text:
Foster City, California

Foster City is a master-planned city located in San Mateo County, California, United States. Foster City is sometimes considered to be part of Silicon Valley for its local industry and its proximity to Silicon Valley cities. There are many notable companies headquartered in Foster City like Gilead Sciences, Zoox, Sledgehammer Games, and Replit. Visa used to be headquartered in Foster City.

The 2020 census put the population at 33,805, an increase of more than 10% over the 2010 census figure of 30,567.

Foster City contains at least 10 bridges of which 7 cross its lagoon, two go across Highway 92 and one is the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge which crosses the San Francisco Bay.

Foster City is one of the United States’ safest cities, with an average of one murder per decade.

History
Foster City was founded in the 1960s, built on the existing Brewer Island in the marshes of the San Francisco Bay on the east edge of San Mateo, enlarged with engineered landfill. The city was named after T. Jack Foster, a real estate magnate who owned much of the land comprising the city and who was instrumental in its initial design. His firm, Foster Enterprises, now run by his descendants, relocated to San Mateo in 2000 and is still active in real estate affairs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

The first residents moved into Foster City on March 7, 1964. Charles Zerbe, a San Francisco firefighter with a wife and two young sons, paid $23,500 for his five-bedroom house on Pilgrim Drive.

In the early 1960s, the first homes built in Foster City were sold for under $18,000. By the late 1960s, the average home price was just under $30,000. United States census data shows the median household income for Foster City residents in 1970 was $30,000 and in 1980 was $60,000. As of 2020, the median household income for Foster City was $161,000. In 2024, the average home value was $1,926,381.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 19.8 sqmi, of which 3.8 sqmi is land and 16.1 sqmi is water. The total area is 81.07% water. Foster City has ongoing issues with water intrusion from the San Francisco Bay and is potentially subject to permanent inundation as the sea level rises. A project to improve the existing levee with a steel-reinforced wall has been underway since FEMA designated the entire area as a floodplain making residents subject to much higher flood insurance rates.

Climate
Foster City, like most of the peninsula, has a mild warm-summer Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The warmest month of the year is September, with an average daytime temperature of 77.8 F and an average nighttime temperature of 53.8 F, while the coldest month of the year is January, with an average daytime temperature of 58 F and an average nighttime temperature of 41.5 F.

2020
The 2020 United States Census reported that Foster City had a population of 33,056 with 12,243 households. The 2020 median home price in Foster City was $1,439,375. The population density was 8,947.22 /mi2. The racial makeup of Foster City was 13,171 (39.8%) White, 818 (2.5%) African American, 39 (0.1%) Native American, 16,715(50.6%) Asian, 30 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 394 (1.2%) from other races, and 1,889 (5.7%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2,605 persons (7.9%). 52% of the population was born in the United States, and 22% of the population are naturalized citizens.

The Census reported that the median household income was $163,322, 3.2% of the population was below the poverty line, out of the total population 2.5% of those under the age of 18 and 5.1% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

For those over the age of 25, 96% had a high school diploma or higher, 71% had a bachelor's degree, and 36.6% had a graduate degree or professional degree.

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Foster City had a population of 30,567. The 2009 median home price in Foster City was $1,025,000. The population density was 8,138.2 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Foster City was 13,912 (45.5%) White, 576 (1.9%) African American, 29 (0.1%) Native American, 13,746 (45.0%) Asian, 189 (0.6%) Pacific Islander, 575 (1.9%) from other races, and 1,540 (5.0%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,995 persons (6.5%).

The Census reported that 30,458 people (99.6% of the population) lived in households, 52 (0.2%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 57 (0.2%) were institutionalized.

There were 12,016 households, out of which 4,256 (35.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 7,127 (59.3%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 963 (8.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 316 (2.6%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 531 (4.4%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 75 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 2,807 households (23.4%) were made up of individuals, and 860 (7.2%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53. There were 8,406 families (70.0% of all households); the average family size was 3.04.

The population was spread out, with 6,913 people (22.6%) under the age of 18, 1,526 people (5.0%) aged 18 to 24, 9,801 people (32.1%) aged 25 to 44, 8,223 people (26.9%) aged 45 to 64, and 4,104 people (13.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males.

