Restaurant floodlights on Montara Beach outcompete solstice moon

The solstice full moon is overwhelmed by light pollution from La Costanera Restaurant shining out over Montara Beach, in this photo by Kevin Stokes.  The roof-mounted floodlights and patio lighting were put up without required permits.  They do not comply with the Local Coastal Program Policy 8.18(a) which requires exterior lighting to be limited to the minimum necessary for safety, and placed such that direct rays are confined to that same parcel.

The MCC reported lighting violations to County and Coastal Commission in April 2011. Commission enforcement staff has written numerous letters to the restaurant owner about the violation to no avail.

UPDATE:  Montara resident Kevin Stokes has started a petition.

UPDATE:  La Costanera Restaurant had turned a deaf ear for over 2 years on Coastal Commission warnings re roof-mounted floodlights shining on Montara Beach, but a fast-growing on-line petition got them to remove the lights in less than a week.  HMB Review has more on the story.

MCC June 26, 2013, Meeting Canceled

Next regular meeting July 10, 2013

Seacliff Fence Removed, Coastal View Restored

Seacliff Court in Montara extends one block from the Coastal Highway to its seacliff namesake. 

Some years ago, a 5-ft-high solid wood fence was built across the end of the street, blocking off the view. 

At the urging of the MCC, the County has removed the fence, restoring the public vista.

Click images for larger view.
Read more about Montara Coast Public Access & Views.

Harbor Dredging Future Plans

In order to secure Coastal Commission (CCC) approval for much-needed launch ramp dredging, Harbor District General Manager, Peter Grenell, submitted 6/13/13 letter outlining plans for dredge disposal going forward, assuring the CCC that alternate disposal sites would be sought with “particular attention to beneficial uses, such as sand replenishment for eroding beaches.”

On June 14 the CCC approved Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for reduced-scale launch ramp dredging with upland dredge disposal on the inner harbor beach next to the kayak stand (aka “Perched” Beach).  The staff report had been updated with letter from Supervisor Horsley and 6/12/13 MCC slide presentation.

Per 1/30/13 CCC email, Coastal Development Permits were not obtained for the two previous launch ramp maintenance dredge disposal events (1998 & 2006) at “Perched” Beach, which was not considered a dredge disposal site by CCC.

Support for GSD reorganization as Community Services District

At its June 6, 2013, meeting, the County Parks Commission considered the Granada Sanitary District's (GSD) proposal to become a Community Services District to provide park and recreation services in their service area, and received public comment. County Parks has issued a letter of response summarizing the comments received and the commission's recommendations.  There is more detailed analysis in the staff report.