRAIN DEPOT 11/22/25 $500.00 500.0057290 CLAUDIA VELAZQUEZ 12/04/2025 DEDUCTION FOR LEAVING MESS ON DECK & STAYING AFTER TIME ON CONTRACT 150.00- Total CLAUDIA VELAZQUEZ: 350.00
COAST RIDGE ECOLOGY
57374 COAST RIDGE ECOLOGY 12/23/2025 NOV 2024 COMMUNICATIONS-165/PDP-24-007 577.5057374 COAST RIDGE ECOLOGY 12/23/2025 NOV 2025 COMMUNICATIONS-165/PDP-24-007 577.5057374 COAST RIDGE ECOLOGY 12/23/2025 NOV 2025 COMMUNICATIONS-165/PDP-24-007 577.50- Total COAST RIDGE ECOLOGY: 577.50
COASTSIDE COUNTRY LP
57376 COASTSIDE COUNTRY LP 12/23/2025 PAYMENT TO INSTRUCTOR-AUTUMN LINE DANCING SERIES 1,977.5057376 COASTSIDE COUNTRY LP 12/23/2025 PAYMENT TO INSTRUCTOR-LINE DANCING DROP-IN 1,708.00 Total COASTSIDE COUNTRY LP: 3,685.50
COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT
57337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 501 MAIN ST 91.1657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 501 MAIN ST_DC 44.86 29 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 4 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM 57337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 CITY OF HMB/COAST.COMM.SENIOR CNTR. 44.8657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 503 JOHNSTON ST 55.9657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 MEDIAN STRIP/HWY ONE # IRRIGATION 38.3657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 1310 LORYN LN # IRRIGATION 73.5657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 723 MILL ST # IRRIGATION 38.3657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 461 OAK AVE 38.3657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 FERNANDES PARK/MAIN ST # IRRIGATION 38.3657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 555 KELLY AVE 38.3657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 LIFT STATION FAIRWAY DR. 38.3657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 535 KELLY AVE 188.8657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 537 KELLY AVE 493.3257337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 201 WAVECREST RD 2,359.8957337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 HIGGINS CANY0N RD 214.36 57337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 529 RUISSEAU FRANCAIS AVE # IRRIGATION 263.6957337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 627 ALSACE LORAINE AVE 214.3657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 502 MAIN ST 179.1657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 MAIN & HWY 1 # IRRIGATION 38.3657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 HWY 92 MEDIAN # WEST IRRIG. 38.3657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 HWY 92 MEDIAN # EAST IRRIG. 38.3657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 620 Correas/Library 474.8957337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 620 CORREAS/LIBRARY #DC 114.2657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 620 Correas/Library # IRRIGATION 83.2657337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 10 STONE PINE RD # IRRIGATION 228.4957337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 880 STONE PINE RD #COMM 283.0957337 COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT 12/18/2025 HYDRANT METER 816.36 Total COASTSIDE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT: 6,569.63
COASTSIDE HOPE
57338 COASTSIDE HOPE 12/18/2025 CO2 PROMOTE DIGITAL EQUITY AND INCLUSION BY PROVIDING COASTSIDERS ACCESS TO TECHNOLOG 5,000.00 Total COASTSIDE HOPE: 5,000.00
COASTSIDE PRINTERS
57291 COASTSIDE PRINTERS 12/04/2025 PUMPKIN FEST - NO PARKING SIGNS 2,079.48 Total COASTSIDE PRINTERS: 2,079.48
CODE PUBLISHING COMPANY
57339 CODE PUBLISHING COMPANY 12/18/2025 ANNUAL WEB FEE 830.0057339 CODE PUBLISHING COMPANY 12/18/2025 eCODE360 ANNUAL MAINTENANCE 436.19 30 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 5 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM Total CODE PUBLISHING COMPANY: 1,266.19
COLANTUONO HIGHSMITH WHATLEY PC
57377 COLANTUONO HIGHSMITH WHATLEY PC 12/23/2025 NOV'25 LEGAL SERVICES -SAM 5,481.0057377 COLANTUONO HIGHSMITH WHATLEY PC 12/23/2025 NOV'25 LEGAL SERVICES -VLF LITIGATION 36.92 Total COLANTUONO HIGHSMITH WHATLEY PC: 5,517.92
CORODATA RECORDS MANAGEMENT INC
57311 CORODATA RECORDS MANAGEMENT INC 12/11/2025 NOV'25 RECORDS MANAGEMENT 439.58 Total CORODATA RECORDS MANAGEMENT INC: 439.58
COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
57312 COUNTY OF SAN MATEO 12/11/2025 NOV'25 MICROWAVE MUX DSO 82.25 Total COUNTY OF SAN MATEO: 82.25
CRUZIO INTERNET
57340 CRUZIO INTERNET 12/18/2025 INTERNET SERVICE 24.95 Total CRUZIO INTERNET: 24.95
CSG CONSULTANTS INC.
57378 CSG CONSULTANTS INC. 12/23/2025 PSA FOR TEMPORARY ENGINEERING SUPPORT 2,587.50 Total CSG CONSULTANTS INC.: 2,587.50
DAILY JOURNAL
57324 SAN MATEO DAILY JOURNAL 12/11/2025 ADVERTISING PUBLIC NOTICE 720.0057324 SAN MATEO DAILY JOURNAL 12/11/2025 ADVERTISING PUBLIC NOTICE 720.0057324 SAN MATEO DAILY JOURNAL 12/11/2025 ADVERTISING PUBLIC NOTICE 576.0057324 SAN MATEO DAILY JOURNAL 12/11/2025 ADVERTISING PDP-2023-077 720.0057324 SAN MATEO DAILY JOURNAL 12/11/2025 ADVERTISING PDP-2023-077 720.0057324 SAN MATEO DAILY JOURNAL 12/11/2025 ADVERTISING PDP-2023-077 720.00-57324 SAN MATEO DAILY JOURNAL 12/11/2025 ADVERTISING FINANCE CHARGES 40.32 Total DAILY JOURNAL: 2,776.32
ECONOMIC & PLANNING SYSTEM, INC.
57341 ECONOMIC & PLANNING SYSTEM, INC. 12/18/2025 MEETING & PRESENTATIONS 1,275.00 31 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 6 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM Total ECONOMIC & PLANNING SYSTEM, INC.: 1,275.00
GOOD CITY COMPANY
57313 GOOD CITY COMPANY 12/11/2025 FY 25/26 ASSISTANT PLANNER SERVICES AS NEEDED 708.7557313 GOOD CITY COMPANY 12/11/2025 ASSISTANT PLANNER SERVICES PDP-25-058 135.0057313 GOOD CITY COMPANY 12/11/2025 ASSISTANT PLANNER SERVICES PDP-25-058 135.0057313 GOOD CITY COMPANY 12/11/2025 ASSISTANT PLANNER SERVICES PDP-24-058 135.00- Total GOOD CITY COMPANY: 843.75
GRANICUS LLC
57342 GRANICUS LLC 12/18/2025 NOV'25, GRANICUS SERVICE 651.5657342 GRANICUS LLC 12/18/2025 DEC'25, GRANICUS SERVICE 651.56 Total GRANICUS LLC: 1,303.12
HALF MOON BAY BUILDING & GARDEN
57379 HALF MOON BAY BUILDING & GARDEN 12/23/2025 BLUE FINES 621.9657379 HALF MOON BAY BUILDING & GARDEN 12/23/2025 SAND SLURRY & PVC PIPE 842.56 Total HALF MOON BAY BUILDING & GARDEN: 1,464.52
HALF MOON BAY GRADING & PAVING INC.
57292 HALF MOON BAY GRADING & PAVING INC. 12/04/2025 COASTAL TRAIL SOUTH OF POPLAR ST 9,995.0057343 HALF MOON BAY GRADING & PAVING INC. 12/18/2025 WORK AT FILBERT ST & HWY 1 CUT DRAINAGE DITCH 1,760.0057343 HALF MOON BAY GRADING & PAVING INC. 12/18/2025 WORK AT POPLAR BEACH TRAIL NORTH 5,083.00 Total HALF MOON BAY GRADING & PAVING INC.: 16,838.00
HDL SOFTWARE LLC
57314 HDL SOFTWARE LLC 12/11/2025 FY 25/26 HDL TOT AND BL ADMINISTRATION 2,635.63 Total HDL SOFTWARE LLC: 2,635.63
HMB COASTSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
57344 HMB COASTSIDE CHAMBER 12/18/2025 SEPT'25 BID 24,266.0057344 HMB COASTSIDE CHAMBER 12/18/2025 SEPT'25 BID OOC 7,180.00 Total HMB COASTSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 31,446.00
HUE & CRY SECURITY SYSTEMS INC.
57293 HUE & CRY SECURITY SYSTEMS INC. 12/04/2025 NOV 25' ELEVATOR INSP. 302.00 32 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 7 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM 57345 HUE & CRY SECURITY SYSTEMS INC. 12/18/2025 JAN'26 SECURITY SERVICE 197.7757345 HUE & CRY SECURITY SYSTEMS INC. 12/18/2025 JAN'26 SECURITY SERVICE 80.0057345 HUE & CRY SECURITY SYSTEMS INC. 12/18/2025 JAN'26 SECURITY SERVICE 415.71 Total HUE & CRY SECURITY SYSTEMS INC.: 995.48
INFINITY TECHNOLOGIES
57346 INFINITY TECHNOLOGIES 12/18/2025 FY 25/26 IT HELPDESK 13,960.00 57346 INFINITY TECHNOLOGIES 12/18/2025 FY 25/26 IT HELPDESK 171.00 Total INFINITY TECHNOLOGIES: 14,131.00
INTEGRAL CONSULTING INC.
57294 INTEGRAL CONSULTING INC. 12/04/2025 PREPARATION OF THE CLIMATE ADAPTION PLAN(CIP 1002) 594.00 Total INTEGRAL CONSULTING INC.: 594.00
Irma Acosta
57380 Irma Acosta 12/23/2025 TUITION REIMBURSEMENT 3,000.00 Total Irma Acosta: 3,000.00
JAMES J HENDERSON
57387 NEIGHBORHOOD RADIO 12/23/2025 SANTA AT HMB LIBRARY 2025 & 2 WEEKS OF RADIO ADS 125.00 Total JAMES J HENDERSON: 125.00
KARLAS JANITORIAL & SUPPLIERS, LLC
57315 KARLAS JANITORIAL & SUPPLIERS, LLC 12/11/2025 FY 25/26 JANITORIAL SERVICES 16,533.50 Total KARLAS JANITORIAL & SUPPLIERS, LLC: 16,533.50
KATHY OLER
57381 KATHY OLER 12/23/2025 FY 25/26 MILL STREET PARKING LOT 2,433.14 Total KATHY OLER: 2,433.14
KENDRA PALMER ANDERSON
57382 KENDRA PALMER ANDERSON 12/23/2025 DEPOSIT REFUND 12/17-18/25 LIBRARY NP 100.00 Total KENDRA PALMER ANDERSON: 100.00
33 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 8 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM
LACO ASSOCIATES
57316 LACO ASSOCIATES 12/11/2025 GENERAL RESEARCH ON-CALL GRANT WRITING AND SUPPORT; APPLICATION, FACILITATION, AND COO 7,368.75 57316 LACO ASSOCIATES 12/11/2025 GENERAL RESEARCH ON-CALL GRANT WRITING AND SUPPORT; APPLICATION, FACILITATION, AND COO 1,038.75 Total LACO ASSOCIATES: 8,407.50
LAURA CAMODECA
57383 LAURA CAMODECA 12/23/2025 INSTRUCTOR - CONTINUING ODOR ADVANCED 525.0057383 LAURA CAMODECA 12/23/2025 INSTRUCTOR - CONTINUING ODOR 420.0057383 LAURA CAMODECA 12/23/2025 INSTRUCTOR-INTRO K9 NOSE 756.0057383 LAURA CAMODECA 12/23/2025 INSTRUCTOR-NOSE WORK PRIVATE LESSON MIKA BRENNAN 140.00 Total LAURA CAMODECA: 1,841.00
LAURA L. BECKER
57295 LAURA L. BECKER 12/04/2025 INSTRUCTOR PAYMENT- ZUMBA NOV '25 350.00 Total LAURA L. BECKER: 350.00
LIZBETH VELASQUEZ
57384 LIZBETH VELASQUEZ 12/23/2025 DEPOSIT REFUND - TRAIN DEPOT 12/21/25 500.00 Total LIZBETH VELASQUEZ: 500.00
LORAL LANDSCAPING INC.
57317 LORAL LANDSCAPING INC. 12/11/2025 FY 25/26 MEDIAN MAINTENANCE 4,297.00 Total LORAL LANDSCAPING INC.: 4,297.00
MAGDALENA ARREOLA
57385 MAGDALENA ARREOLA 12/23/2025 DEPOSIT REFUND 12/20/25 TRAIN DEPOT 500.00 Total MAGDALENA ARREOLA: 500.00
MALCOLM C SMITH
57347 MALCOLM C SMITH 12/18/2025 COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT SERVICE 1,045.00 Total MALCOLM C SMITH: 1,045.00
MARK HOFMANN
57348 MARK HOFMANN 12/18/2025 INSTRUCTOR-PICKLEBALL - BEGINNER BOOTCAMP 12/05 341.25 34 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 9 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM Total MARK HOFMANN: 341.25
MARK THOMAS & CO. INC.
57349 MARK THOMAS & CO, INC 12/18/2025 CHANGE ORDER 7, HWY 1 SAFETY & OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (CIP 0538). ADDITIONAL 33,887.00 Total MARK THOMAS & CO. INC.: 33,887.00
MAYRA RODRIGUEZ
57350 MAYRA RODRIGUEZ 12/18/2025 DEPOSIT REFUND GRAND OAK 500.00 Total MAYRA RODRIGUEZ: 500.00
MAZE & ASSOCIATES
57351 MAZE & ASSOCIATES 12/18/2025 FY 24/25 AUDIT & ACFR 9,650.00 Total MAZE & ASSOCIATES: 9,650.00
METROPOLITAN PLANNING GROUP
57352 M-GROUP 12/18/2025 FY 25/26 STAFFING PLANNING, AND GIS MAPPING SERVICES 1,650.00 Total METROPOLITAN PLANNING GROUP: 1,650.00
MORGAN SARABIA
57386 MORGAN SARABIA 12/23/2025 DEPOSIT REFUND 12/13/25 TRAIN DEPOT 500.00 Total MORGAN SARABIA: 500.00
NAPA AUTO PARTS
57353 NAPA AUTO PARTS 12/18/2025 VEHICLE PARTS OCT'25 189.1957353 NAPA AUTO PARTS 12/18/2025 VEHICLE PARTS DEC'25 51.82 Total NAPA AUTO PARTS: 241.01
NICOLAS LASZKIEWICZ
57318 NICHOLAS TRANSLATIONS & INTERPRETATIONS 12/11/2025 NOV '25 TRANSLATION SERVICE 713.00 Total NICOLAS LASZKIEWICZ: 713.00
OFFICE DEPOT
57319 ODP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC 12/11/2025 PRINTER PAPER 54.9357319 ODP BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, LLC 12/11/2025 OFFICE SUPPLIES 20.87 35 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 10 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM Total OFFICE DEPOT: 75.80
PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC
57388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 STREETLIGHT PROJECT 522.1457388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 401 SEYMOUR ST 51.9057388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 501 SEYMOUR ST 121.1057388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 CITY OF HMB / STREET LIGHTS 6,891.7457388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 CITY OF HMB 501 MAIN ST A 8.3857388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 SHERIFF SUB-STATION 3,286.5557388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 LIBRARY ELECTRIC ONLY 25.4657388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 10 STONE PINE RD - CARTER PARK 184.1857388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 MAINTENANCE YARD OFFICE- ELECTRIC 243.4957388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 SMITH FIELD 28.8257388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 SMITH FIELD SNACK BAR 257.9257388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 PACIFIC RIDGE LIGHT POLES 38.5157388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 CORREAS EV CHARGERS 1,246.0457388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 NW HWY 1 & MAIN ST 144.6057388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 HWY 1 & MIRAMONTES LIGHTING 40.1457388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 HWY 1 & MIRAMONTES LIGHTING 93.6757388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 PELICAN POINT LIFT STATION 274.2757388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 HWY 1 & MIRAMONTES TRAFFIC SIGNAL 99.5657388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 OCEAN COLONY PARTNERS/OCP LIFT STATION 1,287.1357388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 DOWNTOWN ST TREE LIGHTS SOUTH HOOK-UP @ 650 MIRAMONTES 1,397.3357388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 CITY HALL BUILDING 2,961.1257388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 DOWNTOWN ST TREE LIGHTS NORTH HOOK-UP @ 700 MILL ST 1,383.0957388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 DUTRA PARK 105.3357388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 PILARCITOS CREEK UNDERPASS 27.2157388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 PILARCITOS CREEK BRIDGE 123.8557388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 MOON SCULPTURE SPOTLIGHTS 20.5857388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 MOON SCULPTURE SPOTLIGHT 48.0357388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 OCEAN VIEW PARK 6.7657388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 TRAIN DEPOT RSTMS 184.6257388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 COMMUNITY CENTER 2,506.9157388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 555 KELLY ST 17.7357388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 BELL MOON LIFT STATION 34.6657388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 HWY 1 & FIRWAY LIGHTING 48.0457388 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC 12/23/2025 HWY 1 & FAIRWAY LIGHTING 112.09 Total PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC: 23,822.95
PASTORINO HAY & RANCH SUPPLY INC
57321 PASTORINO HAY & RANCH SUPPLY INC 12/11/2025 RICE STRAW 105.75 36 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 11 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM Total PASTORINO HAY & RANCH SUPPLY INC: 105.75
PETERSON POWER SYSTEMS INC.
57296 PETERSON 12/04/2025 CONTINUED BACK-UP GENERATOR SERVICES-MIRAMOTES 695.0057296 PETERSON 12/04/2025 CONTINUED BACK-UP GENERATOR SERVICES-SHERIFF 695.0057296 PETERSON 12/04/2025 BACK UP GENERATOR SERVICES-CITY HALL 695.0057296 PETERSON 12/04/2025 CONTINUED BACK-UP GENERATOR SERVICES-FAIRWAY 695.00 Total PETERSON POWER SYSTEMS INC.: 2,780.00
PHILS TIRE & AUTO CARE INC
57297 PHILS TIRE & AUTO CARE INC 12/04/2025 VEHICLE SERIVCE 460.3157389 PHILS TIRE & AUTO CARE INC 12/23/2025 FORD F-250 VEH SERVICE 1,338.10 Total PHILS TIRE & AUTO CARE INC: 1,798.41
PRESIDIO SYSTEMS INC.
57298 PRESIDIO SYSTEMS INC. 12/04/2025 FALL 2025 PSI STORMWATER CCTV INSPECTION AND PIPE CLEAN OUT 24,600.00 Total PRESIDIO SYSTEMS INC.: 24,600.00
PUBLIC PARKING ASSOCIATES INC
57390 PUBLIC PARKING ASSOCIATES INC 12/23/2025 MAINTENANCE SERVICE 395.0057390 PUBLIC PARKING ASSOCIATES INC 12/23/2025 MAINTENANCE SERVICE 395.00 Total PUBLIC PARKING ASSOCIATES INC: 790.00
PUENTE DE LA COSTA SUR
57355 PUENTE DE LA COSTA SUR 12/18/2025 CO1 PROMOTE DIGITAL EQUITY AND INCLUSION BY PROVIDING COASTSIDERS ACCESS TO TECHNOLOG 5,000.00 Total PUENTE DE LA COSTA SUR: 5,000.00
QUADIENT FINANCE USA, INC
57322 QUADIENT FINANCE USA, INC 12/11/2025 FY 25/26 QUADIENT LEASE & POSTAGE 500.00 Total QUADIENT FINANCE USA, INC: 500.00
RENTOKIL NORTH AMERICA INC
57366 WESTERN EXTERMINATOR COMPANY 12/18/2025 FY 25/26 EXTERMINATOR SERVICES 1,908.54 Total RENTOKIL NORTH AMERICA INC: 1,908.54
37 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 12 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM
RICE TRUCKING-SOIL FARM LLC
57391 RICE TRUCKING-SOIL FARM INC. 12/23/2025 50/50 MIX 527.40 Total RICE TRUCKING-SOIL FARM LLC: 527.40
RINCON CONSULTANTS INC.
57356 RINCON CONSULTANTS INC. 12/18/2025 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE 1,105.00 Total RINCON CONSULTANTS INC.: 1,105.00
RINGCENTRAL INC
57299 RINGCENTRAL INC. 12/04/2025 PHONE SERVICES DEC 25' 2,343.82 Total RINGCENTRAL INC: 2,343.82
ROBERT HALF
57323 ROBERT HALF 12/11/2025 GIJON, LYNN 11/21/25 1,712.0057323 ROBERT HALF 12/11/2025 COLLETT, DIANNA 11/21/25 649.9257323 ROBERT HALF 12/11/2025 COLLETT,DIANNA 11/21/25 649.9257323 ROBERT HALF 12/11/2025 GIJON, LYNN 11/28/25 1,284.0057323 ROBERT HALF 12/11/2025 COLLETT,DIANNA 11/28/25 324.9657323 ROBERT HALF 12/11/2025 COLLETT,DIANNA 11/28/25 324.9657323 ROBERT HALF 12/11/2025 GIJON, LYNN 12/05/25 1,712.0057323 ROBERT HALF 12/11/2025 COLLETT,DIANNA 12/05/25 162.4857323 ROBERT HALF 12/11/2025 COLLETT,DIANNA 12/05/25 162.4857357 ROBERT HALF 12/18/2025 VANCE, AMANDA 12/05/25 1,440.0057357 ROBERT HALF 12/18/2025 GIJON, LYNN 12/12/25 1,712.0057357 ROBERT HALF 12/18/2025 COLLETT,DIANNA 12/12/25 649.9257357 ROBERT HALF 12/18/2025 COLLETT,DIANNA 12/12/25 649.92 Total ROBERT HALF: 11,434.56
ROBIN ROSE
57392 ROBIN ROSE 12/23/2025 REFUND DEPOSIT GRAND OAK 12/12/25 300.00 Total ROBIN ROSE: 300.00
RUDOLF A. HAAS
57300 RUDOLF A. HAAS 12/04/2025 INSTRUCTOR PAYMENT-TAI CHI NOV 25' 315.00 Total RUDOLF A. HAAS: 315.00
38 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 13 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM SAN MATEO CO. NARCOTICS TASK FORCE
57358 SAN MATEO CO. NARCOTICS TASK FORCE 12/18/2025 FY 25/26 SMCO NARCOTICS CONTRIBUTION 14,222.00 Total SAN MATEO CO. NARCOTICS TASK FORCE: 14,222.00
SERVICE PRESS INC
57393 SERVICE PRESS INC 12/23/2025 BUSINESS CARDS MAIJOSE ALVARADO 70.39 Total SERVICE PRESS INC: 70.39
SEWER AUTHORITY MID-COASTSIDE
57359 SEWER AUTHORITY MID-COASTSIDE 12/18/2025 GENERAL OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE BUDGET FOR FY 25/26 ($5,989,200), PLUS AN ADDITIONA 499,100.00 57359 SEWER AUTHORITY MID-COASTSIDE 12/18/2025 SEWER COLLECTION SYSTEM CLEANING, MAINTENANCE, AND RELATED SERVICES FY 25/26 19,472.08 57394 SEWER AUTHORITY MID-COASTSIDE 12/23/2025 NOV2025 PASS THROUGH INVOICE 10,574.58 Total SEWER AUTHORITY MID-COASTSIDE: 529,146.66
SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
57360 SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION 12/18/2025 PRINTER LEASE- 48 MONTHS 791.73 Total SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION: 791.73
SHERI SAISI
57301 SHERI SAISI 12/04/2025 NOTARY OATH MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT 26.0457395 SHERI SAISI 12/23/2025 CREEKSIDE COURT NOTICE OF COMPLETION FILING 26.04 Total SHERI SAISI: 52.08
SHUTE MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP
57302 SHUTE MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP 12/04/2025 LEGAL EXPENSES 68.4057302 SHUTE MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP 12/04/2025 LEGAL EXPENSES 39.0057302 SHUTE MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP 12/04/2025 LEGAL EXPENSES 407.5257302 SHUTE MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP 12/04/2025 LEGAL EXPENSES 7,467.4757302 SHUTE MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP 12/04/2025 LEGAL EXPENSES 7,429.8057302 SHUTE MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP 12/04/2025 LEGAL EXPENSES 32,080.20 57302 SHUTE MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP 12/04/2025 LEGAL EXPENSES 37,542.1057302 SHUTE MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP 12/04/2025 LEGAL EXPENSES 4,759.77 57302 SHUTE MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP 12/04/2025 LEGAL EXPENSES 1,037.4057302 SHUTE MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP 12/04/2025 LEGAL EXPENSES 6,278.30 Total SHUTE MIHALY & WEINBERGER LLP: 97,109.96
39 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 14 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM
SOLEIL PRODUCTIONS LLC
57361 SOLEIL PRODUCTIONS LLC 12/18/2025 STATE OF THE CITY PHOTOGRAPHY 4,650.00 Total SOLEIL PRODUCTIONS LLC: 4,650.00
STAR ELEVATOR INC
57362 STAR ELEVATOR INC 12/18/2025 ELEVATOR REPAIR 11/18/25 1,590.0057396 STAR ELEVATOR INC 12/23/2025 ELEVATOR REPAIR 12/01/25 1,590.00 Total STAR ELEVATOR INC: 3,180.00
STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD
57325 STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD 12/11/2025 07/25-06/26 WASTE DISCHARGE REQUIR. FEE 3,945.0057325 STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD 12/11/2025 07/25-06/26 HIGHWAY 1 WQC LOW IMPACT DISCHAR. 375.0057325 STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD 12/11/2025 07/25-06/26 MYRTLE ST WQC LOW IMPACT DISCHAR. 375.0057325 STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD 12/11/2025 07/25-06/26 PILARCITOS AVE WQC LOW IMPACT DISCHAR. 563.00 Total STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD: 5,258.00
STERICYCLE SPECIALTY WASTE SOLUTIONS INC
57326 STERICYCLE, INC. 12/11/2025 PAPER SHREDDING NOV 2025 236.75 Total STERICYCLE SPECIALTY WASTE SOLUTIONS INC: 236.75
SWCA INCORPORATED
57363 SWCA INCORPORATED 12/18/2025 2025 GOAT GRAZING PROJECT (VEGETATION MANAGEMENT) 569.5057397 SWCA INCORPORATED 12/23/2025 CO1 TO PO ASSOCIATED WITH THE PSA FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES NEEDED FOR A CONSOLIDATE 92.25 Total SWCA INCORPORATED: 661.75
THE GRAPHIC WORKS
57398 THE GRAPHIC WORKS 12/23/2025 TRASH SIGN 24.06
Total THE GRAPHIC WORKS: 24.06
T-MOBILE USA INC.
57327 T-MOBILE 12/11/2025 ACCT 997385192 NOV '25 394.83 Total T-MOBILE USA INC.: 394.83
TRISTAN KELLER
57303 TRISTAN KELLER 12/04/2025 SKATEBOARD PRIVATE LESSONS-DAIRE & CORMA MURRAY 189.00 40 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 15 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM Total TRISTAN KELLER: 189.00
TURBO DATA SYSTEMS INC
57328 TURBO DATA SYSTEMS 12/11/2025 CITATION PROCESSING 776.01 Total TURBO DATA SYSTEMS INC: 776.01
UNITED RENTALS HIGHWAY TECHNOLOGIES INC
57364 UNITED RENTALS (NORTH AMERICA) INC. 12/18/2025 ARTICULA 40'-50' BOOM 545.71 Total UNITED RENTALS HIGHWAY TECHNOLOGIES INC: 545.71
VANESSA MOSQUEDA VELEZ
57399 VANESSA MOSQUEDA VELEZ 12/23/2025 INSTRUCTOR-MIXTISO DANCE & DRUMS CLASS 434.00 Total VANESSA MOSQUEDA VELEZ: 434.00
VESTIS GROUP INC
57304 VESTIS 12/04/2025 MATS - CITY HALL 198.9957304 VESTIS 12/04/2025 MATS - PUBLIC LIBRARY 127.5357304 VESTIS 12/04/2025 MATS - CITY HALL 198.9957304 VESTIS 12/04/2025 MATS - PUBLIC LIBRARY 127.5357365 VESTIS 12/18/2025 MATS - CITY HALL 198.9957365 VESTIS 12/18/2025 MATS - PUBLIC LIBRARY 127.5357400 VESTIS 12/23/2025 MATS - CITY HALL 198.9957400 VESTIS 12/23/2025 MATS - PUBLIC LIBRARY 127.5357400 VESTIS 12/23/2025 MATS - CITY HALL 198.9957400 VESTIS 12/23/2025 MATS - PUBLIC LIBRARY 127.53 Total VESTIS GROUP INC: 1,632.60
VICTOR HERNANDEZ
57320 ON POINT LANGUAGE SOLUTIONS LLC 12/11/2025 NOV'25 TRANSLATION SERVICES 1,373.7557354 ON POINT LANGUAGE SOLUTIONS LLC 12/18/2025 AUG'25 TRANSLATION SERVICES 935.00 Total VICTOR HERNANDEZ: 2,308.75
WAXIE'S ENTERPRISES, LLC, A BRADYPLUS CO
57305 WAXIE SANITARY SUPPLY 12/04/2025 SUPPLIES 1,991.59 Total WAXIE'S ENTERPRISES, LLC, A BRADYPLUS CO: 1,991.59 41 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 16 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM
WELLS FARGO
57436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 POSTAGE MACHINE RETURN SHIPPING 29.6657436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 IT SUPPLY ADAPTOR 121.9557436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 ETHERNET CABLES 40.6357436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 USB CABLES, CAT6 CABLES 225.7357436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 OFFICE SUPPLIES 32.2057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 HAND SOAP OFFICE 13.0957436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CITY HALL INTERNET 356.8257436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 BATTERIES, COFFEE OFFICE 64.4757436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 EOC INTERNET 65.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 STONE PINE INTERNET 293.2757436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 TACC INTERNET 226.2357436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 RECONCILING ITEMS 821.6657436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 GOOGLE WORKSPACE 11.9457436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 DALE LEDA MAILING TO SWRQB (USPS) 6.0857436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 MIKE BURNFIELD PENS 10.4957436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 MAILING TO NINA FOR NOTARY STAMP & BOND 11.9057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CONF TRAVEL AIRFARE 236.6057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CONF. TRAVEL 32.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 TRAINING 350.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 COUNCEL MTG SNACKS 104.9057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 SUBSCRIPTION-ZOOM 343.9257436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 BAGGAGE 35.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CONF. TRAVEL 51.9657436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CONF. TRAVEL 9.3557436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CONF. TRAVEL 29.6757436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CONF. TRAVEL 148.3357436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CONF. EXPENSE 51.7857436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CONF. TRAVEL 263.3057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 REFUND CONF. TRAVEL 263.30-57436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CONF. TRAVEL EXPENSE 194.4057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CONF. EXPENSE 30.9157436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CONF. TRAVEL 80.9757436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 COUNCIL MTG SNACKS 60.5357436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 XMAS EXPENSE 87.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 RECORDS EXPENSE 58.2057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 EMPLOYEE ENGAGMENT 79.1157436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 COUNCIL OF CITIES 1,216.9557436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 TOWELS FOR THE CORP YARD 87.8857436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 DOOR SENSOR CITY HALL 10.9357436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CARTER PARK SANITARY PUMP REPAIRS 8,729.7257436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 P-FEST CART RENTAL DEPOSIT 1,500.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 SANDBAGS 1,140.23 42 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 17 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM 57436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 IRRIGATION SERVICE 218.2557436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 P-FEST CART RENTAL REFUND 451.55-57436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 PUBLIC WARKS ALL HANDS MEETING 115.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CAT 6 CABLE FOR CORP YARD CAMERAS 219.7557436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CITY HALL DOORBELL 14.2757436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CITY HALL DOORBELL 14.27-57436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CITY HALL DOORBELL 14.2757436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 EV CHARGING 9.4657436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 AUTO FLUSH TOILET CONTROL MODULE 926.4057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 DOG WASTE BAGS 1,317.9657436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 BATTERY POWERED GREASE GUN 108.7757436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CITY HALL KITCHEN LIGHT BULBS 70.2857436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 LIGHT BULB RETURN 37.34-57436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CSFA MEETING EXPENSE 30.9557436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 OFFICE SUPPLIES 36.2557436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 SUBSCRIPTION- ZOOM 95.9757436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 PLANNER RECRUITMENT 250.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 PLANNER RECRUITMENT 100.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 MEMBERSHIP AFP CMCA 300.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 COMMUNICATION MEMBERSHIP 175.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CLOSED SESSION DINNER 200.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 OFFICE SUPPLY 114.0757436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 MEETING EXPENSE 57.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 DH MEETING EXPENSE 19.0257436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 HOLLOWEEN PARTY EXPENSE 10.3857436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 HALLOWEEN PART EXPENSE 33.1457436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 HALLOWEEN PARTY EXPENSE 38.9757436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 CLOSED SESSION DINNER 200.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 COASTAL COMMISSION MEETING EXPENSE 36.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 ICMA CONFERENCE 125.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 MEMBERSHIP AMAZON 16.4757436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 ADVERTISING VISTA PRINT 40.6357436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 SUPPLIES 887.5257436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 MEMBERSHIP EZ FACILITY 513.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 MEMBERSHIP PLAYPASS 19.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 SUPPLIES 15.3657436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 SUPPLIES 22.7357436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 SUPPLIES 6.3657436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 ADVETRISING FACEBOOK 110.1057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 ADVERTISING EVENT BRITE 93.8257436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 MEMBERSHIP SPOTIFY 11.9957436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 MEMBERSHIP EZ FACILITY 513.0057436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 SUPPLIES 54.95 43 City of Half Moon Bay Check Register - [Council] Warrants Report Page: 18 Check Issue Dates: 12/1/2025 - 12/31/2025 Jan 15, 2026 10:03AM 57436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 SUPPLIES 82.3857436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 SUPPLIES 43.9457436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 SUPPLIES 17.9957436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 SUPPLIES 59.4557436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 SUPPLIES 62.6257436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 SUPPLIES 319.2457436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 DIWALI 49.4157436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 DIWALI (ALENA JEAN) 91.4257436 WELLS FARGO 12/04/2025 SUPPLIES RETURN 55.20- Total WELLS FARGO: 24,310.64
WEST COAST ARBORISTS INC
57401 WEST COAST ARBORISTS INC 12/23/2025 FY 25/26 TREE MAINTENANCE AND URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT 12,991.00 Total WEST COAST ARBORISTS INC: 12,991.00
YESENIA RAMIREZ
57375 COASTSIDE CHILDREN'S PROGRAM 12/23/2025 DEPOSIT REFUND 12/10/25 GRAND OAK 300.00 Total YESENIA RAMIREZ: 300.00Grand Totals: 1,099,051.95 Report Criteria:
Report type: GL detail
44
BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY
AGENDA REPORT
For meeting of: January 20, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
VIA: Matthew Chidester, City Manager
FROM: Dale Leda, Interim City Engineer
TITLE: APPROVE HWY 1 NORTH PRE-CONSTRUCTION SERVICES AWARD OF
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
_____________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Zoon Engineering in an amount not to exceed $69,084 for pre-construction services for the Highway 1 North project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for the scope of work is included within the existing allocated budget for the Highway 1 North capital improvement project (CIP 0538). No additional funding is required.
STRATEGIC ELEMENT:
This action supports the Infrastructure and Environment and Healthy Communities and Public Safety element of the Strategic Plan.
BACKGROUND:
The Highway 1 North project includes a new signalized intersection at Terrace Avenue and Highway 1 to provide a safe east-west crossing for pedestrians/bicyclists, protected turn movements for automobiles, consolidated access from Grand Boulevard and Frontage Road, as well as improvements to the Naomi Patridge Trail connection (across the previous access points to Highway 1). The project also includes a bicycle/pedestrian (Class I) path from North Main Street to Spindrift Way on the east side (Eastside Parallel Trail) of the highway as well as extension of the four-lane highway configuration north to just south of Grandview Blvd with improved turning lanes, center median improvements, and green infrastructure. Bus stops will also be improved in this area to meet current ADA requirements and provide enhanced experience for transit riders.
The project is currently in the final stages of design permitting with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Construction is expected to commence in the Summer of 2026. 45
DISCUSSION:
Request for Proposals (RFP) Process
On February 28, 2025, in anticipation of near-term approval, the City issued an RFP for construction support services, with proposals due March 28, 2025. The scope included three phases of project management services, including pre-construction, construction, and postconstruction tasks.
The City received six proposals from: 4Leaf, Ghirardelli, MNS, PSM, TRC Engineers, and Zoon Engineering. A three-member evaluation panel composed of City staff and a staff member from SMCTA reviewed all proposals based on clarity, project understanding and approach, qualifications and experience, similar projects, and references. All six firms were invited to subsequent interviews.
Consultant firms participated in 60-minute interviews on April 23rd and 24th, 2025, addressing project staging strategy, approach to community outreach, considerations for special events and preliminary constructability assessment on improvement plans.
Recommended Consultant
Following interviews, the panel unanimously recommended Zoon Engineering based on their qualifications and experience on similar projects, thoughtful approach to management of the project’s planned construction phases and their strong understanding of the project, anticipated challenges and mitigation.
Zoon’s proposal covers the first phase of scoping of the RFP for pre-construction services including initial site visits, review of project plans and related documents, coordination with the design team and Caltrans, and support with preparing the bid package. The Professional Services Agreement includes detailed task descriptions and deliverables.
Project Schedule
Pre-construction work is anticipated to commence in February 2026 and continue through advertisement and bidding which is planned for the Spring of 2026. We anticipate a future amendment to Zoon’s contract to include the other two phases outlined in the RFP, including construction and post-construction support services.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Zoon Proposal
46 Resolution No. C-2026-____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ZOON ENGINEERING FOR PRE-CONSTRUCTION SERIVCES, IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,084 WHEREAS, the City has developed the Highway 1 Safety and Operational Improvement North project (Project) to install a new signalized intersection at Terrace Avenue, extend northbound lane tapers to Grandview Boulevard, provide a new class 1 multi-use trail along the east side of the highway extending from Main Street to Kehoe Avenue, consolidate access points along the highway from Frontage Road, Grand Boulevard, and Terrace Avenue; and WHEREAS, the City is expecting to obtain permitting approval from Caltrans and be ready for project advertisement in the coming months; and WHEREAS, on February 28, 2025, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for construction management services for the Highway 1 North Project, and received six proposals from qualifying firms; and received six proposals; and
WHEREAS, following interviews on April 23rd and 24th, 2025, an evaluation panel made up of city staff SMCTA staff unanimously recommended Zoon Engineering based on their qualifications and experience on similar projects and thoughtful approach to management of the project’s planned construction phase; and
WHEREAS, City staff have obtained a reduced proposal and scope of services from Zoon Engineering for the first group of scope items only, including initial bidding and preconstruction services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of Half Moon Bay hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Zoon Engineering for Pre-Construction Services, in the not-to-exceed amount of $69,084. ***************************************************************** I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly passed and adopted on the 20th day of January 2026, by the City Council of Half Moon Bay by the following vote:
AYES, Councilmembers:
NOES, Councilmembers:
ABSENT, Councilmembers:
ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:
47 ATTEST: APPROVED:
___________________________ _____________________________ Maggie Rodriguez, Interim City Clerk Debbie Ruddock, Mayor 48 CM | claims | project controls
3960 # 3 adeline street | emeryville, ca 94806 | (510) 338.6434 | zoon-eng.com January 07, 2026
Dale Leda, PE
Interim City Engineer
City of Half Moon Bay
501 Main Street
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
RE: Cost Proposal for Pre Construction Services for Highway 1 North Project Dear Mr. Leda,
Zoon Engineering is excited to provide pre-construction services for the Highway 1 North Project.
This cost proposal provides for the Biddability / Constructability review of the subject project as per the following :
1. Conduct a site visit to check the existing condition of the project site, utilities, access and compare the field condition to the project plans and specifications
2. Review project plans, specifications, and engineer’s estimate for constructability, biddability, potential conflicts between plans and specs, review of the cost estimate for reasonableness and that it covers all items of the work shown on the plans and specifications
3. Assist City of Half Moon Bay’s design team with development of special provisions related to items identified in the Biddability/Constructability review
4. Provide detailed review comments to the City and meet with the design team and Caltrans as necessary to go over the comments and their response The Zoon Engineering Team will closely collaborate with City and design team on all the items described above. The following tables provide Zoon’s anticipated levels of effort and associated budgets for the proposed work.