There were 12,458 housing units at an average density of 3,316.8 /mi2, of which 6,958 (57.9%) were owner-occupied, and 5,058 (42.1%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 3.5%. 18,423 people (60.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 12,035 people (39.4%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 28,803 people, 11,613 households, and 7,931 families residing in the city. The population density was 7,668.5 PD/sqmi. There were 12,458 housing units at an average density of 3,316.8 /mi2. There were 11,613 households, out of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.7% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.7% were non-families. 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.2% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 35.3% from 25 to 44, 27.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males.

According to Money magazine, the median income for a household in Foster City was $135,470. The median income for a family was $118,231. Males had a median income of $77,916 versus $51,157 for females. The per capita income for the city was $45,754. 2.9% of the population and 1.7% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 1.6% of those under the age of 18 and 5.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Headquarters
Around 1993 Visa Inc. began consolidating various scattered offices in San Mateo, California to a location in Foster City. Visa's headquarters were in Foster City, and Visa became Foster City's largest employer. Visa owns four buildings at the intersection of Metro Center Boulevard and Vintage Park Drive. As of 2009 it employed about 3,000 people at the complex. During that year Visa signed a 10-year lease agreement for the top three floors of 595 Market Street in San Francisco and moved its top executives there. Visa continued to keep employees at the Foster City offices. As of 2009, after the headquarters move, the Foster City facilities remained the company's center of employment, and those buildings housed 2,400 employees as of 2009.

Other companies with headquarters in Foster City:

 * Applied Underwriters
 * Conversica
 * Conviva
 * Electronics for Imaging
 * Gilead Sciences
 * Guidewire Software
 * Imperva, Inc.
 * Live365.com
 * LiveRamp
 * Navigenics
 * Philips (manufacturing facility)
 * QuinStreet Inc.
 * Sledgehammer Games
 * Sling Media
 * Truviso
 * Zuora
 * Zoox

Top employers
According to the city's 2023 Top Ten Employers, the top ten employers in the city are:

Arts and culture

 * The city is served by the Peninsula Library System.
 * The historic Hillbarn Theatre was founded in 1940 and provides the community with year-round access to live theatre, as well as workshop, classes, and summer camps for kids ages 6 to 18.

Parks and recreation

Foster City has 24 parks occupying more than 200 acre, including many public tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields, basketball courts, and rollerblading/biking trails along the San Francisco Bay.

Foster City also has:
 * Windsurfing and Kite-Surfing A windsurfing and kite-surfing spot in the San Francisco Bay can be found within the city limits of Foster City. It is located adjacent to Mariners Point.
 * A Golf course and driving range There is one 9-hole golf course, and driving range Mariners' Point, on land owned by the city, and operated by VB Golf.
 * Dragon Boating The Bay Area Dragons and Ho'okahi Pu'uwai outrigger canoe clubs operate in the lagoon. In an attempt to preserve the city's waterways and reduce noise levels, only electric, wind, or man-powered watercraft are permitted in the Lagoon.
 * Teen Activities Center A newly constructed $4 million center for teens that will provide access to: TV's, computers, video games, art rooms, homework rooms, a kitchen and outdoor basketball courts. The center is also known as "The Vibe" and has a concrete skatepark adjacent to it.
 * Public Amphitheatre Located in Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park, is a newly constructed Amphitheatre. It serves as the location for the Foster City Summer concerts. Adjacent to the park is a boardwalk with boat tie-up facilities.

In addition, Foster City maintains an extensive 218 acre, man-made enclosed lagoon system. The lagoons were initially designed as a drainage system required in order to efficiently drain the lowland city.

Government
In the California State Legislature, Foster City is in, and in.

In the United States House of Representatives, Foster City is in.

, Foster City's Mayor is Patrick Sullivan. Other councilmembers include Sam Hindi, Jon Froomin, Stacy Jimenez, Art Kiesel, and Patrick Sullivan. Froomin was elected to office after former councilmember Herb Perez was recalled by a majority of Foster City voters. Perez was the first city councilperson to be recalled since 1977.

Former Mayor Sam Hindi was the first Palestinian-American Mayor in the history of California. Councilmember Sanjay Gehani was the first Mayor for Foster City of Indian descent. Current (2022) Mayor Richa Awashi is the first female minority Mayor and first woman Immigrant to be Foster City's Mayor.

