DayTripping: Mori Point and Shaking Beef
Pacifica
pets
on the ranch
scenic setting for animal care
DECEMBER 2015 • Vol.1 • No.4
Q&A
looking back
pacifica was once home to author Jack london
holiday expert Leo Delucchi talks about his fascination with christmas
Orchidsabound floral center provides a peaceful retreat
Happy Holidays...
...from all of us to you!
R E A D E R S
CHOICE 2012 R E A D E R S
CHOICE 2013 R E A D E R S
CHOICE 2014
BRIAN SHEPPARD, DDS Office hours by appointment:
650.726.3355
Voted Favorite Dentist
XNLV239727
Y
S
890 Main Street, Suite A Half Moon Bay HE R T SheppardDentists.com PP AR D TIS N E info@SheppardDentists.com FA MILY D
ONE VISIT CROWNS
Pacifica
Contents Features
16
A way with orchids
22
Preserving the peace
Floral center offers a unique experience BY Vanitha Sankaran
Shamrock Ranch offers serenity for all creatures great and small
Aquatic canines Pacifica rehab center gets dogs up and moving BY cat cutillo
Cover photo by Cat Cutillo
P ACI F ICA
LeadingQuestion
Christmas connoisseur Leo Delucchi. 10
DayTripper
DECEMBER
2015
CoastalCanine
Zydyne and White Paws. 32
CoastalGarden
Time to slow down in the garden. 34
Publisher’s Note 4 Flashback 6 Upcoming 8 Real Estate 38
Cat cutillo
on the cover
2 3
Departments Mori Point and shaking beef sandwiches. 14
BY Vanitha Sankaran
26
DECEMBER 2015
Gianna Franco T.V. Personality & Anchor/Host 95.7 The Game
When we heard that Gianna and Peter Franco were going to remodel their Pacifica home, we asked if we could record the process on video. That’s what we are doing from start to finish. This includes filming the couple as they go through the process of selecting some of their home improvement products like
windows and interior doors. You’re invited to keep up with this remodeling adventure on our web site. In fact, you can see the first episode now at DolanLumber.com. While you’re there, be sure to register to receive news about products, DYI tips and especially, information about this project.
DECEMBER
2015
P ACI F ICA
3
Pacifica
Publisher’s Note
DECEMBER 2015
Our black Lab’s demands are pretty simple
I
Comments, critiques or contributions? We’d love to publish your letters and photos. Send to our editor Clay Lambert. clay@pacifcamagazine.com
have a soft spot for Shamrock Ranch. It was there that we first met our black labrador, Ace. We were going, according to my wife, to just “take a look” at a dog that was being held by a foster family. We came back with a goofy, lovable Lab that lies with his back legs straight out like he is Superman and eats anything not glued down. Unless, of course, he can manage to work whatever it is loose. As my kids like to say, Ace ain’t the sharpest tool in the shed, but when it comes to heart, there are few bigger. He dreads to sleep alone, and unless we bring his bed into our room, he’ll track down a corner of our kids’ beds and then work his way across, conquering the mattress like Attila the Hun. Except, instead of plundering the Balkans, he just seeks the warmth of a family member. Try to push him away and you’ll hear his deep growl that he usually saves for the imaginary squirrels in the backyard. He’ll fetch a ball, but won’t drop it. He’ll attack sounds he hears a mile away, but can’t seem to hear our command to stop licking the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. He’ll cower at the mere sight of a bucket and hose, but adores his dog groomers warm bathtub. In short, he’s a Lab, and in exchange for his loyal affection he just asks for his lunk of a head to be rubbed and his food bowl to be full — all the time. In this issue, Vanitha Sankaran pens a story about the scenic ranch — the one where we met Ace. Take a look and learn about about the historic southern Pacifica landmark. Also in this issue, we explore Pacifica’s own orchid heaven and some alternative treatment centers for canines. And, of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t include something to put you in the holiday spirit. Read our Q&A with Christmas by the Cove owner Leo Delucchi and be inspired! Happy Holidays from all of us at Pacifica Magazine. Bill Murray Publisher bill@pacificamagazine.com Publisher Bill Murray bill@pacificamagazine.com Editor Clay Lambert clay@pacificamagazine.com Writers Vanitha Sankaran Clay Lambert Cat Cutillo
4 5
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
COPY EDITOR Julie Gerth
Business Office Barbara Anderson
Photographer Cat Cutillo
Circulation Lynn Altwer circ@pacificamagazine.com Advertising Sales Linda Pettengill Randie Marlow Kathy Schramm
design Bill Murray contributors Paul Slavin Marque Glisson Jennifer Segale
contact us (650) 726-4424 www.pacifcamagazine.com send letter and photos Your contributions are welcome. Please send photos and letters for consideration to clay@pacificamagazine.com. ©2015, Pacifica Magazine
Restaurant & Lounge
Family Owned and Operated Since 1927 Open Daily Breakfast Lunch & Dinner
COCKTAIL PARTIES - BANQUETS - WEDDING RECEPTIONS
Easy To Reach At Rockaway Beach, Pacifica
XNLV224926
Rolling Hills and Pristine Shores 25 miles South of Half Moon Bay
www.nicksreataurant.net
“DINE,DANCE & ROMANCE”
LODGE AND CAMP
(650) 359-3900 • Overnight Stay •
2001 Rossi Road at Hwy 1 Pescadero Call toll free 877-262-7848 | www.costanoa.com Cascade Restaurant & Bar Open Daily 7:30am–9pm
Sea Breeze motel (650) 359-3903
OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE ON THE SAN MATEO COAST, COUNTY & BEYOND Helping our clients with their Residential & Commercial Sales, Leasing, Property Management and Lending Requirements.
Personal Consultation • Financial Services • Community Information • Moving/Relocating Resources Purposefully keeping our office small and employing only the best Real Estate Professionals. Working as a team in order to provide the very best possible service and care to our clients. We treat everyone as if they were family, focusing only on what is best for you! Ensuring solid relationships and forever friendships. This is our office philosophy and why most of our new clients are referrals!
SF HomeLife, Inc.
XNLV229731
Experience the SFHomelife difference Visit us at SFHomelife.com
MLO#326378 • BRE #01382565
UNLOCKING DOORS BAY AREA REAl ESTATE SERVICES
1005 Terra Nova Blvd• Suite A • Pacifica, CA 94044
Frank Vella
650-464-8062
Kristine Foster 650-333-3773
DECEMBER
2015
Sharon Vella 650-544-4395
P ACI F ICA
5
Flashback
Jack London’s Pacifica roots Noted author lived in town as a child
I
t seems every town in the Bay Area can lay some claim to one of America’s great authors, Jack London. The author of “The Call of the Wild” was born in San Francisco in 1876. Oakland has Jack London Square. “The Sea Wolf ” opens with the sinking of a ferry en route between Sausalito and the city. But did you know that London lived in Pacifica as a child? The Pacifica Historical Society has dedicated a corner of its museum, in the Little Brown Church, to the local history of a man who is perhaps more commonly associated with the Pacific Northwest and Yukon. It notes that London and his family moved to the area when he was a boy of 7. London himself writes not so favorably about his early memories in Pacifica. They crop up in his 1913 autobiographical novel, “John Barleycorn.” “My next bout with John Barleycorn occurred when I was seven. This time my imagination was at fault, and I was frightened into the encounter. Still farming, my family had moved to a ranch on the bleak sad coast of San Mateo County, south of San Francisco. It was a wild, primitive countryside in those days; and often I heard my mother pride herself that we were old American stock and not immigrant Irish and Italians like our neighbours. In our section there was only one other old American family.” London died at the age of 40, not long after writing Barleycorn, but not before serving on the California Fish Patrol, advocating for workers rights and penning some of the continent’s most potent prose. — Clay Lambert
6
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
A 9-year-old Jack London poses with his dog, Rollo, in 1885, not long after his family moved to Pacifica. Call of the Wild by Jack London remains one of the most cherished pieces of American literature.
Give the gift of a
whiter smile... Ask about our gift certificates today!
