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Pacifica's open space is an essential part of our city's character. How did we get here? Diligent citizens from across the community have kept a watchful eye out for decades and with broad (though not universal) support have protected and preserved many hillsides and coastal areas into perpetuity.
Over these decades though, development pressures have not only continued but in recent years have seen a spike in project proposals that could devastate fragile hillsides and viewsheds, impact natural habitat and wildlife corridors, and create unsafe conditions by increasing congestion and building into wildland-urban interface areas.
The City of Pacifica Planning Commission approved the DEIR and General Plan update in a meeting in June. That plan -- without sufficient documentation, particularly as related to fire hazards -- has been appealed. For more information about process the city is moving ahead with click HERE
Footprints of Pacifica #26 Open Space Part 1
Footprints of Pacifica #26 Open Space Part 1
Interviews with John Curtis, Ferd Simon, and Peter Loeb -- all early participant in the efforts at saving Open Space for Pacifica. In Studio: Shirley Drye and Julie Lancelle who recall the efforts to Save Sweeny Ridge and Mori Point. (Wave Award Winner)
Pacifica Open Space Today and How We Got Here
Pacifica Open Space Today and How We Got Here
A historical view of development projects that were not built in the California City of Pacifica.
Footprints of Pacifica #28
Open Space Part 2
Footprints of Pacifica #28
Open Space Part 2
Interviews with Open Space activists: Jan Dutton, Ken Miles, Mike Vasey, Clark Natwick. They recall early concerns, long struggles and successes.
For additional footage from the program held January 20, 2022
at the Mildred Owen Concert Hall
click HERE
These videos are an inspiring call to action about what has been done and what can be done to ensure that Open Space and preservation of Pacifica's hillsides and coastal areas remain a focus in the General Plan update, continuing the visionary work of past generations to maintain our unique and enviable environment.
The Pacifica Historical Societies Footprints of Pacifica series with a focus on Open Space and an overview of some wildly inappropriate development projects (a card club on Mori Point! a marina at Rockaway Beach!! two 18-story apartment towers on Gypsy Hill!!!) that were stymied by concerned citizens and elected officials focus on maintaining Pacifica's essential natural resources and character.
For information/documents to provide your comments -- revised deadline is
March 8, 2022, -- on the City of Pacifica Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR); Draft General Plan and Draft Sharp Park Specific Plan,
click HERE.
The City of Pacifica General Plan (approved in 1980) states that "Pacifica has a unique physical setting in the Bay Area. The scenic qualities of hillsides, beaches and ocean combine to give the City an open quality usually found only in rural areas far from urban encroachment. These scenic qualities have significant aesthetic and potential economic value to the City."
The (1980) General Plan goes on to say that, "Pacifica's coastal location and natural environment are superb assets. The City's goal includes conserving the natural environment, keeping noise to acceptable levels, protecting residents from natural hazards, protecting the visual quality of the City, and conserving the sense of openness which is an essential quality of the City."
Let's be sure these guiding principles aren't lost in the upcoming update that will guide Pacifica's direction for the next few decades.
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