According to the California Secretary of State, as of February 10, 2019, Foster City has 16,568 registered voters. Of those, 7,336 (44.3%) are registered Democrats, 2,756 (16.6%) are registered Republicans, and 5,977 (36.1%) have declined to state a political party.

Education
Foster City is home to five public schools in the San Mateo–Foster City Elementary School District. Foster City Elementary School (which has recently been remodeled), Brewer Island Elementary School, Audubon Elementary School, and newly built Beach Park Elementary School serve kindergarten through fifth grades. Nathaniel Bowditch Middle School serves 6th through 8th grades. There are several private preschools and elementary schools. There is a separate High School District: San Mateo Union High School District. There is no high school located east of Highway 101 so Foster City high school students attend the public schools in the San Mateo Union High School District and other private high schools in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Four public schools in Foster City (Audubon School, Brewer Island School, Foster City School, and Bowditch Middle School) have won California Distinguished School awards. In 1993, Bowditch was recognized with the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon. In 2005, Bowditch became a California Distinguished School for the second time. A third recognition was given in 2013.

Foster City has one private Jewish day school: Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School is a kindergarten – eighth grade school. It was rated the number one Jewish day school in the South Bay/Peninsula.

Foster City also has one private elementary school: Kids Connection is a kindergarten – fifth grade school.

Items of interest
Foster City's Werder Pier is a remainder of the original expanse of the San Mateo–Hayward Bridge. It is also one of the longest and oldest piers in California. Unfortunately, due to much needed repair, the once popular fishing pier is no longer in operation.

A number of San Francisco professional athletes have called Foster City home. Former San Francisco Giants players Kevin Mitchell and Jeff Kent won the National League Most Valuable Player award while they were residents of Foster City.

Peter Thiel, founder of PayPal, was raised in Foster City.

Norman Hsu, the Hong Kong-born convicted criminal (Ponzi scheme scam artist) and political activist, is a former resident of Foster City.

The movie Over the Edge is based on events occurring in Foster City and chronicled in a 1973 article titled "Mousepacks: Kids on a Crime Spree" in the San Francisco Examiner.

Foster City TV broadcasts a variety of programs related to the operation of and life in Foster City. Foster City TV provides programming through a dedicated government-access television (GATV) channel.

title: Foster City, California


text:
Half Moon Bay, California

Half Moon Bay is a coastal city in San Mateo County, California, United States, approximately 25 mi south of San Francisco. Its population was 11,795 2020 census. Immediately north of Half Moon Bay is Pillar Point Harbor and the unincorporated community of Princeton-by-the-Sea. Half Moon Bay is known for Mavericks, a big-wave surf location. It is called Half Moon Bay because of its crescent shape.

Originally an agricultural outpost to Mission San Francisco de Asís, the town was founded in the 1840s first as San Benito, and then as its Anglo fishing community grew, it was renamed Spanishtown. In 1874, it was again renamed Half Moon Bay. After rail and road connections in the early 1900s, the town grew. The foggy weather of the coast made the town a popular destination for booze-running during Prohibition.

The city's infrastructure is heavily integrated with the coast, including the Pillar Point Harbor, major roads, and the fire department. The economy of Half Moon Bay is dominated by a handful of businesses, the biggest of which is the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay which employs 500 people and is a major source of property tax and tourism income for the city. Because of this geography, found that the city had over 123 buildings vulnerable to sea level rise.

History

Half Moon Bay began as a rural agricultural area, primarily used by Mission San Francisco de Asís (established in 1776) for grazing cattle, horses, and oxen. After the Mission's secularization, Tiburcio Vásquez received the Rancho Corral de Tierra Mexican land grant in 1839 and Candelario Miramontes was granted Rancho Miramontes (later known as Rancho San Benito) in 1841.

The community began to develop in the 1840s as San Mateo County's first real town. Originally, San Benito, the town was renamed Spanishtown and attracted a thriving fishing industry in addition to its continued importance to coastal agriculture. Spanishtown became a racially diverse community, settled by Canadians, Chinese, English, Germans, Irish, Mexicans, Italians, Scots, Portuguese, and Pacific Islanders. Regular stagecoach service was established with San Mateo; coaches also served Purissima, Lobitos, and San Gregorio. Levy Brothers opened a department store downtown. Spanishtown was officially renamed Half Moon Bay in 1874.