Pre construction Support / Biddability & Constructability Review of the Highway 1 North Project Proposed Staff
Anticipated Hours
Total
Hours
Hourly
Rate
Total
Anticipated
Budget
Zoon Engineering
Field
Visits
PS&E
Review
Meeting
with
Design
Team
Saeed Shahmirzai , PE 16 120 32 168 $229.68 $38,586.24
Anthony Goryl, PE 16 120 20 156 $195.50 $30,498.00
Dana Hissen 80 20 100 $158.64 $15,864.00
Total $69,084.24
49 CM | claims | project controls
3960 # 3 adeline street | emeryville, ca 94806 | (510) 338.6434 | zoon-eng.com Our proposed team is prepared to leverage their extensive abilities and expertise to efficiently coordinate and execute the tasks outlined above. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to support the City in completing the project documents and advancing it to the Construction phase.
Sincerely,
Saeed Shahmirzai, PE
Senior Construction Manager
50
BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY
AGENDA REPORT
For meeting of: January 20, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
VIA: Matthew Chidester, City Manager
FROM: Todd Seeley, Interim Public Works Director
Matt Nichols, Senior Management Analyst
TITLE: APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BLACK AND VEATCH CORPORATION FOR STORMWATER – NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) AND ANNUAL REPORTING SERVICES FOR 2026 ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Black & Veatch Corporation for Stormwater – National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Annual Reporting Services for 2026 in an amount not to exceed $137,516.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The requested budget for the contract is $137,516. The services for the first half of the contract have been programmed into the current FY 2025-26 operating budget for the Public Works Department – Engineering Division. The additional funding will be requested as part of the FY 2026-27 budget development.
STRATEGIC ELEMENT:
This action supports the Infrastructure and Environment, and Healthy Communities and Public Safety Elements of the Strategic Plan.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Half Moon Bay is listed as a co-permittee to the Municipal Regional Permit for Stormwater (MRP), issued by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board on November 19, 2015 (Order No. R2-2015-0049). In addition to many maintenance responsibilities, the Public Works Department also oversees the MRP and implements the requirements of the NPDES permit, which is a state-mandated requirement.
The scope of work under this contract includes general program management coordination and support for the implementation of MRP measures, assistance in various meetings, ensuring compliance with the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit 3.0 (MRP 3.0), preparation of the Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2025-26 to the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control 51
Board, completion of wet season Monthly Construction Site Inspections at necessary sites, new development stormwater treatment measure annual operations and maintenance inspections, ongoing implementation support for the City’s Long-Term Trash Reduction Plan, and support in the City’s implementation of the Venice Beach Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program.
On October 11, 2022, staff issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for NPDES and Annual Reporting Services throughout 2023. On November 4, 2022, the City received two (2) proposals from interested firms, CSG Consultants and Black & Veatch (B&V), prior to the posted deadline.
City staff reviewed each of the proposals and determined both firms as qualified to perform the scope of work. Following consultant interviews, held on December 8, 2022, B&V was determined to be the most qualified consultant.
On January 17, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution C-2023-03, which authorized the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with B&V for Stormwater – NPDES and Annual Reporting Services throughout 2023 in an amount not to exceed $149,705.
On January 16, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution C-2024-03, which authorized the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with B&V for Stormwater – NPDES and Annual Reporting Services throughout 2024 in an amount not to exceed $149,990.
On November 19, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution C-2024-85, which authorized the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with B&V for Stormwater – NPDES and Annual Reporting Services throughout 2025 in an amount not to exceed $154,996.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed scope of work is similar to previous years. This year’s budget is smaller due to the completion of new MRP additions in prior years, more efficient allocation of contractor and staff hours, the shift of additional responsibilities to city staff, and increased efficiency gained through continued collaboration.
B&V has seamlessly integrated with City staff and exceeded expectations throughout 2023, 2024, and 2025. The previously issued RFQ allows the City the option to renew the awarded firm’s contract upon satisfactory performance. Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with B&V for Stormwater – National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Annual Reporting Service for 2026 in an amount not to exceed $137,516.
ATTACHMENT:
1. Resolution
2. Fee Schedule
52 Resolution No. C-2026-____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BLACK & VEATCH CORPORATION FOR STORMWATER – NATIONAL POLLUTANT
DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) AND ANNUAL REPORTING SERVICES THROUGHOUT 2026
WHEREAS, the City of Half Moon Bay (City) is listed as a co-permittee to the Municipal Regional Permit for Stormwater (MRP), issued by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board on November 19, 2015 (Order No. R2-2015-0049); and WHEREAS, the City must implement the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit; and
WHEREAS, the City is required to continue implementing the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program at Venice Beach which commenced in FY 2021-22; and WHEREAS, staff issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for NPDES and Annual Reporting Services throughout 2023, receiving two (2) proposals and selecting Black & Veatch as the most qualified consultant to perform the listed scope of work; and WHEREAS, on January 17, 2023, the City Council adopted a resolution that authorized the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Black and Veatch Corporation for Stormwater – NPDES and Annual Reporting Services throughout 2023 in the amount not to exceed $149,705; and
WHEREAS, on January 16, 2024, the City Council adopted a resolution that authorized the City manager to execute a professional services agreement with Black and Veatch Corporation for Stormwater – NPDES and Annual Reporting Services throughout 2024 in the amount not to exceed $149,990; and
WHEREAS, on November 19, 2024, the City Council adopted a resolution that authorized the City manager to execute a professional services agreement with Black and Veatch Corporation for Stormwater – NPDES and Annual Reporting Services throughout 2025 in the amount not to exceed $154,996; and
WHEREAS, throughout 2025 Black & Veatch came in significantly under budget while maintaining good work quality despite additional reporting requirements for the 2025 Annual Report; and
WHEREAS, Black and Veatch staff have been exceeding expectations throughout 2023, 2024;, and 2025; and
53 WHEREAS, the issued RFQ allows the City the option to renew the awarded firm’s contract upon satisfactory performance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Council of the City of Half Moon Bay hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Black & Veatch Corporation for Stormwater – NPDES and Annual Reporting Services throughout 2026 in an amount not to exceed $137,516.
***************************************************************** I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly passed and adopted on the 20th day of November 2026, by the City Council of Half Moon Bay by the following vote:
AYES, Councilmembers:
NOES, Councilmembers:
ABSENT, Councilmembers:
ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
___________________________ _____________________________ Maggie Rodriguez, Interim City Clerk Debbie Ruddock Mayor 54 (QFORVXUH$
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BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY
AGENDA REPORT
For meeting of: January 20, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
VIA: Matthew Chidester, City Manager
FROM: Todd Seeley, Interim Public Works Director
Matt Nichols, Senior Management Analyst
TITLE: CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN (PHASE TWO) ADOPTION ______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION:
By Resolution, adopt Phase Two of the Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with adopting this Resolution. Associated costs for efforts related to the implementation of strategies and recommendations listed in the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan will be considered for programming into future Budgets, with an emphasis on seeking outside grant funding.
STRATEGIC ELEMENT:
This action supports the Infrastructure and Environment and Healthy Communities and Public Safety Elements of the Strategic Plan.
BACKGROUND:
In Fiscal Year 2019–20, the City Council identified sustainability as a priority, prompting staff to begin work on the City’s first Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). A Climate Action and Adaptation Plan is a comprehensive strategy to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for its impacts. Its purpose is to guide governments, organizations, and communities in building resilience and mitigating future risks, while creating a more sustainable and equitable future for future generations.
The City secured a $60,000 grant from San Mateo County to conduct a four-month CAAP Outreach Pilot Project, which included 15+ community events supported by local partners such as Senior Coastsiders, the Youth Leadership Institute, and Ayudando Latinos A Soñar. The results of this outreach informed the City’s request for proposals for a CAAP consultant.
Due to COVID-19–related funding and staffing constraints, the CAAP was split into two phases:
56
Phase One – Climate Action Plan (adopted 2023): addresses greenhouse gas reduction strategies.
Phase Two – Climate Adaptation Plan: addresses preparing neighborhoods and infrastructure for climate-related hazards.
In 2023, Council authorized an agreement with Integral Consulting (not to exceed $200,000) to complete the Climate Adaptation Plan. The Plan includes a climate hazard vulnerability and risk assessment and provides actionable strategies to guide adaptation efforts and support future funding applications. The Climate Adaptation Plan is meant to work in conjunction with several other steering documents currently adopted or soon to be adopted. These include the Multijurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Safety Element. All of these plans help the City to plan for and mitigate both natural and human-caused hazards.
The public draft of CAAP Phase Two was published using the online tool CommunityDoc, first linked on the City’s website on October 2, 2022. With an additional PDF version being published to the City's website on October 22, 2025, the public draft was presented to the City Council for feedback and direction at their December 2, 2025, meeting.
DISCUSSION:
Half Moon Bay recognizes the need to prepare for disasters and the increasing risks posed by a changing climate. The draft Climate Adaptation Plan evaluates the community and the assets that support daily life, identifying their vulnerabilities and key needs to promote a healthy environment and resilient community. The Plan addresses hazards such as sea level rise, flooding, landslides, extreme heat, wildfires, smoke, and other climate-related threats, to protect the City’s natural resources and critical infrastructure.
At the December 2, 2025, meeting, the City Council expressed their support for the plan, with some members of the audience then providing written comments on the plan to staff after the meeting. The climate mitigation measures outlined in the December 2025 document have not been significantly altered. The final CAAP has been revised to fix minor mistakes and provide more transparency on the methodology and descriptions, as well as improve the plan's clarity and framing through additional footnotes and citations.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Final Draft Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (Phase Two) 57 Resolution No. C-2026-XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY ADOPTING PHASE
TWO OF THE CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN
WHEREAS, the City of Half Moon Bay recognizes the urgent need to address climate change and its impacts on the community, environment, and the economy; and WHEREAS, in 2019 the City Council identified Environmental Sustainability as one of its five priorities and continued to reaffirm that commitment through at least FY 2023-24; and WHEREAS, the City Council identified drafting and adopting a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan as a key action associated with achieving goals related to environmental sustainability outlined in the Sustainability Implementation Plan; and WHEREAS, the City has engaged in a comprehensive and inclusive planning process to develop Phase One of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, recognizing the importance of engaging traditionally underrepresented communities and partnered with over 15 communitybased organizations to hold over 35 events and to reach over 1000 community participants; and
WHEREAS, on December 5, 2023, the City Council formally adopted Resolution No. C2023-105 Phase One of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, establishing a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, Phase Two (the Climate Adaptation Plan) focuses on identifying key vulnerabilities and prioritizing targeted strategies to prepare the community for climate change impacts, including wildfire, coastal and fluvial flooding, landslides, coastal erosion, and more; and
WHEREAS, the City has engaged in a comprehensive and inclusive planning process to develop Phase Two, recording over 300 touchpoints through pop-up events, online surveys, classroom curriculum, and listening sessions with community-based organizations representing Spanish-speaking residents, seniors, and youth
WHEREAS, Phase Two aligns with the City’s commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and well-being of its residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, MAY IT BE RESOLVED, that the City Council of The City of Half Moon Bay adopts the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Phase Two, which demonstrates a commitment to allocate the necessary resources and collaborate with the necessary community stakeholders to implement the measures and goals identified in this Climate Action Plan; and 58 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the City Council expresses its commitment to review the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan annually and update the plan every five years to ensure its continued relevance, effectiveness and alignment with evolving climate impacts and best practices.
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly passed and adopted on the 20th day of January 2026, by the City Council of Half Moon Bay by the following vote:
AYES, Councilmembers:
NOES, Councilmembers:
ABSENT, Councilmembers:
ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
___________________________ _____________________________ Maggie Rodriguez, Interim City Clerk Debbie Ruddock Mayor 59 City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 1 December 2025
60 Acknowledgments
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 1 Acknowledgments
Half Moon Bay City Council
Mayor Robert Brownstone
Vice Mayor Debbie Ruddock
Councilmember Patric Bo Jonsson
Councilmember Paul Nagengast
Councilmember Deborah Penrose
Half Moon Bay City Manager
Matthew Chidester, City Manager
Half Moon Bay City Staff
Maz Bozorginia, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Helen Wolter, Senior Management Analyst
Matt Nichols, Management Analyst
This Climate Action Plan was developed using the Regionally Integrated Climate Action Planning Suite (RICAPS) template and climate action planning tools.
Updated RICAPS Template and Tools—2020
Funding: California utility customers, administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission and with matching funds provided by the City and County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG).
Project Consultants:
INTEGRAL CONSULTING BLUE POINT PLANNING LESTER COASTAL POLICY David Revell, PhD Mindy Craig Charles Lester
Matthew Jamieson Bianca Hutner
Ashley Ellenson, PhD Allisia Sandoval
David Anning, PhD
Nicole Buecker
Sydney Harvey
Rae Taylor-Burns, PhD
Erin Petrosian
Monica Carstens
61 Acknowledgments
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 2 Disclaimer
This Climate Action and Adaption Plan (CAAP) provides an overview of the major changes in ecosystem and climate variables that could affect the Half Moon Bay environment and community. Climate change impacts are complex, and even with the most up-to-date science, the exact timing, extent, and variability of these impacts are not fully certain. In addition, while the vulnerability assessment developed for this Plan includes the most current hazard data and best available science in accordance with current state guidance, several data gaps remain unaddressed, including site-specific models for wind hazards and pluvial/rainfall/stormwater flood hazards.
Concurrent climate hazards can pose compounding stressors to the community and environment and lead to cascading effects that this Plan cannot fully account for. For example, wildfire compounded with extreme heat increases the likelihood of power shutoffs and can lead to environments with poor indoor air quality, where residents may suffer health effects due to smoke and/or high indoor air temperatures. As an exercise, the plan depicts and discusses a range of these cascading impacts in the “Vulnerability Assessment” section; however, a more detailed sector-by-sector analysis would be warranted to understand the broader range of these climate hazard impact interactions of their cascading effects.
While outreach was conducted to reach people both in-person and online with varying levels of involvement and feedback, the Project Team only reached a small portion of the Half Moon Bay population (see Chapter 3 for more details on community engagement). In addition, although City staff met with a member of the Muchia Te’ Indigenous Land Trust, the representation of indigenous voices was limited.
This Plan serves to focus on what the City of Half Moon Bay can do to mitigate the impacts of climate change hazards. This Plan is just one of several documents that have been developed in the region that plan for hazards and future adaptation. For instance, due to the multi-jurisdictional management of freshwater by the Coastside County Water District (CCWD), this Plan does not make direct adaptation strategy recommendations for CCWD, but does include this system for consideration in the vulnerability assessment to give context to the potential impacts on the residents in the city.
Additionally, the city is currently in the process of updating the Safety Element of the General Plan. The primary goal of the Safety Element is to reduce the potential short and long-term risk of death, injuries, property damage, and economic and social dislocation resulting from fires, floods, droughts, earthquakes, landslides, climate change, and other hazards. Climate change is a central focus of the Safety Element update, but not the sole focus. As an element of the general plan, the Safety Element accomplishes this through goals, policies, and implementation programs primarily related to City land uses and development. Progress on implementation programs is reported to the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation in the General Plan Annual Report.
There is substantial overlap between the Safety Element and this Plan. The primary difference is that this Plan is focused on climate change, and the Safety Element has a broader reach, covering multiple hazards that may or may not be exacerbated by climate change. This Plan’s focus allowed a more detailed vulnerability assessment than the Safety Element, which may contribute to the development of policies for the Safety Element update. This Plan is not a policy document. It identifies strategies and actions. The public outreach conducted for this Plan resulted in some innovative strategies and actions that were prioritized by community members. Some of those may very well be incorporated into the Safety Element as policies and implementation programs. Either way, this plan provides a roadmap for the climate change policies and implementation programs in the Safety Element, which may diverge slightly from the focus in this Plan, but will remain substantially consistent with it. 62 Acronyms and Abbreviations
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 3 Acronyms and Abbreviations
ACS American Community Survey
CAAP Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
Cal Fire California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection CAP Climate Action Plan
CCC California Coastal Commission
CCI California Climate Investments
CCWD Coastside County Water District
CERT Coastside Certified Emergency Response Team
CGS California Geological Survey
City City of Half Moon Bay
CRISP Coastside Resilience Infrastructure Strategic Plan CWSRF Clean Water State Revolving Fund
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
GCM global climate model
IBank California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
JPFA Joint Powers Financing Authority
LCIP Local Coastal Implementation Plan
LCLUP Local Coastal Land Use Plan
LCP Local Coastal Program
LHMP Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
MCDA multi-criteria decision analysis
NGO nongovernmental organization
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
P3 public-private partnership
PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company
RCP relative concentration pathway
SAM Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside
SSP shared socioeconomic pathway
TOT transient occupancy tax
USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
63 Acronyms and Abbreviations
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 4 USBR U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
USGS U.S. Geological Survey
64 Lexicon
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 5 Lexicon
Adaptation. The process of adjustment to actual or expected climate and its effects, either to minimize harm or exploit beneficial opportunities. In natural systems, human intervention may facilitate adjustment to expected climate (IPCC 2012).
Adaptation Pathway. A planning approach that helps manage the uncertainties of climate change and other complex issues by outlining a sequence of actions or strategies that can be implemented over time, adjusting as new information or conditions emerge.
Adaptive Capacity. The ability to adjust to the consequences of climate change. Types of adaptive capacity include adjustments in behavior, resources, and technologies (Cal OES 2020).
Asset. A resource, structure, facility, or service relied on by a community.
Cascading Impact. Climate caused impacts that compromise infrastructure or disrupt critical services (i.e., power supply or water conveyance), broadening the scope of impact past a single system to reliant subsystems and populations (Collins et al. 2019).
Climate Driver. A change in the climate which acts as the main source of change for subsequent climate hazards.
Climate Hazard. A dangerous or potentially dangerous condition created by the effects of the local climate (Cal OES 2020).
Compounding Risk. When two or more events occur simultaneously and increase the scope of impact or severity of the event; an additional risk brought about by increased frequency of events from climate change (Seneviratne et al. 2012).
Ecosystem. A community or group of living organisms that live in and interact with each other and abiotic systems in a specific environment.
Exposure. The people, infrastructure, housing, and other assets located in hazard-prone areas.
Greenhouse Gas. Or GHGs for short, are a category of gases that absorb heat energy emitted from the planet's surface and they remain in Earth's atmosphere for a long time (from decades to centuries) (NOAA, 2025).
Impact. Effects on natural and human systems, including effects on lives, livelihoods, health, ecosystems, economies, societies, cultures, services, and infrastructure due to the interaction of climate hazards and the vulnerabilities of the system or asset affected (IPCC 2012).
Mitigation. An act or sustained actions to reduce, eliminate, or avoid negative impacts or effects (Cal OES 2020).
From a climate change perspective, mitigation refers to actions taken to reduce the severity of climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sinks.
Resilience. The capacity of an entity (an individual, a community, an organization, or a natural system) to prepare for disruptions, to recover from shocks and stresses, and to adapt and grow from a disruptive experience (Cal OES 2020). Also, the ability of a city’s systems, businesses, institutions, communities, and individuals to survive, adapt, and grow no matter what kinds of acute shocks and chronic stresses they experience.
Risk. The consequence of the interaction between a hazard and the characteristics that make people and places vulnerable and exposed (UNDRR Terminology 2017).
Sensitivity. The degree to which a species, population, natural system, community, asset, service, or other associated system would be affected by changing climate conditions (Cal OES 2020). 65 Lexicon
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 6 Socially Vulnerable Populations. Those experiencing heightened risk and increased sensitivity to climate change and having less capacity and fewer resources to cope with, adapt to, or recover from climate impacts (Cal OES 2020).
Vulnerability. The physical, social, economic and environmental factors or processes that increase the susceptibility of an individual, a community, assets, or systems to the impacts of hazards, or the propensity or predisposition to be adversely affected (IPCC 2012).
66 Letter from the Mayor
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 7 Letter from the Mayor
Half Moon Bay has always been a community defined by its deep connection to the natural environment, and the strong bonds among the people who live and work here. Our residents are innovative, our businesses are resourceful, and our values run deep, rooted in stewardship, resilience, and a shared responsibility to protect what makes this place so special.
In 2023, Half Moon Bay adopted its Climate Action Plan, a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning toward a more sustainable future. That was the first step in our wider vision. Now, we are building on that foundation with the second phase of our climate planning efforts: the Climate Adaptation Plan.
This plan is focused on preparing our community for climate change impacts that we can no longer avoid, including sea level rise, coastal erosion, flooding, extreme heat, wildfire, high winds, and poor air quality. These hazards pose serious risks to our health, infrastructure, economy, and natural resources. But we are facing these risks head-on and doing the work to strengthen our community’s long-term resilience, and safeguard the people and places we care about most.
As you will see in this plan, the City is identifying proactive strategies that protect vulnerable populations, preserve critical infrastructure, and integrate resilience into our land use and environmental planning. The Adaptation Plan complements our Climate Action Plan by widening our focus—moving beyond emissions reduction to include preparation for the future impacts we know are coming.
This plan brings us to a pivotal moment for Half Moon Bay. Climate change is a global issue, but the most effective solutions will come from local leadership, thoughtful planning, and collective action. The Adaptation Plan invites all of us—residents, businesses, and city leaders—to take part in this effort.
Our future depends on the steps we take today. Only by working together can we ensure that Half Moon Bay remains a safe, healthy, and thriving place for generations to come. This plan will help guide our community toward the more sustainable future that we all desire.
67 Table of Contents
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan i Table of Contents
Disclaimer........................................................................................................................................2
1. Executive Summary......................................................................................................... 1 An Update on the City’s Adaptation Work .......................................................................................1
2. Introduction and Purpose ............................................................................................... 3 Document Roadmap........................................................................................................................4 Community Profile ...........................................................................................................................5 Study Area.......................................................................................................................................6 Related Efforts .................................................................................................................................9
3. Project Process and Community Engagement ........................................................... 14 A Community-Driven Plan .............................................................................................................14 Overview of Stakeholders..............................................................................................................16 Community Engagement Phase 1: Understanding Vulnerabilities ................................................16 Community Engagement Phase 2: Priority Setting........................................................................18
4. Vision, Values, and Goals ............................................................................................. 21 Vision and Values ..........................................................................................................................21 Goals .............................................................................................................................................22
5. Vulnerability Assessment ............................................................................................. 24 Overview........................................................................................................................................24 Vulnerability Assessment Introduction...........................................................................................25 Methodology ..................................................................................................................................27 Results...........................................................................................................................................34
6. Adaptation Strategies.................................................................................................... 68 Overview........................................................................................................................................68 Goals .............................................................................................................................................68 Adaptation Strategies and Actions.................................................................................................74 Prioritization Process .....................................................................................................................74 Implementation ..............................................................................................................................80 Funding and Financing Mechanisms .............................................................................................83
7. Conclusions and Next Steps......................................................................................... 96
8. Appendix ........................................................................................................................ 99 68 Table of Contents
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan ii A. Problem Statements...............................................................................................................99 B. Adaptation Strategies and Actions .......................................................................................107 C. Coastal Land Use Plan Policies Supporting Climate Action Plan Goals ..............................129 D. Multi-criteria Decision Making and Cost- Benefit Analysis ...................................................133 E. IBank Funding and Financing Options .................................................................................134
9. References.................................................................................................................... 137 69 Executive Summary
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 1
1. Executive Summary
This Plan encompasses the City of Half Moon Bay’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, Phase 2 (CAAP Phase 2), and advances the City’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and climate resilience.
Developed between March 2023 and June 2025 by the City of Half Moon Bay (City) in collaboration with Integral Consulting, BluePoint Planning, and Lester Coastal Policy, this Plan reflects an integrated, science-based, and community-driven approach to understanding and addressing climate risk. It builds upon the 2023 Climate Action Plan Phase 1 (CAP Phase 1), which focused on mitigation and the emission of greenhouse gases and the human influences on climate change. This 2025 Climate Action Plan Phase 2 (CAP Phase 2) focuses on identifying key vulnerabilities facing Half Moon Bay from future climate hazards and prioritizing targeted adaptation strategies that the City can implement, along with identifying collaborations necessary to develop regional resilience.
Community Outreach and Public Engagement
Community engagement was a cornerstone of this effort. Over 300 touchpoints were recorded through outreach activities, including in-person pop-up events and surveys. Other groups were engaged through classroom curriculum and listening sessions with community-based organizations and service providers. The engagement process intentionally focused on reaching underserved and socially vulnerable groups, including Spanishspeaking residents, seniors, and youth. Residents shared firsthand accounts of the challenges they experienced during recent storms, expressed concern about the worsening wildfire risk, and emphasized the importance of reliable infrastructure and communication systems during hazardous weather and emergencies.
While recent extreme winter storm events and flooding that occurred in 2022/23 and 2023/34, as well as the CZU Lightning Complex wildfire that affected regions just south of the City in 2020 remain prominent in residents’ minds, the City must also prepare for less immediate but increasingly likely threats in the future, such as groundwater rise, longer droughts, extreme heatwaves, and other escalating and compounding hazards.
Key Findings from the Vulnerability Assessment
This CAP Phase 2 Vulnerability Assessment evaluated the community’s exposure to climate hazards, sectorspecific sensitivities, and the City’s current adaptive capacity, including a focus on different populations within the community. The most pressing climate-related risks include:
• Wildfire, which threatens community health, safety, and the built environment. • Coastal and fluvial flooding, which contributes to erosion, and has implications for homes, businesses, transportation, and infrastructure.
• Coastal erosion, which threatens recreational areas and coastal access and imperils shoreline properties and infrastructure.
• High winds, leading to tree falls, power outages, and transportation disruptions. • Extreme heat, which threatens the health and safety of many at risk population groups.
The analysis found that vulnerability in Half Moon Bay is compounded by geographic isolation, aging and undersized infrastructure, and persistent socioeconomic disparities. The highest vulnerability ratings were observed in:
• The water supply sector, due to much of its infrastructure being in areas vulnerable to wildfires and landslides, such as the Coastside and Sierra. Projected changes, including reduced rainfall, more frequent droughts, and higher temperatures that increase evaporation, can also affect water availability.
In addition, limited backup infrastructure makes the system less resilient to these impacts. • Socially vulnerable and lower-income populations, including seniors, agricultural workers, and housing-insecure residents with limited adaptive capacity. 70 Executive Summary
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 2 • Critical infrastructure and transportation corridors, such as Highway 92, where failures can have widespread consequences for public services and the economic sector.
Adaptation Strategy and Prioritization Framework
Adaptation strategies were developed through public outreach workshops and aligned with five communityinformed goals. These five overarching goals include:
1. Ensure a Healthy, Resilient, and Self-Sufficient Community
2. Foster a Thriving and Accessible Coastline and Open Space
3. Protect the City through Increased Resilient Infrastructure
4. Build and Sustain the City of Half Moon Bay Government’s Capacity to Increase Resilience
5. Support and Increase Economic Sustainability
Specific adaptation actions were developed to address each goal and were prioritized based on the city’s ability to influence or implement, cost, protective value, feasibility, long-term co-benefits, and the number of hazards addressed. The highest-priority suite of adaptation actions among all goals include:
• Enhancing Emergency Preparedness and Response Capabilities The City can expand and better equip Resilience Hubs, which are public facilities such as a community center, senior center, or school that can serve as locations for emergency shelters, information points, and temporary refuge. These hubs should be bolstered with backup power and resilient communications systems. This Plan also calls for establishing emergency communication protocols for populations with language barriers or limited internet access and ensuring transportation routes remain functional during emergencies.
• Investing in Resilient Infrastructure and Long-Term Monitoring Actions include developing a monitoring and evaluation program that is integrated into department daily workflows aimed at monitoring long-term climate impacts to infrastructure. Many of Half Moon Bay’s drainage and stormwater systems are outdated or undersized and were not designed for the intensity or duration of projected future precipitation events. Adaptation actions include modernizing stormwater conveyance systems and maintenance activities, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods. Shoreline protection, bluff stabilization, and monitoring of erosion-prone areas like the former County landfill on Poplar Street is also prioritized.
• Protecting Vulnerable Populations
The Plan emphasizes expanded support for those most at risk: seniors, low-income residents, mobile home park residents, and agricultural workers. Proposed strategies include establishing distributed solar plus storage solutions to reduce reliance on vulnerable energy infrastructure; expanding affordable housing in safe locations; partnering with organizations like Senior Coastsiders or ALAS to deliver tailored emergency preparedness and adaptation services to specific communities; and maintaining sustained access to the coast and open space areas to provide refuge during high heat events. • Restoring and Leveraging Natural Systems
Nature-based solutions are highlighted as both protective, cost-effective, and have significant co-benefits.
The Plan identifies wetland and riparian restoration to buffer flood risk, dune restoration and sediment management to reduce coastal and terrestrial erosion, and green infrastructure projects to manage runoff and improve water quality. Additionally, reducing impervious surfaces and enhancing tree canopy coverage, particularly in public parks and open spaces, are identified as tools for both flood and heat mitigation.
• Strengthening Regional Partnerships and Policy Alignment Recognizing its dependence on regional infrastructure, partners, and services, the Plan identifies strategies to collaborate with Coastside County Water District (CCWD), Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM), San Mateo County, CAL FIRE, Caltrans, and other agencies to implement shared regional climate adaptation solutions. The Plan encourages integrating adaptation 71 Executive Summary
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 3 planning into the City’s Safety Element (meeting the requirements of SB 379) and aligning capital improvement planning and the Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan with vulnerability assessment findings and adaptation priorities to more effectively advocate for funding.
This Plan underscores that adaptation is essential for community and municipal resilience and for equity, safety, and long-term economic stability. This Plan represents a continuing investment in resilience and adaptation and identifies next actions upon which the City and its partners can build. Ongoing community engagement, targeted investment, and cross-sector collaboration will be critical to ensure that Half Moon Bay remains a safe, vibrant, and sustainable community for current and future generations. 72 Executive Summary
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 1 An Update on the City’s Adaptation Work
Updates between the CAP publication and this publication.
Since 2018, the City of Half Moon Bay has taken several significant steps to advance its climate goals and lay the groundwork for long-term sustainability and resilience. Early efforts included the opening of a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Zero Net Energy-certified library, the City’s 2019 declaration of a climate emergencya, and the establishment of a Sustainability Division within Public Works. That same year, the City Council elevated environmental sustainability to a formal priority.
Over the following years, the City adopted policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste, including the Disposable Foodware Ordinance (updated in 2022) and the Building Electrification Ordinance, which has since been pausedb. In 2023, the City adopted Phase 1 of its Climate Action Plan (CAP), outlining key near-term actions to reduce emissions. Most recently, in 2025, the City adopted a Transportation Demand Management Plan to promote cleaner and more efficient mobility options. These milestones demonstrate Half Moon Bay’s continued commitment to meaningful local climate action focused on reducing or mitigating greenhouse gases. a On June 18th, 2019, the Half Moon Bay City Council adopted a climate emergency declaration, calling for a mobilization effort to end citywide greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible. b Implementation of the Building Electrification Ordinance was paused following the 2023 federal court decision in the Berkeley case involving the ban of natural gas hookups in new buildings. This ruling set a precedent that could affect other cities such as Half Moon Bay from seeking to implement similar ordinances.
LEED and
ZNE
Certified
Library
Opens
(2018)
Declared
Climate
Emergency
(2019)
Environmental
Sustainability
becomes City
Council Priority
(2019)
Formed
Sustainability
Division
within Public
Works (2019)
City starts
Climate
Action and
Adaptation
Plan (2020)
Adopted
Disposable
Foodware
Ordinance
(2020)
Adopted
Building
Electrification
Ordinance
(2022)
Updated
Disposable
Foodware
Ordinance
(2022)
Adopted
CAP Phase
1 (2023)
Adopted
Transportatio
n Demand
Management
Plan (2025)
73 Introduction and Purpose
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 2 2 Introduction &
Purpose
74 Introduction and Purpose
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 3
2. Introduction and Purpose
The City of Half Moon Bay (City) is committed to sustainability and recognizes its role in addressing the threat of climate change. This Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP, hereinafter referred to as the Plan) establishes strategies for the City to prepare for and adapt to the effects of climate change, reduce the impacts of future disasters, and recover more quickly when they occur. In support of the City’s climate change adaptation goals, Integral Consulting Inc. (Integral), BluePoint Planning, and Lester Coastal Policy, in conjunction with the City’s Public Works Department (together referred to as the Project Team), prepared this Plan. It provides an overview of City-specific climate change vulnerabilities informed through analysis of climate change hazard models and data. The Plan also reflects input gathered through community outreach efforts to solicit perspectives and guide a vision on adaptation priorities to meet the upcoming challenge. The overall adaptation approach and community engagement process are described more fully in the next chapter.
This Plan describes a path forward for the City to address these changing conditions and create a resilient community. This Plan aligns with and builds upon Phase 1 of the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), which provides a comprehensive and strategic approach to sustainability and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.
Phase 2, the Adaptation Plan (adding another A to the acronym and becoming the CAAP), provides a directed approach to addressing the various vulnerabilities to climate hazards. This is the first CAAP for the City and the first step in a much larger process to evaluate and plan for the impacts of climate change. Latest information, knowledge, and updated science should be reevaluated over time and incorporated into future planning. As such, this Plan will need to be reevaluated and updated on a regular basis.
Figure 1. The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival takes place annually in the fall (Source: City of Half Moon Bay)
75 Introduction and Purpose
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 4 This Plan is organized into six chapters as outlined below - Document Roadmap
Study Background and Relationship with Other City Plans In March 2020, the City embarked on a combined Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), however, the City had to pause when it lost funding due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this funding challenge, the City conducted planning in two phases: the Climate Action Plan, or CAP, which focused on greenhouse gas mitigation and was adopted in 2023, and this effort, focused on hazard mitigation, resilience, and adaptation, which began in March of 2023. This Plan will be a complementary document to the CAP. Together; these two documents form the overall Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP).
The City is concurrently undertaking an update to the Safety Element, which includes climate adaptation strategies in accordance with SB 379. That plan is intended to prepare for a wider range of hazards and for the City to respond when a disaster occurs, and may include such actions as providing emergency response, equipment, food, shelter, and medicine. This Plan’s focus allowed a more detailed vulnerability assessment with a focus on climate change-related hazards, and a focus on adaptation strategies that are forward-thinking to minimize community disruption, loss of life, and property damage resulting from climate change. This plan is a roadmap for climate change action, not a policy document, and can inform other plans such as the Safety Element.
The Plan lays out the City’s strategy for mitigating natural hazards and implementing strategies to adapt to a changing climate, but the success of this Plan rests in our collective global ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming. Of course, the City of Half Moon Bay and its surrounding coastal neighbors,
INTRODUCTION
& PURPOSE
This section
provides
context for the
study and
discusses the
importance of
the Plan
(pages 3-12)
PROJECT
PROCESS AND
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
A framework
and discussion
of the outreach
and
engagement
efforts, plus
what the
community had
to say
(pages 13-19)
VISION,
VALUES &
GOALS
An outline of
the Plan's
vision and
describes the
values and
goals that
guide the Plan
(page 20-22)
VULNERABILITY
ASSESSMENT
This section
offers an
overview of the
City's climate
change
vulnerabilities
(page 23-66)
ADAPTATION
STRATEGIES
Describes how to
approach
adaptation, plus
provides a list of
adaptation goals
and
recommendations
for
implementation
and funding
(page 67-94)
CONCLUSIONS
& NEXT STEPS
Final remarks
and next steps
for adaptation
planning
(page 95-97)
76 Introduction and Purpose
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 5 plus the larger state and national communities cannot do this alone; Half Moon Bay’s efforts are small pieces of the larger global effort. The City’s approach to increase efficiency and reduce emissions is laid out in the City’s CAP. Together, the CAP and this Plan (CAAP) form the City’s collective response to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Community Profile
Figure 2. The annual Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival held in downtown Half Moon Bay (Source: City of Half Moon Bay)
This section provides a brief community profile to provide understanding of the community's characteristics, which provides context for understanding the adaptive capacity of the community, as well as the community-specific sensitivities and unique dynamics that may influence climate change vulnerabilities.
The City of Half Moon Bay is a small coastal community of 11,000 residents. Including the surrounding unincorporated county communities to the north of El Granada, Princeton Harbor, Moss Beach, and Montara, the larger region encompasses approximately 30,000 people. The City is known for its beautiful coastline and smalltown feel, a major appeal to many residents and businesses that draws many tourists to the area. The area is known for its scenic qualities and recreational opportunities, with a highlight being the California Coastal Trail.
The trail meanders for 5 miles along shoreline bluff tops, providing access to beaches, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and whale and bird watching, plus opportunities for biking, walking, and horseback riding.
There is also 69 acres of City managed parkland, and thousands of acres of parkland managed by the County, State, and other entities throughout the San Mateo County Coast. The City and the surrounding Coastside communities are also home to a healthy agricultural sector with numerous greenhouses, nurseries, and farms.
The City is located 28 miles south of San Francisco and is a 12- to 15-mile drive over State Highway 92 to the bayside cities in Silicon Valley. Highway 1 is the primary roadway linking Half Moon Bay along the coast to the north and south, and Highway 92 is the primary transportation corridor linking the City in the east–west direction with the San Francisco bayside cities and employment hubs of San Mateo County. On the bayside, the area is linked by Highway 92 to Highways 101 and 280, El Camino Real, and the Caltrain corridor. The median age of City of Half Moon Bay residents has increased by nearly twice the rate as in San Mateo County overall between 1980 and 2010, and stands at 44, up from 32 in 1980 (Dyett and Bhatia, 2014). 77 Introduction and Purpose
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 6 A snapshot of demographic highlights includes (City of Half Moon Bay 2024):
• Median Age: 48.3
• Total Households: 4,353
• Average Household Size: 2.7 persons
• Average Household Income: $209,719
• Education—High School Degree or higher: 92.1%
• Education—Bachelor's Degree or higher: 54.6%
• Median Housing Value: $1,425,500
• Percent of Foreign-Born Persons: 20.9%
For people 25 years and older, 88.3% have a high school diploma, and 57.4% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. This high level of education aligns with the region’s location as a vibrant job center and part of the financial, pharmaceutical, and technology centers in San Francisco, Oyster Point, and Silicon Valley. Many of Half Moon Bay’s residents commute outside the City to the San Francisco Bay Area throughout this job-rich region.
The City has also retained employment sectors traditional to the Coastside, such as small businesses and agricultural operations, while also accommodating new businesses and industries that are otherwise primarily thought to be located “over-the-hill” in bayside communities, such as the tech industry (City of Half Moon Bay 2024).
Study Area
The area of interest for this Plan is the incorporated jurisdiction of Half Moon Bay, where the City has direct land use authority. However, because the impacts of climate change extend beyond jurisdictional boundaries, a broader study area was developed. This Plan incorporates three overlapping scales for hazard evaluation and adaptation planning: regional, local, and neighborhood (see Figure 3). The vulnerability assessment addresses hazards primarily at the regional (county-level) scale, while adaptation strategies focus on specific actions the City can take at both local and neighborhood levels to address climate vulnerabilities more precisely.
The regional study area, developed in collaboration with the Project Team, encompasses the entire coastal watershed, extending from Devils Slide in the north to El Granada in the south, and inland to the crest of the Coast Range along California State Route 35 (Skyline Boulevard). This area encompasses unincorporated coastal communities north of Half Moon Bay: Montara, Moss Beach, Princeton Harbor, and El Granada, which contain critical infrastructure supporting the City, such as high-voltage power lines, gas pipelines, water supply systems, and major transportation connections.
c Because land use decisions in these neighboring areas may significantly affect the City’s long-term resilience, the regional scale also identifies opportunities for collaboration to strengthen climate adaptation planning.
The local study area consists of the City’s jurisdictional boundary and adjacent unincorporated areas closely integrated with City services and infrastructure. This area includes the Moonridge neighborhood, the Caltrans Corporation Yard, the James Johnston House property, and portions of unincorporated land along the Highway 92 corridor. These areas were included to align with Local Coastal Plan (LCP) boundaries and the Coastal Zone as regulated by the California Coastal Commission (CCC).
According to the LCP, Half Moon Bay’s land use pattern includes diverse neighborhoods separated by undeveloped open space. While the LCP identifies 22 individual neighborhoods, for this Plan they have been grouped into eight larger neighborhood focus areas, each encompassing multiple smaller neighborhoods and c While this Plan evaluates vulnerabilities to the City within this region, it does not focus on adaptation strategies related to regionally connected utilities and infrastructure; instead it focuses on coordination and collaboration and partnerships to plan for these assets. 78 Introduction and Purpose
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 7 adjacent open space. Highway 1 serves as the east–west boundary between neighborhood groups, while features such as Pilarcitos Creek, Frenchmans Creek, and Wavecrest Open Space delineate other neighborhood areas. These focus areas guide targeted climate vulnerability assessments and localized adaptation strategies.