RYAN A. HENSPETTER, D.M.D
RYAN A. HENSPETTER, D.M.D DIANA DIZIK, D.D.S. DIANA DIZIK,669 D.D.S. CRESPI DR., SUITE F CHRISTOPHER JEN KIN CAD.D.S. 94044 PACIFICA,
ff O % 0 1 purchase
entire his ad! with t
669 CRESPI DR., SUITE F PACIFICA, CA 94044 PHONE (650) 359-1646 (650) 359-1646 PACIFICADENTIST.COM PACIFICADENTIST.COM
SURF • SKATE SUP • RENTALS 5460 Coast Hwy. Pacifica at Linda Mar Beach 650-738-9283 www.norcalsurfshop.com DECEMBER
2015
P ACI F ICA
7
Upcoming
G N I T C E
Carol
P S IN ~ ‘Inspecting
Carol’ Go behind the scenes of a struggling theater company’s production of “A Christmas Carol.” Tim isn’t so tiny, and Scrooge has the bright idea of doing the whole thing in Spanish. It all goes downhill from there in this hilarious holiday production from the good folks at Spindrift Theatre. When: 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Sundays, through Dec. 13. Where: Spindrift Theatre, 1050 Crespi Drive, Pacifica. How much: Adults $25, students and seniors, $20. More info: pacificaspindriftplayers. org
8
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
~ Go small
this year It’s not a uniquely local affair, but Pacifica businesses are taking part in Small Business Saturday in the runup to the year-end holidays. Look for special promotions designed to reward you for shopping local and helping keep your neighboring merchants afloat during a crucial time of the year. When: Nov. 28 Where: Wherever local businesses thrive More info: Americanexpress.com
~ Wall-to-wall art Take a trip to the Sanchez Art Center sometime during the first two weekends of December to see a salonstyle group art show. It’s the Art Guild of Pacifica’s Galleria. The best time to see the exhibit might just be the opening reception. When: Opening reception, 7 to 9 p.m., Dec. 4; exhibit is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13. Where: 1220-B Linda Mar Blvd., Pacifica. How much: Free More info: sanchezartcenter.org
~ Mmmm …
mimosas!
Hey, you know what’s good? Mimosas, that’s what. And the Chit-Chat Café is your orange juice and sparkling wine headquarters every Sunday. What’s more, your favorite hangout on the pier even provides a musical soundtrack against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The live music usually plays through the late morning. When: The music usually starts around 10 a.m. on Sundays. Where: 5 W. Manor Drive, Pacifica. More info: Search for Chit-Chat Café on Facebook.
Jewelry Repair
Gifts and décor from around the world for all occasions including Autumn, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hannukah. Featuring: Christopher Radko Old World Christmas Jim Shore • Annalee Mark Roberts Lenox • Nativities Mermaids • Bears Antiques & More
OPEN Year R DAILY ound
Design
Rose Gold Diamond Pendant (.93 CTW filigree diamond pendant and chain)
Holiday Hours (12/1-12/23): 9:30 am-6/6:30 pm (later by appt)
Storewide Savings!
XNLV238092
205 Rockaway Beach Avenue, Pacifica www.christmasbythecove.com email: xmascove@mindspring.com
•
Good Things Come In Small Packages
Jim Shore 5” Disney Edition $72.50
650-355-2683
Appraisal
Open Tues-Sat 10-6 | Closed Sun & Mon Extended Holiday Hours Start 12/14 through Christmas • OPEN 7 DAYS 1343 LINDA MAR SHOPPING CENTER PACIFICA • 650.355.4886 • JEWELSFOREVER.BIZ
XNLV239799
Since 1996
•
ooks Flore y’s B Now is the time to start ordering for the Holidays
Books for All Ages! New, Used & SPECIAL ORDER
www.facebook.com/FloreysBookCo
“GET YOUR MOJO WORKING TODAY!” Now open in Half Moon Bay in The Shoppes @ Harbor Village 270 Capistrano Road, #8 Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
XNLV228115
Open 10 am – 6 pm (650) 355-8811 2120 Palmetto Ave. Pacifica
We welcome you to Rest, Regain & Rejuvenate your practice with us. Come join our Aerial, Yin, Restorative, Chair Flow & Meditation classes.
mojoyogahmb@gmail.com (650) 866-9231
www.mojoyoga.com DECEMBER
2015
P ACI F ICA
9
LeadingQuestions
❄
the spirit He’s always in
Christmas by the Cove owner keeps holidays happy all year
❄ 10
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
Interview by Clay Lambert clay@pacificamagazine.com
❄
❄
Two-year-old Leo Delucchi, sitting in front of sister Darlene, would grow up to open Christmas by the Cove and assure that the holiday was celebrated all year long.
A
s proprietor of Christmas by the Cove, Leo Delucchi knows a thing or two about Kris Kringle, candy canes and such. That’s no surprise. But that’s not all. He has a bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degrees in both education and public administration. “I laugh now about being the best-educated ornament salesman around,” he says. He began work as an educator in San Francisco and sold collectibles at antique shows. He dreamed of opening a shop that sold holidaythemed items year-round, but it was only a dream — until he moved to Pacifica. “Eating dinner one night at Rockin’ Rob’s, after just purchasing a home in Pacifica, I saw the construction at the Rockaway/ Quarry Cove location. ... I stared at the hole in the ground and decided that night my store would be on the corner!” This will be his 20th Christmas season at that corner. Who better to ask about the Christmas spirit in Pacifica than Leo Delucchi? Katherine Wright — Clay Lambert
DECEMBER
2015
P ACI F ICA
11
“A special happiness washes over us when we pull down our decoration boxes and start remembering what each one represents and the excitement of adding more to make the tree and our homes dazzle.” — Leo delucchi PM: Any new trends in holiday decorations? LD: Peacock-related decorations and colors are really popular now as is anything super-glittery, especially in silver and gold. Licensed characters like Disney or Star Wars characters are fairly recent additions since the 1970s. They join old, established licenses like Coca Cola Santas. Retro everything is wildly popular for the holidays, and I love the fact that everything old is new again!
Pacifica Magazine: Christmas must be pretty special to you to justify a holiday-related business all year long. Tell us about an early Christmas memory. Leo Delucchi: Some of my earliest childhood memories revolve around Christmas. Growing up in the Sierras, when Reno, Nev., was a very small town, it was normal to have a white Christmas. Mom loved to make the holidays special for my sister Darlene and me. She baked and decorated the tree and placed an elaborate creche/village scene below with lighted cardboard houses, reindeer, trees, Santas, ice skaters, etc. I sell similar ones in my vintage Christmas section still, and delight when they go home with families that will love them as much as I did. Windows were decorated and (we even had) plastic display items for the yard. I loved playing with the village and Nativity pieces, but was often in trouble for doing so! Maybe being able to “play” with all the thousands of items in my store is what motivated me to open it. PM: Why do you think we are compelled to collect Christmas decorations? LD: This is the same motivation I hear over and over from customers. They loved the memories of childhood and want to re-create those for a new generation. They collect from where they travel; hunt for items to cherish for years to come. A special happiness washes over us when we pull down our decoration boxes and start remembering what each one represents and the excitement of adding more to make the tree and our homes dazzle.