The area grew very slowly, even after the Ocean Shore Railroad began serving the community in 1907. The construction of Pedro Mountain Road in 1914 provided better access to San Francisco and probably contributed to the railroad's demise by 1920. The USS DeLong ran aground at Half Moon Bay on December 1, 1921. During Prohibition "rum runners" took advantage of dense fog and hidden coves in the area to serve several roadhouses and inns, some of which operate today as restaurants (e.g., Moss Beach Distillery). Real growth in the area came after World War II with the construction of numerous subdivisions, eventually leading to Half Moon Bay's incorporation in 1959. The city preserves a historic downtown district that has buildings dating as far back as 1869.

2008 economic downturn and subsequent recovery
In 2008, financial setbacks endangered the city's viability. The economic crisis severely affected tourism, which generates the most revenue, and just when the city had finalized an $18million settlement over a property lawsuit. As the municipal budget was typically $14million or less, city fathers had issued bonds with annual payments of approximately $1 million over 25years. As a result of these obstacles, the threat of bankruptcy was very real. Dozens of meetings were held to decide where to cut the budget and finally, 75percent of municipal employees were laid off and replaced with contract workers. Employee contributions toward retirement benefits were also raised. The city council sought to regain the money paid in the settlement, believing that it should have been paid by the city's insurers. A lawsuit against the insurers was decided in 2013 and the insurer was ordered to pay the city more than $13million; the Association of Bay Area Governments partially covered the costs of the lawsuit.

The city's finances improved afterward. It was able to retire the first of its two 30-year Judgment Obligation Bonds (2009A Series Bonds) 20years early. The early retirement was expected to save the city over $426,000 in annual General Fund expenses starting in 2015–16.

As of the publication of the Fiscal Year 2015–16 Budget the General Fund budget was balanced and had a structural surplus of $4million.

2023 mass shootings
On January 23, 2023, mass shootings occurred in Half Moon Bay. A spree killer opened fire at two farms with a semi-automatic pistol, killing seven people and critically injuring an eighth person. A 66-year-old suspect was taken into custody after he arrived in his SUV at the parking lot of the sheriff's office substation.

2024 blocking of affordable housing
In 2024, Half Moon Bay politicians were criticized by California Governor Gavin Newsom for repeatedly delaying approval of a 40-unit apartment building for senior farmworkers. Newsom threatened to take legal steps against the city if they continued stalling on the housing. Half Moon Bay Commissioner Rick Hernandez said that they were resistant to approving the senior farmworker housing because "we love the character of our small-town community" claiming that once this proposal is approved, it will trigger more requests for other constructions.

Geography

Half Moon Bay is approximately 25 mi south of San Francisco, 10 mi west of San Mateo, and 45 mi north of Santa Cruz. Neighboring towns include El Granada, Princeton-by-the-Sea, Moss Beach, and Montara to the north and Purissima, San Gregorio, and Pescadero to the south.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.4 sqmi, of which, 6.4 sqmi of it is land and 0.02 sqmi of it (0.32%) is water. The town is situated on a bay of the same name. Major local industries include agriculture (houseplants, floriculture, Christmas trees, pumpkins, artichokes), fishing, and tourism. Historically, Half Moon Bay had been known as San Benito and Spanishtown. A 2022 study of the effects of sea level rise, found that both major tourism attractions, and other infrastructure would be under threat from projected Sea level rise caused by global warming. The study found at least 123 buildings, including the Ritz Carlton (a major employer for the town), Pigeon Point Lighthouse and the Pescadero Cal Fire Station would be seriously threatened by erosion if sea level were to rise by 5 ft.

A popular spot at Half Moon Bay is the 'Jetty,' or as it is sometimes called, 'The Breakwater.' This is a man-made break with unusual waves shaped by reflections from the breakwater at Pillar Point Harbor. Creeks in Half Moon Bay include Frenchmans, Pilarcitos and Naples.

Montara State Marine Reserve & Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area extend offshore from Montara, just north of Half Moon Bay. Like underwater parks, these marine protected areas help conserve ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.