The eight neighborhood group focus areas include:
North Coastal • West Miramar, North Coast Panhandle to Pilar Point Harbor
North Inland • Frenchmans Creek, Upper Roosevelt and Pullman, Watershed Area, Rocket Farms Greenhouses
North Central
Coastal
• Kehoe & Casa Del Mar, SAM Waste Water Treatment
Plant, Belleville, Strawflower Village Plaza
North Central
Inland
• Sea Haven & Spindrift, Grandview, Beachwood Open
Space Area, Highland Park & Terrace, Half Moon Bay
High School
South Central
Coastal
• Pilarcitos Park, Alsace Lorraine, Arleta Park, Former Landfill Site, Oceanview Driving Range
Downtown and 92
Corridor
• Cypress Cove, 92 Corridor, North Downtown, Heritage
Downtown, South Downtown & Senior Campus, Arleta
Park, Cunha Intermediate School, Main Street Park
South Coastal • Ocean Colony and Golf Course, Wavecrest, Canada Cove, Smith Field Park
South Inland • Moonridge, Greenhouses adjacent to Highway 1, Johnston House
79 Introduction and Purpose
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 8 Figure 3. Project study area boundaries. Color-coded areas indicate the local study areas, while the darker shading shows the broader regional study area. The regional area extends from the Tom Lantos Tunnel and Devil’s Slide in the north to Highway 84 in the south, and from the Pacific Ocean eastward to major highways and watershed boundaries
80 Introduction and Purpose
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 9 Related Efforts
This section provides a list of related major regional planning efforts that include relevant policy guidance for this Plan and provides context for climate change adaptation strategy recommendations in Chapter 6. Note that this is not a fully comprehensive list, and there are additional smaller programs and internal policies that are not included here (e.g., Sewer Maintenance and Management Plan, engineering standards, design standards). Please refer to the CAP (Phase 1) for a description of global, state, county, and local efforts related to climate change mitigation.
City Efforts
General Plan
Under California planning and zoning law, the Land Use Plan and General Plan provide the policy basis for the City’s land use vision. The General Plan is a comprehensive long-term policy direction for the physical development, preservation, and conservation in the City. The General Plan includes additional elements addressing housing, safety, noise, parks and recreation, circulation, and land use, and because the City of Half Moon Bay is located entirely within the California Coastal Zone, the Local Coastal Land Use Plan serves as the City’s Land Use Element. The City integrates hazard mitigation for all pertinent hazards in the Safety Element (see below). The General Plan was comprehensively updated in 2020.
Safety Element—update underway
A Safety Element is a required section of the General Plan that identifies potential natural and human-caused hazards that could affect residents, businesses, and services in the community. Hazards included in a Safety Element can include wildfire, flooding, earthquakes, landslides, extreme weather, sea level rise, pests and diseases, human health hazards, hazardous materials, and others. It is distinguished from this Plan by incorporating a wider range of non-climate related hazards including earthquakes and tsunamis, and evaluating evacuation and access along Highways 1 and 92. Half Moon Bay’s Safety Element was last adopted in 1991 and an update is in progress. Adoption of the updated Safety Element is expected by early 2026.
Capital Improvement Plans—Updated Annually
The City’s Capital Improvement Plan is updated annually. It is a 5-year fiscal planning and budgeting tool for the City to prioritize infrastructure projects.
Miramontes Point Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Fiscal Impact Assessment— 2023
This study filled a gap in the City’s Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment (City of Half Moon Bay 2016) and projected the extent of coastal erosion and vulnerabilities to the Ritz-Carlton resort along a 1-mile stretch of coastline around Miramontes Point at the south end of the City. This upscale resort and golf course provides a substantial source of revenue to the City through transient occupancy taxes (TOTs) and green fees.
Local Coastal Program and Local Coastal Land Use Plan—Adopted 2021 The primary goal of an LCP is to ensure that the local government’s land use plans, zoning ordinances, zoning maps, and implementation actions protect public shoreline access and coastal resources and provide for priority coastal land uses, consistent with the requirements, provisions, and policies of the California Coastal Act. The Local Coastal Land Use Plan (LCLUP) is the land use and resource protection policy component of the LCP. It includes land use designations specifying the types, locations, and intensities of development allowable in the coastal zone. The entire city of Half Moon Bay is in the coastal zone. The LCLUP also identifies land use priorities and how to address land use issues for the City, and it covers foundational policies for guiding coastal 81 Introduction and Purpose
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 10 development. The City’s LCP has been amended numerous times since 1985 to address changing conditions, laws, and issues. The LCLUP, together with the Local Coastal Implementation Plan (LCIP), which includes zoning ordinances, zoning maps, and standards and requirements, constitutes the entire LCP. The LCLUP was updated by the City in 2020 to address climate change and environmental hazards related to sea level rise and was certified by the CCC in 2021.
Sustainability Implementation Plan—2020
The Sustainability Implementation Plan outlines opportunities to implement sustainable policies, programs, and projects within the City of Half Moon Bay, including cleanup efforts, outreach and education, and the development and implementation of plans such as this one.
Climate Action Plan—2023
As described above, the CAP constituted Phase 1 of the CAAP and focused on climate mitigation actions and greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies. It was adopted in 2023.
CAAP Outreach Pilot Project—2019
This project was part of the initial CAAP project, which was halted due to COVID-19, and focused on targeted outreach to underrepresented communities in Half Moon Bay, specifically the youth, seniors, and Latino population. It relied heavily on partnerships with three local non-government organizations including Youth Leadership Institute, Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS), and Senior Coastsiders.
Green Infrastructure Plan—2019
This plan focused on identifying potential green infrastructure projects, including drainage improvements, park improvements, complete streets, intersection improvements, and parking and building improvements.
Parks Master Plan—2019
The Parks Master Plan provides a roadmap for the future of parks in Half Moon Bay and helps focus future decisions and parks resources over the next 15 years. This Plan outlines recommendations to enhance City Parks’ level of service and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. It includes significant considerations and recommendations related to sustainable landscape practices, including green infrastructure, native plantings, and water-efficient landscaping. This plan does not explicitly address climate change adaptation.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan—2019
The City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan guides the development of programs and facilities to enhance bicycling and walking as practical, efficient, and safe transportation choices for Half Moon Bay residents and workers, plus coastal visitors. It provides recommendations to improve the safety, comfort, and connectivity of the bicycle and pedestrian networks in Half Moon Bay.
Storm Drain Master Plan—2016
The City's 2016 Storm Drain Master Plan established an approach to prioritizing Capital Improvement Program funds to mitigate the impacts of stormwater runoff in the City. This document identified the steps taken to inventory and analyze the existing storm drain system, analyzed capacity restrictions within the storm drain networks, and provided recommendations for a more comprehensive update in fiscal year (25-26). 82 Introduction and Purpose
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 11 Plan Half Moon Bay, Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment—2016 This document assesses the City of Half Moon Bay’s vulnerability to sea level rise. It was prepared to ensure that the update to Half Moon Bay’s LCP reflected the conditions, information, and community priorities as of 2016.
This study identified sea level rise impacts for most of the City outside of Miramontes Point and was used to update the LCP in 2020 to reflect more current sea level rise projections.
County Efforts
San Mateo County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan—2021
The San Mateo County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) is a large regional and cross-jurisdictional effort to plan for the reduction of risk from natural and man-made disasters. It assesses hazard vulnerabilities and identifies mitigation actions that jurisdictions will pursue in order to reduce the level of injury, property damage, and community disruption that might otherwise result from such events. The LHMP addresses natural and human-caused hazards, including flooding, drought, wildfire, landslides, severe weather, terrorism, cyber threats, pandemic, and the impact of climate change on hazards, as well as other risks and threats. Projects identified in the LHMP are eligible for federal funding to improve resilience to natural hazards.
San Mateo County Midcoast LCP
This County LCP defines policy, zoning ordinances, zoning maps, and standards and requirements for development along the coastline just north of Half Moon Bay, from the Miramar neighborhood up to the Moss Beach neighborhood.
Coastside Resilience Infrastructure Strategic Plan—Currently Underway The Coastside Resilience Infrastructure Strategic Plan (CRISP) is a critical infrastructure inventory mitigation project, sponsored by Supervisor Ray Mueller and spearheaded by the San Mateo Department of Emergency Management. CRISP promotes a collaborative approach, engaging stakeholders from various agencies and organizations along the coast to prioritize community voices and concerns. Through CRISP, a comprehensive inventory of infrastructures will be conducted to develop a prioritization framework.
OneShoreline Plan Princeton Study—Currently Underway
Plan Princeton is a study by the County of San Mateo to update the development plan for Princeton. The project focuses on the area west of and including Highway 1, between Pillar Point Harbor and Moss Beach. The purpose of this project is to make a comprehensive update to the policies, plans, and standards regulating the Princeton study area.
San Mateo County South Coast Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment—2022 This study evaluated the impacts of coastal hazards on the South Coast from Miramontes Point in the City south to the county line with Santa Cruz County and evaluates 0.8 feet, 1.4 feet, and at 4.9 feet of sea level rise. The vulnerability assessment provided projections of the extent of coastal hazards and of the physical and economic impacts to community assets like buildings, roads, farmland, and coastal access infrastructure.
San Mateo County Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment—2018 This study evaluated the impacts of sea level rise for the bayside of San Mateo County, and in Half Moon Bay at Miramontes Point north to San Francisco. The study evaluated a 1% annual chance storm event with 3.3 feet and
6.6 feet of sea level rise, and the projected extent of coastal erosion with 4.6 feet of sea level rise. The study also included an appendix with a detailed description of local-specific vulnerabilities, which included the Sewer 83 Introduction and Purpose
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 12 Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM) Wastewater Treatment Plant, the former Half Moon Bay landfill, areas around Mirada Road (located just north of City’s jurisdictional boundary), and other local assets such as the California Coastal Trail.
Multi-jurisdictional Efforts
Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside Plant Vulnerability Assessment—2024 This study evaluated potential existing fluvial flood hazards along Pilarcitos Creek and Kehoe Waterway under a range of storm recurrence intervals as well as future compound flooding associated with sea level rise and dune erosion for the SAM Wastewater Treatment Plant in Half Moon Bay. The study provided facility-specific recommendations on adaptations to potential existing flooding and future compound hazards from sea level rise.
Urban Water Management Plan (Coastside County Water District Planning)—2021 The Urban Water Management Plan from the Coastside County Water District provides a framework for long-term water supply planning and documents how urban water suppliers fulfill their long-term resource planning responsibilities to ensure adequate water supplies to meet existing and future water demands.
Coastal Regional Sediment Management Plan for the Santa Cruz Littoral Cell, Pillar Point to Moss Landing (USACE, MBNMS, and Noble Consultants 2015) The Santa Cruz Littoral Cell encompasses the 75-mile coastline from Moss Landing to Pillar Point. The regional Coastal Regional Sediment Management Plan was a scientific summary and guidance document to identify sediment sources to potentially restore and maintain coastal beaches and other critical areas of sediment deficit; reduce the proliferation of protective shoreline structures; sustain recreation and tourism; enhance public safety and access; and restore sandy coastal habitats. The Plan recommends future regional- and site-specific strategies for managing and responding to these erosion issues with sediment to protect coastal resources and infrastructure.
San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit Strategic Fire Plan—2022
This plan identified and prioritized wildfire mitigation and recovery strategies aimed at reducing risk within the San Mateo–Santa Cruz Unit. The Plan has goals and strategies that address specific planning for vulnerable populations including those in schools and nursing facilities as well as the older adult population.
Other Efforts
California Climate Adaptation Strategy (Central Coast Regional Workshop)—2021 This workshop was led by the California Natural Resources Agency and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, and involved an in-person event that was held on June 28, 2021d. Drought, wildfire, and sea level rise were the top three climate hazards of concern among respondents. Strategies focused on the following priorities:
protect climate vulnerable communities, advance public health and safety, build a climate resilient economy, accelerate nature-based climate solutions, make decisions based on best available climate science, and leverage resources for climate action through partnerships and collaboration. d An overview of responses from the event can be found at: https://resources.ca.gov/Initiatives/Building-Climate-Resilience/2021-StateAdaptationStrategy-Update 84 Project Process and Community Engagement
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 13 3 Project Process &
Community
Engagement
85 Project Process and Community Engagement
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 14
3. Project Process and Community
Engagement
A Community-Driven Plan
This Plan follows the climate adaptation planning process recommended by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, as outlined in the 2020 California Adaptation Planning Guide (CalOES 2020), and incorporates the latest climate science available. In alignment with this guidance, the Plan is community-driven. At each step, the technical team integrated community input and ideas to shape and direct the plan (see Figure 4 for a visual timeline).
During the first phase of the planning process, the Project Team gathered feedback from the community through in-person pop-up events, online surveys, engagement with school groups, and community listening sessions. This feedback focused on the climate impacts of greatest concern, the community's needs, and the areas they wish to protect.
This information complemented the development of the vulnerability assessment and associated maps (Chapter 5), which assessed the risks of sea level rise, coastal flooding, and erosion; impacts of rising temperatures, including extreme heat, wildfire, drought, and decreased fog; and changes in precipitation, including extreme storms, creek and stormwater flooding, high winds, and secondary impacts such as landslides.
As part of the vulnerability assessment process, the Project Team analyzed the intersection of spatially explicit hazards, such as storm flooding, with the locations of community assets. For non-spatially explicit hazards such as high heat, this assessment relied on climate change projections from CalAdapt and community information such as U.S. Census data to inform where potentially sensitive population groups reside. This information was analyzed and then synthesized into vulnerability assessment scores for various populations, different assets, and service sectors of the community (see Chapter 5).
Once community concerns were identified and the vulnerability assessment was complete, the Project Team developed a set of problem statements to address the impacts of climate hazards on different community assets and populations (Appendix A). During the second community engagement phase, these problem statements were vetted with the public through an online platform called “Consider.it,” where participants could rate their agreement with the problem statements. City staff also conducted in-person outreach for problem statement feedback. The top problem statements were identified based on participant feedback, providing high-priority focus areas in the Plan. City staff also conducted pop-ups to gather feedback on the problem statements and shared the vulnerability maps with the public.
In addition, based on top concerns and input into problem statements, the Project Team developed a set of community values and a vision to reflect the issues and desires of the community. The Project Team also developed a suite of Plan goals alongside community values, which were similarly developed through the community engagement process with input from staff. City staff conducted in-person engagement on project vision and values, and these goals formed the basis of the Plan strategies and influenced the organization of the Plan strategies into the five goal areas (see Chapter 0 for a full description of the goals). The vision, goals, and values were shared with the community, and are listed in the subsequent section. 86 Project Process and Community Engagement
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 15 Based on the problem statements, the Project Team prepared a list of adaptation actions by problem statement category. This included identifying work that has already been done to improve resilience and actions to build from existing plans and programs. City department staff reviewed this list, and the Project Team helped to prioritize adaptation policies and actions to incorporate into this Plan. These actions were workshopped and refined to clarify focus and strategy areas while also being organized by community goals. A full list of these adaptation actions can be found in Appendix B.
Figure 4. A visual timeline of the project
Embedding Equity Into the Plan
The City prioritized equity and the Project Team considered it throughout the planning process, from community outreach to vulnerability assessment and adaptation strategy development. Equity was built into outreach through engagement with community-based organizations, including those representing socially vulnerable communities, who took part in listening sessions during the first round of engagement. The vulnerability assessment considered socially vulnerable populations by analyzing where socially vulnerable groups reside and the challenges they may face due to climate change. Finally, in strategy development, the team prioritized actions that promote equity and foster community resilience. This included strategies that protect the City’s most vulnerable populations and prioritize benefits to communities that are disproportionately vulnerable to climate impacts. 87 Project Process and Community Engagement
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 16 Overview of Stakeholders
Throughout the Plan development process, the Project Team engaged the following stakeholder groups:
City of Half Moon Bay Staff
General Public
Cabrillo Unified School District
California State Parks
Coastside Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Coastside County Water District
Coastside Land Trust
Cunha Intermediate School
Grenada Community Service District
Muchia Te’ Indigenous Land Trust
Puente
San Mateo County Parks
San Mateo Resource Conservation District
Sea Hugger
Senior Coastsiders
Community Engagement Phase 1: Understanding
Vulnerabilities
The first round of engagement took place from December 2023 to February 2024. The engagement process included a mix of in-person pop-ups and an online survey designed to reach community members who would be less likely to participate in traditional engagement opportunities and to reach a broader audience. Approximately 15% of in-person participants in the first round were Spanish speakers.
The next round of community outreach assessed the community needs and vulnerabilities to hazards in Half Moon Bay. This phase included pop-ups throughout the community, an online survey, an educational curriculum for students, and listening sessions with representatives from environmental, recreation, transportation, government, and community organizations. Overall, there were at least 337 separate touchpoints with community members during this phase of engagement. Further information on the separate components of these rounds of engagement is provided below.
Project Kick-off Pop-ups
The first round of pop-ups took place in January 2023 throughout the community. The Project Team conducted a dot-voting exercise for the public, which showcased climate hazards including sea level rise, winter storms, drought, wildfire, and increased heat, along with their respective secondary impacts. The Project Team asked the community which climate impacts they were most concerned about. The community was also presented with a map of Half Moon Bay and asked to identify the areas of Half Moon Bay they loved, and which areas they wanted to protect.
Student Engagement
In addition to the community pop-ups, the Project Team created a student curriculum, worksheets, a scavenger hunt, and a similar dot-voting activity for middle school students in Half Moon Bay. This curriculum included a presentation for students to learn about climate hazards and impacts, and Figure 5. The Project Team at a
pop-up event in Half Moon Bay
(source: Blue Point Planning)
88 Project Process and Community Engagement
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 17 the expected increases in frequency and severity of climate hazards in the next century. Approximately 40 students participated.
Community Pop-ups
Community pop-ups were held at Mac Dutra Park, the Ted Adcock Community Center, and the Half Moon Bay Library. The Project Team conducted a dot-voting exercise for the public which showcased climate hazards including sea level rise, winter storms, drought, wildfire, and increased heat and their respective secondary impacts, and asked the community which climate impacts they were most concerned about. The community was also presented with a map of Half Moon Bay and asked what areas of Half Moon Bay that they loved, and which areas they wanted to protect. These pop-ups garnered over 55 individual responses and project staff talked to more than 100 community members.
Figure 5. Engagement Community Pop-up events (source: Blue Point Planning) Online Survey
The Project Team also hosted an online survey alongside the community pop-ups that was open until the end of February 2024. The survey asked similar questions to the pop-ups with the aim of identifying the community’s concerns about climate hazards. The survey received 178 responses.
Community Listening Sessions
In addition to understanding community concerns around climate hazards, the Project Team held four listening sessions with representatives from 13 community stakeholder groups, including leaders from CBOs and local agency staff, to understand more about the challenges, needs, and opportunities of each of these organizations.
The listening sessions were split up by Environment and Conservation, Recreation and Transportation; Government Agencies; and Community Organizations such as social services organizations. In addition, City staff also did one-on-one outreach with a tribal representative from the Muchia Te’ Indigenous Land Trust.
Overall Findings from Engagement
Listed below are the overall findings from the first round of engagement activities. • Overall, the Half Moon Bay community is “extremely” or “quite” concerned (the top two most concerned survey options) about the impacts of climate change.
• Overall, 74% of the community is very concerned about coastal erosion caused by sea level rise and winter storms, with a further 20% stating they were somewhat concerned. 89 Project Process and Community Engagement
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 18 • Community members indicated they are concerned with power outages caused by any hazard, particularly during winter storms and flooding, and road blockages. • The community is concerned about impacts on water use due to drought. • The community is concerned about poor air quality in the event of a wildfire. • The community survey found that residents are most concerned about secondary climate impacts:
impacts to the natural landscape (65%) and housing/property values (44%), with the remaining categories receiving 38–39%.
• The coastline is a major asset, and participants love and want to protect the beach and coastal trail. • The community identified impacts on mental health, emergency preparedness, tsunamis, and wave flooding as other top concerns during the pop-ups.
• The community has faced excess flooding, particularly in creeks and rivers. The community is concerned with dead trees and trash that are causing these pile-ups. • The community expressed the need for emergency preparedness and community reliance and importance of strong communication channels for the following reasons:
– The community recognizes that Half Moon Bay is in a remote location with limited routes in and out. In cases of emergency or road closures the City and its neighboring communities, who often rely on key City services, are often isolated and unable to get aid or resources into Half Moon Bay or able to evacuate out of Half Moon Baye.
– The community often faces power outages that last multiple days, leaving many without internet access, phone service, or fresh food.
• Additional support services for seniors should be provided during emergencies. • Senior Coastsiders and the High School offer spaces and resources to create Resilience Hubs and act as shelters for the community to go to in times of emergency. Expanding and bolstering these Resilience Hubs can help connect Half Moon Bay with other nearby Coastside communities and provide areas of refuge to these communities.
• The community is interested in affordable renewable energy sources, especially for its most vulnerable residents, like solar energy with increased energy storage.
Community Engagement Phase 2: Priority Setting
Phase 2 of the engagement took place between August and September 2024 and included in-person outreach at the Half Moon Bay Library, a City Council Meeting, the Senior Coastsiders lunchtime service, and Make It Main Street's back-to-school night. The Project Team also solicited input on problem statements through the online platform Consider.it, which asks users to rate their agreement with each problem statement with the opportunity to provide comments for feedback, similar to the in-person exercise. A total of 13 users participated via the online platform. In-person engagement included four pop-up events, during which City staff interacted with approximately 119 people, resulting in 47 completed surveys (which asked the same set of questions as the online platform). This brought the total survey participation to 60 individuals when combining in-person and online responses. Additionally,132 individual touchpoints were achieved by adding the 13 online responses to the 119 in-person engagements. Below are the top three hazards from the problem statements that received the highest level of agreement during this round of engagement:
• High winds can lead to trees falling and downing power lines, which can block roadways and cause dangerous situations for residents and visitors. These events can also disrupt electrical and communication connections to the broader region.
e Many community members expressed concerns about evacuation. Evacuation is a significant issue for the community and is being considered in the Safety Element update. 90 Project Process and Community Engagement
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 19 • Wildfire can lead to road closures, damage to roads and transportation infrastructure, and also have indirect impacts such as reduced visibility due to wildfire smoke and an increased likelihood of washouts post-fire. Wildfire risk in the region can also lead to public safety power shut-offs, which shut off electricity in the City and beyond, sometimes including infrastructure such as cell towers, traffic lights, and pump stations.
• Flooding impacts, especially to the SAM Wastewater Treatment Plant, are a concern. This facility has flooded in the past and remains at an elevated risk of future flooding in extreme storm events.
Figure 6. Priority setting community engagement event outside of City Hall (source: City of Half Moon Bay) 91 Values and Goals
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 20 5 4
Values & Goals
92 Values and Goals
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 21
4. Vision, Values, and Goals
Vision and Values
Based on input gathered from the community engagement described in the previous chapter, the Project Team developed a series of values and goals to guide the Adaptation Plan effort, which in turn contributed to the Plan’s vision. The Plan’s vision for the City of Half Moon Bay is to be better prepared for future hazards and climate impacts by reducing the impact of climate change and disasters, and by ensuring equitable recovery from disasters when they do occur. This vision formed from community values gathered during the first engagement round: working across the City to form community and resilience to climate impacts, developing regional connections to support regional resilience, supporting vulnerable populations, and safeguarding natural systems.
Below is a list of community values that can help achieve this vision.
Figure 7. Project values including community, connection, equity, and nature 93 Values and Goals
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 22 Goals
The first round of community engagement resulted in the following project goals (see Figure 8). City staff and subsequent engagement activities vetted and confirmed the initial goals. These goals reflect the community’s focus for adaptation and serve as the organizing structure for the Plan and strategies. By grounding the Plan in community goals, strategies and actions are more closely aligned to community values and can be more effectively supported and implemented. Each goal serves a distinct community need and has specific City departments associated with action implementation (see Chapter 6). With this approach, each department or community audience can reference this document and use it to help guide future efforts and work priorities.
Figure 8. Project goals developed in conjunction with City staff and the community 94 City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 23 5 Vulnerability
Assessment
95 Vulnerability Assessment
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 24
5. Vulnerability Assessment
Overview
The City of Half Moon Bay faces a range of climate-related hazards, including wildfire, coastal and fluvial flooding, landslides, coastal erosion, storm wave flooding, and increased extreme heat events. These hazards can lead to cascading impacts that disrupt infrastructure, businesses, services, and quality of life, potentially causing longterm or even permanent changes.
Climate change hazards interact with the community’s preexisting conditions to determine the level of vulnerability for specific assets, services, or population groups. These conditions include sensitivities such as aging stormwater infrastructure, a shortage of affordable housing, and the community’s adaptive capacity. Adaptive capacity varies based on factors like civic engagement, legal or political challenges, and staffing or funding limitations.
This chapter assesses exposure to climate hazards in conjunction with sector-specific sensitivities and adaptive capacities, providing a comprehensive overview of the most significant vulnerabilities across the City’s social, economic, natural, and built systems.
The most prominent climate change hazards include the following:
• Wildfire and extreme heat, which could directly impact homes, businesses, and infrastructure and have indirect impacts on a wide range of systems, including human health. • Drought conditions are projected to rise, impacting ecosystems, water resources, and the local economy. • Emergent groundwater which could be problematic in low-lying areas such as around the mouth of Pilarcitos Creek (Barnard et. al. 2018 and Befus et. al. 2020). • Stormwater and fluvial flooding events could increase, leading to disruptions and damage in low-lying areas.
• Coastal erosion and sea level rise could threaten homes, roads, recreation areas, and utilities along the shoreline (Barnard et. al. 2018).
• High winds and other secondary impacts such as tree fall could lead to disruptions to power distribution systems and other utilities.
• Debris flow and landslides could increase due to more intense precipitation and other cascading impacts. The hazard will be highest on steep slopes and creekbanks. • Decreased coastal fog could have impacts on agriculture and coastal habitat areas, especially redwood forests (Johnstone and Dawson, 2009 and O’Brien et al. 2013)f .
Sensitivities and adaptive capacities are characterized by:
• High cost of living impacts the potential adaptive capacity of the community, and especially socially vulnerable populations, including seniors, low-income residents, agricultural workers, and unhoused individuals. Socially vulnerable populations who are exposed to multiple hazards might not be supported by social systems and often lack adaptive capacity.
• Aging and undersized stormwater systems, particularly in older neighborhoods, and even newer neighborhoods that may have deferred maintenance.
• Limited redundancy in utility services that are prone to closure from landslides, flooding, and wind. f The future of coastal fog under climate change remains uncertain and a topic of continued research, however, researches at USGS have found a 33% reduction in terrestrial fog frequency since the early 20th century, and researchers at eh University of Santa Cruz have projected a 12- 20 percent reduction in coastal fog by 2070.
96 Vulnerability Assessment
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 25 • Confined geographies and limited space affecting where Highways and other systems can be rerouted.
These intersecting hazards and sensitivities result in the highest vulnerabilities in:
• The water supply sector, where the collection, storage, and distribution systems have an extremely high degree of exposure to climate change hazards including wildfire, landslides, and changes in precipitation, and the system is particularly sensitive due to limited redundancy and sensitivity to cascading hazards such as reduced snowpack.
• Socially vulnerable groups, who face compounding risks from a wide range of climate impacts and face systemic barriers to recovery.
• Critical infrastructure and transportation corridors, which include Highway 92, where damage or disruption can cascade through other systems and services and affect emergency response, communications, and economic stability.
Overall, vulnerability in Half Moon Bay is driven not just by exposure to climate hazards, but by the ways in which preexisting conditions—like outdated infrastructure, socioeconomic disparities, and geographic constraints— amplify risk and reduce resilience. In the following vulnerability assessment, a narrative with supporting tables and maps outlines the vulnerabilities to the City. In the subsequent chapter (Chapter 6. Adaptation Strategies), the vulnerabilities detailed here are used to inform a suite of adaptation strategies.
Vulnerability Assessment Introduction
Half Moon Bay is already experiencing the effects of climate change, and these impacts are expected to intensify in the coming decades. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, increased wildfire risk, coastal erosion, flooding, and sea level rise threaten the City’s residents, infrastructure, ecosystems, and economy. These hazards do not act in isolation; rather, they interact through cascading and compounding effects that can overwhelm systems and accelerate damage.
Local and regional infrastructure and utilities are critical for community function, and much of these assets and services are highly exposed to climate change and climate hazards, which is compounded by the Coastside’s remote and rural nature. As mentioned in the section above, the City’s water supply is highly vulnerable to climate change. This sector includes the imported water supply from the Tuolumne Watershed and the regional surface water supply from the local watersheds. Not only will climate change bring greater uncertainty in precipitation on which the water supply depends, but the pumping and conveyance infrastructure, which is located in and traverses rugged terrain, is highly exposed to wildfire, fluvial flood hazards, landslide and earth movement, and a range of cascading impacts including sedimentation and pollution burden. The Coastside County Water District (CCWD) has developed an Urban Water Management Plan (2021) that outlines the goals, strategies, and actions to address these vulnerabilities. CCWD’s plan sets a vision for developing adaptive capacity, and the City has an opportunity to find alignment with and partner with this agency to ensure success for this vision. 97 Vulnerability Assessment
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 26 Figure 9. Pilarcitos Reservoir, located north of Half Moon Bay within the San Francisco Peninsula watershed, a 23,000-acre protected area managed by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (Photo: Coastside Buzz) Certain areas of the City face elevated risks from climate change hazards due to their geographic location and specific vulnerabilities. Many of the greenhouses are situated in areas prone to wildfires and landslides. Due to the nature of their operations, these businesses are particularly sensitive to changes in temperature and water availability, making them highly vulnerable to climate-related impacts. Half Moon Bay High School is also at risk, not only because of its physical location, but also because of the population it serves, which may be more susceptible to disruption caused by climate events. The former Half Moon Bay landfill, now owned and managed by San Mateo County, is another critical site of concern. Located near the coast at the end of Poplar Street, this 14-acre parcel is exposed to coastal wave action, increasing the risk of coastal erosion. Failure at this site could have serious consequences, potentially exposing humans and wildlife to buried waste and allowing contaminants to reach the Pacific Ocean. There is, however, some adaptive capacity at the landfill site. To address erosion risks, a cap has been constructed to help stabilize the bluff. In 2021, Anchor QEA conducted a comprehensive geotechnical assessment of the site. The evaluation included a range of bluff armoring alternatives and concluded with specific recommendations to further reduce erosion risk (Anchor QEA, 2021).
Figure 10. Former landfill and landfill cap, located at Poplar Beach (source: City of Half Moon Bay) 98 Vulnerability Assessment
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 27 The sections below outline the hazards facing Half Moon Bay, along with the populations, assets, and services that are most sensitive to those hazards. The assessment highlights that while climate change presents risks citywide, certain sectors—such as water supply, stormwater infrastructure, transportation, and socially vulnerable populations—are particularly exposed due to their location, structural condition, or capacity to withstand trauma.
By identifying the areas of greatest vulnerability, this assessment provides the foundation for strategic planning, investment, and community engagement to reduce risk and build resilience. It is intended to inform not only climate adaptation strategies, but also land use decisions and infrastructure investments that will shape the future health and sustainability of Half Moon Bay. The vulnerability assessment and the problem statements helped support the selection of climate adaptation and resilience goals (outlined previously in Chapter 0), as well as the prioritization of adaptation strategies that can help increase community resilience (Chapter 6).
Methodology
The vulnerability assessment focused on determining the threat of different types of hazards to different systems within the Half Moon Bay community. Vulnerability to climate change hazards is evaluated based on three main criteria: 1) exposure to hazards, 2) population, asset, or service sensitivity to hazards, and 3) the adaptive capacity of the population, asset, or service. The following sections outline the steps taken to perform the vulnerability assessment, including how hazards were characterized, how system-specific sensitivities were identified, and how vulnerability rankings were derived to prioritize areas of greatest concern.
Climate Change Hazards
This Plan utilizes multiple standard data sources to assess and understand climate hazards for Half Moon Bay.
To assess a full range of potential vulnerabilities, this Plan considers two standard scenariosg:
• A medium emissions scenario where global greenhouse gases peak in 2045 and then decline (also known as RCP 4.5), and
• A high emissions scenario where global emissions continue to rise through the end of the century unabated (also known as RCP 8.5) h
Critical data sets and climate hazard considerations for the Vulnerability Assessment include changes in precipitation, increased temperature, and drought stress. i These datasets provide a historic baseline from which to consider future conditions out to 2070 to 2099. Climate change scenarios analyzed in this study used localized (or downscaled) data from California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment to identify the ranges in both the magnitude and timing of climate-change-related impacts. These scenarios are used to develop climate stressors that impact relationships for the cascading impacts, problem statements, and hazard rankings. They are applied using professional judgment based on available data sources and climate planning practices as outlined in the 2020 California Adaptation Planning Guide (CalOES 2020). These processes helped account for uncertainty and support conservative planning assumptions when identifying vulnerabilities. g CAP phase 1 covers emissions scenarios in more depth. h The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) uses a range of global climate models (GCMs) to project future climate changes and related hazards. These GCMs are based on a range of relative concentration pathways (RCPs) that relate scenarios of development patterns with emission scenarios, and this study has evaluated both RCPs 4.5 and 8.5 to provide a range of future climate change scenarios.
Note that the latest Sixth Assessment IPPC report uses CMIP6, which relies on SSPs (Shared Socioeconomic Pathways) rather than RCPs.
SSPs encompass broader socioeconomic factors influencing climate change, providing a more holistic view of future scenarios. However, as most prior reports and most of the model data relies on CMIP5, this study has continued to use RCPs to maintain consistency. i These data were sourced from CalAdapt (cal-adapt.org), an online tool that presents historical and modeled projections based on 10 different global climate models that have been localized to 3.7-mile by 3.7-mile grids. These projections are forecasted to the end of the century (2070 to 2099) and are compared to a modeled historical baseline (1961 to 1990). 99 Vulnerability Assessment
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 28 Cascading Impacts
Climate hazards do not occur in isolation. Each one can set off a chain of secondary effects that ripple across systems and amplify overall risk. These cascading impacts occur when an initial stressor—such as a prolonged drought coupled with high winds—triggers additional hazards such as wildfire, which then leads to disruptions and impacts such as power outages, degraded air or water quality, or disruption to emergency/essential services.
Because different sectors depend on interconnected systems, the same initial hazard may lead to different outcomes depending on where and how it occurs.
The vulnerability assessment considered cascading impacts unique to Half Moon Bay, and these relationships are illustrated in the network diagram in Figure 11, which links primary climate change drivers—increased heat, sea level rise, altered precipitation patterns (represented as the largest nodes)—to specific hazards and secondary impacts they can initiate. These hazards, in turn, have impacts on critical systems such as infrastructure, water supply, ecosystems, human health, and emergency services. Feedback loops can intensify these interactions; for example, wildfire is worsened by high heat and wind, which can further dry vegetation and increase local temperatures, reinforcing fire-prone conditions. This network diagram is an example of using a systems-based approach, which helps identify where risks may compound and where targeted resilience strategies can have the greatest effect. The idea of cascading impacts and interconnectedness is core to this document, and the links between climate stressors and potential impacts informed the development adaptation strategies that have impacts across vulnerabilities.
By way of illustration, certain stressors and hazards will have greater and further-reaching effects with more cascading impacts than others. The relative impact can be seen in Figure 11 as the greater number of linkages associated with wildfire than the number of linkages associated with reduced fog. While both hazards have significant impacts, the threat of wildfire is likely to have a greater impact on Half Moon Bay’s systems than reduced fog.
How the chain of events may play out depends on community decisions and the community’s ability to mitigate and adapt to climate change. As climate-related natural disasters become more frequent and intense, costs for disaster response and relief are anticipated to increase. This may create a financial burden on the community, which may affect some groups more than others, such as underserved communities and socially vulnerable populations. In addition, a loss of homes and businesses in fire- or flood-prone areas may reduce the City of Half Moon Bay’s income from property and sales taxes. Climate change is also anticipated to impact public buildings, critical infrastructure, the transportation network, and community services, which may affect ratepayers directly, as well as impact the quality of service that the community expects. The cost of upkeep, mitigation measures, and recovery post-disaster could have significant impacts on the fiscal health of the City, County, and State. The anticipated financial burden reflects how initiative-taking measures and allocating resources and investment in climate change protection strategies now will function as insurance against the costliest impacts that are projected in this assessment.
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 29 Figure 11. Primary climate change and environmental drivers with their associated cascading impacts that will likely affect social, economic, and life-sustaining systems. 101
Vulnerability Assessment
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 30 Hazards Considered
The hazards evaluated in this vulnerability assessment reflect the wide-ranging consequences of shifting environmental stressors and are depicted as secondary nodes in Figure 11 (see the medium-sized circles, e.g.
Drought, Stormwater Flooding etc.). As summarized in Table 1, these hazards are grouped into three categories:
Rising Temperatures and Changes in Precipitation (e.g., extreme heat, drought, wildfire, fluvial flooding); Sea Level Rise and Coastal Hazards (e.g., coastal wave flooding, cliff and dune erosion); and Escalating Climate Stressors and Secondary Effects (e.g., high-intensity winds, declining ocean health, and other systemic disruptions).
Table 1. Climate Change Hazards and Data Sets Evaluated in the Vulnerability Assessment (Data sets are noted in parentheses).
Rising Temperatures and Changes in Precipitation
• Increased Agricultural and Ecological Drought (CalAdapt) • Increased Extreme Heat (CalAdapt)
• Increased Fire Weather and Wildfire Threat (CalAdapt and CAL FIRE) • Stormwater Flooding and Fluvial Flooding (FEMA and Other Studies) • Increase in Landslides, Debris Flow, and Terrestrial Erosion (CGS) Sea Level Rise and Coastal Hazards
• Increase in Coastal Wave Flooding (USGS, FEMA)
• Increase in Coastal Erosion, both Dune and Cliff (USGS, Pacific Institute, and Integral Consulting’s Miramontes Point Study)
• Emerging Groundwater and Saltwater Intrusion (USGS)
Escalating Climate Stressors and Secondary Effects
• Decreased fog (USGS Pacific Coastal Fog Project)
• Increase in High Intensity Winds and Extreme Weather
• Reduced Air Quality and Increase in Smoke
• Reduced Ocean Health including Warming, Acidity, Changes in Upwelling, and Increased Contamination • Increased Pollution Burden including Contaminants and Silt • Changes to Biodiversity, Ecosystems and an Increase in Pests Sector Descriptions and Data Sources
Hazards were assessed for Half Moon Bay’s social, economic, natural, and built systems, which were organized into community sectors. Community sectors comprised different elements such as key populations, assets, and services. Some of these elements have management structures such as City of Half Moon Bay, the County of San Mateo, the State of California, PG&E, or the CCWD, and when applicable, those entities are noted in the vulnerability assessment tables (Tables 2–8).
In conversation with City staff, the community sectors included sensitive populations; sensitive structures; areas of natural, cultural, economic and social importance; and key infrastructure systems and critical public services.
These sectors are detailed below.
Socially vulnerable populations include sensitive community groups and rely on data collected by the American Community Survey (ACS).These populations were mapped by neighborhood and indicate areas with a higher percentage of Fixed Income, Low Income, Renters, Linguistically Isolated, Small Business Owners, Service 102
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 31 Industry Workers, Agricultural Workers, Children (under 5), Seniors (65+), Unhoused or Housing Insecure, Climate Refuges, Disabled, Low Resourced People of Color, Visitors, Residents of Mobile Home Parks, Unemployed, and Persons without High School Diplomas.
Homes and businesses include most structures in the City, with building footprints sourced from Microsoft Building Footprints in 2024. These were organized by place, with neighborhoods grouped by North Coastal, North Inland, North Central Coastal, North Central Inland, South Central Coastal, Downtown and 92 Corridor, South Coastal, and South Inland.
Transportation includes state roads, local roads, and public transportation. Transportation data were sourced from OpenStreetMap and the County of San Mateo. This sector does not include active transportation infrastructure such as the California Coastal Trail; this asset has been included in the ‘Parks, beaches, and open space’ sector analysis.
Parks, beaches, and open space include all natural and managed parks and open space areas, including active recreation trails. Open space data were sourced from the California Protected Areas Database. These include the following:
• Natural assets: California state beaches and campgrounds. • Active transportation and recreation: California Coastal Trail, East Side Parallel Trail and Naomi Patridge Trail.
• City parks and other recreation facilities: John L. Carter Memorial Park, Kitty Fernandez Park, Frenchmans Creek Park, Ocean View Park, Smith Field, Oak Avenue Park, Mac Dutra Park, Main Street Park Playground, Moonridge Playground, Skate Park, and Kehoe Park. • City beaches: Cañada Verde/Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Poplar Beach, Surfers Beach.
Economy, business sector, workforce includes the tourist economy, agricultural economy, blue economy/ocean economy, construction workforce, office and institutional workforce, transportation workforce, and service workforce. Due to the highly distributed nature of the businesses and the workforce, this category was not mapped.
Utilities and public services include the critical public services upon which the community depends. These services were further subdivided between regional and local public services. Due to the locational sensitivity of these assets, they were not mapped in the assessment.
Regional utilities and services include the following:
• Energy: Lines and substation, managed by PG&E.
• Communications and internet: Lines, towers, and underground utilities, managed by AT&T, Verizon, and others.