13 2
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
PM: Do you have your own personal collection that is meaningful to you? LD: I believe the store is a good reflection of my personal collecting patterns. I have a collection of vintage and antique items for one tree, hand-blown glass ornaments by Christopher Radko and De Carlini for another. I like miniatures, and those adorn several tabletop trees as well as vintage jewelry trees. I like antique and fine china, since a beautiful table enhances every holiday celebration. I love the Spode Christmas Tree pattern. The store is a fun, exaggerated, bigger-thanlife version of me. PM: How do you hold on to the true spirit of Christmas when it sometimes seems so commercialized? LD: Christmas can be over-commercialized, but bringing everything down to the personal level is important. Helping people find the perfect ornament or gift for someone is really satisfying. I love the fact that families who came in when we opened 20 years ago to buy a Baby’s First Christmas ornament or some family gifts still come in now that that baby is in college or there are grandchildren now to choose for, or they are marking a special anniversary or a child’s wedding. The continuity of family and memory making is all part of the season and builds faith. PM: Tell the truth: Do you ever get tired of it? LD: Because of all that I’ve noted and the excitement building every year, I never get tired of the Holidays! I love the fact that we have a great Thanksgiving display that followed a super Halloween look, and that both will still be represented year-round. I love the excitement of finding great English china in an estate, or a teacup and saucer that will be a wonderful engagement gift. Ornaments and decorations are little works of art that become an important part of our most pleasant memories and family history. I’m thankful that people have let me into their lives for the last 20 years. PACIFICA
r lt y ca ke s fo hd ay , sp ec ia rt bi , n ia ng al di it ut ch * ds * w ed h * du tc h cr it al ia n br ea * ug do ch e ut ur or cr so m * h h ca cc ia h * du tc s * m uc uc h m or e * fo s * na po le on ia * so ur do ug m ff cc * pu s ca e s fo on ir èm * le cr la e po * ti * éc ol is ch m or pu ff s * na ok ie s * bi sc ot éc la ir s * ca nn ol is * cr èm e s * bu tt er co * bi sc ot ti * s on ie si y ca ke s fo r éc la ir s * ca nn ok ca lt co oc ia l er ec hd ay , sp ke s fo r al rt ca si on s * bu tt bi y ca , lt n oc ng ia l di ec al ed sp r ds * w ke s fo hd ay , ut ch * it al ia Eh cr ut ch * it al ia n br ea h * du tc h cr w ed di ng , bi rt TH ug * do BE e ds ur or ea so m br * h tc n h * du THE it al ia fo ca cc ia on s * m uc ia * so ur do ug HIT OFpo m uc h m or e * ff s * na po le cc * pu ca s e fo s on * ir èm le e cr la or * éc na ti * nn ol is m uc h m RTY! e pu ff s *PA ok ie s * bi sc ot * éc la ir s * ca nn ol is * cr èm s * bu tt er co s * bi sc ot ti on ie si y ca ke s fo r ok ca lt * éc la ir s * ca co oc ia l er ec al tt ke s fo r rt hd ay , sp ca si on s * bu bi y ca , lt oc ng ia ia n l di ec al ed sp r w ds * hd ay , ak es fo cr ut ch * it al * it al ia n br ea w ed di ng , bi rt ug h * du tc h * ch do ut ds ur or e cr ea so m h br * h tc n ia uc * it al ia ug h * du on s * m * fo ca cc ff s * na po le cc ia * so ur do * m uc h m or e pu ca s e fo s on * ir èm le e cr la po or * éc m na ot ti * nn ol is m uc h pu ff s * co ok ie s * bi sc * éc la ir s * ca ol is * cr èm e er ti tt nn ot r bu sc ca fo * bi * s s * s ke s ir on * éc la co ok ie ING ia lt y ca l oc caNsi rt hd ay , sp ec ca ke s fo r al PLAN si on s * bu tt er bi y ca , lt n oc ng ia ia l di E ec al al ed it AV sp E r w H , * * R TH FOds ak es fo rt hd ay...TO cr ut ch br ea ug h * du tc h * w ed di ng , bi ch * it al ia n HOLIDAccYS do E e ut ds N ur or cr ea so EO m h br * M h tc n ia SO uc du ia * it al ug h * on s * m * fo ca s, cc ia * so ur do ff s * na po le keca VEonISs * m uc h m or e Cafo pu LO e s om * ir st èm TO le e cr la Cu po or * éc m na * * ot ti nn ol is m uc h cr èm e pu ff s Pies, LLED co ok ie s * bi sc * éc la ir s * ca CA Cookie r Honors * s,ca nn, ol is * s * bi sc ot ti si on s * bu tt er ca lt y ca ke s fo oc ia i * éc la irCus pc l ec al sp akes si on s * bu tt er co ok ieFAMILY... r , fo ay s hd ke rt ca bi y ca ia lt l oc ed di ng , it al ia n Courses ca ke s foBrr eaalds, and w ed di ng , bi rt hd ay , sp ec n br ea ds * w tc h cr ut ch * ia du al * it h * ug * ch do cr ut eatsds so ur m or e . n br sser ug h * du tc h on s * m uc h * fo ca cc ia * h * it al iaDe ff s * na po le cc ia * so ur do * m uc h m or e pu ca s e fo on * ir s èm le e cr la po or * éc m na * is * m uc h pu ff s * * ca nn ol * bi sc ot ti ol is * cr èm e ti * éc la ir s tt er co ok ie s nn ot r bu sc ca fo Courses * bi * s s * s ke s ir on ca ie si la ti * éc sp ec ia lt y r al l oc ca , bu tt er co ok fo * ay s s hd ke on rt ca si bi y ca , lt n oc ng ia ia l di ec al al ed it sp r w , * fo * h cr ut ch y ca ke s , bi rt hd ay n br ea ds do ug h * du tc e ut ch * it al ia ds * w ed di ng ur or cr ea so m h br * h tc n ia uc du ia m cc * al ch * it ur do ug h or e * fo ca po le on s * so m na * h * uc s ia m ff cc * pu ca s * fo le on cr èm e éc la ir s * m uc h m or e pu ff s * na po * ca nn ol is * * bi sc ot ti * ol is * cr èm e ti * éc la ir s tt er co ok ie s nn ot bu sc ca * bi * s * s ke s fo r s ir on ca ie si la y tt i * éc r al l oc ca , sp ec ia lt bu tt er co ok fo * ay s s hd ke on rt ca si bi y ca , lt al l oc w ed di ng , sp ec ia * it al ia n y ca ke s fo r ia n br ea ds * ng , bi rt hd ay du tc h cr ut ch al di * it ed h * w ug * ch do ut ds ur br ea h m or e ia * so du tc h cr tc h * it al ia n po le on s * m uc so ur do ug h * m or e * fo ca cc na * h * uc s ia m ff cc * pu ca s e fo e * na po le on * éc la ir s is * cr èm s * m uc h m or s * bi sc ot ti èm e pu ff s * ir s * ca nn ol ie cr la * ok éc co is * ol er ti tt nn ot s * ca ke s fo r ie s * bi sc si on s * bu ot ti * éc la ir , sp ec ia lt y ca fo r al l oc ca * bu tt er co ok ay s s hd ke on rt ca si bi y ca , lt oc l ec iaover 40 years! ea ds * w ed di ng al Family owned andbioperated , spfor * it al ia n ty ca ke s fo r ia n br ng , rt hd ay du tc h cr ut ch al di * it ed h * w ug * ch do ut ds ur n br ea ia * so m uc h m or e * du tc h cr do ug h 6am-7pm, ut ch * it al ia so ur m or e * fo ca cc na po le on s * * h * 650.355.1007 Mon-Sat Sun 6am-6pm uc s ia m ff cc * pu ca s e fo on or e * * éc la ir s * na po le ol is * cr èm ns * m uc h m ie s * bi sc ot ti cr èm e pu ff s101 Manor Drive, la ir s * ca nn * ok éc co is * ol er ti mazzettisbakery.com Pacifi ca tt nn ot bu sc ca s * ke s fo r si on s * co ok ie s * bi co tt i * éc la ir , sp ec ia lt y ca fo r al l oc ca * bu tt er XNLV234713 ay s s hd ke on rt ca si bi y ca , lt oc ng ia sp ec r al l w ed di , bi rt hd ay , lt y ca ke s fo ia n br ea ds * ds * w ed di ng cr ut ch * it al ea h br DECEMBER 2 0 1 5 tc n du ia * al h it ut ch * ur do ug fo ca cc ia * so * e or m h uc on s * m
17
16AP
Mazzetti’s Bakery
P ACI F ICA
13
Daytripper
Mori Point is a beautiful escape and a great place for a hike. Photo courtesy Pacifica Chamber of Commerce. 15 4
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
FAIRMONT
PLACE TO GO
EDGEMAR
PACIFICA
PACIFIC MANOR
1
Dinosaurs
SHARP PARK
Mori Point This rugged coastal promontory has a fascinating history. In the 1700s, the Spanish mined a nearby limestone quarry to supply whitewash for San Francisco’s Presidio buildings. An Italian immigrant, Stefano Mori, purchased 19 acres of farmland here in 1888 and built the Mori Point Inn, which developed a notorious reputation during the Prohibition days. Mori Point was a site of gravel and sand extraction during World War II; quarrying and later off-road vehicle use left the landscape scarred. In 2000, with the help of the Pacifica Land Trust, the Coastal Conservancy, and concerned community members, Mori Point was purchased by the Trust for Public Land and added to the Golden Gate National Parks.
Mori Point
VALLEMAR
LINDA MAR
280
SAN PEDRO POINT
TUNNEL
MONTARA MOUNTAIN
Now Mori Point has been restored and is one of the most beautiful spots in Pacifica. Visitors can enjoy a variety of terrain and stunning views. Find solitude at the Laguna Salada or walk the black sands of Sharp Park Beach. All seasons have their charm, but wildflower lovers will want to return in April and May for a riot of color covering the hillside. Mori Point is located just west of Highway 1, and directly south of Sharp Park Golf Course. Trailheads are found at the south end of Bradford Way and at the southwest corner of Sharp Park, near the south end of the levee protecting Sharp Park Golf Course. Parking is available on Mori Point Road or Bradford Way. Free. Dogs on leash are welcome.
Scan here for more information Mori Point.
PLACE TO EAT
Dinosaurs Vietnamese Sandwiches
Carrots on a sandwich? Oh yes. This happy marriage of Vietnamese cooking and french rolls is a genius combination and Dinosaurs in the Eureka Square Shopping Center nails it. The decor is strictly utilitarian, with a beer refrigerator stocked with asian imports as the dominant decoration. But if you don’t care about ambiance, the packed sandwiches more than make up for it. Try the shaking beef with sauteed onions or “the special” which is roasted pork, pork loaf AND pork paté. And yes, they all come with shredded carrots which add a crunchy sweetness. Veggie? Even meat eaters will opt for the crispy tofu. You’ll want a Saigon Export to cool down the jalapenos. Eureka Square Shopping Center, 50 Eureka Dr., Pacifica (650) 557-1421. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily.