Climate
Half Moon Bay usually has mild weather throughout the year. Under the Köppen climate classification, it has a cool summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb). Hot weather is rare; the average annual days with highs of 90 °F or higher is only 0.4days. Cold weather is also rare with an annual average of 2.5days with lows of 32 °F or lower. Typical of Northern California, most of the rain falls from November to April. The normal annual precipitation is 26.2 in. Snowfall along the coast in Half Moon Bay has never been measurable; however, snow flurries were observed on December 12, 1972, February 5, 1976, and February 23, 2023. There is often fog and overcast during the night and morning hours, usually clearing offshore during the afternoon. Persistent sea breezes help to moderate the climate along the coast; farther from the ocean, in places such as Pilarcitos Creek, days are often warmer and nights cooler than on the coast. For the 37th parallel north, the mild summer temperatures of Half Moon Bay are unmatched across the board. Relatively nearby inland cities see significantly warmer temperatures at the same time. Despite the low latitude and strong maritime influence, nights remain very cool, even in the summer.

January is the coolest month with an average high of 58.4 °F and an average low of 42.9 °F. September is the warmest month with an average high of 66.8 °F and an average low of 51.2 °F.

The most rainfall recorded in Half Moon Bay in one month was 15.70 in in February 1998. The heaviest 24-hour rainfall was 5.33 in on January 4, 1982. There is an average of 86days with measurable rainfall.

2010
2010 United States Census reported that Half Moon Bay had a population of 11,324. The population density was 1,757.1 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Half Moon Bay was 8,580 (75.8%) White, 82 (0.7%) African American, 71 (0.6%) Native American, 490 (4.3%) Asian, 9 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 1,710 (15.1%) from other races, and 382 (3.4%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3,563 persons (31.5%).

The Census reported that 11,306 people (99.8% of the population) lived in households, 18 (0.2%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 4,149 households, out of which 1,264 (30.5%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 2,373 (57.2%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 293 (7.1%) had a female householder with no husband present, 156 (3.8%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 208 (5.0%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 41 (1.0%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 1,067 households (25.7%) were made up of individuals, and 538 (13.0%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72. There were 2,822 families (68.0% of all households); the average family size was 3.24.

The population was spread out, with 2,533 people (22.4%) under the age of 18, 796 people (7.0%) aged 18 to 24, 2,587 people (22.8%) aged 25 to 44, 3,644 people (32.2%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,764 people (15.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.1 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 93.8 males.

There were 4,395 housing units at an average density of 682.0 /mi2, of which 2,944 (71.0%) were owner-occupied, and 1,205 (29.0%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.0%; the rental vacancy rate was 1.9%. 7,645 people (67.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 3,661 people (32.3%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
census of 2000, there were 11,842 people, 4,004 households, and 2,774 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,829.8 PD/sqmi. There were 4,114 housing units at an average density of 635.7 /mi2.

There were 4,004 households, out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.7% were non-families. Of all households, 23.1% were made up of individuals, and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.2% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 31.9% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.8 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 115.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $78,473, and the median income for a family was $92,204. Males had a median income of $60,913 versus $41,265 for females. The per capita income for the city was $37,963. 6.1% of the population and 3.4% of families were below the poverty line. Of those, 7% are under the age of 18 and 6.2% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Economy

 * GoPro was started in 2002 in Half Moon Bay, and then moved its headquarters to San Mateo, in 2012
 * Odwalla was based in Half Moon Bay, but then relocated its headquarters to Dinuba, on May 31, 2013
 * The Institute for the Study of Knowledge Management in Education is headquartered in Half Moon Bay

Top employers
, the top employers in the city were:

Pillar Point Harbor

The Pillar Point Harbor at the northern edge of Half Moon Bay offers a protected landing for boats and provides other marine infrastructure. In the late 1980s, a new master plan was developed for the Harbor. A variety of fish species have been identified in the harbor area. At the harbor, fishermen sell crab and fish catches straight off their boats at discount prices directly to the public, and restaurants will filet the fish for purchasers.

The Half Moon Bay Yacht Club has facilities at the harbor.

Notable buildings

The city has four sites listed at the National Register of Historic Places: the Methodist Episcopal Church at Half Moon Bay, the William Adam Simmons House, the Robert Mills Dairy Barn, and the James Johnston House. The remnants of the village of Purissima, perhaps the only ghost town in San Mateo County, are 4 mi south of the city, near the junction of State Route 1 and Verde Road.

There is an artist's collective, Colony of Coastside Artists, downtown has several galleries, and there are art classes and workshops available locally.

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is a major employer. The hotel was used as the wedding venue for the 2003 comedy film, American Wedding.