• Wastewater: Treatment plant, lines, tanks, pumps stations, outfall, managed by SAM, City of Half Moon Bay, the Granada Community Services District, and Montara Sanitary District. • Water supply: Regional and local water supply, lines, pump stations, storage tanks, managed by the CCWD and SFPUD.
• Emergency response: Fire and police services, managed by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and the Coastside Fire Protection District.
Locally Managed Infrastructure and Facilities include the stormwater drainage system, outfalls, the corporate yard, schools, and other public buildings.
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 32 Assessment Method
Vulnerability to climate change hazards was evaluated using a vulnerability score, which encompasses a hazard ranking as well as the sensitivity and the current adaptive capacity of a population, asset, or service. A figure illustrating this relationship is provided in Figure 12.
Hazard Ranking
The hazard ranking reflects how much a specific threat—like flooding or heat—might affect different parts of the community. The ranking is based on two main ideas: how likely the hazard is now and, in the future (timing), and how widespread or intense the impact could be (exposure). Timing came from future climate projections described in CalAdapt and from the Phase 1 CAP, and exposure was informed through evaluation of spatially explicit hazard zones and evaluation of the Cascading Impacts network diagram (Figure 11). Every sector has specific elements with varying hazard timings and exposures, and these were quantified using a simple high, medium, or low scale, where:
• Low signifies that community members may not notice much change, or the damage and interruptions may be minor. Generally, this included hazards that are expected to be less severe in the near- to midterm (out to 2050). • Medium signifies noticeable impacts to the community with corresponding impact to the quality of life.
Damage, service interruptions, and other impacts are expected. • High signifies that the well-being of the community declines significantly, and buildings, infrastructure, and services will not function as intended or meet community demand. These hazards are also associated with a severe risk of injury or death to people or of significant or total ecosystem loss.
Generally, this includes hazards that are expected to be more severe in the near-to mid-term (out to 2050).
For each hazard category (rising temperatures and changes in precipitation, sea level rise and coastal hazards, escalating climate stressors and secondary effects), individual hazards were cumulated to create a category hazard ranking. These rankings were then weighted and cumulated to create the overall hazard rankings.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is the degree to which the sector element would be affected by exposure to a hazard. It is informed by preexisting conditions, which might increase the level of sensitivity. There are many ways sensitivity can be defined for each sector element, depending on whether the sector element is a population, an asset, or a service.
In general, a sector element that is highly sensitive may lose its primary function or experience severe disruptions if exposed to any degree of hazard. If a sector element will lose only part of its function, it is considered moderately sensitive, and if a sector element can maintain its primary function(s) during exposure, it is defined as low sensitivity.
Current Adaptive Capacity
Current adaptive capacity refers to the sector element's ability to function during or recover quickly from any temporary impact (either with no or very little intervention), as well as its ability to adapt to potential impacts or changes resulting from climate hazards. An example of high adaptive capacity would be a facility with backup generators, emergency plans, or an ability to move its primary functions to less hazardous locations. A sector element with a low adaptive capacity would be one that does not have any plans in place, or is unable to maintain or quickly restore operations or functionality following hazard impacts. Barriers that affect adaptive capacity include costs or other resource constraints, lack of available space for relocation, restricted access to technological and other resources, lack of support from decision-makers, and limited access to alternatives that meet the same level of service.
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 33 Figure 12. Factors considered in the vulnerability assessment The vulnerability score is made up of the hazard ranking, sensitivity capacity score, and adaptive capacity score for each sector element. The vulnerability score represents the degree of urgency associated with the level of climate change risk for each element. For example, consider unhoused or housing-insecure individuals (see the first row of Table 2 on pg. 3737), a subgroup within the socially vulnerable populations. This group faces very high exposure to hazards related to rising temperatures and changes in precipitation, and high exposure to escalating climate stressors and cascading impacts. However, because unhoused individuals do not have fixed housing locations, their general exposure to sea level rise hazards is low. These factors together result in a high overall hazard ranking. Due to this population’s limited resources, higher rates of chronic health conditions, and other societal barriers, this population also has low adaptive capacity and high sensitivity, leading to a very high sensitivity ranking. When combined, these elements result in a very high overall vulnerability.
Data Limitations and Disclaimer
There are inherent limitations and uncertainties in the vulnerability assessment analysis that stem from gaps in the data, as well as difficulties in summarizing complex systems. One example of a data gap can be found in the ACS from the U.S. Census Bureau, which often overlooks certain segments of the community (e.g., homeless populations, undocumented immigrants). The spatial aggregation method at the census block group level may hide small population groups or localized differences in populations within the block group. j In addition, the
hazards data may have gaps or significant uncertainty when projecting changes in future time horizons. For instance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 100-year flood zone was not available for some portions of Pilarcitos Creek and was supplemented with model data from separate studies. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Fire Hazard Severity Zones also have significant uncertainty, as the zones are based on existing vegetation, land use, fire history, and terrain, but cannot account for the wide range of potential future states, and uncertainties extend to natural system responses that are difficult to project with confidence. For instance, potential shifts in coastal fog patterns, groundwater behavior, and vegetation dynamics may significantly influence local ecosystems and long-term climate impacts but remain only partially understood due to limited localized data and monitoring. j This is partly done because of the ACS sample sizes, i.e. it wouldn’t be reliable at lower scales even if it were available. 105
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 34 Results
The results of the vulnerability assessment are divided into two sections. The first consists of a vulnerability assessment narrative and tables, and the second section consists of maps.
Sector Narratives and Vulnerability Tables
Socially Vulnerable Populations
Socially vulnerable groups in Half Moon Bay include, but are not limited to, seniors, children, mobile home residents, individuals with health sensitivities or mobility limitations, racially marginalized groups, individuals facing language isolation, and low-income community members. These populations are presented first in the sectoral vulnerability assessment to emphasize their importance. Unlike community assets and services, where physical damage and losses from climate hazards can often be quantified and repaired, harm to people is not easily monetized. While structures and utilities support quality of life, they can be rebuilt or restored. For socially vulnerable groups, the consequences of hazard exposure can be lasting, compounding, and far-reaching.
Almost all socially vulnerable groups (except for tourists) received very high vulnerability rankings due to the combination of high exposure and sensitivity. The reason tourists did not have this high vulnerability is due to their very low sensitivity (i.e., they are only visiting Half Moon Bay and can more easily leave or avoid traveling to Half Moon Bay during a climate hazard, and also do not have their homes or businesses located in Half Moon Bay).
Hazard Ranking
Among all climate-related hazards, extreme heat, wildfire, and air quality degradation pose the greatest threats to socially vulnerable groups due to their widespread exposure and increasing timing (likelihood and frequency of occurrence). These hazards are already affecting the region and are projected to worsen with climate change.
Socially vulnerable groups are often exposed to these hazards at higher rates because of where they live or work.
For example, Half Moon Bay has a substantial number of outdoor workers, many in agriculture, who are already being exposed to higher temperatures and poor air quality with limited current adaptive capacity.
During the July 2023 heat wave in California, agricultural workers experienced increased risks of heat-related illnesses and reduced work hours. While this event was less severe along the Coastside, in inland communities, the severity of the heat prompted the issuance of a high-heat hazard alert. In response, the Biden administration called on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to develop a federal heat safety standard to protect outdoor workers (U.S. Department of Labor 2024).
Sensitivity and Current Adaptive Capacity
Socially vulnerable populations are highly sensitive to climate hazards because of preexisting social, economic, and health conditions. Sensitivity varies depending on whether the population is defined by age, income, health, housing, or other factors:
• Age is one of the most acute drivers of sensitivity. Half Moon Bay’s population has aged significantly over the past three decades. Between 1990 and 2017, the proportion of children (ages 0–17) declined from
24.1% to 18.8%, while adults aged 65 and older increased from 9.6% to nearly 21% (City of Half Moon Bay 2021). This aging trend matters because older adults are more vulnerable to health impacts from heat and wildfire smoke, particularly those with preexisting respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. • Health conditions such as asthma or cardiovascular disease increase sensitivity, especially for outdoor workers who are chronically exposed to poor air quality and high heat. • Occupational exposure compounds sensitivity. Agricultural workers, already exposed to extreme outdoor conditions, often live in housing that lacks insulation or structural protection from the elements.
The October 2020 heat wave in Half Moon Bay revealed how these vulnerabilities translate into real impact– reduced work hours, greater illness risk, and amplified public concern. 106
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 35 • Housing insecurity also amplifies sensitivity. Homeless populations often reside in exposed areas— under bridges, along creeks, or near wildland-urban interfaces—where hazard exposure is highest. For example, during the January 2023 flooding of Pilarcitos Creek, an encampment near Strawflower Plaza was inundated, putting residents at risk and posing secondary threats to water quality, ecosystems, and public health. Debris from the site was washed downstream, a stark visual of how vulnerability and hazard exposure intersect (Figure 13).
Figure 13. Debris from a homeless encampment that has been washed downriver along Pilarcitos Creek (source:
Integral Consulting)
• Mobile home parks are particularly sensitive due to their structural characteristics. Cañada Cove Mobile Home Park, the largest in the City, is located at the southern end of town and houses a significant number of highly-sensitive residents. Mobile homes may be less resilient to flooding, high winds, and heat due to construction materials, lack of insulation, and limited ability to be retrofitted or reinforced. • Limited affordable housing options, which force people into higher-risk locations or substandard structures.
• Limited public transportation and mobility barriers, especially for seniors or those with disabilities. • High cost of living in coastal communities, which limits financial flexibility during emergencies. • Language isolation, which can prevent residents from receiving or acting on emergency communications.
• Racial inequities and historical disenfranchisement, which affect access to public services, trust in government, and representation in planning decisions.
• Limited access to health insurance and high cost of utilities, which create financial stress during and after hazard events.
• Homelessness is a particularly stark example of low adaptive capacity. When disaster strikes, those without housing have limited ability to find safe shelter or relocate. Discrimination or stigma may further reduce access to public recovery resources. During floods, encampments are not only physically threatened but also excluded from most emergency response systems.
Geographic Distribution of Vulnerability
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 36 While socially vulnerable populations live throughout Half Moon Bay, certain areas are disproportionately affected, as illustrated in Table 2. Spatial analysis using data from the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), based on the U.S. Census ACS, identifies the area south of Kelly Avenue to Main Street and Highway 1—roughly downtown—as having the highest concentration of underserved residents (Figure 32).
These include individuals who are very low-income, disabled, elderly, or living alone. Although this area is relatively close to public services such as the Half Moon Bay Library, the Ted Adcock Community Center, schools, and San Mateo County health offices, proximity does not guarantee access, especially when linguistic, financial, or cultural barriers are present.
Some vulnerable communities are not well-captured in this data. For example, mobile home parks can contain a large share of residents with heightened exposure and limited options for recovery. Because the U.S. Census does not always clearly reflect conditions in manufactured housing communities, targeted outreach and tailored resilience planning are essential for these groups.
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 37 Table 2. Vulnerability assessment for Socially Vulnerable Populations. Each row is a sector element. The weighted hazard ranking is a combined score of the timing and exposure for hazards in three hazard categories (sea level rise, rising temperatures and changes in precipitation, and escalating climate stressors and cascading impacts). The sensitivity ranking takes into account any preexisting conditions and the current adaptive capacity of each sector element. The vulnerability ranking is a combination of the sensitivity and weighted hazard ranking.
Results are given one of five possible rankings: very low, low, moderate, high, or very high.
Socially Vulnerable
Populations Sea Level Rise Ranking
Rising Temperatures and
Changes in Precipitation
Ranking
Escalating Climate Stressors
and Cascading Impacts
Ranking
Weighted Hazard Ranking Sensitivity Ranking Vulnerability Ranking Unhoused or Housing Insecure Low Very High High High Very High Very High Agricultural Workers Low High High High Very High Very High Disabled Low High Moderate High Very High Very High
Seniors (65+) Low Moderate Moderate High Very High Very High Children (under 5) Low Moderate Moderate High Very High Very High Residents of Mobile Home Parks Low High Low High High High Low Resources People of Color Low High Low Moderate High High Low Income Low Moderate Low Moderate High High
Fixed Income Low Moderate Low Moderate High High
Linguistically Isolated Low Moderate Low Moderate High High Unemployed Low Moderate Low Moderate High High
Renters Low High Low Moderate High High
Climate Refugeesk Low Low Low Low High Moderate
Service Industry Workers Moderate Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Persons without HS Degree Low Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Small Business Owners Low Moderate Low Moderate Low Moderate Visitors Moderate Moderate Low Moderate Very Low Low
k Climate refugees are defined as people escaping inland areas during the summer months 109
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 38 Homes, Businesses and Neighborhood Areas
The homes, businesses, and other structures of Half Moon Bay are highly vulnerable to a range of climate-related hazards, including wildfire, riverine and stormwater flooding, landslides, coastal erosion, and extreme wind events. Older structures, rental units, and areas with older and undersized infrastructure were identified as the most imminent sensitivities. Adaptive capacity is related to a variety of factors, including the availability of insurance, ownership status of the structure, permitting, and building code compliance. Assessing these risks and fully understanding existing adaptive capacity is essential for guiding land use decisions, updating building codes, and prioritizing capital improvement planning.
CAL FIRE’s 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) update shows several neighborhoods previously considered lower hazard are now classified in higher hazard categories. Areas of highest hazard, once limited to the Highway 92 Corridor and the north inland area, now extend across more of the eastern half of the city along Highway 1, with the south coastal area newly designated as a moderate fire hazard.
These designations reflect fire hazard, the long-term physical conditions that influence wildfire behavior over a 30 to 50-year period, not risk, which accounts for existing development and mitigation measures (CAL FIRE and OSFM 2025). The Highway 92 Corridor remains particularly vulnerable due to its inland river valley setting, where steep slopes and dense development increase exposure to wildfire as well as landslides, debris flows, and flooding.
Hazards
Several key hazards pose immediate and growing threats to the built environment in Half Moon Bay:
• Wildfire threat is expected to escalate and increase in severity as the climate warms and dry fuels accumulate. Fires can cause direct structural damage, destroy critical infrastructure, and leave communities without power or communication. Exposure is higher in inland neighborhoods east of Highway 1, where nearby vegetation and less defensible space contribute to structural vulnerability. The north, central, and south inland areas, and the downtown and 92 corridor sections of the city are primarily in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones designated by CAL FIRE (Figure 14).
Figure 14. Fire hazard severity zones by neighborhood group, highlight areas of intrinsic, long-term wildfire hazard (not risk) in Half Moon Bay, demonstrating that inland areas east of Highway 1 and the 0 250
500
750
1000
Downtown
and 92
Corridor
North
Central
Coastal
North
Central
Inland
North
Coastal
North Inland South
Central
Coastal
South
Coastal
South Inland
Acres
City of Half Moon Bay - Neighborhood Region
Fire Hazard Severity Zone Area by Neighborhood
Region
Very High
High
Moderate
Non Wildland
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 39 Downtown/Highway 92 Corridor are categorized as High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones based on underlying vegetation, terrain, and climate patterns.( CAL FIRE and OSFM 2025) • Riverine flooding results from intense rainfall that overwhelms creeks and streams, causing water to overtop banks and flow into developed areas. These floodwaters can carry debris, erode foundations, and cause waterlogging of structural materials, leading to long-term building damage. • Stormwater flooding occurs when local drainage infrastructure is unable to handle high volumes of runoff, especially during back-to-back storms or when culverts and drains are blocked. Flooded streets can limit emergency access, damage homes and vehicles, and shut down businesses. Infrastructure in low-lying areas are especially vulnerable to stormwater flooding, including structures near Pilarcitos Creek, Arroyo Leon, Pullman Waterway, Kehoe Waterway, and Frenchmans Creek. Downtown Half Moon Bay and the commercial corridor near Highway 1, including Strawflower Plaza, which experienced flooding in January 2023, demonstrate existing hazard exposure in these areas. Residential neighborhoods such as Miramar can also experience flooding when drainage ditches are overwhelmed by runoff from the surrounding watershed.
• Coastal erosion and storm surge are driven by wave action and sea level rise, undermining shoreline infrastructure including roads and buildings. These events may occur episodically during king tides or major storms, but they are projected to increase in frequency and intensity over time with climate change and sea level rise. The loss of protective coastal features can accelerate inland flooding and infrastructure failure. West Miramar, where homes are located near eroding bluffs, is particularly vulnerable to coastal hazards, with single-family homes and condominiums potentially being exposed by 2100 or earlier. • Extreme wind events often accompany winter storms and pose risks to buildings, utilities, and transportation systems due to falling trees, which can damage roofs, block roads, and knock out power lines. These events are especially severe in fall and winter when trees still have leaves and are weighed down by precipitation. While local projections of future wind intensity remain uncertain, anecdotal and observed storm impacts suggest that such events are a growing concern for the community. Areas along the Highway 92 corridor and areas with older trees, such as El Granada, have a higher vulnerability and have already been impacted, as seen in Figure 15.
Figure 15. Tree down over a house in El Granada (source: CAL FIRE Santa Cruz Unit) These various hazards have cascading impacts. For instance, wildfire may be followed by landslides which are exacerbated by the charred landscape and lack of vegetation, flooding and erosion can expose hazardous waste, and power outages from wind or fire can disrupt communication and emergency services. Compound events— such as a flood during a high-wind storm can intensify damage, complicate response, and prolong recovery times.
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of Half Moon Bay’s buildings to climate hazards varies across the City and is influenced by location, topography, construction type, and the performance of surrounding infrastructure. Several areas of the City are more exposed due to these factors:
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 40 • Limited drainage capacity leads to higher stormwater, and flood sensitivity occurs in neighborhoods with limited drainage capacity and other pre-existing conditions. Moonridge, Kehoe, Casa Del Mar, and portions of Kelly Avenue west of downtown often experience surface flooding during heavy rainfall, leading to property damage and access issues, which can be seen in Figure 16 and Figure 17. • Older infrastructure including older roofs, single-pane windows, and insufficient insulation make these structures more vulnerable to wind, heat, and moisture damage. In some cases, electrical systems and power lines are aboveground, increasing exposure to outages and fire risk during storms or wildfires.
Figure 16. Flooding at Oak Avenue Park (source: City of Half Moon Bay) Figure 17. Flooding off Kelly Avenue (source: City of Half Moon Bay) 112
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 41 Table 3. Vulnerability assessment for Homes, Businesses and Neighborhood Areas. Each row is a sector element. The weighted hazard ranking is a combined score of the timing and exposure for hazards in three hazard categories (sea level rise, rising temperatures and changes in precipitation, and escalating climate stressors and cascading impacts). The sensitivity ranking takes into account any preexisting conditions and the current adaptive capacity of each sector element. The vulnerability ranking is a combination of the sensitivity and weighted hazard ranking. Results are given one of five possible rankings: very low, low, moderate, high, or very high.
Home, Business, or
Neighborhood Area
Neighborhood
Grouping
Sea Level Rise
Ranking
Rising
Temperatures and
Changes in
Precipitation
Ranking
Escalating Climate
Stressors and
Cascading Impacts
Ranking
Weighted Hazard
Ranking Sensitivity Ranking Vulnerability Ranking
92 Corridor Downtown and 92 Corridor Low High Low Moderate Very High Very High Rocket Farms Greenhouse North Inland Low High Low High Moderate High Former Landfill Site at Poplar St South Central Coastal Moderate Low Low Low High High Johnston House South Inland Low Low Low Low High High
Highway 1 and 92 Gas Stations &
Businesses Downtown and 92 Corridor Low Low Low Low High High Heritage Downtown Downtown and 92 Corridor Low Low Low Low High High West Miramar North Coastal Very High Low Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Moonridge South Inland Low Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Greenhouses South Inland Low Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Cypress Cove Downtown and 92 Corridor Low Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Strawflower Village Plaza North Central Coastal Low Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Hilltop Mobile Home Park Downtown and 92 Corridor Low Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Moderate North Coast Extension to Harbor North Coastal Very High Low Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Belleville North Central Coastal Low Low Low Low Moderate Moderate Canada Cove (Accent Homes) South Coastal Low Low Low Low Moderate Moderate Casa Del Mar North Central Coastal Low Low Low Low Moderate Moderate South Downtown and Senior
Campus Downtown and 92 Corridor Low Low Low Low Moderate Moderate North Downtown Downtown and 92 Corridor Low Low Low Low Moderate Moderate Main Street Park Downtown and 92 Corridor Low Low Low Low Moderate Moderate Frenchmans Creek
Neighborhood North Inland Low Moderate Low Moderate Low Moderate Upper Roosevelt and Pullman
Watersheds North Inland Low Moderate Low Moderate Low Moderate Sea Haven and Spindrift North Central Inland Low Moderate Low Moderate Low Moderate Pilarcitos Park South Central Coastal Low Moderate Low Moderate Low Moderate Glencree Open Space Area North Central Coastal Low Moderate Low Low Low Low Grandview North Central Inland Low Moderate Low Low Low Low Beachwood Open Space Area North Central Inland Low Moderate Low Low Low Low Highland Park and Terrace North Central Inland Low Moderate Low Low Low Low Half Moon Bay RV Park South Coastal Low Low Low Low Low Low 113
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 42 Home, Business, or
Neighborhood Area
Neighborhood
Grouping
Sea Level Rise
Ranking
Rising
Temperatures and
Changes in
Precipitation
Ranking
Escalating Climate
Stressors and
Cascading Impacts
Ranking
Weighted Hazard
Ranking Sensitivity Ranking Vulnerability Ranking
Wavecrest Open Space and
Smith Field Park South Coastal Low Low Low Low Low Low
Ritz-Carlton Hotel South Coastal Moderate Low Low Low Low Low Alsace Loraine South Central Coastal Low Low Low Low Low Low Arleta Park South Central Coastal Low Low Low Low Low Low Half Moon Bay Golf Links South Coastal Moderate High Moderate Moderate Very Low Low Ocean Colony South Coastal Low Low Low Low Low Low
Oceanview Driving Range South Central Coastal Low Low Low Low Very Low Low 114
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 43 Transportation
This sector includes all roadways within the City and includes transportation-related infrastructure and public services such as the Caltrans Corporation Yard.
l Roadways are managed by different entities in the City, with local roads managed by the City’s Public Works Department, and state roads including Highways 1 and 92 managed by Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation. While these state-managed roads are critical to the City’s transportation network, the City does not have direct control over their maintenance or long-term planning. As such, the focus of City actions in this sector will center on City-owned roads. Additionally, the City can play a key role in coordination, communication, and disaster response planning, particularly where statemanaged roads are essential to emergency access and evacuation.
The most vulnerable transportation element is Highway 92, which has a high vulnerability ranking due to its highly sensitive nature, being confined to a narrow river valley and rugged mountain pass.
Hazard Ranking
Among transportation assets, Highway 92 and portions of Highway 1 rank highest in terms of hazard exposure.
These regional roads are vulnerable to a combination of coastal and terrestrial hazards, including flooding, cliff erosion, landslides, and high winds. Due to their critical role in regional connectivity, disruptions along these corridors have citywide implications for mobility, public safety, commerce, and access to services. • Coastal Flooding: Highway 1, north of the city near Surfers Beach, is directly exposed to wave overtopping and seasonal flooding during storm events. Overtopping and ponding of seawater can render the road impassable and contribute to long-term deterioration of the roadway.
Figure 18. Erosion of the walkway and wave overtopping at Surfers Beach (left), waves crashing and overtopping Surfers Beach (right) (sources: City of Half Moon Bay and jamydonaldson) • Cliff Erosion: Erosion poses an ongoing threat along Highway 1. North of the city, between Montara and the Tom Lantos Tunnel at Devil’s Slide, erosion affects long stretches of coastal roadway. South of the city, erosion near Tunitas Creek Beach and Pescadero State Beach has led to emergency mitigation measures, including realignments within the right-of-way and shoreline armoring. l However, the City’s Public Works Corps Yard is included in local infrastructure and facilities sector to maintain sector cohesion. 115
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 44 Figure 19. Slumping and erosion on Highway 1 near Pescadero (source: Coastside Buzz) • Flooding: Highway 92 passes through low-lying areas along Pilarcitos Creek, where creekside flooding threatens both the roadway and nearby homes and tourism-oriented businesses.
Figure 20. Flooding of businesses and Highway 92 (source: Coastside Buzz) • High winds: High wind events along Highway 92 often cause tree falls and downed power lines, prompting lane closures and traffic delays during storms. • Landslides and ground movement: In 2023, a sinkhole developed along Highway 92 due to a Caltrans culvert failure, closing the road in both directions and highlighting the corridor’s vulnerability to subsurface failures.
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 45 Figure 21. Sinkhole along Highway 92 (Source KTVU Fox)
Alternate east–west routes, such as Highway 84, offer limited redundancy, and were themselves closed for extended periods in 2023 due to landslides, tree fall, and fire risk.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity in the transportation sector is driven by structural and design limitations that make roads more likely to experience damage or prolonged closures when exposed to hazards. Key contributing factors include:
• Limited structural redundancy, where few alternate routes exist and detours are long or hazard-prone • Aging pavement, drainage systems, and retaining infrastructure, which is more prone to failure under stress
• Constrained rights-of-way that limit realignment and repair options and complicate emergency response • Undersized or outdated stormwater systems, which contribute to roadbed saturation and erosion • Critical choke points, where a single disruption, such as at an intersection, bridge, or tunnel, can block access to or from the wider network
These characteristics increase sensitivity along the following key corridors:
• Highway 92 regularly experiences closures due to fallen trees, drainage issues, and ground movement/ slope instability. Its steep terrain, narrow roadway, and aging infrastructure leave it prone to long-duration outages, as seen in the 2023 sinkhole event, which closed the road in both directions. • Highway 1 is sensitive in confined low-lying areas near the coast and along steep cliffsides. This includes segments near Surfers Beach, Devil’s Slide, and Pescadero. • The Tom Lantos Tunnel serves as a critical pinch point. Disruptions here affect the entire regional connectivity north of the city, with few alternative routes available.
These sensitivities amplify the impacts of coastal erosion, flooding, and storm events, often resulting in full closures, and limited access for residents, businesses, and emergency responders. 117
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 46 Table 4. Vulnerability assessment table for Transportation thoroughfares and features at risk. Each row is a sector element. The weighted hazard ranking is a combined score of the timing and exposure for hazards in three hazard categories (sea level rise, rising temperatures and changes in precipitation, and escalating climate stressors and cascading impacts). The sensitivity ranking takes into account any preexisting conditions and the current adaptive capacity of each sector element. The vulnerability ranking is a combination of the sensitivity and weighted hazard ranking. Results are given one of five possible rankings: very low, low, moderate, high, or very high.
Assets and Areas
at Risk
Management
Entity(s)
Sea Level Rise
Ranking
Rising
Temperatures and
Changes in
Precipitation
Ranking
Escalating Climate
Stressors and
Cascading Impacts
Ranking
Weighted Hazard
Ranking Sensitivity Ranking Vulnerability Ranking
Highway 92 Caltrans Low High Low Moderate Very High Very High County Roads San Mateo County Moderate High Low High Moderate High Local Roads City of Half Moon Bay Moderate Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Highway 84 Caltrans Low High Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Highway 1 South Caltrans Moderate Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Highway 1 North Caltrans Moderate Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Highway 1 in City Caltrans Moderate Low Low Low Moderate Moderate County Bus Lines City of Half Moon Bay Moderate High Low High Low Moderate Half Moon Bay Airport San Mateo County Low Low Low Moderate Low Moderate Caltrans Yard Caltrans Low Low Low Low Low Low
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 47 Parks, Beaches, and Open Space
This sector includes managed parks, open spaces, natural habitat areas, and recreational sites within the City of Half Moon Bay. These areas provide physical and mental health benefits, attract tourism, and support essential ecosystem functions that contribute to the City’s overall resilience.
Most parks and open space areas received high hazard rankings for individual hazards; however, due to the higher adaptive capacity of this sector in general, none received very high vulnerability rankings. The locations with high vulnerability rankings were mostly beaches that are threatened by coastal erosion and flooding due to sea level rise and may have limited space to retreat inland due to cliff-backed shorelines.
Total Hazard Ranking
Parks and open spaces are exposed to multiple hazards that affect both ecological integrity and public access:
• Extreme heat and drought place stress on native vegetation and wildlife, disrupting plant reproduction, animal migration, and habitat conditions. Prolonged drought and hotter temperatures increase the risk of vegetation die-off, reduce soil moisture, and weaken ecological resilience. • Wildfire threatens vegetative cover and habitat continuity. • Debris flows and landslides occur on steep slopes and degraded soils, often after wildfire, and can have significant impacts on soils and vegetative cover. • Decreasing coastal fog will have direct impacts on the resilience of coastal redwood trees as fog keeps the trees nourished, the understory and ground moist, and supports the ecosystems that thrive beneath the redwood canopy.
• Increased drought will likely lead to dieback and die off in established trees and increase competition for surface soil moisture which will be detrimental for the establishment of young tree seedlings. • Coastal and terrestrial erosion affects access to public lands and infrastructure within them. Roads, trails, and beach access points are increasingly disrupted by erosion and undermining. • Storm damage and infrastructure failure, including culvert collapse or slope instability, have already affected recreational access in multiple areas.
These hazards can trigger cascading ecological impacts, such as changes in species abundance, shifts in ecosystem function, and degradation of public space. For instance, extended extreme heat conditions will potentially lead to heat stress on plants and animals, which may lead to disrupted reproductive cycles, changes in migration, and other large-scale shifts in species abundance and distribution. Plants and animals that are adapted to current conditions may see large-scale migrations to more suitable conditions, and plants may experience increased disturbance regimes, which can put pressure on native species.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity in this sector is shaped by the condition of natural systems, the reliance of native species on specific environmental conditions, and the vulnerability of park infrastructure:
• Native ecosystems, such as coastal redwood forests, are sensitive to declining fog, prolonged and repeated summer drought, and heat stress. Redwoods rely on fog to maintain moisture in the understory and canopy. Reductions in fog and soil moisture, projected under both RCP 4.5 and 8.5, threaten their ability to regenerate and may result in dieback of mature trees and poor establishment of seedlings. • Hillsides north and south of Highway 92, including areas near Frenchmans Creek and the Johnston House in the southern end of the City,
m are sensitive to landslides and erosion due to slope instability and post-fire exposure.
m A site-specific evaluation of underlying soil and geologic conditions would be needed to understand active landslide areas on site-specific level. This study has relied on data form the California Geological Survey, which was conducted at a regional scale of analysis. 119
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 48 • Access infrastructure—such as roads and
trails within parks—is sensitive to erosion
and storm damage. For example, access to
Roosevelt State Beach has been closed due
to culvert failure (Figure 22), and the
California Coastal Trail near Poplar Beach is
threatened by ongoing coastal erosion
(Figure 23).
Figure 23. Incising erosion at Poplar Bluffs threatening the trail (source: Unsettled Times, YouTube) • The complexity and highly interdependent nature of ecological systems means that climate change can trigger broader disruptions in species distribution, reproduction, and overall ecosystem health.
Together, these sensitivities reduce the resilience of natural and recreational areas, making it more difficult to maintain access, protect biodiversity, and support ecosystem services under escalating climate stress.
Figure 22. Erosion at Roosevelt State Beach, part
of Half Moon Bay State Park (source: City of Half
Moon Bay).
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 49 Table 5. Vulnerability assessment table for Parks and Open Areas. Each row is a sector element. The weighted hazard ranking is a combined score of the timing and exposure for hazards in three hazard categories (sea level rise, rising temperatures and changes in precipitation, and escalating climate stressors and cascading impacts).
The sensitivity ranking takes into account any preexisting conditions and the current adaptive capacity of each sector element. The vulnerability ranking is a combination of the sensitivity and weighted hazard ranking. Results are given one of five possible rankings: very low, low, moderate, high, or very high.
Park Area or Trail
at Risk
Management
Entity(s)
Sea Level Rise
Ranking
Rising
Temperatures and
Changes in
Precipitation
Ranking
Escalating Climate
Stressors and
Cascading Impacts
Ranking
Weighted Hazard
Ranking
Sensitivity
Ranking
Vulnerability
Ranking
Cañada Verde/Manhattan
Beach City of Half Moon Bay Very High Low Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Poplar Beach City of Half Moon Bay Very High Low Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Surfers Beach City of Half Moon Bay Very High Low Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Roosevelt State Beach CA State Parks Very High Moderate Moderate High Low Moderate Francis State Beach CA State Parks Very High Moderate Moderate High Low Moderate California Coastal Trail
State Coastal Conservancy, City
of Half Moon Bay, CA State
Parks
High Moderate Moderate High Low Moderate
Venice State Beach CA State Parks Very High Moderate Moderate High Low Moderate Dunes State Beach CA State Parks Very High Moderate Moderate High Low Moderate Frenchmans Creek Park City of Half Moon Bay Low High Moderate High Low Moderate Oak Avenue Park City of Half Moon Bay Low High Moderate High Low Moderate Sweetwood Campground CA State Parks Moderate Moderate Low High Low Moderate John L. Carter Memorial Park City of Half Moon Bay Low Moderate Moderate High Low Moderate Moonridge Playground MidPen Low High Low High Low Moderate Naomi Patridge Trail City of Half Moon Bay Low Moderate Low Moderate Low Moderate Francis Campground CA State Parks Moderate Moderate Low Moderate Low Moderate Smith Field City of Half Moon Bay Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Low Moderate East Side Parallel Trail City of Half Moon Bay Low Moderate Low Moderate Low Moderate Ocean View Park City of Half Moon Bay Low Low Low Low Low Low Main Street Park Playground MidPen Low Low Low Low Low Low Kehoe Park City of Half Moon Bay Low Low Low Low Low Low Kitty Fernandez Park City of Half Moon Bay Low Low Low Low Low Low Mac Dutra Park City of Half Moon Bay Low Low Low Low Very Low Low Skate Park City of Half Moon Bay Low Low Low Low Very Low Low 121
Vulnerability Assessment
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 50 Business Sector and Workforce
Many of Half Moon Bay’s residents work outside the City, but the City still has traditional employment areas for local residents including small businesses and agriculture. The economy of Half Moon Bay employs 5,730 people, and the largest industries are professional, scientific, and technical services (1,105 people); educational services (706 people); and retail trade (551 people). The most common workforce groups, by number of people living in the City, are management occupations (1,217 people), office and administrative support occupations (518 people), and sales and related occupations (515 people) (Datause.io 2025).
While not directly listed above, another important sector is the agricultural economy, which remains an important driver of economic and tourist activity for the City and is an important part of the City’s character. Half Moon Bay has traditionally been home to a range of growers of beans, pumpkins, and artichokes as well as cut flowers.
Climate change pressures aside, this industry has faced a range of challenges including competition from foreign markets, shifting consumer trends, as well as rising land and labor costs (Visithalfmoonbay.org 2025). There are agencies and nonprofits with programs that are committed to supporting growers; farms are still an essential part of the landscape, economy, and community, plus are an important driver of tourist visits to the region.
The business sectors with the highest vulnerability rankings were the agricultural economy, blue/ocean economy, and the construction workforce.
Figure 24. Farm fields just north of Half Moon Bay near the airport (source: City of Half Moon Bay) Total Hazard Ranking
Climate change poses a range of direct and indirect hazards to Half Moon Bay’s economy and workforce. These include:
• Extreme weather events—such as flooding, drought, and wildfire—can damage physical business infrastructure, disrupt operations, and break supply chains, especially for businesses that rely on transportation, perishable goods, or seasonal services. • Heat waves pose a risk to outdoor workers, particularly in agriculture, landscaping, and construction.
Rising temperatures increase the likelihood of heat-related illnesses and injuries, reduce work hours, and can degrade productivity.
• Air quality degradation, particularly from wildfire smoke, can pose health risks to both workers and customers, leading to reduced downtown foot traffic, increased sick days, and service disruptions. 122
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 51 • Economic uncertainty, driven by climate disruption, may lead to lower investment, reduced consumer activity, and higher operating costs, particularly for small businesses with limited flexibility or insurance.
Though many economic effects are outside the scope of this assessment, these hazards represent clear stressors that threaten local commerce and labor conditions.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity in the economic and workforce sector is shaped by several key factors:
• Outdoor labor reliance: A significant portion of the workforce, including agricultural, landscaping, and construction workers, are directly exposed to heat and smoke. These workers are more sensitive because of their physical exertion in unshaded environments, potential lack of employer-provided protections, and in some cases, undocumented status that may limit access to medical care or worker protections. • Social vulnerability: Many workers in farm work and low-wage service industries are also part of socially vulnerable populations. This increases sensitivity to health risks, lost wages, and unstable working conditions.
• Small business fragility: Many local businesses operate with thin margins and are sensitive to temporary closures and disruptions due to storms, wildfire, or smoke, which can result in permanent losses for businesses with limited financial resources. • Economic sector dependence on tourism and seasonality: The local economy’s sensitivity is heightened by its dependence on tourism, which can be disrupted by weather-related closures, road access issues, or negative air quality conditions during peak visitation times.
Together, these factors make both the workforce and business community in Half Moon Bay more vulnerable to the cascading effects of climate change—particularly when climate shocks intersect with existing economic or social stressors.
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 52 Table 6. Vulnerability assessment table for Businesses and Work Force. Each row is a sector element. The weighted hazard ranking is a combined score of the timing and exposure for hazards in three hazard categories (sea level rise, rising temperatures and changes in precipitation, and escalating climate stressors and cascading impacts). The sensitivity ranking takes into account any preexisting conditions and the current adaptive capacity of each sector element. The vulnerability ranking is a combination of the sensitivity and weighted hazard ranking.
Results are given one of five possible rankings: very low, low, moderate, high, or very high.
Business or Workforce
Sector at Risk Sea Level Rise Ranking
Rising Temperatures
and Changes in
Precipitation Ranking
Escalating Climate
Stressors and
Cascading Impacts
Ranking
Weighted Hazard
Ranking Sensitivity Ranking Vulnerability Ranking
Agricultural Economy Low Very High Very High Very High High Very High Blue Economy / Ocean Economy High Moderate Very High Very High High Very High Construction Workforce Low High Moderate High High High Tourist Economy Moderate Very High High Very High Low High Transportation Workforce Low Very High Moderate High Low Moderate Service Workforce Low Moderate Low High Low Moderate
Office and Institutional Workforce Low Moderate Low Moderate Very Low Low 124
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 53 Public Services, Utilities, and Local Infrastructure
Regional utilities and public services include water supply, wastewater, stormwater, communications, gas, and power, as well as the public services such as emergency response (fire, police, and emergency operations). Due to the sensitivity of their locations, these sectors were not mapped, but their vulnerabilities are discussed in this section. The most vulnerable infrastructure are the elements within the stormwater system, mostly due to their highly sensitive nature, as well as elements of the energy system.
Half Moon Bay’s infrastructure systems face a range of climate-related hazards, with varying degrees of vulnerability across sectors. Energy and communications are exposed to wildfire, high winds, and landslides, with frequent outages driven by shutoffs, downed lines, and limited grid redundancy. Stormwater infrastructure is challenged by aging systems and undersized drainage networks, making neighborhoods like Downtown and West Miramar prone to localized flooding. Wastewater systems are increasingly at risk from fluvial flooding and groundwater intrusion, particularly around the SAM Wastewater Treatment Plant. Among all systems, the water supply sector faces the highest overall risk due to its high sensitivity and intersecting hazards—including wildfire in watershed areas, landslides along transmission corridors, and vulnerability to erosion, increased evaporation, and groundwater rise. Its reliance on long-distance pipelines heightens the risk of disruption. Ensuring the reliability of this sector is essential to maintaining the City’s long-term resilience.
Energy
PG&E is the owner and operator of the electricity distribution system, including the high-voltage transmission lines as well as the local distribution grid. Two main high voltage lines travel to Half Moon Bay, one just north of Highway 92 over the Coast Ranges, and one that traverses along that same range from Pacifica. These lines arrive at the PG&E substation just north of downtown. Natural gas distribution services are also operated by PG&E. While PG&E is responsible for energy delivery, Peninsula Clean Energy is the primary energy retailer, with 97% of electricity users in the City receiving energy from this service.
The electrical grid will play a central role in the City’s ability to address climate change. This sector will need to move toward alignment with the state’s electrification strategy, while also conducting upgrades to address extreme heat and wildfire vulnerabilities. Electrical system reliability across the City is a critical element to help build adaptive capacity for vulnerable community members, critical facilities, buildings, services, and infrastructure. Currently, outages are common, mostly due to downed trees and/or public safety power shutoffs.
Total Hazard Ranking
Half Moon Bay’s energy systems face increasing threats from climate-related hazards:
• Wildfire and high winds can damage or ignite overhead transmission lines. These hazards also trigger public safety power shutoffs, disrupting energy delivery citywide. PG&E’s Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) have improved powerline safety and
shutoff response, but have also led to more frequent
outages in high-risk areas over the past two years.
• Heat waves increase sag and reduce the carrying
capacity of transmission lines as well as substation
transformers. These events also increase peak electrical demands for cooling, heightening the risk of overload
and failure.
• Landslides and flooding, particularly along the
Highway 92 corridor, threaten natural gas pipelines and overhead transmission lines.