DECEMBER
2015
P ACI F ICA
15
16
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
orchids T A way with
floral center offers a unique experience By Vanitha Sankaran Photos by Cat Cutillo
Nancy Davis purchased Shelldance Orchids in 1976 along with Michael Rothenberg.
he road to Shelldance Orchid Gardens follows a windy dirt path that leads from Highway 1 up to the Sweeney Ridge Trail. Nestled at the end of the road is a cluster of greenhouses with an amazing view of both Pacifica and rolling ocean waves. Visitors entering through the front door are greeted with an array of colors, sounds and textures, all in the form of blossoms and foliage that offer a swift blast of nature. Stepping into that natural pocket is the goal behind Shelldance, says proprietor Nancy Davis. “It can be hard for people to find time to go to Yosemite, or even out for a hike,” she said. “But it isn’t that hard to take 10 minutes to stop by the gardens and feel that immediate connection to nature.” It’s not just nature but the Zen atmosphere as well. A golden Buddha statue welcomes visitors into the gardens. It was given by Tibetan Lama Zopa Rinpoche as a gift to the flowers who gift us with their beauty. The statue sits by a large arch made entirely of hanging Spanish moss that people gather under to relax, converse and even to get married. Each of the six connected greenhouses has its own name and its own flavor, depending on the temperature and atmosphere in which its plants thrive. Long benches display collections of flowers and foliage with unbelievable color combinations, shapes and sizes. There are air plants tiny enough to fit in your palm, and hanging pots with bulbous blossoms, or even plaited flowers that
“It can be hard for people to find time to go to Yosemite, or even out for a hike. But it isn’t that hard to take 10 minutes to stop by the gardens and feel that immediate connection to nature.” — nancy davis Top, from left, Tara Whitefield of San Francisco and Stuart Spoard of Austrailia were in the midst of planning their wedding at Shelldance Orchids. Whitefield is a florist student at City College in San Francisco and thought Shelldance was a perfect location for their wedding. At right, Shelldance Orchids hosts a wide variety of events and weddings year-round. On this day friends and family were having a baby shower for Caroline Richardson of Millbrae who holds six-month-old Paisley Nguyen of Walnut Creek.
18 9
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
Where to see Shelldance plants
At left, Debbie Mediate of Pacifica practices yoga in the meditation room at Shelldance Orchids. She is co-leading a writing workshop that includes meditation and yoga. The doors on either side of owner Nancy Davis are original to the 1949 greenhouses. Drivers on Highway 1 meander through Pacifica below Shelldance Orchids.
Shelldance Orchids is a historic landmark and park steward partnered with the National Park Service’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The gardens are open to the public on weekends, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details can be found at www.shelldance.com Exhibits furnished by Shelldance can also be found at the California Academy of Sciences, which features a neotropical display of plants, and the San Francisco Zoo, which offers a tropical display in the South American section.
Care and feeding
Congratulations on your new orchid! Now what? Orchids are epiphytes and need a lot of air to their roots. They thrive potted in net baskets, tree bark or even in clumps of moss. Avoid overwatering, which will cause the roots to rot and the plant to die out. Watering your orchid in the morning allows evaporation during the day. Orchids don’t do well in direct sunlight. A grassy green leaf color tells you your orchid is getting just enough light. Feed your orchid once in a while so they get the trace nutrients they need. Feed “weakly, weekly” so they get enough (but not too much) food.
DECEMBER
2015
P ACI F ICA
19
stick out like a Jackson Pollock painting. The staggered layout of the different greenhouses is designed to encourage people to wander among the flowers, sit on benches and absorb the peace, or even to mediate in the large room set aside as the Goddess Tara meditation practice space. “Shelldance is very user-friendly,” Davis explains when asked about the meditation area. “People come in to take pictures with their children, draw and paint whatever catches their eye, even shoot for Martha Stewart Living or Modern Bride. We have volunteers who come in to get their hands dirty.” One Dutch scientist visits every couple of years to share his interest in plants that may not have commercial value but which Davis grows so that a large genetic pool of orchids exist in multiple locations across the world. There really is something to interest everyone, whether it’s feeling the velvety petals of a purple-and-yellow orchid blossom or dipping a finger in the pool of water that collects in the center of a bromeliad. Davis is vested in much more than orchids. “I collect all kinds of interesting looking plants,” she said. She points at a stunning pink-andpurple aechmea bromelias that seems more like an intricate sculpture than a living plant, then passes by a section of carnivorous plants that are popular with children. “We actually see such a small fraction of plants,” she continues. “I want to encourage people to look at the great variety nature provides us and then to see the similarities with what’s growing in our own backyards.” She mentions a collection of plants she’s collected from celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Raymond Burr and even Robin Williams. “When I point that out, people say, ‘Oh, I have that same plant,’ and they feel connected to that famous person,” Davis said. And that is what she is after — a connection that visitors can make beyond themselves. Davis believes there’s an orchid for everyone. “The flower picks the person,” she said. It might be a memory connection, she says, and relays the story of a Filipino visitor who recognized a particular variety of jasmine that she had known as a child. It might be a smell, a color combination or just a feeling. Finding that perfect match is just part of the journey. PACIFICA
Colors bloom from every angle at Shelldance Orchid Gardens in Pacifica. 20
Pac i f i ca
DECEMBER
2015
Stay Indulgent.
We've earned bragging rights.* *as the top rated Holiday Inn Express hotel in the San Francisco Bay Area. Come experience Pacifica with us for a truly unforgettable stay: We've earned bragging rights.*
• Complimentary Express Start Breakfast e etonptarrayteIn dtH e sSan Francisco Bay Area. • Co*amsptlhim eronliedtaaycIncnesEsxpinreaslsl ghuoeteslt inrotohm
• Complimentary Parking
Come experience Pacifica with us for a truly unforgettable stay:
• Fla• tCP anel 40” H D LCD TV omplimentary Express Start Breakfast
We've earned bragging rights.*
• Mi•cCroom wpalivmeenatn ard y IR nte erfnreig te acrcaetsosrin all guest rooms • Re• sCtoamupralimnetsntaarny dPasrkhinogps in walking distance
• FlatePatnoep l 40” HD LCD o TVliday Inn Express hotel in the San Francisco Bay Area. •*aMsintuhte s fromraBtAeRdTH SFO San Francisco Airport • Microwave and Refrigerator
• Restaurants and shops in walking distance
Co•mMeinuetexs pfroemriBeAnRcT eSFP Oa Sacnifi Frc anacisw coitAhirpu orst for a truly unforgettable stay: W e'eovm aarernneteaddrybbErrxaapggrgegisinnsggSrtiragirght htBstr.s*e.*akfast •W C 'e vepeliem • Complimentary Internet access in all guest rooms
™ STAY TA TAY YOU. o l i d a y I n n E x p r e s s & S u i t e s P a c i fi c a *a•*sCasotm hthepelitmotH p r a t e d H o l i d a y I n n E x p r e s s h o t e l i n t h e S a n F r a n c i s c o B a y A r e a . oepntraarytePdaH rko inlgiday Inn Express hotel in the San Francisco Bay Area.
, CA 94044 STAY YOU.™ Holiday Inn51E9xpNriecsksG&usSt uWitaeys, PPaaccifiificcaa • Flat Panel 40” HD5L1C DickTGVust Way, Pacifica, CA 96450044-355-5000 9N omeeeexxppeerriieence P CC om Paaccifiificcaawwithithusu6h5sfi0oe-xf3rop5a5rre-5tsar0su0pt0laryucuilfiyncfauo.cnrogfmoerttgaebtletasbtlaey:stay:
• Microwave and Refrigerator hiexpresspacifica.com • C o m p l i m e n t a r y E x p r e s s S t a r t B r e a kfast st •Stay xsphre awrtaContinents B of •CRoYou.™ emsp taliisumraaeregistered nnttsaraynEdtrademark ospss S intSix lkrinegakdfiaHotels, stancInc. e ©2010 InterContinental Hotels Group. All Rights Reserved. Stay You.™ is a registered trademark of Six Continents Hotels, Inc. ©2010 InterContinental Hotels Group. All Rights Reserved.
Most hotels independently are • CMost omhotels pare lim eindependently ntary Intowned eowned rneand/or t aand/or coperated. cesoperated. s in all guest
rooms
DECEMBER
2015
P ACI F ICA
21
22 3
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
“
This place is a community. No one person can offer this serene open space by herself.