• Sea level rise and coastal erosion could affect
underground utility infrastructure, particularly in low-lying or shoreline-adjacent neighborhoods.
Figure 25. Fire along a hillside near a high
voltage transmission line (source: Philip
Pacheco/AFP via Getty Images)
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 54 Sensitivity
The energy system’s sensitivity is influenced by aging infrastructure, limited grid redundancy, and the increasing complexity of managing fire-safe operations:
• The PG&E substation near downtown plays a critical role in local energy distribution and is sensitive to load stress during high temperatures.
• Overhead high-voltage transmission lines, which connect Half Moon Bay to the larger grid via two main corridors over the Coast Range, are vulnerable to tree fall, wildfire damage, earth movements, and weather-triggered shutoffs. These lines lack redundancy and are a single point of failure for much of the City's power.
• Natural gas infrastructure, while underground, is sensitive to earth movement from landslides, flooding, and wildfire along key corridors like Highway 92.
• Many cell towers and internet systems are co-located with electric infrastructure and can experience cascading outages during power loss.
• The lack of microgrid infrastructure, which consists of localized energy systems capable of operating independently from the main power grid, means there are limited backup power options for critical facilities and vulnerable populations during shutoffs.
Communications and the Internet
This sector includes underground and aboveground communications infrastructure, including cell towers.
Broadband internet and phone service are provided by a range of private companies including Comcast and AT&T.
Total Hazard Ranking
The City’s communications infrastructure is exposed to multiple hazards:
• High winds and wildfire threaten overhead communication lines and cell towers, many of which are located on ridgelines and are in fire-prone areas.
• Coastal flooding and sea level rise threaten underground lines and at least one cell tower in Princeton Harbor.
• Power outages resulting from extreme weather events.
• Extreme weather events along Highway 84, the primary communications corridor, have led to weekslong outages in the past and disrupted cell and broadband services, as most systems rely on the electrical grid.
Sensitivity
Communications infrastructure is sensitive because of its reliance on exposed systems and lack of redundancy:
• Cell towers require continuous power and are often located in highly exposed hazard-prone areas, making maintenance and recovery challenging.
• Overhead transmission line infrastructure is aging and vulnerable to tree fall and fire, particularly along Highway 84.
• Underground lines are vulnerable to groundwater rise, coastal erosion, and saltwater intrusion, particularly in West Miramar.
• A lack of redundant infrastructure means outages are more common and often affect large areas. 126
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 55 Stormwater
The City’s stormwater system captures and conveys stormwater from areas within the City to creeks and/or drainage ditches that ultimately lead to the Pacific Ocean. The City Public Works Department conducts various maintenance activities including street sweeping, cleaning catch basins and storm lines, and removing material from drainage channels. Much of this drainage system consists of a network of man-made ditches or swales originally constructed prior to 1948 or by the mid-1950s as roadside or agricultural drainage features. Between the 1960s and 1980, large portions of agricultural lands in the City were developed as low-density residential development.
Total Hazard Ranking
The City’s stormwater system faces mounting hazards:
• Intensifying rainfall will likely exceed existing system capacity, leading to frequent localized flooding. • Debris flows and landslides triggered by intense rainfall, especially post-wildfire, pose threats to stormwater infrastructure and adjacent utilities.
• Coastal and creek erosion, intensified by stormwater runoff and sea level rise, increases slope instability and can lead to infrastructure loss.
Sensitivity
The stormwater system sensitivity is high due to outdated and undersized infrastructure:
• Much of the system dates back to pre-1950s agricultural drainage networks, and is not designed for urban runoff volumes (City of Half Moon Bay, 2014). • Capacity deficiencies are present in areas including Casa del Mar (Kehoe Waterway), Roosevelt and Pullman Watercourses (West Miramar), Grandview, Newport Terrace, Magnolia St. in Arleta Park, Kelly Ave, and Mill St. Downtown (City of Half Moon Bay, 2014).
• Blocked culverts and limited maintenance capacity reduce drainage effectiveness, increasing flood risk even during moderate rain events. • Older outfalls and steeper slopes contribute to localized landslides and streambank failures, especially in areas adjacent to creeks and coastal bluffs.
Figure 26. Localized erosion along the Kehoe Waterway (source: Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside)
Wastewater
The City of Half Moon Bay provides wastewater collection service to areas south of Frenchmans Creek to Cañada Verde Creek. Wastewater from residences, businesses, schools, restaurants, and other buildings is conveyed through sewer mains owned by the City of Half Moon Bay to the SAM Wastewater Treatment Plant. The SAM Wastewater Treatment Plan provides wastewater treatment services to City of Half Moon Bay residents under a Joint Powers Agreement signed in 1976. The Granada Community Services District provides sewer collection service for residents of the City of Half Moon Bay north of Frenchmans Creek.
Total Hazard Ranking
Wastewater infrastructure is exposed to several compounding hazards:
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 56 • Fluvial flooding, especially from Pilarcitos Creek, threatens the SAM Wastewater Treatment Plant and adjacent sewer infrastructure.
• Sea level rise raises groundwater levels, compounding inundation risk and increasing pressure on SAM’s treated effluent outfall systems. Rising waters will also impact the SAM Wastewater Treatment Plant’s underground infrastructure.
• Coastal erosion may eventually compromise the effluent outfall pipe at the SAM Wastewater Treatment Plant, with long-term consequences for wastewater discharge. • Increasing groundwater rise would raise buoyant pressures on wastewater pipes in low-lying areas and increase the potential for failure. The largest risk for groundwater rise is around the Pilarcitos Creek west of Highway 1 and near the SAM Wastewater
Treatment Plant.
• Higher intensity rainfall events can lead to greater inflow and infiltration of stormwater into wastewater lines and manholes, increasing pressure on wastewater treatment infrastructure.
Sensitivity
Wastewater systems are sensitive because of their proximity to hazard-prone zones and vulnerability to groundwater pressure:
• Wastewater lines in Francis Beach Campground and West Miramar are sensitive to erosion and groundwater rise.
• Inflow and infiltration during heavy rains place additional strain on treatment capacity, increasing the risk of overflows or service disruption.
Water Supply
Water supply for the City is provided by Coastside County Water District. CCWD has two surface and two subsurface water supply sources. Surface water is sourced from Pilarcitos Lake and the Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir, and groundwater is sourced from the Pilarcitos Well Field and the Denniston Well Field. The first two water sources are owned and operated by the San Francisco Water Department; the latter two are owned and operated by CCWD. The system consists of two water treatment plants, 17 miles of transmission pipeline, 83 miles of distribution pipeline, and several water storage tanks. The water supply for the City is a hotly contested local issue. The 3% annual population growth in Half Moon Bay between 1980 and 2000 put pressure on the City’s water supply system (LCLUP 2020).
Total Hazard Ranking
Figure 27. Flooding at the SAM Wastewater
Treatment Plant (source: Sewer Authority
Mid-Coastside)
Figure 28. Crystal Springs Reservoir
(source: Sundry Photography)
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 57 Climate change will impact both local and regional water supply systems:
• Wildfire and vegetation loss in local watersheds (e.g., around Pilarcitos Lake) can degrade water quality and increase treatment costs.
• Snowpack declines in the Sierra Nevada would put increased pressure on the water supply that is conveyed to Crystal Springs Reservoir, part of the regional system managed by the San Francisco Water Department.
• Increased evaporation due to an increased number of hot days will strain the local water budget. • Landslides and wildfires along the Highway 92 corridor threaten transmission infrastructure connecting sources to the Nunes Treatment Plant.
Sensitivity
The water supply system is sensitive because of its
physical vulnerability and long distribution distances:
• Pipelines in steep slopes and fire zones make
them sensitive to disruption from landslides and wildfire. • Local groundwater and surface water sources,
such as the Pilarcitos and Denniston Well Fields, may
be affected by changing recharge rates or
contamination.
• Water infrastructure in low-lying or erosionprone areas, such as Francis Beach and West Miramar, is exposed to groundwater rise and coastal erosion.
• Increased pressure on water systems during
droughts may result in greater reliance on imported
water, which is costlier and more energy-intensive.
Figure 29. Landslide off Cahil Ridge Road headed
towards Pilarcitos Lake (source: City of Half Moon
Bay)
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 58 Table 7. Vulnerability assessment table for Regional Public Services and Infrastructure. Each row is a sector element. The weighted hazard ranking is a combined score of the timing and exposure for hazards in three hazard categories (sea level rise, rising temperatures and changes in precipitation, and escalating climate stressors and cascading impacts). The sensitivity ranking takes into account any preexisting conditions and the current adaptive capacity of each sector element. The vulnerability ranking is a combination of the sensitivity and weighted hazard ranking. Results are given one of five possible rankings: very low, low, moderate, high, or very high.
Asset at Risk Sector Management
Entity(s)
Sea Level Rise
Ranking
Rising
Temperatures and
Changes in
Precipitation
Ranking
Escalating
Climate Stressors
and Cascading
Impacts Ranking
Weighted Hazard
Ranking
Sensitivity
Ranking
Vulnerability
Ranking
Imported Water Supply
(Tuolumne Watershed) Water Supply San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Low Very High Moderate Very High Very High Very High Regional Reservoir Water
Supply Water Supply Coastside County Water District Low Very High Moderate Very High Very High Very High Transmission Lines Energy PG&E Low Moderate Low Moderate Very High High Groundwater Water Supply Water Supply Coastside County Water District Low High Low Moderate Very High High
Treatment Plant (SAM) Wastewater Sewer Authority MidCoastside Very High Moderate Low Moderate Very High High Cell & Radio Towers Communications and
Internet T-Mobile, Verizon, etc. Moderate Moderate Low Moderate High High Communications Lines Communications and
Internet Comcast, AT&T, etc. Low Moderate Low Moderate High High Substation Energy PG&E Low Low Low Low High Moderate
Wastewater Storage Tanks Wastewater Sewer Authority MidCoastside High Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Water Supply Major Lines Water Supply Coastside County Water District Low Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Moderate
Water Supply Pump Stations Water Supply Coastside County Water District Low Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Moderate
Wastewater Pump Stations Wastewater Sewer Authority MidCoastside Moderate Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Tanks Water Supply Coastside County Water
District Low Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Moderate
Major Lines Wastewater Sewer Authority MidCoastside Low Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Outfall Line Wastewater Sewer Authority MidCoastside Moderate Low Low Low Moderate Moderate Fire Building and Personnel Emergency Response Coastside Fire District Low Moderate Low Moderate Low Moderate Police Building and
Personnel Emergency Response County of San Mateo, City of Half Moon Bay Low Moderate Low Moderate Low Moderate Underground Utilities (Gas,
Fiber, Cable)
Communications and
Internet Comcast, AT&T, PG&E Low Low Low Low Moderate Moderate Emergency Operations
Center Emergency Response City of Half Moon Bay Low Low Low Low Low Low 130
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 59 Table 8. Vulnerability assessment table for Local Public Services and Infrastructure. Each row is a sector element. The weighted hazard ranking is a combined score of the timing and exposure for hazards in three hazard categories (sea level rise, rising temperatures and changes in precipitation, and escalating climate stressors and cascading impacts). The sensitivity ranking takes into account any pre-existing conditions and the current adaptive capacity of each sector element. The vulnerability ranking is a combination of the sensitivity and weighted hazard ranking. Results are given a total of five possible rankings from very low, low, moderate, high and very high.
Assets and Areas at Risk Management Entity(s) Sea Level Rise Ranking
Rising
Temperatures
and Changes in
Precipitation
Ranking
Escalating
Climate
Stressors and
Cascading
Impacts
Ranking
Weighted
Hazard
Ranking
Sensitivity
Ranking
Vulnerability
Ranking
Half Moon Bay High School School District Low Moderate Low High High High Sea Crest School Private Low Moderate Low High High High Alvin S. Hatch Elementary School,
Manuel F. Cunha Intermediate School School District Low Moderate Low Moderate High High Public Works Corp Yard City of Half Moon Bay Low Low Low Low Moderate Moderate Historic Train Depot City of Half Moon Bay Low Low Low Low Moderate Moderate Medical and Care Facilities Private/ County Low Low Low Low Moderate Moderate Stormwater Drainage Features (basins) City of Half Moon Bay Very High Moderate Low High Low Moderate Waste Management Facilities Private Low High Low Moderate Low Moderate Ted Adcock Community Center City of Half Moon Bay Low Low Low Low Moderate Moderate Boys and Girls Club Non-Profit Low Low Low Low Moderate Moderate Half Moon Bay Library City of Half Moon Bay Low Low Low Low Moderate Moderate Stormwater Outfalls City of Half Moon Bay High Low Low Moderate Low Moderate Stormwater Channels (above ground) City of Half Moon Bay Low Moderate Low Moderate Low Moderate Stormwater Lines (underground) City of Half Moon Bay Low Moderate Low Low Low Low Stormwater Culverts City of Half Moon Bay Low Moderate Low Low Low Low Seawalls and Revetments City of Half Moon Bay High Low Low Low Low Low City Hall City of Half Moon Bay Low Low Low Low Low Low 131
Vulnerability Assessment
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 60 Vulnerability Assessment Maps
Each map in this section has a description of how climate change-related hazards may impact the community. For each map, callouts representing acute location-specific climate hazards are noted. Maps use color and shape to organize potential impacts to hazards, where:
• Diamonds represent terrestrial and extreme weather hazards and are associated with warmer and wetter winters.
• Squares represent ocean-related hazards, both chronic events such as rising tides and emergent groundwater, and extreme events such as coastal wave flooding and are associated with rising sea levels and ocean warming.
• Circles represent heat-related weather events and changes in climate and are associated with a hotter and drier summer and fall.
And the colors:
• Light blue represents flooding and high-wind hazards associated with winter storm events. • Yellow represents coastal and terrestrial erosion.
• Orange represents high heat events.
• Red represents the wildfire hazard, which is influenced by a variety of factors including changes in temperature, precipitation, and vegetative and anthropogenic responses. Note, the wildfire hazard icon is only used to represent hazards for general population or asset sector categories, rather than for specific locations.
Depiction of the Study Area
The study area boundary on the maps are represented as a shaded black line, and areas outside the study area boundary have a white opaque tint. See the “Study Areas” section in Chapter 2 for a detailed description of the local study area.
Map Legend
The legend below serves as a reference for each map.
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 61 Figure 30. Vulnerability assessment maps legend
133
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 62 Figure 31. Overview of climate change hazards with a description of potential impacts, and some notable locations of highly sensitive areas to climate change hazards and the hazards of greatest concern for these areas 134
Vulnerability Assessment
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 63 Figure 32. Vulnerabilities to socially vulnerable populations and a list of social vulnerability indicators by neighborhood along with the hazards of greatest concern for these areas. 135
Vulnerability Assessment
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 64 Figure 33. Vulnerabilities to homes and businesses, and some notable locations of highly sensitive areas to climate change hazards and the hazards of greatest concern for these areas 136
Vulnerability Assessment
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 65 Figure 34. Vulnerabilities to the transportation and road network, and some notable locations of highly sensitive areas to climate change hazards and the hazards of greatest concern for these areas 137
Vulnerability Assessment
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 66 Figure 35. Vulnerabilities to parks and open space, and some notable locations of highly sensitive areas to climate change hazards and the hazards of greatest concern for these areas 138
Adaptation Strategies
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 67 6 Adaptation
Strategies
139
Adaptation Strategies
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 68
6. Adaptation Strategies
Overview
Adaptation strategies aim to reduce the negative effects of climate change or take advantage of opportunities to build resilience that will mitigate the effects of global warming. The goal of this chapter is to present adaptation strategies that reduce risk (limit exposure or minimize consequence) and/or enhance resilience (increase adaptive capacity) to the vulnerabilities discussed in the previous chapter. The adaptation strategies presented in this chapter are organized by goal areas, which were informed through the initial vulnerability assessment and outreach and engagement activities of this project. The goals are listed in this chapter, and the adaptive policies and actions that seek to increase resilience can be found in Appendix B.
An important element of this Plan is to ensure that the City of Half Moon Bay can effectively and efficiently implement the following strategies and make measurable progress in becoming more resilient to climate change.
To do that, the strategies in this chapter focus on areas where the City either has jurisdiction or direct influence.
This means that some vulnerabilities, such as flooding of Highway 92 or wildfire risks in unincorporated San Mateo County, may not be addressed directly, instead, those vulnerabilities are addressed through partnerships and ongoing coordination that the City must manage.
Goals
The goals listed in this chapter include statements that encapsulate community desires and were refined in conjunction with conversations among the public, City staff, and consultant team during the community outreach events. These goals serve as a guide for the development of adaptation actions and policies, which can be found in the “Adaptation Policies and Actions” section in Appendix B. Each goal is broadly organized around the roles of certain departments within the City, and each goal also encapsulates multiple sub-goals that broadly target a range of climate hazards and the sensitivities of vulnerable populations, assets, or services.
Organizing Goals
1. Ensure a Healthy, Resilient, and Self-Sufficient Community
2. Foster a Thriving and Accessible Coastline and Open Space
3. Protect the City through Increased Resilient Infrastructure
4. Build and Sustain the City of Half Moon Bay Government’s Capacity to Increase Resilience
5. Support and Increase Economic Sustainability
It's important to plan for climate change because
it helps us prepare for things like floods, storms,
and hotter temperatures. By getting ready now,
we can preserve our homes, jobs, and health
when changing weather patterns threaten these
fundamental rights. This way, everyone,
including those most at risk as well as future
generations, can adapt and thrive amidst this
global uncertainty.
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Adaptation Strategies
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 69 Tables 9–13. Organizing Goals and Strategies: High-Level Summary Table Goal 1: Ensure a Healthy, Resilient, and Self-Sufficient Community Goal 1 focuses on creating a healthy, safe, and resilient community in the face of climate change. The policies and actions under this goal offer targeted support for vulnerable populations, service industry workers, and local businesses. They aim to address underserved communities by offering tailored services and protections that ensure these populations are not left behind in adaptation efforts. This includes providing housing assistance during climate-related events or access to a climate hub and cooling centers during extreme heat waves or wildfire events. In addition, educating the public about climate-health connections will empower residents to take preventive actions such as using air purifiers during wildfire smoke events, and working with business owners and workers about safety during heat waves.
Policies and actions for this goal are mostly administered by the City’s Administrative Services, Community Development, and Public Works Departments. In addition, coordination with local NGOs will be essential for effective outreach and service delivery, but should be managed by the City to ensure alignment and impact.
Table 9. Goal 1
Goal Strategy Hazards Addressed Neighborhood, Population, or Sector
Goal 1. Ensure a Healthy, Resilient, and Self-Sufficient Community
1.1 Residential Resilience: Increase residential home
hardening and resilience to climate hazards.
Extreme Heat, Wildfire, Fluvial Flood Events;
Coastal Wave Flooding and Erosion All Populations in all Neighborhoods
1.2 Community Capacity: Support community organizations and increase community understanding and adaptive
capacity to better respond and adapt to climate hazards.
All All Populations in All Neighborhoods
1.3 Vulnerable Populations: Protect highly vulnerable
populations from climate-related impacts, especially due to extreme weather.
Rising Temperatures and Changes in
Precipitation
Socially Vulnerable Populations in All
Neighborhoods
1.4 Community Storm Preparedness: Increase the
community's active participation in building resilience for extreme storm events.
Increased High-Intensity Winds, Coastal
Wave and Fluvial Flooding, Landslides
Homes and Businesses, Utilities,
Transportation, Coastal and Inland Regions
1.5 Communications: Create a robust and reliable citywide communications system and protocols for climate hazards. All All Populations (especially Socially
Vulnerable Populations), Economy, All
Regions
1.6 Community Education and Outreach Planning: Prepare
and communicate using educational materials and outreach addressing climate change adaptation.
All All Populations (especially Socially
Vulnerable Populations), All Regions
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 70 Goal 2: Foster a Thriving and Accessible Coastline and Open Space Goal 2 focuses on ensuring a thriving and resilient natural environment. The City’s beaches, open space, and parks are all at risk from climate change stressors and hazards. The policies and actions under this goal focus on scientific research to better understand the specific vulnerabilities of local ecosystems, as well as building partnerships with environmental organizations, research institutions, and other stakeholders. These collaborations will facilitate the sharing of knowledge, resources, and innovative solutions that can help mitigate the impacts of climate hazards on the natural environment.
Structural measures, such as the restoration of wetlands and dune systems, will play a crucial role in safeguarding the City’s ecosystems. These efforts can provide natural protection against flooding and erosion while also enhancing biodiversity and help achieve CAP goals of carbon sequestration. In addition, preserving or expanding native plant species, improving wildlife corridors, and restoring degraded habitats will all contribute to a more resilient ecosystem.
Policies and actions for this goal are mostly administered by the City’s Public Works and Community Development Department.
Table 10. Goal 2
Goal Strategy Hazards Addressed Neighborhood, Population, or Sector
Goal 2. Foster a Thriving and Accessible Coastline and Open Space
2.1 Creekside Flooding Monitoring: Enhance monitoring and maintenance of creeks and drainage areas to reduce flooding impacts.
Fluvial Flooding
Utilities, Transportation, Homes and
Businesses, Downtown and 92 Corridor,
North and South Inland, North and NorthCentral Coastal
2.2 Vegetation Management: Plan, implement, and maintain fuel reduction efforts on City-owned coastline and open space. Wildfire All Buildings and Utilities that Abut a Managed Open Space
2.3 Climate-Smart Coastal Development: Set standards for safe development along the coastline. Coastal Erosion, Coastal Wave Flooding Homes and Businesses, Economy, Transportation, Coastal Regions
2.4 Nature-Based Solutions for the Coast: Reduce coastal flooding and erosion by working with nature. This may include protection, restoration, and management of coastal areas.
Coastal Wave Flooding, Coastal Erosion
Parks, Beaches and Open Spaces, Homes
and Businesses, Transportation, Coastal
Regions
2.5 Recreation Improvements: Implement recreation
improvements to reduce erosion and impacts on protected areas. This may include controlling access, signage, and education, or in some cases, improvements in recreational facilities to accommodate higher usage.
Changes to Biodiversity and Ecosystems and
Increases in Pests; Coastal Erosion, Coastal
Wave Flooding
Parks, Beaches and Open Spaces, Coastal
Regions
2.6 Firefighting Resources: Identify additional firefighting equipment, training, and infrastructure to increase firefighting capacity and responsiveness.
Wildfire
Homes and Businesses, Economy,
Transportation, Utilities, Socially Vulnerable
Populations, Moonridge, Half Moon Bay
High School, All City Greenhouses
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 71 Goal 3: Protect the City through Increased Resilient Infrastructure Goal 3 of the City’s adaptation strategy is to create a resilient built environment. This goal focuses on policies that promote infrastructure redundancy and integrate climate change considerations into planning. The actions under these policies are organized by subgroups aimed at improving infrastructure resilience to climate change. For example, green infrastructure actions may address storm drain repairs to handle more intense precipitation events, while landslide management focuses on managing infrastructure and monitoring techniques to detect slides as well as hiring a geotechnical expert for specific landslide and erosion-prone areas.
Policies and actions for this goal are mostly administered by the City’s Public Works Department.
Table 11. Goal 3
Goal Strategy Hazards Addressed Neighborhood, Population, or Sector
Goal 3. Protect the City through Increased Resilient Infrastructure
3.1 Green Infrastructure: Improve citywide stormwater
management and reduce extreme heat by adopting
low-impact development guidelines and green
infrastructure approaches.
Fluvial Flooding, Extreme Heat, Incr.
Pollution Burden; Incr. Precipitation
Intensity, Decreased Biodiversity
Homes and Businesses, Transportation, Parks and
Open Space
3.2 Wind Infrastructure: Invest in wind protection
infrastructure that is both natural and manmade to
increase resilience to high wind events.
High Intensity Winds, Changes to
Biodiversity Homes and Businesses, Utilities
3.3 Climate Change Considerations: Incorporate
climate change considerations into municipal
planning, design and construction documents.
All Municipal Businesses, Transportation, Parks and
Open Spaces, Utilities and Public Services
3.4 Increase Water Supply: Increase water conservation
and water supply efforts to increase long-term water
sustainability and reliability.
Emerging Groundwater, Saltwater
Intrusion, Drought, Extreme Heat All Neighborhoods, All Populations, All Sectors
3.5 Landslide Management: Install and manage
infrastructure to prevent landslides and manage
debris.
Increased Landslides Homes, Transportation, Socially Vulnerable Populations, Inland, 92 Corridor
3.6 Energy Resilience: Support electrification strategies and implementation. This may include increasing
opportunities for localized power, battery backups,
and infrastructure upgrades for overall resilience to
power outages due to climate hazards.
Extreme Heat, Wildfire, Increased
Precipitation Intensity, Fluvial Flooding,
Landslides
Economy, Utilities and Public Services, Socially
Vulnerable Populations
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 72 Goal 4: Build and Sustain the City of Half Moon Bay Government’s Capacity to Increase Resilience Goal 4 focuses on improving internal processes, allocating dedicated funding, and building strong partnerships. These steps will strengthen the City's ability to plan, coordinate, and implement effective resilience strategies. This includes integrating climate considerations into planning, development, and operational practices across departments. This also aims to prioritize budget allocations for climate resilience projects and to seek out additional funding through grants, state and federal programs, or partnerships to increase city staff bandwidth to help manage and implement these strategies effectively. In addition, forging strong partnerships with local organizations, state agencies, and regional/multi-jurisdictional authorities is essential for the success of climate adaptation efforts. These partnerships can provide valuable expertise, resources, and collaborative opportunities to tackle complex local issues and climate change hazards.
Policies and actions for this goal are administered by the Public Works and/or Community Development Departments with assistance from all City departments.
Table 12. Goal 4
Goal Strategy Hazards Addressed Neighborhood, Population, or Sector Goal 4. Build and Sustain the City of Half Moon Bay Government’s Capacity to Increase Resilience
4.1 Policies and Procedures: Operationalize climate
considerations into City policies and procedures. All All Neighborhoods, All Populations, All Sectors
4.2 Build Capacity: Increase staffing for climate projects and train staff in climate implementation. All All Neighborhoods, All Populations, All Sectors
4.3 Build and Maintain Partnerships: Maintain and
expand regional and State partnerships to increase
resilience.
All All Neighborhoods, All Populations, All Sectors
4.4 Build and Sustain Funding: Secure, sustain, and
increase City funding for climate resilience efforts. All All Neighborhoods, All Populations, All Sectors 144
Adaptation Strategies
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 73 Goal 5: Support and Increase Economic Sustainability
Goal 5 focuses on promoting policies and initiatives that help local businesses thrive. The City has tools that it can implement to promote economic stability while also encouraging resilience. This includes providing resources and incentives for businesses to adopt sustainable practices, reduce their environmental footprint, and invest in climate adaptation measures. Local businesses play a vital role in the community’s economic sustainability, and their success can be enhanced by facilitating access to green technologies, climate-conscious supply chains, and workforce training in sustainability practices. In addition, supporting business innovation in climate resilience can position the local economy to capitalize on emerging green industries, such as renewable energy, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture.
It is also important to ensure that local businesses are prepared to withstand the specific climate change impacts that may affect them by providing businesses with the tools, knowledge, and financial support to strengthen their resilience to climate hazards. Mitigating disruptions to local business operations will safeguard the local business environment while ensuring that businesses are contributing positively to both local prosperity and climate adaptation.
Policies and actions for this goal are administered by the City Manager’s Office with assistance from a range of City departments.
Table 13. Goal 5
Goal Strategy Hazards
Addressed Neighborhood, Population, or Sector
Goal 5. Support and Increase Economic Sustainability
5.1 Resilience Incentives: Improve the
resilience of homes to climate hazards
through economic programs.
Coastal Wave Flooding,
Decreased Air Quality, High
Intensity Winds, Extreme
Heat
Homeowners and all Residents
5.2 Strong Local Businesses: Work
collaboratively with local businesses to
build their resilience and adaptive capacity.
Coastal Wave Flooding,
Coastal Erosion, Wildfire
Decreased Air Quality, High
Intensity Winds, Extreme
Heat, Drought, Increased
Precipitation, Reduced
Ocean Health
Local Business
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 74 Adaptation Strategies and Actions
To achieve the five adaptation goals outlined in the section above, a set of adaptation strategies was developed. The strategies that were identified fall into 10 general categories:
1) Programs—involves a wide range of strategies that may expand or create new programs, activities, and initiatives, including those that incentivize or disincentivize action 2) Funding and Capacity Building—aims to enhance local capabilities 3) Partnerships—includes developing coordination and collaboration with stakeholders 4) Monitoring—involves evaluation and developing the means to judge success 5) Study—includes a range of activities that can improve feedback, data, and analysis and lead to better understanding of impacts and increase preparedness 6) Plans, policies, regulations—involves a wide range of strategies to develop or revise existing plans, policies, regulations, and guidelines; for example, this may include actions that influence the way land and buildings are developed to reduce hazards 7) Capital Improvements—typically follow from planning and policy and involve a wide range of actions designed to address physical and functional deficiencies and needs in the built and natural environment; this may include the construction of structures to reduce the impact of a hazard or the restoration of natural systems.
8) Ongoing Efforts—strategies that build on existing city efforts 9) Communications—improved communication and coordination within the community, and may involve early warning systems and communications plans post-disaster 10) Internal Procedures—involves building stronger internal processes, trainings, and internal communications
Strategies were developed by the Project Team and informed through public outreach events. Specific strategy actions and details are listed in Appendix B. Strategies were developed to target specific problem statements that emerged from the vulnerability assessment and focus on the most vulnerable populations, assets, and services in Half Moon Bay. To ensure the creation of effective strategies, the Project Team developed a short list of selection criteria to prioritize strategies. These criteria include the impact/protective value of the approach, the number of hazards addressed and alignment with the problem statements, the cost/level of effort of the approach, the level of feasibility and capacity to implement the approach, co-benefit considerations such as equity, and alignment with existing plans and policies.
Prioritization Process
A prioritization process was used to provide a relative ranking of adaptation actions that are “Low,” “Medium,” and “High” priorities for the City. While all strategies are worthwhile, some strategy’s effect on climate change mitigation and hazard reduction may be less impactful than others. Clear prioritization helps to focus resources and staff time on the most impactful areas, or on strategies that need to be done earlier to enable other strategies.
The prioritization process included the development of performance criteria, which included the scoring and weighing of each action. The result was an aggregated score (or performance rating) and a ranking as a high, medium or low priority action. Note that overall prioritization across goals is not undertaken, as 146
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 75 the types of actions aligned with each goal are affected in different ways by the criteria weighting process.
In addition, there are other factors that are not easily quantified, but should be considered as the City selects actions for implementation (see the section below on additional factors for consideration).
Performance Criteria and Ratings
For each criterion, actions were assigned a performance rating, and the criteria and rating levels used to assign these scores are listed below.
The impact and protective value were scored from very high to low, where higher priority was given to strategies that will create a measurable increase in resilience and or reduction in harm. The strategies were judged according to how effective the strategy is at addressing a problem(s) and what future losses might be avoided. The measure included:
• Very High—Action will provide an immediate and ongoing reduction of risk exposure for life and property to a highly vulnerable or large area/population. • High—Action can be implemented in the mid-term to provide a reduction of risk exposure for life and property to a highly vulnerable or large area/population, or action will provide an immediate reduction in the risk exposure for property to a moderately sized area/population. • Medium—Action can be implemented in the long term to provide a reduction of risk exposure for life and property, or action will provide an immediate reduction in the risk exposure for property to a smaller area/population.
• Low—Long-term benefits of the action are difficult to quantify or minimal in nature, or benefits cannot be determined with adequate certainty.
Alignment with the Problem Statements
The number of problem statements addressed by an action was also included as a factor. 14 Cost/level of effort was given a relative score from highest to lowest to prioritize lower cost/more fundable strategies where:
• $$$$—Cost is very high, and existing funding will not cover the cost of the action; implementation would require new revenue through an alternative source (e.g., outside funding sources, bonds, grants, levies, or fee increases).
• $$$—Cost is high, and existing funding will not cover the cost of the action; implementation would require new revenue through an alternative source (e.g., outside funding sources, bonds, grants, and fee increases).
• $$—The action could be implemented with existing funding but would require a reapportionment of the budget or a budget amendment, or the cost of the action would have to be spread over multiple years (including those with significant ongoing costs). • $—The action could be funded under the existing budget. • Enabling—No direct cost to the City, but enables or supports an existing program from a local or regional partner.
• Within Current—The action is part of an existing program funded by the City.
The level of feasibility and capacity accounts for responsibility for implementing the action and the City or partner’s level of organizational capacity:
14 Across all actions, the scores for this factor ranged from 1 to 6. 147
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 76 • High—Preference for City administered programs that align with existing plans and programs or is aligned with the LCIP
• Medium—Preference for outside entity-administered programs that align with existing plans and programs or is aligned with the LCIP
• Low—Organizational capacity to implement the strategy is low or unknown Additional Benefits considerations are strategies to minimize maladaptation (which refers to an action that is intended to be beneficial, but worsens the situation or increases vulnerability), and promotes cobenefits to the community (such as improved recreational opportunities) and ecological systems, and leads to more sustainable practices such as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Scores were given to strategies with more co-benefits. Some examples of the co-benefits considered include:
• Equity: The strategy involves meaningful and active engagement with the most impacted communities, fosters community resilience, and protects the City’s most vulnerable populations.
This involves explicitly prioritizing communities that are disproportionately vulnerable to climate impacts, while ensuring that the costs of the action do not fall disproportionately on those sectors of the community.
• Environmental performance: What are the potential environmental impacts or considerations of implementing the strategy?
Normalization of Performance Ratings
For each of the criteria, the performance score was assigned, normalized15, and then multiplied by a relative importance factor for each criterion. These weightings prioritize actions that have low costs, address multiple hazards and problem statements, provide additional co-benefits, and are actions that the City has the capacity to implement. Criteria weightings used in the calculation of the final ranking are outlined below:
• Cost—20%
• Impact and protective value—30%
• Number of problem statements addressed by an action—10% • Feasibility and operational capacity to implement—25% • Additional Benefits—15%.
While overall scores were calculated in the same way for actions across all goals, the prioritization ratings of each action were determined within each goal. This prioritization rating is based on a rule of thirds, with actions scored in the top third of the range of scores for each goal assigned a rating of High, actions with scores in the bottom third assigned a Low priority, and the balance being assigned a priority rating of Medium.
Priority Actions
This section provides a summary of the top adaptation actions that received the highest priority scores under each goal. Many actions that received lower priority rankings may be worthwhile strategies to pursue for the community; however, their effect on climate change mitigation and hazard reduction is considered less impactful than the other strategies. This list does not necessarily indicate the first actions 15 Numeric scores were converted to a score between zero and one, by dividing the score by the number of potential scores (the range). For example, if there were six potential scores (0 to 5), then a score of 5 would be assigned the maximum value of 1, and a score of 4 would be assigned a value of 0.8 (4 divided by 5). A constant linear relationship between the scores was assumed. 148
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 77 to be undertaken by the City, or that the ordering has a sequence of implementation. Full results of the prioritization process are available in Appendix B.
Goal 1: Ensure a Healthy, Resilient, and Self-Sufficient Community Actions rated most highly under this goal represent actions that enable greater agency and capacity for members of the community via local planning activities and provision of information and economic incentives. The five actions rated most highly under this goal are:
• Action 1.4.9. Develop neighborhood-specific climate adaptation plans with local stakeholders • Action 1.4.2. Establish financial incentives, including stormwater fee discounts (requires imposition of stormwater fees), tax credits/rebates/reimbursements, permit rebates (e.g., freeboard incentives), awards/recognitions, etc., to homeowners who mitigate flood risk on at-risk properties.
• Action 1.2.1. Host annual educational events for residents and businesses on weatherproofing and fireproofing their homes and businesses. Continue to coordinate with the CERT program to help distribute information to increase resident and homeowner awareness and knowledge of how to prepare for emergencies.
• Action 1.2.3. Bolster and further promote the neighborhood-level CERT program. Work with existing CERT leads to identify neighborhood-level gaps in membership, and develop emergency preparedness by organizing the City by blocks and sections, plus recruiting new Block Captains as needed
• Action 1.5.4. Build on existing email newsletters, websites, and social media for community outreach, and communication for storm and disaster readiness. Coastside Buzz, Half Moon Bay Review - Coastside News, etc.
Goal 2: Foster a Thriving and Accessible Coastline and Open Space Actions rated as high priorities under this goal focus on management of public open space adjacent to hazard source areas, plus planning and operational measures to improve knowledge of and reduce risk of private and commercial structures to coastal hazards. The top five equally rated actions under this goal are:
• Action 2.1.2. Identify public land near creeks that will benefit from sustainable landscaping and other stormwater management to slow water infiltration along steep stream channels. • Action 2.2.2. Develop staff guidance and education materials for selection of plants and landscaping alternatives that increase drought resilience and comply with FireWise requirements. • Action 2.4.2. Track current state efforts around artificial reefs and sediment management. If alignment exists, study the viability of artificial reefs, reef augmentation, and opportunistic sediment placement in key areas prone to coastal flooding and erosion (e.g., three rocks off Miramontes Point16, West Miramar, etc.)17.
• Action 2.1.3. Increase the frequency of creekside debris (trash) removal. • Action 2.1.4. Partner with the San Mateo Resource Conservation District (RCD) to restore wetlands in high-impact areas vulnerable to flooding.
• Action 2.3.1. Identify adaptation pathways with specific actions and triggers for neighborhoods especially vulnerable to shoreline hazards. Identify hazard-prone critical facilities and 16 Miramontes Point Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Fiscal Impact Assessment—2023 17 The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is developing a framework with guidance and currently studying the viability of artificial reefs under the California Artificial Reef Program (CARP). 149
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 78 infrastructure and plan for relocation, and structural and nonstructural retrofitting measures as necessary.
Goal 3: Protect the City through Increased Resilient Infrastructure Actions with the highest priority ratings under this goal are focused on improving knowledge about the asset-specific climate vulnerabilities of key assets and Public Works properties, and actions to increase the availability of generators and backup power in the case of an emergency. The top five rated actions under this goal are:
• Action 3.6.2. Develop a community resilience hub(s) by adding solar energy, water supply, communications, and battery storage at a publicly available site, such as the library or an established resilience hub.
• Action 3.3.1. Climate change facilities master plan for the City Corporation yard and City-owned downtown buildings.
• Action 3.4.2. Upgrade municipal watering systems to be more water efficient. • Action 3.3.2. Update the Storm Drain Master Plan. Consider the projected future intensity and duration of precipitation events to recalculate flood hydrographs and inform the design of infrastructure upgrades and retrofits. Aligns with 4.1.2. • Action 3.6.3. Ensure that all critical facilities have backup solar/generator systems so that they are operational during multiday power outages. Installation and replacement of emergency generators at critical facilities (cell towers, library, city hall, community center, police/fire).
Continue to monitor, maintain, and perform condition assessments for the existing emergency generators (serviced monthly by Public Works).
Goal 4: Build and Sustain the City of Half Moon Bay Government’s Capacity to Increase Resilience
Actions under this goal that were rated as high priorities include actions focused on improving the financial and technical capacity of staff through training and grant applications, plus strengthening regional partnerships. The actions with the five highest priority ratings are:
• Action 4.2.2. Hire a full-time grant writer, or contract these services on an as-needed basis, to increase funding and resources for Half Moon Bay's climate and resilience projects. • Action 4.3.2. Continue with and expand the working relationship with PG&E to improve coordination. Work with PG&E to better understand the grid map and power grid with historical outages and causes, and study where the grid could become more resilient. Develop partnerships on vegetation management; identify key locations for undergrounding electric lines; conduct a feasibility study to determine potential locations for microgrids; ensure dedicated backup power systems for key infrastructure (resilience hubs, key City facilities such as the SAM Wastewater Treatment Plant, traffic signals, and telecommunications infrastructure). • Action 4.3.15. Coordinate with Coastside Fire Protection District to enhance fuel break and fuel reduction efforts and increase participation in CERT program. • Action 4.3.8. Work with regional partners to maximize the number of residents that have health insurance, especially for vulnerable populations.
• Action 4.3.16. Work with Cabrillo Unified School District to distribute emergency response kits to students.
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 79 Goal 5: Support and Increase Economic Sustainability
Actions under this goal that were rated as higher priorities focused on education, facilitating support for businesses via recovery and resilience actions, and improving the urban canopy. The five actions rated most highly for this goal are:
• Action 5.2.1. Work with the City's businesses and business organizations to support their efforts to become more resilient, including providing resources related to energy resilience, increased defensible space, backup power, water, and communications continuity. Conduct outreach campaigns to engage business leaders to understand risks and identify opportunities. • Action 5.2.4. Foster business partnerships and mentoring to support business continuity planning and enterprise risk management. Coordinate with regional businesses to ensure they understand the ramifications of, and are planning for, wildland fires including power shutoffs, data backup, chain of command in leadership, evacuation, defensible space, and building hardening. • Action 5.1.1. Evaluate the provision of incentives to encourage homeowners and business owners to improve home/building hardening practices and implement accordingly. • Action 5.1.4. Where permitted by FireWise regulations, using existing contractors, incrementally improve and maintain the urban canopy in downtown and throughout the City to provide shade and beautification.