”
peace — Serena Ahlgren
Preserving the
W By Vanitha Sankaran Photos by Cat Cutillo
hen people talk about the serenity of the coast, most of the time they mean the sight of the blue ocean and the sound of waves crashing on sand. But tucked away on the south side of Pacifica is a sprawling ranch that radiates peace the moment you enter the grounds. Time almost stands still among the quiet hills hazy with the marine layer. The soothing atmosphere is exactly what Shamrock Ranch hopes to achieve — for the people who live and work there, and the dogs and horses staying there too. Serena Ahlgren runs the ranch today with her two brothers, but Shamrock has a prominent place in Pacifica’s history. Ahlgren’s maternal grandparents, the Denmans, bought the land in the 1930s. At the time, it was a hobby farm. In the decades to follow, the ranch grew into a dairy farm with horseback riding, and later became the first kennel in the Bay Area. “The kennel was my grandmother’s passion,”
Shamrock Ranch offers serenity for all creatures great and small
Above, Lisa Rhodes of Pacifica trains 9-month-old Benson at Shamrock Ranch. Rhodes has been running the dog-training program at the ranch for the past 20 years. At left, Serena Ahlgren socializes with Blue the horse at Shamrock Ranch. Eight years ago, Ahlgren moved back to help run the Ranch, which has been in her family since 1939.
DECEMBER
2015
P ACI F ICA
23
Lisa Rhodes teaches a group of dogs to socialize. The ranch has a training camp where dogs stay for a minimum of two weeks to take them to a high level of response for their owners.
Join the ‘Ride to Conquer the Slide’
Each year Shamrock Ranch opens up a private trail on its land to hikers, bikers and leashed dogs. The event is called the Devil’s Slide Ride, largely because the trail offers spectacular views of blue waves, a sprawling coastline and, of course, Devil’s Slide. Registration is required. Proceeds support Parca, a local nonprofit that seeks to enrich the lives of the developmentally disabled and their families. The next ride is scheduled for July 23, 2016. Details can be found at http://www. devilsslideride.org/
Let your dogs play and stay
Shamrock offers a number of dog services beyond boarding, such as: • Grooming — Baths, nail trims, and haircuts; • Training — Group classes as well as in-board training; • Exercise — Leashed walks, nature walks, and playcare. Vaccinations and behavior evaluation are required, and customized schedules for your dog’s needs is a must. Visit http://shamrockranchkennels.com/ for more details.
Ahlgren remembers, mentioning a time when there were roughly 200 dogs running about. The Denmans passed the ranch on to their daughter and her husband, who focused less on the kennels and more on organic farming. “My father used to have these beautiful displays of fresh, healthy produce,” Ahlgren recalls. “He sold produce to Chez Panisse and even the Clintons.” Asked about the focus of the ranch now, Serena takes a moment to think. “This place is a community,” she says. “No one person can offer this serene open space by herself.” She said her mother described the ranch as the Queen Mary — you can only guide the broad direction of the ranch and see what happens. The broad direction she and her team have chosen is to offer the resources of the ranch to the community at large, in many different ways. Shamrock’s barn manager is passionate about introducing kids to horseback riding while another member of the ranch works with Half Moon Bay High School’s 4-H Club to teach kids about dogs and dog behavior. Another popular event is the Pony Plop, during which the ranch partners with the Vallemar Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization. Volunteers set up a grid on the ground and sell tickets for individual squares. The pony comes out and whichever square it “plops” on first determines the winner. Such wide-ranging pursuits increases exposure to different communities that might not even know the ranch, with its stables and kennels. Ahlgren’s brother, Zoe, brings surfers from his shop, Heartwood surfboards, out to Shamrock, “which is another new community to work with.” Of course, the ranch depends on business to survive — horse boarding and dog kennels make up a large part of that. Even here, the organic beauty of the area comes into play. Dogs have mini-apartments rather than cages, with a heated indoor area and a patio outside that’s available to them during the day. They get walks around the property and can even join in “playcare,” when trainers monitor who plays well together and who needs to be directed toward play that is both fun and safe. People are in and out of the kennels from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. And, of course, there are people who live on the property, so the dogs are never truly alone. The welcoming blackboard in the cozy kennel office says it best: they need fresh air, exercise, socialization they need a ranch! We all do. PACIFICA
25 4
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
Enjoy Life
Whether you’re enjoying a gourmet meal, one of our many fun events, or a stimulating activity, life is great at Sterling Court.
150 Eureka Square Pacifica 650-359-9900 XNLV240548
Hours: 10:30 - 5:30pm Monday - Friday
PAtriCiA roMA, Attorney At lAw Established in Half Moon Bay since 1973
Litigation, Mediation & Collaborative Law
Divorce, child custody, property division and support • Real Estate — Residential & commercial, breach of contract & Landlord/Tenant • Limited Scope Representation — all matters • Wills, Trusts & Probate Featured in Super Lawyers 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015 Only the top 5% of all Northern California attorneys are selected to be in Super Lawyers. Licensed to practice in all California Courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.
726-5575 • 745 Mill Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
XNLV223506
• Family Law —
A JCK TOP 50 RETAIL STORE phone: 650.726.2546 fax: 650.726.5243
info@goldworkshmb.com www.goldworkshmb.com
542 Main St., Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 DECEMBER
2015
P ACI F ICA
25
Lisa Rhodes teaches a group of dogs to socialize. The ranch has a training camp where dogs stay for a minimum of two weeks to take them to a high level of response for their owners. 27 6
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
Sit, stay, heel? Not at the Rex Center
Pacifica rehab center gets dogs up and moving
I
Photos and story by Cat Cutillo
t’s a busy day at the Rex Center in Pacifica. They’ve got back-to-back swim lessons and a bustle of Dr. Ilana’s clients cycling in for acupuncture, sport rehabilitation and fitness consultations. As Dr. Ilana sets up a client on the aquatic treadmill, the 2:30 p.m. swim lesson is well underway upstairs. “You’re having a breakthrough today,” says head swim coach and Rex Center owner Ellen Davison as she guides her student to make a sharp turn in the pool for the first time. “Good job. Let’s do it again, right away.” This is swim student Summer Klein’s third swim and nothing would seem particularly unusual about any of this, except that Summer is a dog. In fact, all of Dr. Ilana’s clients are dogs too. “Human physical therapy has been around for a lot longer. Veterinarians are behind the curve a little bit,” says Dr. Ilana Strubel, a veterinarian and owner of A Well Adjusted Pet, which operates out of the Rex Center. “When we do a knee replacement on a person, they have physical therapy. So when we do a knee
Against the Tide
DECEMBER
2015
P ACI F ICA
27
San Mateo At left, head swim coach and Rex Center owner Ellen Davison motivates 8-month-old Summer to swim by giving her a treat. At right, swim coach and administrator Stephanie Salomonsen wraps an ear protector around Hudson to make sure he doesn’t get water in his ears while swimming in the warm water fitness pool.
Spirograph Cyclex Great for ages 5+ $16.95
“What To Draw and How To Draw It” Hardcover book. Originally published in 1913. Author E.G.Lutz inspired Walt Disney with this fabulous book! $16.99
Quality art materials, at everyday Great Prices. Mon-Sat 9:30am to 7pm • Sunday 11am to 5pm 3600 El Camino Real, San Mateo CA 94403 (650) 350-1990 • www.flaxartsanmateo.com All Rights Reserved. FLAX art & design, Inc. San Francisco, California, 2014 XNLV236878
29 8
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
“We started asking as veterinarians, ‘What more can we do for our patients?’” Dr. Ilana Strubel replacement on a dog, they would probably benefit from physical therapy too. We started asking as veterinarians, ‘What more can we do for our patients?’” The Rex Center offers a warm-water fitness pool in conjunction with Strubel’s physical rehab and holistic services, including massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic and sport rehabilitation for dogs. The center also coordinates helpful workshops such as pet first aid, which teaches pet CPR and rescue breathing. Simba, a 6-year-old shih tzu, has been seeing Dr. Ilana since January after undergoing neck surgery. Under Dr. Ilana’s supervision, he comes twice a week for Pilates and the aquatic treadmill. “It’s been a huge success,” says Simba’s owner, Susan Atherton, of San Francisco. “I noticed within a month he was improving, and after about six months it was a dramatic difference.” Pacifica resident Shotsy Faust has been taking her 12-year-old dog, Hudson, to swim in the warm-water fitness pool for two years. “We just noticed that he was not getting off the couch at all. We decided that warm water would really be the best thing for him,” says Faust, who has noticed a lot less limping and more energy from Hudson. “He was just getting so old and arthritic. This has made a big difference. We never knew he could swim.” In fact, many dogs that come to the Rex Center’s fitness pool have never been in the water before and come solely to learn how to swim.