• Action 5.2.5. Establish a local business pre-disaster recovery planning and coordination group and/or committee to update or initiate business continuity planning programs. Include considerations of physical assets and workforce.
Additional Factors for Consideration
Alignment with other plans is noted if a strategy has already been identified in or builds on a policy or plan that has already been developed. The parties responsible are listed to note the City department that could take ownership of the strategy. Ideally, these strategies would build upon existing institutional structures within the City, and the identification of a champion to see the action through should be identified.
If a strategy is of interest, the following additional considerations should be evaluated once the specific nature of implementation is identified.
• Funding: What resources are available to pay for implementation (both to implement and over the life of the project)?
• Legality and Regulatory Environment: Is the strategy consistent with applicable laws and/or compatible with the existing regulatory environment?
• Adaptability: Does the strategy respond to continual changes in climate, ecology, and the economy using adaptive management that incorporates regular monitoring? • Flexibility: Does the strategy employ adaptive and flexible governance approaches? For example, maximizing collaborative partnerships, or among numerous knowledge holders and stakeholders, accelerate effective problem solving.
• Accountability: Can the responsible party ensure success of the strategy, and are they capable of transparency on decisions, actions, and outcomes, and taking corrective measures when needed.
• Equity: Does the strategy directly impact or support vulnerable communities and help to increase resilience, adaptive capacity or otherwise improve the ability of identified socially vulnerable populations to withstand climate hazards.
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 80 Considerations of Socially Vulnerable Populations
Vulnerability has underlying historical roots that should be considered when developing strategies, and historically, socially vulnerable and underserved communities have faced barriers to disaster preparedness and recovery due to factors such as limited financial and technical resources, reliance on others for basic needs and transportation, and potential discrimination or stigma that could impact recovery efforts. Recognizing these challenges, the City has an opportunity to lead by example. Proactive planning can help the City identify potential impacts and community needs, engage with vulnerable communities, and work to reverse past injustices that have placed undue strain on these populations.
It is important that the City aims to reduce the health risks associated with climate change for disadvantaged communities by prioritizing programs and improvements to address public health and other social needs. The City may have difficulty addressing the needs of disadvantaged groups and aiding socially vulnerable groups because of limited funding, political and community will, competing interests, and differing priorities on the allocation of public safety dollars. The City should identify and work with local groups with connections to socially vulnerable groups, such as nonprofits, faith groups, the various affordable housing programs in the City, mobile home and RV park management, and other community groups. Venues for outreach and the building of trust include the public library, the community center, and local events.
Implementation
Once the adaptation strategies are prioritized, chosen strategies must be implemented. Developing an adaptation implementation plan for each prioritized strategy helps City departments agree on how and when a strategy should be implemented. To ensure that implementation of each strategy is effective, a designated party will need to monitor, evaluate, and modify strategies as needed based on their observed effectiveness, local changes, and in response to new science. The implementation plan also lays out the roles and responsibilities for implementation, as well as providing some description of the existing resources to enact it, those that are still needed, and potential barriers to implementation.
Aligning strategies and actions with existing City programs is an effective way to leverage the implementation of the CAAP. Many of the steps and recommendations developed in this plan align with policies that the City developed in its recent update of the LCP. Appendix C notes the primary alignments between this plan and the policies of the LCP. The Project Team also identified other existing programs, plans, and policies that are best suited to drive strategy implementation. In some cases, the best approach to implementation was unknown, and in these cases, the City will need to identify the planning document(s) or other mechanisms best suited to drive strategy implementation.
Roles and Responsibilities
Adaptation strategies, irrespective of the specific plan or program in which they are embedded, must be effectively implemented to realize their objectives. This necessitates the allocation of the approach to a leader within the City, as well as the identification of personnel and supporting departments or other agencies. This section provides a list of City departments and their responsibilities.
City Government Departments
Figure 36 provides an overview of the City of Half Moon Bay’s organizational structure. The departments include the City Manager’s Office, the Communication/City Clerk’s Office, Administrative Services, Public Works, and Community Development.
The City contracts with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office for police services and is served by the Coastside Fire Protection District, which has a cooperative fire protection contract with CAL FIRE. The City is also served by CCWD for water service and participates in the SAM Joint Powers Authority. 152
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 81 Figure 36. City of Half Moon Bay organization chart
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 82 City Departments
The Departments of Community Development and Public Works have key roles in all climate adaptation actions.
The role of Community Development guides development in a manner that protects public health and safety, and ensures economic vitality by developing long range plans, setting policy and regulating projects through building and planning permits. This is mostly closely aligned with strategies and actions outlined in Goal 1. Ensure a Healthy, Resilient, and Self-Sufficient Community, and Goal 4. Build and Sustain the City of Half Moon Bay Government’s Capacity to Increase Resilience.
The role of Public Works is targeted towards physical interventions to reduce climate risk exposure and vulnerabilities, and the maintenance of existing infrastructure and facilities. With a key role in implementation, Public Works will be heavily involved in Goal 2. Foster a Thriving and Accessible Coastline and Goal 3. Protect the City through Increased Economic Sustainability.
The Department of Administrative Services is critical to actions that involve partnerships with regional, state and federal entities, and would be involved in Goal 4. Build and Sustain the City of Half Moon Bay Government’s Capacity to Increase Resilience.
The City Manager’s Office has responsibilities over economic and community vitality and would be involved in Goal 5. Support and Increase Economic Sustainability.
Partners
Provided below is a short list of the partners referenced in the adaptation strategies in Appendix B. The CAP provides a much more comprehensive list of public sector and nonprofit partner organizations, and Bay Area Climate Action Mapping Projectr provides an up-to-date list of organizations actively working on climate action. • Coastside Fire Protection District (CAL FIRE)—A special district government agency responsible for fire protection on the Coast of San Mateo County. CAL FIRE is the operational service provider for the district and is included with the City above as they are a key partner. • Coastside County Water District (CCWD)—A public utility that provides treated potable water to the City of Half Moon Bay and the unincorporated coastal communities of El Granada, Miramar, and Princeton-by-the-Sea in San Mateo County. Serving an area of approximately 14 square miles, the district serves nearly 20,000 residents across more than 7,600 accounts. • Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM)—A Joint Powers Authority that provides wastewater treatment and collection services to the communities of Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Miramar, Montara, Moss Beach, and Princeton-by-the-Sea in San Mateo County. SAM's member agencies include the City of Half Moon Bay, the Granada Community Services District, and the Montara Water and Sanitary District. • Land Trusts—There are numerous land trust organizations that are active landholders and managers in the Half Moon Bay region. Within the City, one of the largest is the Coastside Land Trust, a nonprofit organization that has significant holding in the Wavecrest area. • California State Parks—These are public lands preserved and managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation (California State Parks). Half Moon Bay State Beach is in the City, and includes Francis Beach, Venice Beach, Dunes Beach, and Roosevelt Beach, as well as two campgrounds. • Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)— is a major utility provider in the City and broader region. • Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE)— The main electricity provider for 97% of Half Moon Bay Residents. • California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)—The state agency responsible for planning, maintaining, and improving California's transportation infrastructure, including State Routes 1 and 92. r More information can be found here: https://www.bayareaclimateactionmap.org 154
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 83 • County of San Mateo—Operates under a five-member Board of Supervisors system. The Board oversees county operations, including health services, public works, and law enforcement. The Sheriff is an independently elected official responsible for law enforcement duties. • California Coastal Commission (CCC)— Is a state agency that protects and regulates California's coastal resources ensuring public access and sustainable development within the coastal zone Monitoring and Evaluation
The science and certainty around climate impacts is constantly evolving, however, projections of climate change impacts are fraught with uncertainty. Adapting to climate change should be approached as an ongoing, flexible, and adaptive process. The City needs to prepare for inevitable changes, while also managing and overseeing its day-to-day responsibilities.
Monitoring and evaluation will play a crucial role in documenting changes caused by climate change and identifying points in time where it is important to adjust adaptation strategies to avoid emergencies and the worst possible consequences of climate change. For example, if all ice on Earth melted, sea levels would rise ~200 feet, causing significant global changes including localized flooding and erosion impacts along the entire City shoreline.
However, if that were to occur, it will take time, and adapting to climate change should not be an evacuation.
Monitoring sea level rise and erosion over time will indicate when it is time to move away from the current shoreline and avoid emergency damage to infrastructure and property.
Each department in the city should evaluate day-to-day actions and identify opportunities to start collecting longterm monitoring data as part of daily routine actions. This will require subtle changes in each department to begin tracking various monitoring information. For example, Public Works should document how many times the department needs to close a road due to flooding, measure the distance between a road surface and a cliff edge after an erosion event, or how much is spent annually to repair infrastructure due to elevated groundwater, flooding, high heat, or fire. These monitoring elements could be integrated into daily work orders and completion procedures.
The Community Development Department could add items to a permit checklist to account for more fireproof or floodproof construction considerations. Integrating these changes into daily practices could include upgrading checklists, tablet templates, end-of-day reporting, completion of project accounting, and this information can then establish a long-term monitoring data set. This long-term data set will play a crucial role in tracking climate impacts and help identify when to adjust adaptation efforts and when and where changes may be necessary.
The City should create a strong monitoring and evaluation plan that covers all actions that are implemented either in part or in full, by department, and reported annually or interannually. Developing a streamlined central database that is automated in these daily workflow adjustments will help with reporting and is key to avoiding wasted staff time and resources. Such a plan should clearly define desired outcomes, specify what will be monitored and how, establish thresholds that indicate if goals aren’t being met, and outline alternative actions to take if those thresholds are crossed. Monitoring and evaluation processes should also track the uptake and effectiveness of actions that are implemented both by the community at large and by regional partners.
A monitoring and evaluation plan should be revisited on a routine basis to maintain relevance and address changing needs, limitations of the plan, or changes in the political landscape (such as funding). Reporting progress of CAAP actions as well as any needed adjustments to goals should be presented to City Council every 1-2 years. This will provide updates on the implementation of individual actions, as well as an opportunity for feedback on priority reevaluation as needed.
Funding and Financing Mechanisms
Effective implementation of a climate adaptation plan requires capital investment, funding, and staff time.
However, climate adaptation, while costly, is significantly more economical than the escalating damages resulting 155
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 84 from inaction. These expenses can be reduced through the utilization of grants, leveraging public and private partnerships, low-interest financing, fees, and effective use of current funds, lessening the financial burden on the City and community.
Requirements of Climate Adaptation Project Funding
As an overarching concept, due to the unique nature of climate projects (specifically their uncertainty in costs, benefits, timing, longevity, and interconnectedness to other natural and human/cultural processes), funding sources should have the following characteristics:
• They should be matched to the demands or costs, both in terms of scope and timing. • They should have a broad base with a low unit cost, meaning that the burden is spread across as large a number of sources or payees as possible.
• They should have sufficient longevity or, through investment, allow for streams of ongoing funding, such that capital repayments and operational and maintenance costs can be covered over the entire life of the project.
• They should align the beneficiaries of a given project with the means of raising revenue, noting that there may be multiple beneficiaries of the same project.
– For example, rain gardens or permeable pavement reduce flooding, improve water quality, and enhance neighborhood aesthetics, benefiting both public agencies and private stakeholders.
Shared funding can come from stormwater fees, developer contributions, and environmental grants.
• They should be equitable.
s
How To Decide between Viable Funding Sources
An important aspect of funding and financing is the practical question: Once the City has found viable funding sources, how should it choose between them and ensure that the source, scale, and duration of funding is aligned with the implementation of that action? To support the strategic and rigorous evaluation of financing options, Keenan (2019) suggests a multi-criteria decision analysis framework. This framework can be used to consistently weigh choices against one another in as transparent a manner as possible, based on the relative importance placed on particular aspects or outcomes of a funding source, such as cost, flexibility, and sustainability of a funding source. Further explanation and process development for these tools is included in Appendix D.
Other Resources
Several thorough reports have already been developed to explore the possibilities for funding and financing climate adaptation in California, including:
• Proposed Funding Pathways for Adaptation to Climate Change in California (Robert et al. 2021) • Paying for Climate Adaptation in California: A Primer for Practitioners (AECOM 2018) This report contains a comprehensive list of funding and financing tools (p.14), highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each. This list is an excellent summary of the variety of funding categories available for climate adaptation in the state. It can be used as a starting point to assess and weigh options as funding opportunities are considered.
• Climate Adaptation Finance and Investment in California (Keenan 2019) s Even with ad valorem taxes that are equitable in principle, the increases in property values in coastal regions of California over the past decades have created a class of long-term residents who are asset-rich, but do not have ample free capital resources for additional fees and charges. This must be considered when selecting adaptation actions reliant on property taxes. 156
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 85 Each of these supplementary resources should be reviewed as a complement to this report for a thorough review of funding and financing general principles and overarching guidelines. This section focuses on avenues relevant to Half Moon Bay.
The following subsections explore several avenues for climate adaptation funding: existing city and county funds, state sources, non-governmental organizations, federal sources, and others. Each category and specific option has its own opportunities and challenges that are explored in detail and summarized at the end of this section.
Existing City Programs and Funds
Although the City of Half Moon Bay is a small, low-density community with a smaller residential property tax base, it hosts several established funding mechanisms that could be directed toward climate resilience initiatives. While monies for these funds have already been allocated, there is a process in place to reallocate funds. Each revenue stream has a set of initiation documents that lay out the types of projects that funding stream considered. These initiation documents could be reviewed and the types of projects expanded or weightings changed to prioritize longer-term benefits to the City. The City should consider doing so for necessary infrastructure upgrades and resilience measures that benefit City infrastructure, open space, and the Half Moon Bay community as a whole.
According to the fiscal year 2024–2025 budget, there is an expected shortfall in the next 3 years that, without intervention, would deplete the City’s reserve balance by fiscal year 2026–2027 (Rossi et al. 2024). Because climate resiliency measures often suffer from complacency due to climate change’s uniquely sporadic, insidious nature, they are typically some of the first initiatives to be cut during financial stress. However, due to the expected increased future costs to the City if climate resiliency programs are delayed, it is important that the City continues to prioritize climate resiliency as it would any other pressing, risk-reduction measure, such as reinforcing a degraded bridge or clearing away dry, natural debris from electrical infrastructure. The return on investment of climate resilience activities is substantialt .
As such, it may be helpful to create a special fund for climate resilience projects that can house dedicated funds (rather than tracking multiple projects from funding streams of many sources independently) to keep it insulated from spending cuts.
The following options present opportunities to finance adaptation programs with minimal structural changes to existing funding frameworks; a priority action should be to investigate whether these funds can be used to support resilience projects directly either as is or with modifications to the governing documents of the funds, or potentially be funneled into a resiliency Special Fund, if one were to be created:
Streets and Roads Special Revenue Fund
This fund consolidates multiple revenue streams, including gas tax funds, transportation-related taxes, and targeted grants, for street and road maintenance and improvement projects (excluding capital projects). With streets and roads being particularly vulnerable to climate impacts (flooding, extreme heat affecting road surfaces, etc.), a portion of these funds could be allocated to climate-resilient transportation infrastructure projects (assuming it is possible to amend the allowed expenses, or to amend the prioritization process within those approved spending categories). Although they cannot be used for new projects, they could be used for climaterelated repairs until a threshold is met, requiring additional investment for new infrastructure. The number of repairs should be documented as part of routine maintenance to support longer-term climate monitoring and evaluation.
t ROI typically ranges from $6-$13 in return per dollar spent, but the returns (savings) and costs are not aligned. i.e. costs may be incurred by the City, with many of the savings accruing to higher levels of government or to the residents. https://www.uschamber.com/security/thepreparedness-payoff-the-economic-benefits-of-investing-in-climate-resilience 157
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 86 Capital Projects Fund (Fund 151)
This fund supports capital improvement projects outlined in the City of Half Moon Bay Capital Improvements Plan.
This plan was developed to “ensure major infrastructure - such as streets, parks, trails, public facilities, sewers, and drainage - are well-maintained for maximum safety, public use, and enjoyment” (City Council Strategic Plan 2025). As of June 20, 2024, this fund contained $1.7 million (Rossi et al., 2024). The purpose of these funds is to support projects that address the City’s identified priorities, one of which being Community and Climate Resilience and Sustainability (City Council Strategic Plan 2025). This fund could further support climate adaptation strategies through capital projects, such as infrastructure improvements.
Lot Acquisition/Retirement Fund
This fund, which collects in lieu fees for development rights, allocates funds to retirement of lots from development. An example of this type of transaction is the transfer of 21 parcels in the Wavecrest area to the Coastside Land Trust in 2025. These parcels were acquired in 2024, with funding coming in part from lot retirement payments associated with the Ailanto Pacific Ridge development, allowing the City to facilitate conservation and extension of the California Coastal Trail with reduced financial impacts to City finances.
The process of selecting parcels for acquisition and retirement could be reoriented toward managed retreat or removal of properties in high-risk areas. As of June 2024, this fund housed $1.4 million. This fund could be expanded to prioritize acquisition of properties in flood zones, coastal erosion areas, or wildfire-prone locations, facilitating orderly withdrawal from areas where adaptation may be impractical.
Parks Development Funds
This fund is used to support the acquisition, development, and capital improvements of the City’s parks and trails.
This fund consists of funding acquired by development impact fees, state grants, and federal grants, comprising a total of $894,000 as of June 2024. This fund is particularly relevant for supporting nature-based climate solutions, some of which may correspond with programs in the City’s Green Infrastructure Planu, which should be reviewed periodically in cases where land has either been reclaimed from development of some kind or could be protected from development. For example, if a few lots were acquired with acquisition funding, they could be returned to the public trust as parks and trails whose design is specifically attuned to climate adaptation needs such as erosion control, defensible space, and storm setback buffering. These funds could potentially support development of green infrastructure projects in the City’s Green Infrastructure Plan as they relate to improvements in parks and open space.
Usage Fees
The City of Half Moon Bay already has a few usage fees (or franchise fees) in place already. The Storm Drainage Fee and Solid Waste Franchise Fee are examples, garnering $7,900 and $613,923 in fiscal year 2023–2024, respectively. This report suggests that the City consider reallocating those revenues (in whole or in part) to resilience projects (understanding that a portion of the franchise fee goes toward this already) and introducing more usage fees that are thematically linked to climate adaptation. These might include an Electrical Utilities Franchise Fee, Parking Fees (other than at Poplar Beach), Hazardous Waste Removal Fee, and Water Usage Fees (above the water price).
Existing County Programs and Funds
In addition to the City of Half Moon Bay, the greater San Mateo County also hosts several established funding mechanisms that could support climate resilience initiatives. u https://www.half-moon-bay.ca.us/617/Green-Infrastructure 158
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 87 San Mateo County Resiliency Grants
The Community Resilience Grants Program supports projects that assess sea level rise impacts and implement innovative adaptation strategies. The County has awarded $310,000 in grants to cities and nonprofit organizations for developing adaptation plans and building community coalitions focused on climate resiliencev .
San Mateo County Joint Powers Financing Authority
Formed as a partnership between San Mateo County and its Community Development Commission, the Joint Powers Financing Authority (JPFA) is a specialized entity that finances county capital projects by issuing and facilitating the repayment of lease revenue bonds (County of San Mateo 2025). This means that San Mateo County is the holder of the bond revenue, and that if Half Moon Bay wanted an adaptation-focused capital improvement project, the City would need to appeal to the County. Lease revenue bonds are restrictive in that they only finance capital projects that generate rental income, which may be a difficult category of adaptation project to find. In the case where an adaptation project is aligned with this mechanism, this could be a good option if the debt servicing of an alternative financier would be larger than a monthly lease payment to the County. If the alternate is a private bank, this would likely be the case since the County would be able to lend at a lower rate than private competitors due to its financial standing.
This JPFA is classified as a major governmental fund, with a fund balance of $79.6 million as of fiscal year 2023−2024 (Rossi et al., 2024). In addition, this San Mateo County JPFA was assigned an AA+ rating by Standard & Poor, indicating to investors a high capacity to meet financial obligations, and low risk of default thus allowing for low interest rates (lease payment obligations for Half Moon Bay)w.
Capital Projects Fund
Similar to the City’s Capital Projects Fund, this County fund supports infrastructure and development projects within the County, with an overall fund balance of $173.6 million for fiscal year 2023–2024 (Rossi et al., 2024).
State
State programs include both grants and loans. There are several sources of such funding opportunities in California set aside for various purposes. Like philanthropic organizations, competitiveness is high because the funds are available to so many entities (state-wide). State opportunities involve application processes, monitoring and reporting, and spending limitations that can be administratively burdensome; however, as long as there is substantial overlap between the intent of the funding program and the project to be funded, this can be a comparatively more streamlined, less costly, and secure source of funding than other options.
Proposition 4
In November 2024, California Proposition 4 was passed, which allowed the State to issue $10 billion in general obligation bonds to fund climate and water projects. Proposition 4 funding will be well aligned with City goals as it includes funding for coastal resilience and sea level rise, flood planning, and nature-based solutions (Figure 37). v See more information here: https://resilientca.org/projects/2e2d0006-0ec0-463c-917f-56542df5e97f/ w See more information here in the County’s annual comprehensive financial report: https://www.smcgov.org/controller/annual-comprehensivefinancial-report-acfr 159
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 88 Figure 37. Proposition 4 funding categories for the State of California. Source: Public Policy Institute of California.
California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) aims to support “the transition to net-zero GHG emissions while strengthening resilience to climate impacts, including municipal lending for climate-smart wastewater management infrastructure.” Ultimately, IBank’s goal is to act as California’s green bank, “facilitating investments of more than $35 billion in California’s clean energy economy and the safeguarding of its environment” through various financial instruments (California Infrastructure and Economic Development 2025).
Like traditional bank instruments, there are financing costs (although much lower than with a traditional bank), which makes this option less desirable than a grant or even some public-private partnership (P3) arrangements; however, the potential for large (multimillion dollar), lump-sum investments and flexibility to partner with aligned companies makes IBank a compelling option to pursue. More detailed information on IBank’s offerings are attached in Appendix E.
California Climate Investments
California Climate Investments (CCI) is an entity that facilitates the funding of greenhouse gas-reducing projects via various state agencies. CCI allocates revenues from California’s cap-and-trade program. The CCI endorses the use of loans, grants, and rebates as incentive mechanisms; which financial product Half Moon Bay might encounter depends on which state agency and program it pursues. Agencies that currently offer CCI-funded programs include California Air Resources Board, California Coastal Commission, California Conservation Corps, California Department of Community Services and Development, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and several others. A full list of current programs and participating agencies can be found here. Although the mission of CCI focuses on greenhouse gas-reducing projects, there are many other goals that align with adaptation planning and execution. Some examples of currently offered projects are below. • California Ocean Protection Council—Senate Bill 1, Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program: “The overall goal of the SB 1 Grant Program is to provide funding to develop sea level rise adaptation plans and projects to build resilience to sea level rise along the entire coast of California and San Francisco Bay.”
• California Natural Resource Agency—Urban Greening Program: “Establishment, enhancement, and expansion of community spaces and parks, tree planting, green infrastructure in streets and alleys, and the construction of active transportation infrastructure.” 160
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 89 Clean Water State Revolving Fund
California State Water Resources Control Board
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program is a state-funded grant program for water infrastructure improvements. The CWSRF provides low-interest loans for projects ranging from under $1 million to over $100 million in scale.
Applicants consist of municipal governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations. While wastewater treatment plants and sewer system upgrades constitute the majority of funded projects, the CWSRF also supports a variety of water quality initiatives including nonpoint source pollution control and estuary protection efforts. This grant program offers a funding opportunity for water infrastructure improvements that improve community climate resiliency (State Water Resources Control Board 2025).
Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant
California Department of Transportation
The Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program offers three different programs that focus specifically on local and regional transportation infrastructure that aligns with State climate goals of Caltrans:
1) Sustainable Communities Grants ($29.5 million purse) provide both competitive ($17 million) and formula-based ($12.5 million purse) funding to support local projects and planning that are aligned with state greenhouse gas emissions goals. These grants support Regional Transportation Plan Sustainable Communities Strategies while achieving California's greenhouse gas reduction targets of 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% by 2050. 2) Climate Adaptation Planning Grants ($3.7 million purse) identify transportation-related climate vulnerabilities through the development of comprehensive adaptation plans. This funding also supports project-level adaptation strategies for transportation infrastructure facing climate risks. This is the only grant type of the three that would fund physical infrastructure changes such as road relocation.
3) Strategic Partnerships Grants ($4.5 million purse) support “statewide, interregional, and regional transportation improvements on the State highway system in collaboration with Caltrans. A specialized subcategory within this grant focuses on transit planning projects that address multimodal transportation” needs across jurisdictions.
Fire Prevention Grants Program
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
The Fire Prevention Grant Program prioritizes projects that promote community wildfire resilience, including:
“hazardous fuels removal, wildfire prevention planning, wildfire prevention education, and wildfire prevention research with an emphasis on improving public health and safety.” Through a competitive selection process, eligible entities—including local governments, tribal authorities, certified conservation corps, qualified nonprofits, and Fire Safe Councils with 501(c)(3) status—can access funds to implement proactive wildfire management strategies. Joint Powers Authorities are acceptable applicants if they consist of the above-listed entities.
Federal
Although federal funding may appear uncertain at the time of this report, there are still several federal resources available. The main benefits of the following programs are that they are all grants, meaning there are no capital costs, and they can be for large, lump-sum amounts. However, the (potentially short-term) unpredictability of these funds suggests that the City considers complementing these sources with other financial tools to diversify their portfolio against risk. In addition, federal programs often involve application processes, monitoring and 161
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 90 reporting, and spending limitations that can be administratively burdensome. However, when there is substantial overlap between project and funding program goals, this can be a comparatively more streamlined and less costly source of funding than other options.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Although FEMA is more typically associated with rapid-pace devastating events such as hurricanes, tornados, and floods, there are funding levers that should be explored within the context of climate change’s slower-paced, sometimes less-obvious devastation.
The Pre-Disaster Mitigation and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant programs are two funding sources that could be creatively applied to the unique needs of climate adaptation projects. The PreDisaster Mitigation program was turned into the BRIC program in 2023, yet they remain separate entities on the FEMA website. The Trump Administration discontinued the BRIC program in spring 2025. There has been no change in the Pre-Disaster Mitigation program resources online. The City will need to contact FEMA directly to get the most recent funding options available.
The general outline of both programs is the same: funds any project that aims to insulate a community from losses due to a future disaster through a federal-state/local cost-share; all non-federal, government entities and tribes may apply; applicants tend to sign as sub-applicants on a state application; example projects could be retrofitting a community center to accommodate a double-use as a tsunami emergency gathering place or naturebased erosion control and flood management solutions.
Although the above grant program(s) rest(s) under the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants umbrella, the eponymous Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is not well suited to adaptation goals. It only becomes available after a presidentially declared disaster (i.e., a disaster needs to occur and the president must declare it a disaster). The goal of the funding is to rehabilitate a community after a disaster in a manner that will insulate the community from future disaster. The City should be aware of this funding source, but it should not be relied upon as a primary source of adaptation funding as it is reactive rather than proactive.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) provides 50/50 cost-share funding for projects that improve water conservation and efficiency, water reuse, and water supply reliability, and reduce risk of future water shortages.
Any entity with water or power delivery authority may apply. Projects with 2- to 3-year time frames are preferred.
In 2024, projects ranged in size from approximately $250,000 to $5,000,000 and included activities such as ditch reclamation, underground pipeline construction, and advanced metering installations.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Continuing Authorities Program The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Continuing Authorities Program provides funding for feasibility studies and implementation of water and environmental projects related to flood control, aquatic ecosystem restoration, erosion control and prevention, and storm damage reduction, among others. Each feasibility study is federally funded up to $100,000, and any additional costs are shared 50/50 with the project's nonfederal-agency sponsor.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Disaster Assistance Programs The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) disaster assistance programs help farmers protect and recover from drought, wildfire, and winter storms. The USDA offers several programs that provide coverage for agricultural producers to help them manage risk and protect their operations from climate hazards and disasters that fall into the following categories: livestock, farm loans, farmland damage, and crop losses. 162
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 91 Philanthropic and Nonprofit Organizations
Grants from private foundations can be well-suited for projects that build upon public funds to add further value to existing funding streams or initiatives. Local governments may consider applying for grants from adaptationfocused foundation programs, such as those at The Kresge Foundation, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, the California Endowment, or The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
The City of Goleta took advantage of these philanthropic opportunities to form and adopt its Creek and Watershed Management Plan in November 2020. It received funding from Union Bank, University of California Santa Barbara Coastal Fund, and Clif Bar Family Foundation to fund a Watershed Protection and Education Program (Trautwein et al. 2020). Although this project was a success, this project’s funding makeup represents the typical struggles of sourcing from philanthropies; they typically, but not always, fund smaller projects, and thus a patchwork of various sources may need to be collected in order to fully support a single project. In the case of the Goleta project for example, University of California Santa Barbara provided $8,912.32 in funding, which was specifically awarded for the hiring of a single intern (Coastal Fund UC Santa Barbara Associated Students). The Kresge Foundation, however, consistently funds projects ranging from $50,000 to $800,000. The City of Half Moon Bay will need to be particularly strategic in weighing competitiveness, size, administrative burden, and goal overlap when considering philanthropies and NGOs.
Creative Strategies
Municipal (Green) Bonds
Municipal bonds are another fiscal instrument that the City of Half Moon Bay can use to fund climate resilience projects; municipal bonds give projects access to the funding capacity of capital markets while distributing those costs over time in a predictable and relatively low-cost manner.
A relatively new instrument in sustainable financing, Municipal Green Bonds can be issued by governments as a means to raise funds for specified climate-resilience programs (Flammer 2020). Although Half Moon Bay has yet to issue any of its own green bonds, nearby San Francisco Public Utilities Commission issued green bonds to fund critical repairs of the Mountain Tunnel, an essential component of the regional water system that supplies drinking water to 2.7 million Bay Area residents (World Economic Forum 2023).
Although they require similar legislative processes, bonds are attractive as compared to taxation methods because they are a dedicated and protected source of funding for a specific type of spending. The capital costs are distributed through time (i.e., the current constituents of Half Moon Bay will not be the only ones paying for a project that benefits those 30 years from now), large sums can be generated immediately without placing the immediate cost on the current residents, and the total annual borrowing and financing cost to the local residents is typically lower than the amount that would be required in annual tax increases to pay for the project directly. In addition, as compared to taxation that is confined by the geographic jurisdiction of the City, the City can allow participation from any entity, regardless of whether it is within City jurisdiction.
The major drawback is that there is no guarantee of bond purchase, unlike in a taxation scheme where there is a guarantee that funds will be raised by some amount.
Public-Private Partnerships
A P3 would involve collaboration between a private company and the City of Half Moon Bay to provide a marketable public asset or service (AECOM 2018). These partnerships, invited by a competitive bidding process, can improve service quality and efficiency. California’s Infrastructure Finance Act authorizes local governments to use P3s for this purpose. P3s are often used to execute infrastructure projects. However, one drawback of P3s is that they cannot be executed in cases where private and municipal interests do not align. In other words, P3s are only attractive to private partners when there is revenue to be made from their involvement. Although this strategy would be beneficial for an adaptation measure, such as the revitalization of a local beach park where 163
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 92 revenues can be garnered from parking meters, other projects, such as urban tree planting for the mitigation of urban heat island effects, would need to be financed differently given the lack of a clear revenue stream.
One example of a P3 was the partnership between the City of Long Beach and the private company Plenary Properties to build the new Long Beach Civic Center in 2016–2019. The project included “the creation of a new City Hall, a new Main Library, a revitalized Lincoln Park, parking facilities, and a new Port of Long Beach headquarters, as well as a complementary private development in downtown Long Beach” (Plenary, n.d.). The project cost approximately $900 million and Plenary was given a 40-year concessionary period during which it would manage operations and maintenance to collect revenue from its investment.
By using a P3, the City of Long Beach was able to redevelop the Civic Center at a lower cost than it had been paying to maintain its existing facilities, without assuming any new debt or levying any new tax measures. The private solution also offered lower financing costs than tax-exempt lease revenue bonds and better risk allocation for the City of Long Beach.
The key benefits of a P3 are that they:
• Include access to private capital
• Avoid public debt and associated debt-raising requirements • Share risk between the public and private sector and assign the risk to the partner best equipped to manage or avert it
• Use private sector knowledge
• Manage risk as well as support maintenance and operations activities for projects with long lifespans.
PG&E
Self-Generation Incentive Program
The PG&E Self-Generation Incentive program offers rebates to customers installing battery storage systems.
Although this program is targeted at PG&E residential and business customers, this could be a great opportunity for the City to facilitate/encourage customers to enhance the City’s energy resiliency. In addition, this program is a prime candidate for IBank’s Climate Incentive Bridge Loans and the Infrastructure State Revolving Fund loans.
Summary of Funding and Financing Mechanisms
The City of Half Moon Bay’s small tax base and predicted, upcoming budget shortfalls indicate that although there are several preexisting funding and financing tools available to the municipality, they may not be sufficient to fund medium- and large-scale projects. Preexisting city funds can be creatively applied to sponsor adaptation projects with minimal procedural and administrative burden, save new taxation schemes, which may outweigh its relatively small contribution as compared to other similarly sized options such as NGOs and philanthropies. The benefit of NGOs and philanthropies as funding sources, although administratively burdensome and offering similarly sized awards, are that they are not subject to City budget cuts, which insulates them against local policy changes and budget shortfalls. Aligning capital improvement plans and the multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plans with adaptation priorities will help position the city for state and federal funding.
County programs are similarly insulated from local policy changes and budget shortfalls with the added benefit of preexisting programs with no voter approval required. However, compared to other funding categories explored in this section, the county offers few programs that, although do address aspects of adaptation like sea level rise, are not expansive enough in scope to fund multiple aspects of adaptation.
Federal funding has the capacity to sponsor large-scale projects at no or low cost to the municipality and its constituents. There is a moderate number of agencies and programs the City could pursue to achieve various facets of an adaptation strategy. However, recent Federal changes indicate that grants and programs that were 164
Adaptation Strategies
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 93 previously available may not be accessible in the future. For example, FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program has been terminated, and it is unclear if other programs such as the United State Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) water program will be impacted. At the time of writing, other than the BRIC program, all federal programs listed in this section are still available. It is possible that programs that are terminated or reduced will be funded in the future and should be kept in mind as future options.
The City has the unique advantage of being part of the most aggressive, state-wide, climate policy initiative in the United States. As such, there are many state-wide opportunities to choose from, varying in both targeted recipient (private or public), size ($1K–$100M) and financial product (subsidy, grant, loan, bond). There is strong overlap between the intent of the financial products offered and the goals of a climate adaptation plan. Although the administrative burden and competition for funds are high, the size, thematic overlap in goals, and stability make state-sponsored programs a promising avenue to pursue.
Other options such as P3s and municipal bonds require the City to initiate and administer the entire program. P3s can be streamlined and attract large investment as long as the project outcome is marketable while bonds are attractive for purely public-good and long-term benefits outcomes.
In evaluating these options, the Project Team recommends deploying an MCDA to narrow down and compare options before undergoing a full cost–benefit analysis for a single option. The more concrete the MCDA inputs and assumptions, the more helpful it is and the less work a cost–benefit analysis will be. In this manner the city will be able to rigorously and consistently apply the needs of a project to the myriad of characteristics of a funding mechanism. The following table is a summary of the “Funding and Financing” section and can be used as a precursor to an MCDA.
Table 14. Overview of funding mechanisms, opportunities, and challenges by categories of funding Mechanism Category Opportunities Challenges
City Programs and Funds
Pre-existing, proven concepts
No application or vote needed to
approve (aside from taxes/fees)
Clear alignment between activity and
adaptation goals (e.g., electric utilities
franchise fee)
Unlikely to finance large projects
Near-term, budget shortfalls may
stagnate reallocation to resiliency
projects
County Programs and Funds
Relatively stable source of funding
No vote or approvals required
Fewer options to choose from
More competition from other cities in
the county
Potentially high administrative burden
State Programs and Funds
Stable
Can finance large projects
Offers a mix of financial tools
No vote or approvals required
Offers a mix of both private-entity and
public-entity focused financial products
Highly competitive
Often focus on GHG-reduction only,
but cases can be made for resiliencyfocused projects
Higher administrative burden
165
Adaptation Strategies
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 94 Mechanism Category Opportunities Challenges
Federal Programs Can finance large projects
Unstable but not unavailable
Higher administrative burden
Relatively few options with limited
scope
Highly competitive
Philanthropies and NGOs
Clear overlap between funder goals
and City goals
No vote or approvals required
- Typically grants
May not be able to fund a project
from a single source
High administrative burden
Potentially highly competitive
Creative Strategies
Flexible—can be molded to meet
each project’s specific needs
Established/proven concepts
Minimal administrative burden
Requires conceptualization and
initiation from the City
May require voter approval (green
bonds)
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Conclusions
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 95 7 Conclusions & Next
Steps
167
Conclusions
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 96
7. Conclusions and Next Steps
The City of Half Moon Bay benefits from a spectacular setting on the coast of California, with a unique small town character nestled into the hills. This beauty is also a challenge as climate change intensifies droughts, wildfires, winter storms, and flooding. This Plan, in concert with the City’s CAP, offers a strategic and clear set of strategies to make the Half Moon Bay community more resilient and able to navigate future hazards.
This community-driven plan identifies the vulnerabilities associated with various climate hazards within the City and the Half Moon Bay region more broadly. Goals and actions for future adaptation have been identified based on community preferences and objectives that will guide adaptation responses to those risks both in the present day, and as they worsen and expand over time with climate change.
Climate hazards, and the way in which the City responds, will impact different sectors of the community and the local economy in different ways. This Plan outlines the community vision and prioritizes actions that the City should take to respond to these threats reflecting the priorities expressed and recorded through community outreach activities.
The process and results of the vulnerability assessment should serve as a reference for ongoing adaptation planning efforts in response to the climate hazards such as rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, increased wildfire risk, coastal erosion, flooding, and sea level rise. As the City faces increasing risks associated with climate change, the assessment serves as a guidance tool to prepare for these risks and prioritize adaptation and resilience planning across multiple sectors and jurisdictions. By identifying the vulnerabilities facing the built assets, open space and community members, the City can more effectively advocate for funding and improve the eligibility of the City to qualify for grant funding to study, monitor, and implement adaptation projects and develop resilience programs.
Having established vulnerabilities and community priorities, this Plan outlines adaptation strategies, policies, and actions that address those vulnerabilities and move Half Moon Bay towards the desired future vision. Across all City departments, the City must identify routine activities that can be tracked as part of a long term monitoring and evaluation plan to document climate impacts and help the community prepare for the uncertainties of a changing climate. The Plan recognizes the need to prioritize actions that align with community priorities but also reflect a realistic assessment of existing feasibility and operational capacity. Some actions require strengthening partnerships with other organizations, while others can be quickly implemented by the City under existing programs and policies.
For high-priority adaptation actions with strong alignment with existing plans and policies, the City can move forward in integrating these actions into City documents, such as the Capital Improvement Program, MJHMP, and LCP. These foundational documents guide land use, and infrastructure investments, making them key levers for advancing long-term community resilience. Integrating climate adaptation and resilience into the update of City plans and policy will allow Half Moon Bay to proactively manage climate-related risks, protect public safety, and ensure sustainable development. As a next step, the City should look to further the adaptation actions identified in this Plan, either through direct action directed by council, an Adaptation Work Plan or similar document, and drawing upon the initial prioritization presented in Section 6.
For adaptation actions that are high priorities but are not yet reflected in the existing plans and policies, the City should look to identify additional studies to inform implementation of those actions. This may include the development of neighborhood-level plans and adaptation pathways, with community workshopping of adaptation priorities.
The City acknowledges that this Plan is just one part of its activities directed toward a more sustainable future.
Coupled with other efforts focused on emissions reductions, green infrastructure, park improvements, and resilience-building, the City can lead by example and promote community leadership and development to address 168
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 97 oncoming climate challenges. Through this approach, the City can build a more adaptive, equitable, and futureready community that safeguards its people and its resources and activities for generations to come. 169
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 98 8 Appendix
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 99
8. Appendix
A.Problem Statements
Problem statements target citywide climate vulnerabilities that are broadly applicable to Half Moon Bay community members as well as specific geographic areas and frontline populations that necessitate a similarly targeted or project-level adaptation strategy. Problem statements were developed based on the findings of the City Vulnerability Assessment along with community engagement efforts, including community pop-ups, a survey, and stakeholder listening sessions, which assessed the community’s needs, concerns, and vulnerabilities relating to climate change and the environment.
Problem statements combine sectors and the major climate hazards that stress that sector, for example, homes and businesses + wildfire, along with any specific locations that are experiencing the impacts of the hazards.
Problem statements consider pre-existing conditions that may exacerbate the problem. Each statement also identifies potential leaders and partners to understand the responsibility of the problem and the City’s level of agency. The timeframe considered for each problem statement sector is out to approximately 2100. Adaptation planning efforts will focus on short-, medium-, and long-term strategies.