“You would think it would just be a natural thing for them to get in the water but a lot of dogs have a fear of it,” explains swim coach and administrator Stephanie Salomonsen. “They don’t know to use their back legs to help them control themselves in the water.” Others, bring their dogs to the fitness pool to lose weight. “Animal obesity is horrible. It’s out of control,” says Davison, who originally joined the Rex Center as a client after her 15-yearold dog, Bishop, suffered a shoulder injury. “It was recommended through my veterinarian,” says Davison. “We were one of the first clients.” Davison began working at the Rex Center almost immediately after discovering it in 2009. She had been living on the road in a fifth wheel recreational vehicle for the 10 years prior with her husband who is a bigequipment union operator. “I just fell in love with this area,” says Davison. “I started working here and he went back on the road and I didn’t want to. I just latched onto this place and it was my new love.” In 2014, Davison purchased the Rex Center and says the pool operates on an ageold wisdom. “Water has been a healing medium for centuries, since we’ve been around. And there’s a reason for it,” says Davison. “It’s real and it works.” PACIFICA
Rescue Forgotten
Help needed
Nonprofits keep Pacifica running In this season of giving, keep these organizations in mind
Rescue Forgotten is a bay area dog rescue located in Pacifica. We are dedicated in rescuing and fighting for the rights of animals. We take in any dogs that need us most, senior dogs, dogs with health issues, pregnant, mom with pups, and blind dogs. We are dedicated in fighting for the life of dogs. Our mission is not to rescue one breed of dog but to rescue all dogs that need us most. We take in seniors, those that are dumped in high kill shelters, those left behind in empty houses, backyards, and terrains, left with no food or water, left behind to die. We take the unwanted, the abandoned, and the neglected. Donations can be made through PayPal at rescueforgotten@yahoo.com or mail a check to: P.O. Box 1731, Pacifica CA 94044. 650.270.7910
Visit our Facebook page rescueforgotten to see who is waiting for a new home and please share with family and friends. XNLV241163
Creative work is . . . a gift to the world and every being in it.
Steven Pressfield
Sanchez Art Center is dedicated to creating community through art. The Art Center offers over 20 free exhibits annually, art talks, summer art camps for kids, and more. We could not do all this without your support. To include us in your year-end giving and support art in your community, please visit our website.
XNLV233887
1220 Linda Mar Blvd, Pacifica, CA 94044 650.355.1894 www.SanchezArtCenter.org DECEMBER
2015
P ACI F ICA
29
LocalSpirits
The Yeti adds spice to Winter’s Tavern ‘It’s not spicy, but it is,’ owner says Photos and story by Cat Cutillo
30
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
I just started peeling away and finding the natural history.
N
othing says winter like the Yeti — a big, strong, icy, by the ’80s and ’90s stucco and plastic. I just started peeling away and spicy creation with snap that’s sure to warm you up at finding the natural history,” says Valenti, who renovated the building Winter’s Tavern. to reveal original transom windows and ornate details. “It was popular Owner C.J. Valenti for people to stucco the outside of buildings, to created the cocktail put up drywall and cover the old look, to make specifically for the Francisco Boulevard it look new, which was a vast dis-improvement Yeti Recipe: tavern as a play off of the popular drink in my opinion. You’re covering up these cool, 2 oz. Wild Turkey known as the mule. rich, natural woods and metals and stone and 1 oz ginger Liqueur “The mule is a classic classy cocktail brick.” Dash of bitters and (The Yeti) is more raw, more In perfect juxtaposition, Valenti’s own Fill with ginger beer aggressive, more gritty. (It’s) basically the surfboards now line the walls inside the tavern Float of Kraken punk rock mule or the old-world mule,” and black and white movies play on every Served over ice says Valenti. television. Garnish with a lime or lemon twist What’s more, the old-world feel of the Valenti aggressively shakes the Yeti Yeti permeates beyond the drink and into concoction of Wild Turkey, ginger liqueur and the rich history of the tavern itself. After bitters with ice to give it a frozen, frothy, snowy purchasing the 110-year-old building in finish. He pours the mix into a huge stein filled 2013, co-owners Valenti and wife Corinne Robinson immediately with ice and fills it to the top with ginger beer before garnishing it with a committed to bringing the building back to its roots and original lime and drizzling Kraken rum on top to add color. architecture. “It’s got snap because of the ginger. Its not spicy, but it is,” says “All the natural history and old-school energy had been quelled Valenti. “It’s a good winter drink. Warms you up.” PACIFICA
handcrafted + locally sourced ingredients
Unique cafés, restaurants, tasting rooms and bars.
fresh + organic
breakfast
served all day
BEST
COFFEE in pacifica
650 738 5920 986 Linda Mar Boulevard, Pacifica beachmonkeycafe.com
discover the flavors of pacifica
Gift Cards Make the Perfect Gift! 650·735·5854
DECEMBER
2015
P ACI F ICA
31
CoastalCanines Zydyne and White Paws Age: 3 and 1 respectively Breed: Terrier mix Ask Wolffe Clemente if he’s from Pacifica and he is likely to pull your leg. “No, not really,” he said on a sunny day near City Hall. “Only since 1978. I guess I’m more Pacifican than Pathetican!” And if you see him on the street, he is likely to be with two faithful companions, Zydyne and White Paws. They are mutts in the very best sense of the word. “Zydyne is a mix between a shih tzu, a Jack Russell terrier, a chihauhau and another kind of terrier,” Clemente says. “White Paws has her hair and a little bit of the same wag of the tail.” Clemente says Zydyne is the grandmother of White Paws and 18 other loveable scoundrels. They were delivered in four litters and Clemente played midwife to them all, though 11 were stillborn, he says. “Nine are in the family. White Paws the last of the litter, the last of the Mohicans,” he says. They might look small, but they are mighty. Clemente says they walk as much as eight miles a day, “ever since they were babies.” — Clay Lambert
32
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
COMPLETE HEALTH CARE FOR YOUR PET Open 7 days a week • Internal Medicine and Surgery • Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine • Digital Radiology & Ultrasound • Dental Procedures & Radiology • Laser Therapy • Preventive & Geriatric Care
Family Owned & Operated Since 1943 founded on the love of pets
A unique dog ranch Nestled in a secluded coastal valley. Open space on 200 acres, fresh air, and a quiet serene setting
et Ser vices than Ever! More P • Comfortable inside boarding areas with access to the outdoors • Expert Training & Puppy Classes • Complete Grooming Services • Day Care – Intimate Groups • Nature Hikes for your dog
(650) 359-6471 www.lindamarvet.com
“PLAYCARE”
our version of daycare:
Playcare is off-leash group play with other dogs of similar size and play style. To get started, please call our office to set up a behavior evaluation.
650.359.1627 | www.shamrockranchkennels.com | Shamrock Ranch, Pacifica
• We provide full medical, dental, and surgical services for small animals
Customized care for your cat!
• Full Service Hospital • Boarding • Dental Care • In-house Lab • Pharmacy • Pet Pals Referral Program
• Compassionate care for your family’s pets • We welcome dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and pocket pets including rats
1290 Danmann Ave. • Pacifica
650-359-5770
www.CoastalCatClinicPacifica.com Earn a $25 credit when you refer a new client to Coastal Cat Clinic
XNLV240346
XNLV224519
985 Linda Mar Blvd. Pacifica, CA 94044
XNLV239879
Customized care for your cat!
JEREMY GROSSBARD, DVM 225 Carmel Avenue, Pacifica 94044|650-359-VETS | www.allcarepetpacifica.com
XNLV224518
DECEMBER
2015
P ACI F ICA
33
CoastalGarden
I
Slowing down in the garden 34
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
t will be at least another month before I realize it’s actually starting to become winter in my garden. Long after my roses completely stop blooming and my veggies completely die off, I will still roam around Half Moon Bay Nursery and think, “What should I plant now?” I still want to push my garden and fertilize, plant, cultivate — more, more, more! Around January, when it’s cold outside and I realize whatever small plants I found and planted in vein have been in a state of suspended animation, I remember that this is the time of year you should be slowing down. Yes, there are bulbs that will come up in the late winter/spring and a heap of chores to do, but nothing can override the natural change of season. And this season is all about going slow. After the few garden chores are complete, try some slow-season ways to spend time with your little plot. My favorite is bringing out a wool blanket (they tend to brush off dirt or leaves the easiest), a pillow, a stack of magazines or books and something indulgent, like a glass of red wine. Setting space in the garden for you to feel relaxed and comfortable is a wonderful way to adjust to the new season. But first, get a little dirty. Here are a few timely chores you can be doing now in the garden. It might take an hour or a weekend, depending on the deferred maintenance (a polite term we use instead of saying you might have a heaping junk yard!) in your garden. Either way, you’ll be happy you did the work now, instead of later. Chore No. 1: Clean up. As always in the garden, we start with a cleanup. For this time of year, it means weeding and raking away dead leaves and other debris that might get in the way of your drainage or downspouts. Even if you just spend one hour doing this, your garden will look so much better. Really get down and dig out roots, old dead plants and anything no longer serving your garden. Go slowly, deliberately, and really look for what to edit out.