1. Homes and Businesses
Description
This sector includes impacts to homes and businesses in Half Moon Bay. This sector includes planned future community land use. Homes and businesses are threatened by wildfire, fluvial and stormwater flooding, coastal erosion, landslides and debris flow, and extreme weather and high winds. The conditions that may affect the City’s ability to adapt to the challenges facing this sector include staff capacity, the potential for litigation, community pushback on revised building codes, changes to zoning, and potential future development.
Additionally, this sector is affected by pre-existing conditions including a lack of affordable housing, isolated community location, undersized and aging infrastructure, and limited water supply.
1.1 Wildfire – Problem Statement
While the entire city is threatened by wildfire, and increasingly so with climate change, the highest threat area for wildfire is the wildland-urban interface just outside the city limits of Half Moon Bay. The regional risk of wildfire can impact the ability of homes to be insured, can affect home values and rents, and can lead to increased development pressures within the City. Post-fire consequences may include direct losses, higher insurance rates and inability to be insured, spiking rents, and the potential exodus of residents and businesses, which could have an impact on the tax base, further exacerbating staffing and funding challenges. The City has some ability to directly plan for and adapt to this hazard. Partners include the County of San Mateo, neighboring land owners, land trust organizations, California State Parks, PG&E, CAL FIRE, and the CA Department of Insurance.
1.2 Urban Stormwater and Creekside Flooding – Problem Statement Winter storm events increase the frequency and intensity of creek-side flooding, which can lead to direct flooding of creek-side homes and businesses, as well as indirect impacts to roadway access and transportation (see problem statements for Transportation in 2.1). Localized flooding during storm events also occurs in low-lying areas where runoff accumulates and where stormwater infrastructure may be undersized or impeded. The City has significant ability to affect this hazard as it has jurisdiction for local roads, stormwater, and the urban forest 171
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 100 within many rights of way. Potential partners include CA State Parks, FEMA, Caltrans, San Mateo RCD, local property owners, and One Shoreline.
1.3 Landslides and Debris Flows – Problem Statement
Increased intensity of rainfall during winter storms increases the likelihood of landslides and debris flows, particularly after long periods of rain or in scarred landscapes where vegetation has been impacted by fires, drought, construction, or other events. Landslides and debris flows can cause significant damage to homes and buildings. After effects of a landslide can create significant challenges in moving and managing debris, including truck availability, emissions increases, and appropriate places to move, sort, and clean debris.
The City has some ability to adapt to this hazard, however, some of the most at risk areas include areas of steep slopes adjacent to the city boundary and areas upstream of the City, and the City may need to work with property owners to reduce the potential for hazards. Potential partners include CA State Parks, San Mateo RCD, the County of San Mateo, and land trust organizations.
1.4 High Winds – Problem Statement
High wind events can cause downed trees, which can damage property, cut power and other utilities, and injure pedestrians. The City has a significant ability to affect this hazard within the City’s right of way and partners include PG&E, Caltrans, and local property owners.
1.5 Blufftop Coastal Erosion – Problem Statement
The threat of coastal erosion is localized to a narrow strip of land along the coast however the permanent loss of land has high consequences to the City and residents. Several homes, businesses and their associated utilities, as well as coastal access locations are at risk of coastal erosion. Private development assets at risk include homes in the West Miramar Neighborhood and the Ritz Carlton Hotel at Miramontes Point. Partners for regionalscale adaptation planning include CA State Parks, One Shoreline and County of San Mateo.
2. Transportation
Description
Transportation and roadways move people and goods throughout the City. This sector includes the network of roads in Half Moon Bay as well as the 1, 92, and 84 corridors that connect the City to the Bay Area. Emergency response, evacuation routes, and the ability of the Half Moon Bay community to move throughout the region is compromised when transportation routes and roadways are blocked by climate impacts such as wildfire, flooding, landslides, or high wind. The isolated coastal location of the City makes it critical for the City to become more selfsufficient in critical public services that are conveyed through these corridors to the Bay Area.
2.1. Wildfire – Problem Statement
Wildfires can lead to road closures, damage roads and transportation infrastructure, and can also lead to indirect impacts such as reduced visibility due to wildfire smoke, and increase the likelihood of washouts post-fire. The threat of wildfire on transportation affects evacuation routes and planning, which are being evaluated in the County’s Safety Element.
2.2 Stormwater Flooding – Problem Statement
Localized stormwater flooding occurs regularly along Magnolia St. in Arleta Park, Miramontes Point Rd. in Moonridge, the West Miramar Neighborhood, and Kelly Ave. Downtown. With increased storm intensity combined 172
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 101 with potential stressors to vegetation communities (plants that grow together in a specific location and a similar environment) from drought and wildfire, stormwater management issues may escalate, and it may become more difficult to retain and slow site runoff. Impermeable surfaces including roads and sidewalks contribute to runoff, burdening the City’s stormwater infrastructure.
Undersized stormwater infrastructure is an existing condition that exacerbates the issue. Limited data exists for the City staff to understand where obstructions may occur in the stormwater system, and where the system is undersized or underperforming. The city has a significant ability to affect this hazard, and potential partners include stormwater management consultants, land trusts, MidPen Housing, Mercy Housing, San Mateo County Resource Conservation District, One Shoreline, and local property owners.
2.3 Landslides and Debris Flows– Problem Statement
Increased intensity of rainfall during winter storms increases the likelihood of landslides and debris flows, particularly after long periods of rain, and in situations where vegetation has been impacted by fires, drought, or other events. Landslides can block roadways, cutting off access to emergency response and preventing the ability of the Half Moon Bay community to move throughout the City and the region. Debris in waterways can also damage transportation infrastructure such as bridges and lead to clogging of culverts. After effects of a landslide can create significant challenges in moving and managing debris, which can affect the use of beaches. The City has a significant ability to adapt to this hazard on local roads. Potential partners include the County of San Mateo and Caltrans.
2.4 High Winds– Problem Statement
High winds can lead to trees falling, and downing power lines, which can block roadways and cause dangerous situations for residents and visitors. The City has a significant ability to adapt to this hazard within the City’s right of way. Potential partners include PG&E and San Mateo County.
3. Parks, Beaches, and Open Space
Description
Cliff-backed areas of coastline in Half Moon Bay host public assets including roads, trails, parks, and campgrounds. The California Coastal Trail, largely managed by the State, is a vital active transportation thoroughfare and recreational amenity. It is located just inland of the clifftop edge in many locations and is an important thoroughfare both for recreation and transportation.
In addition, the City owns and maintains 12 parks, beaches, and a number of open spaces. Preexisting conditions that affect the ability of parks to maintain their ecological and recreational function include the availability of recreation land, sensitive species and habitat protection, summer droughts and reduced water supply, threats from pests and disease, and City staff funding. Parks and open space areas also provide many opportunities and alignment with green infrastructure and sustainability goals. These areas may provide opportunities for stewardship and engagement, and certain open space areas may provide opportunities for local food production and economic activity.
3.1 Beach Narrowing, Dune, and Cliff Erosion– Problem Statement Winter storms, sea level rise, and increased coastal erosion are already threatening Poplar and Redondo Beaches, State-operated beaches, and beach access locations that are central to the communities’ livability and tourism economy, leading to inland migration of beaches. The City’s beaches, which are mostly backed by cliffs, will have limited room to migrate inland with sea level rise, which eventually will limit recreational uses. The 173
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 102 California Coastal Trail is already threatened by coastal erosion, landslides, and creek/coastal wave flooding, and these threats will escalate. The parking lot at Redondo Beach is threatened by cliff erosion. The City does not control the state-managed lands but will need to continue to coordinate and align planning along a connected coastline and work with partners to identify potential sources of sediment. Key partners include CA State Parks, USACE, FEMA, NOAA, One Shoreline, and local property owners.
3.2 Debris Management – Problem Statement
The mobilization of debris during winter storm events and landslides, as well as the pile-up of debris along creeks and along the coast, directly impacts the ability of Half Moon Bay’s residents and visitors to utilize the coastline and beaches. Debris is largely comprised of natural material such as trees and vegetation, but also includes pieces of farm equipment such as fencing, and parts of homes and infrastructure that have been washed away or damaged in storm events. Debris from agricultural and residential lands can have ecological impacts to waterways and other natural areas. Debris can also damage California Coastal Trail bridge infrastructure and clog culverts under the trail. The city has limited ability to manage sources or locations of debris on non-city land. Key partners include CA State Parks, San Mateo RCD, and the San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program.
3.3 Extreme Heat– Problem Statement
High temperatures and extreme heat can pose a threat to recreational uses, especially in parks and areas with less vegetation and shade, such as the skate park. City-run beaches are already experiencing significantly higher visitor demand during periods of high heat. The City may also be forced to close certain parks to sports groups or others during times of extreme heat. Extreme heat will exacerbate ecological drought conditions and cause ecosystem shifts in the City’s parks and open spaces, particularly in coastal scrub landscapes. City parks provide an important opportunity in reducing the urban heat island effect and provide localized cooling. However, the City may be constrained on opportunities for park expansion or intervention in parkland spaces due to highly sensitive species and habitat, high cost of land, and permitting constraints.
3.4 Flooding – Problem Statement
Flooding can occur during heavy rainfall events and can impact City parks and amenities and the ability of the community to utilize these spaces for recreation. John L Carter Memorial Park, adjacent to Pilarcitos Creek, is prone to flooding as is Frenchmans Creek Park and the area adjacent to the Old Train Depot near Arroyo Leon. A current park update may help to address some of the flood issues. Key partners include CA State Parks, FEMA, land trusts, One Shoreline, and San Mateo RCD.
3.5 Wildfire – Problem Statement
Drought and increased heat will lead to higher wildfire risk in the City. While the highest wildfire risk is in the wildland-urban interface outside of city limits, wildfire spreading from the wildland-urban interface into the City’s inland parks and open spaces (located closer to these areas) could have a multi-year negative impact on tourism and residents in Half Moon Bay. The City may be forced to close parks and open space areas during periods of poor air quality. Cascading impacts post-fire may include increased risk of debris flow, and a large influx of ash and debris in the City’s waterways and shoreline following rain events. This can have impacts on water quality, habitat, ocean health, and debris management (see problem statement 3.2).
4. Public Services, Utilities, and Local Infrastructure Description
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 103 This includes a wide range of public services including water supply, wastewater, stormwater, power, natural gas, internet, and communications.
Water and Sewer
Description
Water and sewer services are critical to the City; however, the City has limited direct control over these utilities.
The majority of the City’s water, depending on the season, comes from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in the Sierra Nevada. A reduction in snowpack in the mountains and decreased or changing intensity of rainfall could threaten the City’s water supply. Water supply for the City is provided by the Coastside County Water District (CCWD).
Wastewater collection service is provided by Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM) where the City has appointed board members, but limited control of the management and operation of the Treatment Plant. The Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) provides regional water supply planning, resource development, and conservation services to the City.
4.1 Drought – Problem Statement
Statewide drought could impact the water supply to the City and increase the costs for residents and businesses.
The City does not have control over the supply; however, it can adopt water conservation efforts for municipal buildings, parks and lands, and support residential savings programs to reduce demand and mitigate future rate increases. Potential partners include CCWD, BAWSCA, and the Bay Area Integrated Regional Water Management Program.
4.2 Flooding – Problem Statement
SAM operates the Wastewater Treatment Plant in the City through a joint powers authority. The SAM Plant has flooded in the past and is at high risk of future flooding in extreme storm events. Flooding of the SAM Plant would temporarily shut down the facility, preventing wastewater collection and processing in the City, and potentially causing dire public health consequences. The City does not have direct control over the plant but does have some indirect influence through its appointed board members. Partners include regional board member agencies, including Granada Community Services District, Montara Water & Sanitary District, SAM, San Mateo RCD, and One Shoreline.
CCWD operates wells, a water treatment plant, and a pump station in a low-lying area near Denison Creek, and a pump station near Frenchmans Creek. These facilities are in a potential flood hazard area and flooding could impact these facilities directly and impact water supply systems.
4.3 Wildfire, Debris Flow, and Landslides – Problem Statement CCWD operates numerous facilities and pipelines in unincorporated San Mateo County that are located in areas of high wildfire risk, and many of these facilities and pipelines are located near steep slopes that are at risk of failure, and this could impact both facility access and the facilities themselves. The majority of the City’s water travels by pipe from Crystal Springs Reservoir and Pilarcitos Lake to the Nunes Water Treatment Plant along Highway 92. This corridor is highly vulnerable to wildfire and landslides. Impacts to the reservoirs, pipelines, water tanks, and the water treatment plant in these areas could have lasting and severe impacts on the city’s water supply. Additionally, wildfires and landslides can compromise water quality both during events and for months and years after. The City has limited direct control over this utility. Potential partners include CCWD, CAL FIRE, and the County of San Mateo.
4.4 Emergent Groundwater– Problem Statement
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 104 SAM operates the wastewater treatment plant that is located in a low-lying area near the convergence of Pilarcitos Creek and the Kehoe Waterway. Many pieces of key infrastructure for the plant are located underground and seepage of groundwater is a persistent nuisance for the facility. The projected rise in sea level will lead coastal groundwater to rise, which will further exacerbate this issue. The City has appointed board members to SAM and should ensure that the wastewater treatment plant is monitoring environmental conditions within and around the facility, and is engaged in future planning and decision-making.
Power and Communications
Description
Power outages caused by high winds or wildfire can cause significant disruptions to daily life, including the interruption or access to certain medical devices that require power, negatively impacting residents with significant health issues in the City. Power outages can also cause communication outages, which can make it impossible to call for 911 assistance, making the City less safe for residents. It also affects streetlights and traffic lights, making moving around the City much riskier, and potentially increasing the probability of accidents. Both power and communication outages also negatively impact Half Moon Bay’s small businesses. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) is the owner and operator of the electricity distribution system, including the high-voltage transmission lines as well as the local distribution grid.
The pre-existing conditions that affect public services include outdated and aging infrastructure and the isolated coastal location of the City. This makes it more critical for the City to become self-sufficient in the case of power outages.
4.5 High Winds – Problem Statement
High wind events, especially during winter storms, can cause downed power lines and disrupt the electricity and communication delivery to the energy system. A loss of power can create a significant public safety concern by potentially knocking out streetlights and stoplights, and creating difficulties for those that rely on medical devices.
Power and communication outages have long been a challenge for the City and if high wind events intensify into the future, these issues will be exacerbated. The City has a significant ability to adapt to this for trees within the City’s ROW. Potential partners include PG&E and San Mateo County.
4.6 Wildfire – Problem Statement
Wildfire risk in the region can lead to direct damage to infrastructure, and Public Safety Power Shut offs, shutting off electricity in the City and beyond, sometimes including telecommunications infrastructure like cell towers.
These shutoffs can coincide with hot days and an inability to run air conditioners, fans and other cooling devices impacting vulnerable populations (see 6.1 for impacts of extreme heat). Cell towers, often located along ridgelines, are at an increased threat by wildfire. Potential partners include PG&E and CAL FIRE.
5. Socially Vulnerable Populations
Description
Socially vulnerable population groups are more likely than the general population to experience impacts from climate hazards and may have less adaptive capacity in the face of cascading issues. Socially vulnerable groups include, but are not limited to, seniors, mobile home residents, individuals with health sensitivities and mobility limitations, language isolation, racially marginalized groups, and low-income community members. Racially 176
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 105 marginalized groups and low-income community members are more likely to live in higher risk locations and be exposed to hazards, and may be less able to recover from climate impacts. As a whole, vulnerable groups may face issues accessing the basic needs and services they need to recover from climate change impacts.
The pre-existing conditions that may affect these groups include lack of affordable housing, limited public transportation, high cost of living, racial inequity, isolated communities, linguistic isolation, housing quality, agency in housing decisions, high cost of public services including utilities, health insurance coverage, and potential lack of trust in City Government workers due to a history of disenfranchisement and lack of representation.
It is important that the City aim to reduce the health risks associated with climate change for disadvantaged communities by prioritizing programs and improvements to address needs. The City may have difficulty addressing the needs of disadvantaged groups and providing assistance to socially vulnerable groups due to limited funding, political and community will, competing interests, and differing priorities on the allocation of public safety dollars. The City should identify and work with local groups with connections to socially vulnerable groups such as non-profits, faith groups, MidPen housing, mobile home and RV park management, and other community groups. Venues for outreach and the building of trust include the Public Library, the Community Center, and local events.
5.1 Extreme Heat, Air Quality and Wildfire Smoke – Problem Statement A. Outdoor Workers
Individuals who rely on outdoor jobs, such as agriculture, landscaping, and construction where they are required to be outdoors, are significantly more exposed to the extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and poor air quality, than the general population.
B. Mobile Home Residents
Residents in mobile home parks have significantly less shade/tree cover, creating urban heat islands. The homes are also less likely to have improvements including A/C, ventilation/filtration systems, quality insulation, etc.
C. Seniors
Seniors, particularly those living alone, have less adaptive capacity for the impacts related to extreme heat, wildfire smoke and poor air quality. This can lead to health issues such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke for these populations, and exacerbate underlying health conditions such as heart disease.
5.2 Severe Winter Storms – Problem Statement
A. Outdoor Workers
Individuals who rely on outdoor jobs, such as agriculture, landscaping, and construction where they are required to be outdoors are more likely to be directly impacted by severe winter weather conditions and bear a heavier burden in post-storm cleanup activities.
B. Seniors
Seniors, particularly those living alone, are especially vulnerable to power outages resulting from severe winter storms and may experience difficulty preparing for these hazards and cleaning following these events. 177
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 106 C. Renters
Severe storms may lead to an increased chance of flood damage to impact homes directly. These issues can result in mold problems and direct damage to property. Renters may be less able to prepare for these hazards and recover after these events.
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 107 B.Adaptation Strategies and Actions
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 108 Goal 1. Ensure a Healthy, Resilient, and Self-Sufficient Community Strategy Action Type of
Intervention
Responsible
Party Support
Alignment with
Local Coastal Land
Use Plan
Cost
Impact/
Protective
Value
No. Problem
Statements
Addressed
Feasibility/
Capacity
Additional
Benefits
Final
Score Prioritization
1.1 Residential
Resilience: Increase
residential home
hardening and
resilience to climate
hazards.
1.1.1 Evaluate and update existing City residential and commercial permitting and codes to determine
appropriate enhancementsfor climate resilience,
including wildfire, flooding and drought
protections for buildings and landscapes.
Policy/Regulation Community
Development Public Works
7-7: Building Codes and
Standards, 7-1: Hazard
Avoidance, 7-5: LongTerm Adaptation, 7-8:
Shoreline Hazards and
New Development
Within
Current High 5 Medium No 0.605 Medium
1.1 Residential
Resilience: Increase
residential home
hardening and
resilience to climate
hazards.
1.1.2 Assure compliance with LUP fire safety policies
through condition compliance review and
enforcement.
Policy/Regulation Community
Development
Coastside Fire
Protection
Within
Current High 5 Medium No 0.605 Medium
1.1 Residential
Resilience: Increase
residential home
hardening and
resilience to climate
hazards.
1.1.3 Utilize the CAL FIRE ArcGIS Collector App to
inventory structuresthat do not comply with
firesafe practices and codes.
Monitoring Public Works Coastside Fire
Protection $ High 5 Medium No 0.525 Medium
1.1 Residential
Resilience: Increase
residential home
hardening and
resilience to climate
hazards.
1.1.4 Establish a Firewise Community Certification
Program.
Partnership,
Program
Administrative
Services
Coastside Fire
Protection $ Medium 5 Medium Yes 0.575 Medium
1.1 Residential
Resilience: Increase
residential home
hardening and
resilience to climate
hazards.
1.1.5 Develop a partnership mechanism between
private property owners (and Homeowners
Associations) and agency landowners (i.e.
City/County/State/Fed) to enhance wildfire
protection, preparedness, and recovery efforts.
Partnership
Economic
Vitality/City
Managers Office
Public Works
Within
Current
Medium 5 High No 0.63 High
1.1 Residential
Resilience: Increase
residential home
hardening and
resilience to climate
hazards.
1.1.6 Create a voluntary vegetation management
program for property owners, including education
materials, "how to" support, and servicessuch as
free chipping, for residential properties to
increase their defensible space.
Program,
Communications Public Works
Community
Development
Within
Current
Low 5 Medium No 0.405 Low
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 109
1.1 Residential
Resilience: Increase
residential home
hardening and
resilience to climate
hazards.
1.1.7 Ensure that new subdivisions are established with adequate emergency vehicle access, evacuation
standards for residential development, and can
be maintained without requiring fuel modification
within ESHAs and their buffer areas. Prohibit the
creation of new developable lots within high fire
hazard zones.
Policy/Regulation Public Works Community
Development
7-2: Subdivisions, 7-68:
Fire Hazard Avoidance for
New Subdivisions
$$ Medium5 Medium No 0.385 Low
1.1 Residential
Resilience: Increase
residential home
hardening and
resilience to climate
hazards.
1.1.8 Identify and implement projects and programs to
enhance road and circulation capacity, ensuring
adequate evacuation capability.
Program, Capital
Improvement
Public Works Community
Development
$ Medium5 Medium Yes 0.575 Medium
1.2 Community
Capacity: Increase
community
understanding,
cohesion, and
adaptive capacity to
better respond and
adapt to climate
hazards.
1.2.1 Host annual educational eventsfor residents and
businesses on weather-proofing and fire-proofing
their homes and businesses. Continue to
coordinate with the CERT program to help
distribute information to increase resident and
homeowner awareness and knowledge of how to
prepare for emergencies.
Program,
Communications,
Partnership
Emergency
Preparedness
Coastside Fire
Protection
Within
Current High
3 High No 0.69 High
1.2 Community
Capacity: Increase
community
understanding,
cohesion, and
adaptive capacity to
better respond and
adapt to climate
hazards.
1.2.2 Establish incentives and directsupport for
individual and household emergency
preparedness.
Program Emergency
Preparedness CERT
$ Medium3 Low No 0.26 Low
1.2 Community
Capacity: Increase
community
understanding,
cohesion, and
adaptive capacity to
better respond and
adapt to climate
hazards.
1.2.3 Bolster and further promote the neighborhood-
level Coastside Certified Emergency Response
Team (CERT) program. Work with exiting CERT
leads to identify neighborhood-level gaps in
membership, and develop emergency
preparedness by organizing City by blocks and
recruiting new Block Captains as needed.
Communications,
Program
Emergency
Preparedness
Public Works,
CERT
Within
Current High
3 High No 0.69 High
1.2 Community
Capacity: Increase
community
understanding,
cohesion, and
adaptive capacity to
better respond and
adapt to climate
hazards.
1.2.4 Work with local schools to ensure every family
has a disaster preparedness kit. Consider
securing localsponsorship to hosta "make-a-kit"
events.
Partnership Emergency
Preparedness
Coastside Fire
Protection
$ High3 Medium Yes 0.635 High
181
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 110
1.2 Community
Capacity: Increase
community
understanding,
cohesion, and
adaptive capacity to
better respond and
adapt to climate
hazards.
1.2.5 Identify and developa resilience hub asa cooling
center and shelter during climate disasters and
extreme weather. Consider existing city-owned
facilities such as the Library, Ted Adcock
Community Center, Schools. Add solar energy,
water supply, communications, and battery
storage at a publicly available site, such as the
library.
Capital
Improvement
Emergency
Preparedness Public Works $$$ High
3 High No 0.53 Medium
1.2 Community
Capacity: Increase
community
understanding,
cohesion, and
adaptive capacity to
better respond and
adapt to climate
hazards.
1.2.6 Work with local CBOs and farmersto establish
and maintain a local small Farm Resilience
Network.
Partnership
Community
Development
Resource
Conservation
District
$ Low3 High No 0.41 Low
1.2 Community
Capacity: Increase
community
understanding,
cohesion, and
adaptive capacity to
better respond and
adapt to climate
hazards.
1.2.7 Seek public/private partnershipsthat facilitate
the distribution of cheap and effective air
filtration units for communities of concern.
Partnership Sustainability
Resource
Conservation
District?
$$ High3 High No 0.57 Medium
1.3 Vulnerable
Populations: Protect
highly vulnerable
populationsfrom
climate-related
impacts, especially
due to extreme
weather.
1.3.1 Expand services and shelterfor unhoused
populations in creekside homeless
encampments.
Ongoing Effort
City Manager’s
Office Public Works $$ High
3 High No 0.57 Medium
1.3 Vulnerable
Populations: Protect
highly vulnerable
populationsfrom
climate-related
impacts, especially
due to extreme
weather.
1.3.2 Establish defined extreme heat response policies
and partner with community organizations to
monitor these requirements, including for
schools and for outdoor workers, which would
require minimum safety measures in place for
extreme heat days and/or prevent work from
occurring during that period.
Policy/Regulation
Emergency
Preparedness/C
MO
Public Works
Within
Current High
3 Low No 0.44 Medium
182
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 111
1.4 Community
Storm Resilience:
Increase
community's active
participation in
building resilience for
extreme storm
events.
1.4.1 Consider participation in incentive-based
programssuch asthe Community Rating System,
Arbor Day Foundations' Tree City, and
StormReady to leverage resources to improve city
resilience.
Program Public Works
Within
Current
Medium4 Medium No 0.485 Medium
1.4 Community
Storm Resilience:
Increase
community's active
participation in
building resilience for
extreme storm
events.
1.4.2 Establish financial incentives, including
stormwaterfee discounts(requiresimposition of
stormwater fees), tax
credits/rebates/reimbursements, permitrebates
(e.g., freeboard incentives), awards/recognitions,
etc., to homeowners who mitigate flood risk on at-
risk properties.
Program Public Works CDD
Within
Current High
4 High No 0.71 High
1.4 Community
Storm Resilience:
Increase
community's active
participation in
building resilience for
extreme storm
events.
1.4.3 Create a neighborhood
-based Adopt-a-Storm
Drain program to fund storm drain maintenance. Program Public Works CMO $ Low4 Medium No 0.305 Low
1.4 Community
Storm Resilience:
Increase
community's active
participation in
building resilience for
extreme storm
events.
1.4.4 Support drought management and rainwater
storage by developinga rainwater barrel giveaway
program and associated education.
Program Community
Development Public Works
$ Low4 Medium No 0.305 Low
1.4 Community
Storm Resilience:
Increase
community's active
participation in
building resilience for
extreme storm
events.
1.4.5 Create incentive program for regenerative
landscaping practicesto support native plants
and soil management to increase drought
tolerance.
Program Community
Development Public Works
$ Medium4 Medium Yes 0.555 Medium
1.4 Community
Storm Resilience:
Increase
community's active
participation in
building resilience for
extreme storm
events.
1.4.6 Create an education and incentive program for
landowners– especially upstream landowners– to
improve stormwater retention on their property.
Program Community
Development
Public Works/San
Mateo
County/One
Shoreline
$ Medium4 High No 0.53 Medium
183
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 112
1.4 Community
Storm Resilience:
Increase
community's active
participation in
building resilience
for extreme storm
events.
1.4.7 Create Building Department, Code and Permitting
Resources that support Passive House practices
for New and Major Renovations for passive
cooling.
Communications Community
Development
Within
Current
Medium 4 Medium Yes 0.635 High
1.4 Community
Storm Resilience:
Increase
community's active
participation in
building resilience
for extreme storm
events.
1.4.8 Create and promote set of incentivesfor building
improvements that increase air tightness and
overall resilience to wildfire and wildfire smoke.
Work with regional partnerssuch as PGE and PCE
to promote.
Program Community
Development Public Works
Within
Current
Medium 4 Medium No 0.485 Medium
1.4 Community
Storm Resilience:
Increase
community's active
participation in
building resilience
for extreme storm
events.
1.4.9 Develop neighborhood-specific climate
adaptation plans with local stakeholders. Policy/Regulation Emergency Preparedness
Community
Development/Pub
lic Works
$ High 4 High Yes 0.78 High
1.4 Community
Storm Resilience:
Increase
community's active
participation in
building resilience
for extreme storm
events.
1.4.1 0
Consider opportunities to support communitylevel agriculture as well as agriculture-compatible and ancillary uses in urban and open space
reserve and PD areas. Partnering with Andreotti
property on Kelly Avenue west of Highway 1.
Partnership Public Works
Resource
Conservation
District
$ Medium 4 Medium No 0.405 Low
1.4 Community
Storm Resilience:
Increase
community's active
participation in
building resilience
for extreme storm
events.
1.4.1 1
Perform habitat restoration, assisted migration
studies, and education on tribal land use
practice including food self-sufficiently, fire
ecology and impacts and proper use of grazing
on open spaces. Sites could include: Peninsula
Open Space Land Trust (POST), the Coastside
Land Trust, and Beachwood, Glencree and
Andreotti properties.
Partnership Community
Development
Public
Works/Resource
Conservation
District
Enabling High 4 High No 0.67 High
184
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 113
1.5 Communications:
Create a robust and
reliable citywide
communications
system and protocols
for climate hazards.
1.5.1 Develop an annualresidentsafety and education
campaign for climate hazards(home hardening,
flooding, etc.).
Program
Administrative
Services
Community
Development $ Low 3 High No 0.41 Low
1.5 Communications:
Create a robust and
reliable citywide
communications
system and protocols
for climate hazards.
1.5.2 Partner with SMC Alerts to develop a robust
digital communication and warning systemsfor
hazards (coastal flooding, post-fire landslides,
extreme heat) through text messages, phone
alerts, and on-site updates.
Partnership
Administrative
Services
Public Works, Law
Enforcement,
Coastside Fire
Protection
7-3: Emergency Warning
System
Within
Current High 3 Low No 0.44 Medium
1.5 Communications:
Create a robust and
reliable citywide
communications
system and protocols
for climate hazards.
1.5.3 Increase participation and awareness of Genasys
(formerly known as ZoneHaven) and SMC
notification systems through an outreach
campaign.
Communications
Communication
s
Community
Development $ High 3 High No 0.61 High
1.5 Communications:
Create a robust and
reliable citywide
communications
system and protocols
for climate hazards.
1.5.4 Building on existing email newsletters, websites, and social media for community outreach, and
communication forstorm and disaster readiness.
Coastside Buzz, Half Moon Bay Review -
Coastside News, etc.
Communications
Communication
s Within
Current High 3 High No 0.69 High
1.5 Communications:
Create a robust and
reliable citywide
communications
system and protocols
for climate hazards.
1.5.5 Collaborate with local non-profits, HOAs, Mobile
Home Parks, and other community-based
organizations to develop an inventory of locations
with isolated elderly residents and people with
disabilities and develop a plan for a social
support network to increase resilience to climate
change.
Partnership
Administrative
Services
Community
Development $ Medium 3 High Yes 0.66 High
185
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 114
1.5 Communications:
Create a robust and
reliable citywide
communications
system and protocols
for climate hazards.
1.5.6 Supportresidential compliance with permitting
requirements through increased education
materials and awareness of resilience benefits.
City can go beyond code, enhancing educational
materialsthat define climate resilient materials
and building standards and reduce barriers to
implementation. Develop a project checklist for
building and site adaptation measures.
Communications Community
Development Public Works $ High 3 High No 0.61 High
186
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 115 Goal 2. Foster a Thriving and Accessible Coastline and Open Space Strategy Action Type of
Intervention
Responsible
Party Support
Alignment
with Local
Coastal Land
Use Plan
Cost
Impact/
Protective
Value
No.
Problem
Statements
Addressed
Feasibility
/ Capacity
Additional
Benefits Final Score Prioritization
2.1 Creekside Flooding:
Enhance monitoring and
maintenance of creeks and
drainage areas to reduce
flooding impacts.
2.1.1 Automate responsesfrom USGS creek gauge
system. Capital Improvement Public Works $ Low 3 Low No 0.16 Low
2.1 Creekside Flooding:
Enhance monitoring and
maintenance of creeks and
drainage areas to reduce
flooding impacts.
2.1.2 Identify public land near creeksthat will benefit from sustainable landscaping and other
stormwater management to slow water
infiltration along steep stream channels. Could
be integrated as part of the CIP for Park
Improvements
Capital Improvement Public Works
Comm
unity
Develo
pment
7-56: Flood
Hazard
Abatement
$$ High 3 High Yes 0.72 High
2.1 Creekside Flooding:
Enhance monitoring and
maintenance of creeks and
drainage areas to reduce
flooding impacts.
2.1.3 Increase the frequency of creekside debris
(trash)removal.
Ongoing Effort,
Enforcement
Public Works CMO $ Low 3 High Yes 0.56 High
2.1 Creekside Flooding:
Enhance monitoring and
maintenance of creeks and
drainage areas to reduce
flooding impacts.
2.1.4 Partner with SM RCD to restore wetlandsin highimpact areas vulnerable to flooding. Partnership Public Works One Shoreline 7-56: Flood
Hazard
Abatement.
$$$ High 3 Medium Yes 0.555 High
2.2 Vegetation Management:
Plan, implement, and maintain
fuel reduction efforts on Cityowned coastline and open space.
2.2.1 Create Sustainable Open Space Vegetation
Management Plan to reduce risk of wildfire,
landslide and debris flows, and coastal erosion.
Include considerations for natural vegetation
management (i.e. goats), native plants,
regenerative landscape practices, natural grass
recovery, dune restoration, drought tolerant
landscapes, and prescribed burning. Include
considerations for future changes to climate.
Capital Improvement Public Works Community
Development
7-67.
Unavoidable Fuel
Modification in
ESHA, 7-17:
Beachfront or
Blufftop
Vegetation, 7-32:
Soft Protection
Devices
$ Medium 4 Medium Yes 0.555 High
2.2 Vegetation Management:
Plan, implement, and maintain
fuel reduction efforts on Cityowned coastline and open space.
2.2.2 Develop staff guidance and education materials
for selection of plants and landscaping
alternatives that increase drought resilience
and comply with FireWise requirements.
Capital Improvement Public Works Community
Development
7-17: Beachfront
or Blufftop
Vegetation, 7-63:
Siting and Design
for Fire Hazard
Avoidance
$ Medium 4 High Yes 0.68 High
187
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 116
2.2 Vegetation Management:
Plan, implement, and maintain
fuel reduction efforts on Cityowned coastline and open space.
2.2.3 Where permitted by FireWise regulations, identify and plant drought and fire-resistant tree species
(fire-smart or fire-wise trees) in City owned
parks, open space, and streets.
Capital Improvement Public Works Community
Development
7-17: Beachfront
or Blufftop
Vegetation, 7-63:
Siting and Design
for Fire Hazard
Avoidance
$ Medium 4 Medium Yes 0.555 High
2.2 Vegetation Management:
Plan, implement, and maintain
fuel reduction efforts on Cityowned coastline and open space.
2.2.4 Promote fire-resistant landscaping through
educational materials, particularly on properties
adjoining high risk fire zones.
Communications Communications Public Works $ Medium 4 High No 0.53 Medium
2.2 Vegetation Management:
Plan, implement, and maintain
fuel reduction efforts on Cityowned coastline and open space.
2.2.5 Create fire breaksin City-owned open space in
high risk fire zones. Capital Improvement Public Works
7-61: Minimize
Fire Hazards $$ High 4 Medium No 0.465 Medium
2.3 Climate-Smart Coastal
development: Limit further
development along coast. (ormore positive framing- create safe development along coast)
2.3.1 Update Local Coastal Programwith triggersto
account for updated sea level rise forecasting
and new State guidance. Updated LCP policies
include rolling setbacks, tagging (warning
system), property acquisition, and planned
retreat for the handful of propertiesin West
Miramar that are exposed to future erosion.
Identify hazard-prone critical facilities and
infrastructure and plan for relocation, and
structural and nonstructural retrofitting
measures as necessary.
Policy/Regulation Community
Development Public Works
7-29: Protection
for Critical
Facilities, 7-41:
Incremental
Removal, 7-48:
New Critical, High
Occupancy, and
Public Facilities
in Geologic
Hazard Areas
- $$ High 1 Medium Yes 0.555 High
2.3 Climate-Smart Coastal
development: Limit further
development along coast. (ormore positive framing- create safe development along coast)
2.3.2 Establish risk disclosure requirements for
properties along high-risk coastal areas. Policy/ Regulation Community Development
Public Works
7-4: Disclosure of
Hazard Presence
Within
Current Very High 1 Low No 0.5 Medium
2.4 Nature Based Solutionsfor
the Coast: Reduce coastal
flooding and erosion through
nature-based solutions.
2.4.1 Establish a winter beach maintenance program
to protect against coastal erosion and flooding,
including considerationsfor beach scraping or a
winter storm berm
Capital Improvement,
Program
Public Works Community
Development $$$ High 2 Medium Yes 0.535 High
2.4 Nature Based Solutionsfor
the Coast: Reduce coastal
flooding and erosion through
nature-based solutions.
2.4.2 Track current state efforts around artificial
reefs and sediment management. If
alignment exists, study the viability of
artificial reefs, reef augmentation, and
opportunistic sediment placement in key
areas prone to coastal flooding and erosion
(ex. three rocks off
Miramontes Point, West Miramar, etc.)
Study Public Works Community
Development
$ Medium 2 High Yes 0.64 High
188
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 117
2.4 Nature Based Solutionsfor
the Coast: Reduce coastal
flooding and erosion through
nature-based solutions.
2.4.3 Create a beach and bluff monitoring program to
identify flooding and erosion. Continue to
monitor bluff and coastal drainage system
erosion and continue to assess appropriate
mitigation opportunities(such as clean closure)
forthe closed Half Moon Bay landfill located on
the coastal bluffs near Poplar Beach. Monitor
erosion at coastal access stairs. Communicate
with Ritz and their consultants on coastal bluff
erosion at Miramontes Point.
Monitoring Public Works
San Mateo
County/One
Shoreline
$ Medium 2 Medium No 0.365 Medium
2.5 Recreation Improvements:
Implement recreation
improvements to reduce
erosion.
2.5.1 Improve and increase fencing and off-trail
regulation signage along coastal open spacesto
reduce erosion.
Capital Improvement Public Works $$ Low 2 Medium Yes 0.375 Medium
2.5 Recreation Improvements:
Implement recreation
improvements to reduce
erosion.
2.5.2 Conduct beach access improvements to allow
greaterrecreation access and protect bluffs and
dunes. This will also increase safety along the
coast.
Capital Improvement Public Works Community
Development
$$$ Medium 2 Medium No 0.285 Low
2.6 Firefighting Resources:
Identify additional firefighting
equipment, training, and
infrastructure to increase
firefighting capacity and
responsiveness.
2.6.1 Expand Citywide firefighting infrastructure by
establishing and maintaining a priority list for
upgrading fire flow capabilities in neighborhoods
that may have inadequate fire flows.
Capital Improvement Coastside County
Water District
Coastside Fire
Protection
7-73: Fire Flow
Upgrades $$$$ Very High 2 Medium No 0.445 Medium
2.6 Firefighting Resources:
Identify additional firefighting
equipment, training, and
infrastructure to increase
firefighting capacity and
responsiveness.
2.6.2 Ensure that all roads, streets, and major public
buildings are identified in a mannerthat is clearly
visible to fire protection and other emergency
vehicles.
Capital Improvement
Public Works
Coastside Fire
Protection,
Law
Enforcement
7-71: Street
Identification and
Visibility
$$ Medium 2 Medium Yes 0.475 Medium
189
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 118 Goal 3. Protect the City through Increased Resilient Infrastructure Strategy Action Type of
Intervention
Responsible
Party Support
Alignment with
Local Coastal Land
Use Plan
Cost
Impact/
Protective
Value
No. Problem
Statements
Addressed
Feasibility/
Capacity
Additional
Benefits
Final
Score Prioritization
3.1 Green Infrastructure: Improve citywide
stormwater management and reduce
extreme heat by adopting low impact
development (LID) guidelines and green
infrastructure approaches.
3.1.1 Increase flood monitoring
capabilities along roadways
and intersections where
flooding is frequent.
Monitoring Public Works
7-33. Mitigation and
Monitoring for
Shoreline Protection
Impacts
$ Low 5 Medium No 0.325 Low
3.1 Green Infrastructure: Improve citywide
stormwater management and reduce
extreme heat by adopting low impact
development (LID) guidelines and green
infrastructure approaches.
3.1.2 Continue and expand
inspections and cleanouts of
storm drains, culverts, and
ditches. Utilize CCTV and
improve geodata.
Ongoing Effort Public Works $$ Medium 5 High No 0.51 Medium
3.1 Green Infrastructure: Improve citywide
stormwater management and reduce
extreme heat by adopting low impact
development (LID) guidelines and green
infrastructure approaches.
3.1.3 Where permitted by FireWise
regulations, identify suitable
locations and plant species to
provide shade in community
spaces.
Capital Improvement Public Works Community
Development $$ Medium 5 Medium Yes 0.535 High
3.1 Green Infrastructure: Improve citywide
stormwater management and reduce
extreme heat by adopting low impact
development (LID) guidelines and green
infrastructure approaches.
3.1.4 Establish policy promoting
permeable paving on new Cityowned paved driveways, walk and bikeways, and parking lots.
Policy/ Regulation Community
Development Public Works
Within
Current
Low 5 Medium No 0.405 Medium
3.2 Wind Infrastructure: Invest in wind
protection infrastructure that is both natural
and manmade to increase resilience to high
wind events.
3.2.1 Implement natural and
manmade wind breaksin open
space areas prone to high
winds.
Capital Improvement Public Works $ Low 4 Medium No 0.305 Low 190
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 119
3.3 Climate Change Considerations:
Incorporate climate change considerations
into municipal planning, design and
construction documents.
3.3.1 Publisha Climate Change
Facilities Master Plan for
Corporation Yard and
Downtown buildings.
Program Public Works Community
Development
$ Medium6 High No 0.57 High
3.3 Climate Change Considerations:
Incorporate climate change considerations
into municipal planning, design and
construction documents.
3.3.2 Update the Storm Drain
Master Plan. Consider the
projected future intensity and
duration of precipitation
events to recalculate flood
hydrographs and inform the
design of infrastructure
upgrades and retrofits. Aligns
with 4.1.2.
Policy/ Regulation
Public Works,
Community
Development
Within
Current
Medium1 High No 0.55 High
3.4 Increase Water Supply: Increase water
conservation and water supply efforts to
increase long-term water sustainability and
reliability.
3.4.1 Monitor groundwater
salinity within the Pilarcitos
Drainage basin.
Monitoring One Shoreline Public Works$ Medium1 Medium No 0.345 Low
3.4 Increase Water Supply: Increase water
conservation and water supply efforts to
increase long-term water sustainability and
reliability.
3.4.2 Upgrademunicipal watering
systems to be more water
efficient.
Advocacy Coastside County
Water
Public
Works/Comm
unity
Development
$$ High1 Medium Yes 0.555 High
3.4 Increase Water Supply: Increase water
conservation and water supply efforts to
increase long-term water sustainability and
reliability.
3.4.3 Explore recycled water or
graywater use in City
operations(i.e. park and
open space watering).
Capital Improvement
Public Works
Community
Development
$ Low1 Medium Yes 0.395 Medium
3.4 Increase Water Supply: Increase water
conservation and water supply efforts to
increase long-term water sustainability and
reliability.
3.4.4 Partner with CCWD to install a
network of piezometers to
monitor groundwatersupply. If
feasible, plan, design and build
emergency watersupply wells
to increase local watersupply.
Aligns with 4.3.10.
Monitoring Coastside County
Water
Public
Works/San
Mateo County
Health
$$$ High1 Low No 0.24 Low
3.5 Landslide Management: Install and
manage infrastructure to prevent landslides
and deal with debris.
3.5.1 Create Debris Management
Plan that develops protocol
for removing debris on City-
owned land after landslides.
Policy/ Regulation Public Works Community
Development
$ Medium3 High No 0.51 Medium
3.6 Energy Resilience: Increase
opportunitiesfor localized power, battery
supply and overall resilience to power
outages due to climate hazards.
3.6.1 Conduct power supply
feasibility studies to assess
need and optionsfor back-
up power.
Study Public Works$ High4 Medium No 0.505 Medium
3.6 Energy Resilience: Increase
opportunitiesfor localized power, battery
supply and overall resilience to power
outages due to climate hazards.
3.6.2 Develop a community
resilience hub(s) by adding
solar energy, water supply,
communications, and
battery storage ata publicly
available site, such as the
library or an established
resilience hub.
Capital Improvement Public Works $$$ Very High4 Medium Yes 0.675 High 191
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 120
3.6 Energy Resilience: Increase
opportunitiesfor localized power, battery
supply and overall resilience to power
outages due to climate hazards.
3.6.3 Ensure that all critical facilities
have backup solar/generator
systems so that they are
operational during multiday
power outages. Installation and
replacement of emergency
generators at critical facilities
(cell towers, library, city hall,
community center, police/fire).
Continue to monitor, maintain,
and perform condition
assessments for the existing
emergency generators (serviced
monthly by Public Works).
Capital Improvement Public Works $$$ Very High 4 Low Yes 0.55 High 192
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 121 Goal 4. Build and Sustain the City's Capacity to Increase Resilience Strategy Action Type of
Intervention
Responsible
Party Support
Alignment with
Local Coastal
Land Use Plan
Cost
Impact/
Protective
Value
No.
Problem
Statements
Addressed
Feasibility/
Capacity
Additional
Benefits
Final
Score
Prioritization
4.1 Operationalize climate
considerationsinto City policies and
procedures.
4.1.1 Provide an annual Climate Hazards
Report for Council and the
Community to track impacts and
identify potential vulnerabilities.
Internal
Procedures
Public Works
Community
Development
Within
Current High 6 High No 0.75 High
4.1 Operationalize climate
considerationsinto City policies and
procedures.
4.1.2 Develop/ update a Stormwater
Management Plan that increases
green infrastructure across the City
with limited, key improvements to
gray infrastructure. Include
considerations for the following
green infrastructure improvements:
retention basins, bioswales,
pollutant traps for storm drains,
green infrastructure along streets.
Consider the following gray
infrastructure improvements:storm
drain resizing, culvert resizing,
stormwater pumps. Prioritization of
effortsshould include considerations
for areas that impact fire/ police/
rescue response time. Aligns with
3.3.2. Capital
Improvement,
Policy/ Regulation
Public Works Community
Development
7-56: Flood Hazard
Abatement $ High 6 Medium Yes 0.695 High
4.1 Operationalize climate
considerationsinto City policies and
procedures.
4.1.3 Create a municipal guide for ditch/
retaining wall maintenance. Create
and maintain geodata for this effort.
Internal
Procedures
Public Works Community
Development
Within
Current
Medium 6 Medium No 0.525 Medium
4.1 Operationalize climate
considerationsinto City policies and
procedures.
4.1.4 Include most recent climate change
considerationsin the development
and phasing of the Public Works
Capital Improvement Plan.
Policy/ Regulation Public Works Within
Current High 6 High No 0.75 High
193
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 122
4.1 Operationalize climate
considerationsinto City policies and
procedures.
4.1.5 As part of the State-required update
to the General Plan Open Space
Element, develop policies for
routine implementation of climate
change actions (drought,
stormwater retention, fluvial
flooding, native plants, efficient
irrigation) in parks and open space
management and maintenance
identified in parks planning and
Parks and Recreation Master Plan
guidelines. Implement active
transportation routes into parks.
Policy/ Regulation
Community
Development Within
Current High 6 High No 0.75 High
4.1 Operationalize climate
considerationsinto City policies and
procedures.
4.1.6 Create a post-storm monitoring
checklist. Where feasible, note high
water marks following storms on
creeks(vegetation markers) and on
the coasts (driftwood etc.) following
storms. Record in a geodatabase.
This is valuable data for future
modeling efforts.
Policy/ Regulation Public Works Within
Current High 6 Medium No 0.625 Medium
4.2 Increase staffing for climate projects
and train staff on climate
implementation.
4.2.1 Federal Training: Floodplain
managementstafftraining: FEMA
Training, Association of State
Floodplain Managers Training.
Internal
Procedures
Public Works Community
Development
Within
Current High 6 High No 0.75 High
4.2 Increase staffing for climate projects
and train staff on climate
implementation.
4.2.2 Hire a full-time grant writer, or
contract these services on an asneeded basis, to increase funding and resourcesfor Half Moon Bay's
climate and resilience projects.
Funding City Manager’s Office Public Works
Within
Current Very High 6 High No 0.85 High
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.1 Cooperate with RCD, State parks,
and local trusts to prioritize
vegetation management and thinning
efforts on their lands, in a way that
reduces the risk transferred to City
and private properties.
Partnership
Public Works Coastside Fire
Protection
7-61: Minimize Fire
Hazards
Enabling Medium 6 High No 0.61 Medium
194
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 123
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.2 Continue and expand working
relationship with PG&E to better
understand the grid map and power
grid with historical outages and
causes, and study where the grid
could become more resilient.
Develop partnerships on vegetation
management; identify key locations
for undergrounding electric lines;
conduct feasibility study to
determine potential locations for
microgrids; ensure dedicated backup
power systems for key infrastructure
(resilience hubs, key City facilities
such asthe SAM plant, traffic signals,
and telecommunications
infrastructure).
Partnership
Public works Coastside
Fire
Protection
7-61: Minimize Fire
Hazards Within
Current Very High 6 High No 0.85 High
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.3 Work with PCE to ensure dedicated
backup power systems and sources
for key infrastructure, including for
resilience hubs, key City facilities
such asthe SAM plant, traffic signals,
and telecommunications
infrastructure during power outages.
Conduct feasibility study to
determine potential locations for
microgrids.
Partnership Public Works
PCE $$ Very High 6 High No 0.73 High
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.4 Partner with CAL FIRE to enhance
fuel break and fuel reduction
efforts.
Continue to partner with existing
Wildfire Early Detection and Warning
Systems(UCSD ALERTCalifornia) and
implement additional cameras to
cover any gapsthat may be identified
for the region.
Partnership
Public Works and
Community
Development
Coastside
Fire
Protection
7-61: Minimize Fire
Hazards $$ Very High 6 High No 0.73 High
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.5 Work with AT&T and Verizon to
streamline permitting for
underground telecommunications.
Partnership
Public works
and Community
Development
7-61: Minimize Fire
Hazards $$$$ High 6 Low No 0.3 Low
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.6 Partner with San Mateo County
Health Department to enhance
extreme heat warning systems for
residents; establish, manage, and
monitor extreme heat day protocols
and to support cooling centers.
Partnership Communications
7-3: Emergency
Warning System
Within
Current High 6 Medium No 0.625 Medium
195
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 124
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.7 Coordinate with regional healthcare
providers to enhance outreach and
education aboutsmoke, wildfire, and
extreme heat impacts.
Partnership City Manager’s Office
Within
Current High
6 High No 0.75 High
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.8 Work with regional partners to
maximize the number of residents
that have health insurance,
especially for vulnerable populations.
Partnership City Manager’s Office Enabling Very High6 Medium Yes 0.835 High
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.9 Continue working with Coastside
Water District to create incentives
for water conservation efforts for
residents, prioritizing low-income
groups. Internally,review city
infrastructure opportunities for
implementing additional water
conservation
measures
Partnership
Community
Development
and Public
Works
Enabling High6 Medium Yes 0.735 High
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.10 Partner with the CCWD or the County
to monitor groundwater levels and
model groundwater availability into
the future using scenario-based
models. Aligns with 3.4.4.
Partnership Public Works
CCWD,
County Enabling Medium
6 High No 0.61 Medium
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.11 Coordinate with Caltrans on the
following efforts: On-road tree
removal; annual pre-winter
inspections of 92 and HWY1 North
for landslides; State Highway
Operation and Protection Program
(SHOPP); Minor Program funding
pipeline.
Partnership Public Works
Coastside Fire
Protection,
Caltrans Within
Current High
6 Medium No 0.625 Medium
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.12 Work with CA State Parks and the
Coastal Conservancy to explore
dredging the harbor and using harbor
sediment for beach nourishment
along the City's Panhandle. Work
with the State to conduct a phased
realignment of the Coastal Trail to
account for impacts of coastal
erosion.
Partnership
Community
Development Public Works Enabling High
6 Medium No 0.585 Medium
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.13 Partner with One Shoreline to assist
with managed retreat solutions in
West Miramar.
Partnership Community
Development
One Shoreline Within
Current High
6 High No 0.75 High
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.14 Continue to partner with the Ritz-
Carlton and Ocean Colony HOAsto
coordinate and monitor coastal and
ecological health of the shoreline.
Partnership
Community
Development
Ritz-Carlton
and Ocean
Colony HOAs to
coordinate
Within
Current
Medium6 High No 0.65 Medium
196
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 125
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.15 Coordinate with Coastside Fire
Protection to: enhance fuel break and
fuel reduction efforts; increase
participation in CERT program.
Partnership Public Works
Coastside
Fire
Protection
Within
Current Very High 6 High No 0.85 High
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.16 Work with School District to
distribute emergency response kits
to students.
Partnership Emergency
Preparedness
School
District
$ High 6 High Yes 0.82 High
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.17 Collaborate with SAM on future
upgrades and resilience efforts with
direct linksto city infrastructure (ex.
sewer lines, I&I, manholes, outfall
pipe, Caltrans wetland and Kehoe).
Maintain staff/council personnel as
liaisons to SAM.
Partnership Public Works SAM Enabling Very High 6 Medium No 0.685 High
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.18 Work with stakeholders (SFPUC,
County, others) to address
inundation concerns along Pilarcitos
Creek.
Partnership Public Works SFPUC,
County
Within
Current High 6 High No 0.75 High
4.3 Maintain and expand regional and
State partnerships increase resilience.
4.3.19 Partner with institutionsto study and
install coastal monitoring cameras.
At high-impact locations, promote
citizen-science and education using
CoastSnap.
Partnership Public Works
CoastSnap,
Various
Institutions
Enabling Medium 6 Low Yes 0.51 Medium
4.4 Increase City funding for
climate resilience efforts.
4.4.1 Establish a citywide Climate Resilient
Tax District to fund stormwater
upgrades, wildfire vegetation
management, and other climate
specific infrastructure
improvements. Align with the CAP to
co-fund and support multiple needs.
Funding
Public Works City Manager’s
Office Enabling High 6 Low No 0.46 Low
4.4 Increase City funding for
climate resilience efforts.
4.4.2 Create Improvement District for highrisk coastal areas. Funding Public Works Finance Enabling Very High 6 Low No 0.56 Medium
4.4 Increase City funding for
climate resilience efforts.
4.4.3 Evaluate and implement a Business
District Assessment to help manage
and pay for green infrastructure
improvements, and other similar
resilience enhancements and
services.
Funding City Manager’s
Office Finance Enabling High 6 Low Yes 0.61 Medium
197
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 126 Goal 5. Support and Increase Economic Sustainability
Strategy Action Type of
Intervention
Responsible
Party Support
Alignment with
Local Coastal
Land Use Plan
Cost
Impact/
Protective
Value
No. Problem
Statements
Addressed
Feasibility
/ Capacity
Additional
Benefits
Final
Score Prioritization
5.1 Resilience Incentives: Improve the
resilience of homes to climate hazards
through economic programs.
5.1.1 Evaluate the provision of incentives to
encourage homeowners and business
owners to improve home/building
hardening practices and implement
accordingly.
Program
Public Works
and Community
Development
Within
Current High 3 High No 0.69 Medium
5.1 Resilience Incentives: Improve the
resilience of homes to climate hazards
through economic programs.
5.1.2 Incentivize both passive and active
cooling strategiesfor buildings. Identify
the most energy and cost-effective
strategiesincluding light-colored roofing
for homes and businesses, or initiate a
heat pump retrofit program, and
strategiesto improve indoor air quality.
This can go beyond state minimum
requirements (reach codes). Prioritize
at-risk populationsforretrofit
incentives. This could align with strategy
5.1.3. Program
Public Works Community
Development
$$ High 3 Medium Yes 0.595 Medium
5.1 Resilience Incentives: Improve the
resilience of homes to climate hazards
through economic programs.
5.1.3 Where permitted by FireWise
regulations, coordinate and partner
with HMB Beautification Committee on
landscaping downtown to reduce heat.
Connect to Green Infrastructure
Development planning, and look for
funding from sourcessuch asthe Arbor
Day Foundation Tree City program.
This could align with strategy
5.1.2. Capital
Improvement
Public
Works,
HMB
Beautificatio
n
Committee
$ Medium 3 Medium Yes 0.535 Low
5.1 Resilience Incentives: Improve the
resilience of homes to climate hazards
through economic programs.
5.1.4 Where permitted by FireWise
regulations, using existing contractors,
incrementally improve and maintain the
urban canopy in downtown and
throughout the City to provide shade
and beautification.
Capital
Improvement
Public Works $ Medium 3 High Yes 0.66 Medium
198
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 127
5.2 Work collaboratively with local
businessesto build their resilience and
adaptive capacity.
5.2.1 Work with the City's businesses and
business organizationsto support their
efforts to become more resilient,
including providing resources related to
energy resilience, increased defensible
space, backup power, water and
communications continuity.
Communications
, Program
Economic
Vitality/City
Manager’s
Office Within
Current Very High 3 High Yes 0.94 High
5.2 Work collaboratively with local
businessesto build their resilience and
adaptive capacity.
5.2.2 Incentivize vegetation management with
free chipping services, work days, and
other similar programs that encourage
engagement and ongoing best
practices.
Program Public Works $ High 3 Medium No 0.485 Low
5.2 Work collaboratively with local
businessesto build their resilience and
adaptive capacity.
5.2.3 Design and implement water
conservation programs and incentives
for homes and businessesin Half Moon
Bay. See the 'One Water' approach.
Program
Community
Development
Coastside
County
Water
$ High 3 Medium Yes 0.635 Medium
5.2 Work collaboratively with local
businessesto build their resilience and
adaptive capacity.
5.2.4 Foster business partnerships and
mentoring to support business
continuity planning and enterprise risk
management. Coordinate with regional
businesses to ensure they understand
the ramifications of, and are planning
for, wildland fires (power shutoffs, data
back-up, chain of command in
leadership, evacuation, defensible
space, and building hardening).
Partnership City Manager’s
Office
Public Works Within
Current High 3 High Yes 0.84 High
5.2 Work collaboratively with local
businessesto build their resilience and
adaptive capacity.
5.2.5 Establish a local business pre-disaster
recovery planning and coordination
group and/or committee to update or
initiate business continuity planning
programs. Include considerations of
physical assets and workforce.
Internal
Procedure
City Manager’s
Office Public
Works/CERT
Within
Current
Low 3 High Yes 0.64 Medium
5.2 Work collaboratively with local
businessesto build their resilience and
adaptive capacity.
5.2.6 Implement innovative soil management
practices and regenerative land
management for agricultural businesses
through ordinances, incentives,
emerging technologies, and other
innovative practices.
Policy/
Regulation,
Program
Resource
Conservation
District
Public Works $ Low 3 High No 0.41 Low
199
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 128
5.2 Work collaboratively with local
businessesto build their resilience and
adaptive capacity.
5.2.7 Develop and support a tourism strategy
that is proactive in preparing for and
adapting to anticipated climate
changes. Incentivize tourism sector
diversification.
Policy/
Regulation
City Manager’s
Office/Economic
Vitality
Public Works
Within
Current
Low 3 High No 0.49 Low
200
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 129 C.Coastal Land Use Plan Policies Supporting Climate
Action Plan Goals
Goal and
Strategy Specific Actions LUP Policies Supporting Policy Direction
1. Ensure a Healthy, Resilient, and Self-Sufficient Community - Residential Resilience
1.1 Ensure subdivisions support emergency
access and fire avoidance; prohibit lots in
high fire hazard zones.
7-68
Ensure that new subdivisions provide emergency vehicle
access, meet evacuation standards, avoid fuel modification within ESHA, and prohibit creation of new lots in high fire hazard zones.
1.1 Prohibit new subdivisions in fire, flood,
and geologic hazard zones unless risks
are mitigated.
7-2
Prohibit subdivisions in areas of high fire, flood, and seismic risk unless all applicable risks are mitigated to meet LCP development standards.
1.1 Update building codes for resilience to
fire, flood, and climate hazards. 7-7
Establish minimum requirements for fire, flood, and geologic hazard resilience through building codes, and require
hazard disclosures for all developments.
1.3 Prioritize resilience investments and
engagement for historically excluded,
marginalized, or under-resourced
populations.
1-5
Ensure equitable access to environmental benefits,
prioritize Coastal Act and Local Priority Uses, and support affordable and workforce housing and culturally inclusive uses.
1.4 Develop climate-resilient building and
siting standards for hazard-prone areas. 7-1
Require geologic and geotechnical analysis for hazard
avoidance, limit development in hazardous areas, and
implement siting/design strategies to reduce risk from
environmental hazards.
1.4 Integrate long-term sea level rise and
climate change projections into hazard
mitigation and planning for private
development and public infrastructure.
7-5 Integrate long-term sea level rise and extreme weather projections into planning and development standards.
1.5 Update and maintain hazard warning
systems; partner with alert services to
disseminate emergency info to residents
7-3
Require citywide hazard warning systems and coordination with San Mateo County's emergency alert system to ensure early warnings and evacuation notices.
201
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 130 Goal and
Strategy Specific Actions LUP Policies Supporting Policy Direction
2. Foster a Thriving and Accessible Coastline and Open Space - Climate-Smart Coastal Development
2.3 Require 100-year site stability analysis for
new development; establish adaptive
setbacks and prohibit protective devices
2-47
Require site assessment for PD areas that accounts for
ESHA, hazards (e.g., flooding, landslides, erosion), and ensures development avoids bluff erosion over its economic life.
2.3 Site development to avoid future shoreline
protection devices; anticipate sea level
rise impacts
7-8
Site development to avoid future need for shoreline
armoring, consider erosion and SLR in siting standards, and require alternatives to hard protection.
2.3 Implement rolling easements, relocation
triggers, and shoreline management plans
to allow landward migration of beaches
and wetlands
7-40 to 7-43
Policies require relocation plans for structures in shoreline hazard areas, use of rolling easements, and shoreline
management planning to enable beach migration.
2.5 Enhance and protect public coastal
access; site trails and recreation
infrastructure to adapt to erosion and sea
level rise
5-1 to 5-12
Policies protect and expand public access to beaches and the Coastal Trail, require sea level rise adaptation for trails and access points, and integrate public access with natural resource protection.
2.5 Collaborate with tribes on cultural
resource protection, use interpretive
elements in coastal spaces
8-1 to 8-6
Policies require coordination with tribes for cultural
resources, ensure monitoring and mitigation, and require development to avoid disturbance of archaeological and
tribal cultural sites.
3. Protect the City through Increased Resilient Infrastructure - Green Infrastructure
3.1 Promote LID and BMPs to treat
stormwater; use ESHA-adjacent green
infrastructure for natural erosion and
sediment transport balance
6-76
Require use of green infrastructure to treat stormwater; avoid hard engineering solutions and protect ESHAadjacent sediment dynamics.
3.1 Implement habitat restoration (e.g.,
wetlands and riparian zones) that support
stormwater retention and improve
ecosystem resilience
6-77
Support hydrology restoration and natural floodplain
functionality to improve stormwater infiltration and
ecosystem services.
202
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 131 Goal and
Strategy Specific Actions LUP Policies Supporting Policy Direction
3.1 Prioritize green infrastructure over
traditional stormwater outfalls 6-94
Prioritize green infrastructure over new stormwater outfalls; otherwise, design outfalls to minimize impacts from sea level rise and coastal resource degradation.
3.1 Continue implementing NPDES and
Countywide stormwater pollution
prevention
6-95
Continue implementation of NPDES and Countywide
programs to reduce stormwater pollutants through design controls and construction standards.
3.4 Support reclaimed water development;
reserve water supply for priority uses;
monitor capacity to ensure supply for
future needs
3-13 to 3-17
Policies ensure monitoring of water system capacity,
promote new water connections for priority uses, support recycled water systems, and phase water infrastructure to avoid growth-inducing impacts.
3.5 Elevate habitable floors, retrofit buildings
in flood-prone zones, and prohibit
habitable use below flood risk elevation
7-55
Require elevation of habitable areas in flood-prone zones, prohibit use below the risk elevation, and encourage flood risk retrofits.
4. Build and Sustain HMB's Capacity to Increase Resilience - Operationalize climate considerations into City policies and procedures
4.1 Establishes a governance framework to
integrate climate and hazard concerns
into General Plan and LUP updates
2-10
Establish procedures for initiating amendments to its
General Plan, including the LUP. The procedures shall set forth a process for amendments proposed by the City
Council, Planning Commission, and private applicants. The City will not process private General Plan amendment
applications, or associated development applications
(except as required by State law), unless the City Council has approved initiating the General Plan amendment.
Authorization to proceed with a General Plan amendment
application shall in no way presume approval of the
amendment or project.
4.1 Require utilities in new development to be
undergrounded unless infeasible;
encourage visual impact minimization and
infrastructure resilience through early
planning and in-lieu fees
9-37 to 9-39
Policy 9-37: “Locate utilities including traffic control boxes, transformers, meters, backflow prevention devices, and
others in underground vaults where feasible; or if above finished grade, in discrete locations outside of any
pedestrian path or sidewalk.” Policy 9-38: “Require
applications for new development to include preliminary utilities plans to ensure that undergrounding and minimizing 203
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 132 Goal and
Strategy Specific Actions LUP Policies Supporting Policy Direction the negative visual impacts of utilities are considered during the earliest phases of project design. For all new
development and new subdivisions, utilities shall be
underground unless infeasible...” Policy 9-39: “Require all telecommunications facilities to place support facilities underground where feasible. New communication
transmission lines shall be sited and designed to be located underground, except where doing so would result in a
hazardous condition...”
4.3 Encourages coordination and integration
of regional planning efforts (e.g.,
watershed restoration, stormwater
resilience)
3-43
Update and implement the Green Infrastructure Plan and
Storm Drain Master Plan consistent with Land Use Plan
policies to improve stormwater system function and
management; support regional resilience objectives and
coordinated infrastructure planning.
4.3 Supports interagency coordination (SAM,
Caltrans) to protect critical infrastructure
and integrate climate resilience into
capital planning
3-28
Coastal development permit review for new development or redevelopment of wastewater treatment systems shall
require that such improvements will operate so as to:
minimize or eliminate marine resource pollution; incorporate facilities for reclamation of wastewater for reuse; and minimize noise, vibration, odor, and visual impacts on
surrounding areas
5 Support and Increase Economic Sustainability - Strong Local Businesses/Coastline Development
5.3/5.4
Support coastal workforce housing and
economic stability for coastal workers;
align land use with Coastal Act priorities
2-70
Designate Workforce Housing Overlay areas for affordable housing close to jobs and transit, integrate into PD areas, and ensure compatibility with LCP goals.
204
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 133 D.Multi-criteria Decision Making and Cost- Benefit
Analysis
Evaluating a variety of financing opportunities against funding requirements can be a complicated process. To support the strategic and rigorous evaluation of financing options, Keenan (2019) suggests a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework. This framework can be used to consistently weigh choices against one another in as transparent a manner as possible, based on the relative importance placed on particular aspects or outcomes of a funding source. This avoids potentially overlooking specific benefits of a funding source, ambiguity in how the decision to pursue a source was made, and inconsistency in evaluating sources due to doublecounting or over-/underweighting aspects such as risk aversion, administrative burden, opportunity cost, and impatience.
This process involves first, developing a list of criteria and second, evaluating the strength of each option against the criteria to assign a performance score for each option. Weightings can then be applied to each criteria, to calculate an overall score for the option. The more concrete the scores and categories, the more reliable the ultimate comparison, and there is less need for multiple cost-benefit analyses. Keenan (2019) developed an example scoring table; an adapted version is shown in Table 15. The categories are not exhaustive; for example, risk evaluation such as likelihood of default or missed payment is not included below.
Table 15. Example of performance scoring of funding strategies for climate adaptation based on pre-determined criteria, truncated from Keenan (2019). Each attribute could be weighted depending on how important that attribute/criteria was to the planner.
Funding
strategy
Source of
funds
Revenue
generating
potential
Cost of
funds
Long-term
sustainability
Flexibility of
funds Timing
Trade-offs for
other city
needs
State/federal
political
feasibility
Local/regional
political
feasibility
Administrative
complexity
Equity/Cost
burden
Local property tax
increment from
Infrastructure
financing districts
4 4 4 5 4 4 5 4 4 5 4
Community
facilities district
4 4 4 4 4 3 5 4 3 3 4
USACE CAP 103
Program
4 4 5 3 3 4 4 5 4 3 4
State property tax
increment from
Infrastructure
financing districts
4 4 3 4 4 3 5 3 4 3 4
General obligation
bonds
4 4 4 4 3 3 2 4 3 4 5
In the category of Cost of Funds, for example, the planner could use their professional judgment to arrive at a score, or be as detailed as calculating the specific financing costs using interest rates and an estimated payment schedule. Choosing the form of a specific scoring schedule for Cost of Funds, or whether to use one at all, is also an important decision (e.g., $0–$100K = 5, $100K–$500K = 4, $500K–$1,000K = 3 and so on, would be just one conceivable scoring schedule.) The more specific and concrete the scores are, the more reliable the final scores and the more likely the comparison of scores is to reflect their true comparative advantages.
Although much of the work of a cost–benefit analysis will have already been done in creating a robust table, a full cost–benefit analysis is recommended for the chosen strategy, or strategies, depending on how close the scores are to one another and how rigorous the MCDA, to finalize the decision (“Closeness” would also need to be defined by the planner).
205
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 134 E. IBank Funding and Financing Options
IBank offers three categories of financial products to businesses, non-governmental organizations, and governments whose projects relate to climate initiatives:
• Green bonds: In this case, IBank would be a “conduit issuer” that would issue bonds on behalf of the City of Half Moon Bay (or partner organizations, depending), and then loan the raised funds to the City (or partner entity) on agreed-upon terms. The four types of bonds IBank issues that are available for “green designation” are:
– Industrial Development Bonds—tax exempt; designed for private-company applicants up to $10 million that strictly focuses on manufacturing and processing tangible goods, which makes this option less aligned with the City’s climate adaptation goals; could be an opportunity for a P3 arrangement
– 501(c)(3) Bonds—tax-exempt; designed for nonprofit applicants; focuses on capital improvements but might be applicable to beach restoration and recreation improvements, for example; no listed funding limit; could be an opportunity for the City to facilitate adaptation initiatives of aligned organizations without putting forth its own financing – Public Agency Revenue Bonds—tax-exempt; designed for government applicants with a project outcome that includes enhancing “the economic, social or cultural quality of life for residents in the community;” no listed funding limit; does not require outside-agency collaboration to access and there is substantial overlap with climate adaptation goals – Exempt Facility Bonds—tax-exempt, designed for government applicants targeted at infrastructure improvements, can be for private projects on leased government land, no listed funding limit
• Direct lending: Like a private bank, IBank would agree to loan terms with the City; these loans are more flexible and lower cost than private-bank alternatives. There are two kinds of loans available:
– Infrastructure State Revolving Loan Fund Loans—“directly provides low-cost public financing to local governments, as well as nonprofits sponsored by public agencies, for a wide variety of infrastructure and economic expansion projects that improve and sustain communities, including projects with energy efficiency, distributed clean energy generation and storage, and climatesmart design elements;” financing from the “ISRF program is available in amounts ranging from $1 million to $65 million with loan terms for the useful life of the project up to a maximum of 30 years;” current examples of ISRF financed projects include water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades or construction, venue or airport construction or street repair and upgrades” – Climate Incentives Bridge Loans—“provide bridge financing for public, private, and nonprofit sector borrowers that anticipate receiving incentives to finance project costs, such as utility and state agency rebates, federal clean-energy tax credits, and reimbursable grant funds. The Incentive Bridge [L]oan is typically structured as a term loan with no prepayment penalty and includes an expectation that incentive payments will be used to retire outstanding debt” • Loan guarantees: IBank may guarantee a portion of a loan for the loan issuer in cases where repayment by the borrower is less certain. Loan guarantees effectively reduce the risk that a lender faces when financing particularly new/untested technologies, products, or programs. In this case, Half Moon Bay would partner with an institution (nongovernmental organization [NGO], private business, or government agency) that seeks financing from a private bank. IBank would then guarantee any loan that the private bank issues to the company. These guarantees are large, accommodating multimillion-dollar investments, 206
Appendix
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 135 and thus large-scale and/or expensive projects. IBank offers two kinds of loan guarantees for climaterelated initiatives:
– Climate Tech Finance Loan Guarantee—80% guarantee with maximum guarantee of $5 million, maximum loan of $20 million, up to 7-year term; applicant criteria are broad; great opportunity for a P3; example projects could include wave energy startups, energy storage companies, climate modeling software development, or carbon capture – Climate Loan Guarantee—70% to 80% guarantee with maximum guarantee of $100 million, (target $30 million), guaranteed for life of loan, 0.5% to 1% of outstanding guarantee servicing fee; must reduce greenhouse gas or other air pollutant emissions; stricter criteria on state of technology to be deployed
• Loan Participations: IBank effectively participates in a loan matching system where it will lend up to 50% of the amount of an initial loan; target size is $10 million to $40 million; terms of the loan are negotiable based on merit criteria.
207
References
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 136 9 References
208
References
City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 137
9. References
AECOM. (2018). Paying for Climate Adaptation in California: A Primer for Practitioners.
Alta Planning and Design and City of Half Moon Bay. (2019). City of Half Moon Bay Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, Approved September 2019.
Anchor QEA. (2021). Geotechnical Engineering Assessment and Erosion Study Report.
Barnard, P. L., Erikson, L. H., Foxgrover, A. C., Limber, P. W., O'Neill, A. C., & Vitousek, S. (2018). Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS) for Central Coast. U.S. Geological Survey data release https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/5b280118e4b0592076260491 Befus, K.M., Barnard, P.L., Hoover, D.J. et al. 2020. Increasing threat of coastal groundwater hazards from sealevel rise in California. Nat. Clim. Chang. 10, 946–952 2020. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-020-0874-1 Blue Point Planning and City of Half Moon Bay. (2019, January). City of Half Moon Bay Parks Master Plan.
Cal-Adapt. (2024). Retrieved November 2024, from https://cmip5.cal-adapt.org/ CAL FIRE and OSFM. (2025). Fire Hazard Severity Zone [(FHSZSRA23_3, FHSZLRA_25_1]. Available at:
https://www.coastsidefire.org/fire-hazard-severity-zones CAL FIRE and OSFM. (n.d.). Fire hazard severity zones. https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfirepreparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones?itid=lk_inline_enhanced-template CAL FIRE and OSFM. (n.d.). 2024 fire hazard severity zone FAQs. https://34c031f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net/-/media/osfm-website/what-we-do/community-wildfirepreparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones/2024-fhszfaqs_english.pdf?rev=538374a27bb44bbab4c2786ff2eafb39&hash=AD4DB7857E3EF6F0BEC0B56429A 1C262
CAL FIRE and OSFM. (2022). Short fire hazard severity zone methods. https://34c031f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net/-/media/osfm-website/what-we-do/community-wildfirepreparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severityzones/short_fhsz_methods_072022.pdf?rev=c47bf8be14c942baa48da94ee51902c0&hash=D0DFA909F 68BA455658B55212B949CC8
CAL FIRE and RCD. (2022). San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit Strategic Fire Plan.
CalOES. (2020). California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services California Adaptation Planning Guide.
California Energy Commission. (2019). California climate change adaptation planning: San Francisco Bay Area report. https://www.energy.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2019-11/Reg_Report-SUM-CCCA4-2018- 005_SanFranciscoBayArea_ADA.pdf
California Infrastructure and Economic Development. (2025). Our Impact. https://ibank.ca.gov/climatefinancing/our-impact/.
California Natural Resources Agency. (2021, June 28). California Climate Adaptation Strategy Workshop Summary.
City of Half Moon Bay. (2014). Plan Half Moon Bay, Existing Conditions, Trends, and Opportunities Assessment.
Revised July 2014.
City of Half Moon Bay. (2019). CAAP Outreach Pilot Project Final Report.
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City of Half Moon Bay Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 138 City of Half Moon Bay, Dyett and Bhatia, Lester Coastal Policy, et. al. (2021). City of Half Moon Bay Local Coastal Land Use Plan. Certified April, 2021.
City of Half Moon Bay. (2024). Capital Improvement Plan FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28.
City of Half Moon Bay. (2025). City Council Strategic Plan. https://www.half-moon-bay.ca.us/241/City-CouncilStrategic-Plan.
County of San Mateo. (2025). Joint Powers Financing Authority. https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/joint-powersfinancing-authority.
CSG Consultants. (2019). City of Half Moon Bay Green Infrastructure Plan. September 2019.
Datause.io. (2025). Half Moon Bay. Data USA. Retrieved February 2025, from https://datausa.io/profile/geo/halfmoon-bay-ca.
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Dyett & Bhatia. (2014). Plan Half Moon Bay: Existing Conditions, Trends, and Opportunities Assessment. July 2014.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (2025). Available at: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home Flammer, C. (2020). Green bonds: Effectiveness and implications for public policy. Environmental and Energy Policy and the Economy. 1:95–128. https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/epdf/10.1086/706794.
Integral Consulting and RCD. (2022). San Mateo County South Coast Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment.
Integral Consulting. (2023). Miramontes Point Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Fiscal Impact Assessment.
Integral Consulting. (2024). Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside Plant Vulnerability Assessment.
Johnstone, J.A. & T.E. Dawson. (2010). Climatic context and ecological implications of summer fog decline in the coast redwood region, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 107 (10) 4533-4538, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0915062107.
Keenan, J.M. (2019). Climate Adaptation Finance and Investment in California. Routledge. www.routledge.com/.
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https://databasin.org/datasets/91a7562429474e92b5f9fe7d79407a8e/ Pena, L. (2025, January 23). First homes for HMB farmworkers arrive 2 years after mass shootings exposed poor conditions. ABC 7 News. https://abc7news.com/post/first-homes-half-moon-bay-farmworkers-arrive-2- years-mass-shootings-exposed-poor-conditions/16174067/.
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BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HALF MOON BAY
AGENDA REPORT
For meeting of: January 20, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
VIA: Matthew Chidester, City Manager
FROM: Maggie Rodriguez, Interim City Clerk
TITLE: APPROVE MAYOR’S LIST OF UPDATED CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES AND DESIGNATED ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2026
______________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION:
Accept Mayor Ruddock’s List of City Council Representatives and Designated Assignments for 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
STRATEGIC ELEMENT:
This recommendation supports the Inclusive Governance Element of the Strategic Plan.
ATTACHMENTS:
Mayor’s List of City Council Representatives and Designated Assignments for 2026 212
Updated January 6, 2026
CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS
2026 Updated 1/14/26
A. Council Subcommittees
Subcommittee Designated Representative Meeting Schedule CSFA Grant Selection Ruddock/Nagengast As designated
Education Brownstone/Nagengast As designated
Emergency Preparedness Jonsson/Ruddock As designated
Finance Ruddock/Nagengast As designated
Human Resources/MOU Nagengast/Ruddock As designated
Legislative Affairs Nagengast/Ruddock As designated
Mobility Nagengast/Jonsson As designated
Public Safety Jonsson/Brownstone As designated
B. City and Interagency
Organization Designated Representative Meeting Schedule ABAG (Association of Bay Area
Governments)
Ruddock/Nagengast Annual, 1 day
C/CAG (County/City Assoc. of
Governments)
Ruddock/Nagengast 2nd Thursday evenings
Chamber Government Affairs
Committee
Brownstone/Ruddock 3rd Thursdays 4:00 p.m.
Council of Cities Selection Committee Ruddock/Penrose 4th Friday evenings League of CA Cities – Coastal Cities
Issue Group
By League Election Quarterly, as designated
League of CA Cities – Coastal Cities
Group – Leadership Committee
By League Election As designated
League of CA Cities – Peninsula Division Nagengast/Ruddock Quarterly, as designated Peninsula Clean Energy Authority Jonsson/Nagengast 4th Thursday Peninsula Congestion Relief Alliance
(Commute.org)
Nagengast/Penrose Quarterly, as designated
213
Updated January 6, 2026
SAM (Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside) Nagengast/Ruddock Alt: Penrose 4th Monday 7pm SMCo Airport Community Roundtable Jonsson 1st alt Wednesday 7 p.m.
SMCo Airport Land Use Committee Jonsson/Nagengast Quarterly, 4th Wednesday 4:00 pm
SMCo Council of Cities All 4th Friday evenings
SMCo Library JPA Penrose/Brownstone Monday 8:00am, every other month
SMCo Office of Emergency Services Jonsson/Ruddock Quarterly, 4th Thursday evening
C. Council Liaisons
Organization / Ad Hoc Committee Designated Representative Meeting Schedule Arts, Culture, and Events Ruddock/Penrose As designated Beaches, Trails, and Parks Ruddock/Jonsson As designated Board of Supervisors Ruddock/Nagengast 2nd/4th Tuesdays, 9:00 am Chamber of Commerce/Downtown
Merchants
Rotating (see attached) As designated
Homeless Jonsson/Penrose As designated
Housing and Human Services Ruddock/Nagengast As designated Mid-Coast Community Council Penrose 2nd/4th Wednesdays
Permit Streamline Process Ruddock/Jonsson As designated Schools, Boys & Girls Club Ruddock/Brownstone As designated Technology / Public Engagement Ruddock/Nagengast As designated 214
Updated January 6, 2026
Chamber/Downtown Merchants Monthly 9 AM Meeting Rotation:
February: Penrose/Nagengast
March: Ruddock/Brownstone
April: Penrose/Nagengast
May: Ruddock/Brownstone
June: Penrose/Nagengast
July: Ruddock/Brownstone
August: Penrose/Nagengast
September: Ruddock/Brownstone
October: Penrose/Nagengast
November: Nagengast/TBD
December: Nagengast/TBD
215