Chore No. 2: Don’t clip! (Seriously, put the clippers down.) It’s so tempting this month to whack the heck out of the garden. But please (insert praying hands emoji here), for the love of your garden, don’t! It’s still too early to do any hard pruning other than what is completely dead or dying. Your grasses, salvias and roses are going to look tired, but let them look tired. With the warmer weather in the summer and fall, we really need to prune plants a bit later in the season. Trim a few things here or there for deadheading or for light shaping, but leave the rest. If you don’t know what should be trimmed, leave it and call a professional for some guidance. Chore No. 3: Think rain. Will it come? Won’t it come? Either way, where are the areas in your garden that could use a bit of extra drainage? Has your garage ever flooded? Is your irrigation turned off yet? Think about how best to protect your house in advance, so you are not running around searching for sandbags at the last minute. Chore No. 4: Take stock, take notes. Now that the garden is slowing down, try to slow down with it. Grab a big mug of hot tea and roam around your entire garden for a while. What has done well that you love? What has done well that you don’t really like too much? Take a few notes on what you want to change or train differently for next year. Sometimes seeing your garden with new eyes opens up a whole new way of looking at what you have and what you might want to change. Once you have taken some notes, log it in a calendar. Come spring, you’ll be educated on what looks fab and will thrive! Jennifer Lee Segale can be found at GardenApothecary.com. Her shop is located at 329 Main St. in Half Moon Bay.
A well adjusted peT • GENEral WEllNEss • Physical rEhabilitatioN • iNtEGrativE approach
3 Complete Stores Under One Roof!
TOYS
HOBBIES
• Behavior • Nutrition • Senior Pet Care • Acupuncture • Massage • Chiropractic Care
CYCLERY
• Sports Conditioning • Laser Therapy • Under Water Treadmill and Resistance Pool and much more
New
Underwater treadmill
A Well Adjusted Pet, owned by Dr. Ilana Strubel, is a veterinary practice specializing in animal physical rehabilitation. With dedicated facilities in The Rex Center, we offer physical rehabilitation including underwater treadmill therapy, swim therapy, custom therapeutic exercise programs, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, electrical stimulation, and chiropractic care.
Ilana Strubel
Ma, DVM, CVSMT, CCRT phone 415-967-3861
Open 7 Days a Week - Call for our Extended Holiday Hours 445 South B. Street • Downtown San Mateo - www.talbotstoyland.com
fax 415-358-5908 1040 Palmetto Ave, in Pacifica AWellAdjustedPet.com XNLV239275
Coastal Repertory Theatre Proudly Presents
k’s Auto Body, Inc c a H
“LOVE AT FIRST BITE”
-YELP REVIEW
November 27 – December 20, 2015
We specialize in any collision related auto body and paint work including:
FISH TACO PLATE
• Certified Welding • Paint Work • Body Work • Suspension Work Need a rental car while your vehicle is in our shop?
We’ll take care of all the arrangements including picking you up and returning the rental for you!
2015 MICHELIN GUIDE RECOMMENDED
Make us your one stop shop.
Pacifica’s #1 Choice for over 118 Monterey Road | Pacifica, CA 94004 (in Pacifica Manor across from McDonalds) T. 650.359.1941 • F. 650.359.6278 jd@hacksautobody.net
Proud Member of the BBS
XNLV240350
50 Years
By Joe Landry • Adapted by Philip Grecian Published by Playscripts, Inc. Based on the Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life Friday and Saturdays @ 8pm | Sundays @ 2pm
Bring the Whole family to this Wonderful Holiday Treat!
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS TODAY! coastalrep. COM or CALL: 650.569.3266 1167 MAIN STREET, HALF MOON BAY, CA
Café capistrano
MAYAN & MEXICAN CUISINE BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER M - F 11 AM TO 8 PM SAT - SUN 8 AM TO 8 PM 523 CHURCH ST, HALF MOON BAY 650.726.7699 DECEMBER
2015
P ACI F ICA
35
BigShot OpenDoor
Taking shelter Once again this month, we turn to Pacifican Marque Glisson for sweeping view of the rugged coastline. Here we are looking south over Pedro Point and Shelter Cove beach houses. Glisson employs one of his camera-equipped drones to get shots like this. Just on the other side of that mountain Devil's Slide. Photos by is Randie Marlow
36
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
DECEMBER
2015
P ACI F ICA
37
RealEstate RECENT SALE
Address 215 Nataqua Avenue, Pacifica Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2.5 Sale price $1,208,000
Beautiful Vallemar
Style and comfort blend in this lovely Vallemar home. With its cul-de-sac location, the front yard invites with its drought-tolerant garden, tree house and hanging swing, all setting the stage for the charm that awaits your entry. Step into the travertine entryway, with coat closet, shoe storage and organizers, on into the main living area featuring picture windows with decorator duet window treatments, hanging pendant lights, high beamed ceilings, and a wood burning fireplace with reclaimed wood mantle, slate hearth, and stone surround. The TV mount area above the fireplace has been insulated to protect the electronics while enjoying a warming fire. COURTESY Coldwell Banker Real Estate
PA C I F I C A M A R K E T T R E N D S
Average home price
Median home price
Average price per sq. ft.
$749,222
$805,000
$646
Week ending Oct. 28
July - Oct. 2015
July - Oct. 2015
-3.3%
+18.8%
+19.9%
Week over week
Year over year
Year over year
TRULIA.COM MARKET TRENDS 39 8
P ACI F ICA
DECEMBER
2015
RealEstate Select recent Pacifica transactions, Sept. 3 through Sept. 30 Seller
Property
Buyer
Amount
RichaRoad V. and Ingrid Connors
935 Crespi Drive
Manuel Lara Jr. and Magda H. Lara
$859,000
James C. and Maybelline S. Sharp
1111 Glacier Ave.
Brian F. and Jade E. Long
$755,000
Ulysses and Carmen E. Chua
484 Lomond Drive
Chad and mary Anne Zhivago
$690,000
Natalia Wasylyszyn
1015 Escalero Ave.
David M. and Patricia A. Sambrailo
$850.000
Jan and Margaret Ysselstein, trustees
vacant land
Don Creasman and Kathleen Talbot
$435,000
Steven M. and Patricia L. Davidovich
300 Vacant Land
300 Coral Ridge LLC
$352,000
Yingxin Zhu
128 Arcadia Drive
Steven Koon Ho Ng
$835,000
Fip Phoebe LLC
1120 Palmetto Ave. 1 or more detached living
CRP/PSE Seaside Pacifica Owner LLC
$1,383,527
Pacific Skies Estates, LLC
1116 Palmetto Ave. Club and Lodge
CRP/PSE Seaside Pacifica Owner LLC
$500,000
Palmetto 1300, LLC
1300 Palmetto Ave., Mobile Home Park
CRP/PSE Seaside Pacifica Owner LLC
$22,250,000
David N. and Kathryn E. Dauper
1468 Rosita Road
Mark F. Nappi, trustee
$375,000
Guerrero Espinoza
244 Shoreview Ave.
Robert Craig Joyner
$1,465,000
David E. Beauvais, trustee
811 Linda Mar Blvd.
Heang Chan and Channy Phoung
$655,000
Patricia S. M. Cook, trustee
804 Montezuma Drive
Justin G. Andrighetto
$670,000
Jane N. Edsell, trustee
536 Canyon Drive
Eric M. Keller
$637,500
Maurice McElligott and Fionnuala McElligott
1600 Perez Drive
Adam Veres, Luke and Marta Bellandi, and Evette Murray
$2,050,000
MG Capital LLC
1456 Crespi Drive
Aaron and Julie BuRoadick
$785,000
Roger W. and Caroline F. Van Aist
344 Olympian Way
David Dwares
$840,000
The Gold Team
Providing Experience and Service Exceeding Client Expectations
Alliance THE GOLD TEAM provides the GOLD STANDARD of service to our sellers and our buyers.
CA BRE: 01077482
Sue Vaterlaus
Rich & Melina Gold
From the Golden Gate Bridge to Silicon Valley, our 17 years of experience and team of lenders, escrow officers and property inspectors will guide you through a smooth and rewarding transaction. To look for a home or find your home’s value, visit homesbyrichgold.com.
• Realtor since 1990 XNLV239730
P.S. We live, work and play in Pacifica. Ringo (the Mayor of Sharp Park Beach) says, “Hi!” Melina’s Cal BRE #01978733 650-745-5226 • melinahgold@gmail.com Rich’s Cal BRE #01235295 650-763-6480 • r.royce.g@gmail.com
• Selling Homes for Over 25 Years! • Realtor of the Year 2007
Paul Benson
CA BRE: 00858866
“I just want to thank you for all that you’ve done in helping me buy my first house. You’ve been so dedicated, sincere, and professional throughout the whole process. I can’t wait to have you over sometime in the future for my House Warming Party or BBQ. Again, I truly appreciate you.” ~Kelli D. Pacifica
• President San Mateo County Association of Realtors 2011
REALTY WORLD ALLIANCE
XNLV238514
2488 Junipero Serra Blvd • Daly City, CA 94015 homesbyrichgold.com DECEMBER
2015
P ACI F ICA
39
RealEstate Select recent Pacifica transactions, Sept. 3 through Sept. 30 Seller
Property
Buyer
Amount
Jeffery and Janis A. Belt
559 Manor Drive
Brian J. Steffel and Sevvanthie D. Sachithanandan
$740,000
Paul and Shannon Mould
1 Pt. Reyes Way
Shannon E. Mould
$302,000
Lilia Nunez Rodriguez and James C. Diehl
221 Outlook Heights
Chuan Ye and Jing Liu
$1,040,000
Muriel M. White
879 Arguello Blvd.
Muriel M. White; Jennifer Gatti
$373,000
Thomas J. and James Mylett
955 La Mirada Way
Thomas J. Mylett
$414,545
Carol Mathews; Christopher Vulpe
1559 Adobe Drive
Patricia Penderson and Wendy Huber
$1,032,000
Steven W and Terry Bryning
1031 Anza Drive,
Gregory L Aspenall and Jessica Ann-Marie Gimenez
$531,818
Michael Sheridan, trustee
163 Eastridge Circle
Jennings Management Inc.
$525,000
Roger F Murphy, Jr and Lynn M Murphy
1261 Oddstad Blvd.
Wendy Huber and Patricia Pedersen
$1,100,000
Gaurav A and Anamika Gupta
423 Fircrest Ave.
Andy C and Maria J C Baldivas
$648,000
Joseph Kent and Reva K Mattson, trustees
817 Rosita Road
Joseph Kent
$585,000
Joseph Kent and Reva K Mattson, trustees
821 Rosita Road
Jeffrey P Mattson and Reva K Mattson, trustees
$588,181
Joseph Kent and Reva K Mattison, trustees
829 Rosita Road
Eric L. and Carol K Cox, trustees
$397,500
Joesph Kent and Reva K Mattson, trustees
825 Rosita Road
Eric L. and Carol K Cox trustees
$395,000
Phyllis C Mills
371 Windwood Ave
Daniel M Baroni
$850,000
PACIFIC COAST REAL ESTATE With an emphasis on service and unparalleled support, Roseann plays an active role in the success of her clients’ real estate transactions. Her level of professionalism, knowledge of the market and ability to take the broad view makes her a valued and trusted resource to buyers and sellers alike. Roseann’s goal is to give you the very best experience you could possibly have when it comes to the sale or purchase of one of your most valuable assets – your property! Roseann Garza Realtor BRE # 01228971 Pacific Coast Real Estate 1005 Terra Nova Blvd., Suite 5 Pacifica, CA. 94044 Cell 650-440-3115 Email roseanngarza@aol.com
Call Roseann for all of your Real Estate needs!
40
P ACI F ICA
CA BRE: 01187747
Marilyn S. Hall
DECEMBER
2015
We’d be happy to bring one by.
REALTOR, SRES, NOTARY
Email publisher bill@pacificamagazine.com
Realtor since 1993
I make it happen. You make it home!
Marilyn S. Hall Pacific Coast Real Estate 1005 Terra Nova Blvd. Pacifica, CA 650-787-1407 marilynstgermainhall@gmail.com
XNLV229356
Would you like a Pacifica Magazine rack for your countertop?
Providing Experience and Service Exceeding Client Expectations
XNLV238610
ROSEANN GARZA
Pacifica
Happy Holidays
from all of us at the Pacifica Magazine!
DayTripping: Pacifica Pier and Chai Lattés
mi
re
MOnTHLY
Tio
Pacifica
DayTripping: Sharp Park Golf Course and pork ribs
Di
e er Free
n• P
SEPTEMBER 2015 • Vol.1 • No.1
Pacifica
f e s t i va l
geT The besT from fog fesT here’s your guide to the september event
OCTOBER 2015 • Vol.1 • No.2
Q&a
fog fest organizer Carol CamaCho talks about the evolution of pacifica’s signature event
business
rolling STriKeS local lanes thrive despite entertainment competition
Q&a
current mayor Karen ervin talks about the future of pacifica and a few of her favorite things
home Town girl
hills with
history
Castle on the hill unlocking this most mysterious landmark
milagra ridge: rural island in the city
looking back
the colorful past of mori point
DayTripping: Frontierland Park and açai bowls
Pacifica
SeAfooD
catch your own DuNgeNeSS cRAb fRom PAcIfIcA PIeR
DayTripping: Mori Point and Shaking Beef
PACIFICA
PETS
ON THE RANCH
SCENIC SETTING FOR ANIMAL CARE
DECEMBER 2015 • Vol.1 • No.4
NOVEMBER 2015 • Vol.1 • No.3
Q&A
LOOKING BACK
PACIFICA WAS ONCE HOME TO AUTHOR JACK LONDON
Dog Heaven
HOLIDAY EXPERT LEO DELUCCHI TALKS ABOUT HIS FASCINATION WITH CHRISTMAS
ESPLANADE BEACH IS
Q&A
PARk RANgeR KATHERINE WRIGHT tALkS About tHe ‘bIobLItz’
you cAN LeAve youR LeASH beHIND
LookINg bAck
WARSHIP LANDS IN SHARP PARK
Orchidsabound FLORAL CENTER PROVIDES A PEACEFUL RETREAT
WE ARE PROUD TO BE A NEW MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
californiamoves.com
ColdwellBankerHomes.com THE BEST COASTSIDE REAL ESTATE AGENTS ARE WORKING FOR YOU... Serving Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Moss Beach, Montara, Pacifica, Pescadero & the Surrounding South Coast
Bonnie Kehl
Branch Manager
Brian Lee
650.759.6616
Barbara LaVey & Jan Gray
Marilyn Koron
Marian Bennett
Michael & Kathy Rain
JanGray.com #00478786/01361161
Koron.com #01021619
MarianSBennett.com #010463986
Coastal-RealEstate.com #01125976/01169588
650.483.4449
BrianLeeTeam.com #01412106 deborahcozzolino.com #01774449
650.712.2460
650.712.0411
Lee Engdahl
Joyce Beckman
Sheran Honneyman
Diana Plank & David Cline
4salebylee.com #00970549
myrewebsite.com/JoyceB #0062324
propertiescoastside.com #01412131
Coastalagent.net # 00949707 / 00779576
Deborah Cozzolino 650.712.2484
650.302.8776
650.712.2412
650.678.7350
650.712.2482
650.728.8080
Kay Burns
Cheryl Parra
Heidi Frank
Bob McCahon & Mollie Whipp
Linda Crose-Andersen
KayBurns.com #01030508
sanmateocoasthomes.com #01505403
heidifrank.cbintouch.com #1977932
mccahon-whipp.com
llindacrose-andersen.com #01957715
650.996.5217
650.922.0786
650.218.8156
650 726-5544 650 712-2413
650.712.2421
Jackson Robertson
Marcia Kimball
Lynda Santini
Grant Walters
Helen Aragoni
Devon Page
Jo Ann Mahrouzadeh
HMBproperty.com #01452757
camoves.com/marcia.kimball #01890605
LyndaSantini.com #01455905
GrantWalters.com #01063248
hmbcoastproperties.com #01306091
DevonPageproperties.com #01920119
Joann.mahrouzadeh@cbnorcal.com #01971832
650.455.6985
650.619.4042
650.712.2430
650.867.0482
650.712.2481
650.712.2442
650.787.1600
XNLV237844
248 Main Street, Suite 200, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
650.726.1100
Š2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell BankerŽ is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304.