Events
The Half Moon Bay Airport hosts an annual benefit event in April, Pacific Coast Dream Machines, which features aircraft and automobiles. Half Moon Bay also hosts an annual Art and Pumpkin Festival in October.

Parks and recreation
The region around Half Moon Bay contains several state parks and beaches, including:
 * Half Moon Bay State Beach
 * Poplar Beach
 * San Gregorio State Beach
 * Pomponio State Beach
 * Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, located north of Half Moon Bay, is a refuge for plants and animals adapted to live at the shoreline.

At the north edge of the bay is the big wave surf area, Mavericks, off Pillar Point, where surfers challenge waves over 50 ft tall. From 1999 to 2016, it was the location of the annual Titans of Mavericks competition.

Montara Mountain, located North of Half Moon Bay, is a popular outdoor recreation spot and home to the old Highway1.

Government

In the California State Legislature, Half Moon Bay is in, and in.

In the United States House of Representatives, Half Moon Bay is in.

Fire protection for the city of Half Moon Bay is provided by the Coastside Fire Protection District, which contracts for service with CalFire.

Law enforcement for the City of Half Moon Bay is provided under a contract with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

According to the California Secretary of State, as of February 10, 2019, Half Moon Bay has 7,549 registered voters. Of those, 3,603 (47.7%) are registered Democrats, 1,380 (18.3%) are registered Republicans, and 2,142 (28.4%) have declined to state a political party.

Education
The Cabrillo Unified School District serves the city. Schools include Half Moon Bay High School, Cunha Middle School and Hatch Elementary School although many students are bused to other Cabrillo Unified Schools (Farallone View Elementary and El Granada Elementary) in the unincorporated area north of the City and King Mountain off Skyline Boulevard south of Highway92.

The city is served by the Peninsula Library System.

Media

 * Half Moon Bay Review, the city's only newspaper, which has been in existence since 1898
 * Coastsider, an on-line community news site
 * Half Moon Bay Patch, online newspaper

Transportation
Primary road access is via State Route 1 (the Cabrillo Highway) from the north and south, and State Route 92 from the east.

The city is served by Half Moon Bay Airport.

SamTrans routes294 and117 provide service to Half Moon Bay from the Hillsdale Caltrain station in San Mateo and Linda Mar in Pacifica, respectively.

In popular culture
The World War II United States Navy seaplane tender USS Half Moon (AVP-26) was named for Half Moon Bay and retained the name when serving as a United States Coast Guard weather reporting ship USCGC Half Moon for more than 20 years after the war.

The album Half Moon Bay was recorded by jazz pianist Bill Evans in 1973 at the Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society in Half Moon Bay.

The 1992 movie Raising Cain, which takes place and was filmed on the San Francisco Peninsula mentions a fictitious Half Moon Marsh.

Belinda Carlisle shot her music video for Circle in the Sand at Half Moon Bay.

Half Moon Bay is the title of a psychological thriller written by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman. The novel is the third book in the Kellermans' Clay Edison series. The location features prominently.

Notable people

 * John Cardiel, skateboarder
 * Jon Miller, Hall of Fame broadcaster for the San Francisco Giants
 * Charlee Minkin (born 1981), Olympic judoka
 * John Montefusco, former pitcher for the San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves
 * Jay Moriarity, surfer and free diver, youngest person to surf Mavericks, depicted in the film Chasing Mavericks
 * Al Pereira, professional wrestler, twice holder of the European Heavyweight Championship
 * Dorothy Wagner Puccinelli, muralist and artist
 * Richard Rhodes, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian
 * Phil Schiller, senior vice president at Apple

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Half Moon Bay, California


text:
Highlands-Baywood Park, California

Highlands-Baywood Park is an unincorporated community in San Mateo County, California, United States. The population was 4,027 at the 2010 census. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Highlands-Baywood Park as a census-designated place (CDP).

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.8 sqmi. None of it is covered by water.

2010
At the 2010 census Highlands-Baywood Park had a population of 4,027. The population density was 2,228.0 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Highlands-Baywood Park was 2,657 (66.0%) White, 53 (1.3%) African American, 9 (0.2%) Native American, 1,017 (25.3%) Asian, 17 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 47 (1.2%) from other races, and 227 (5.6%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 306 people (7.6%).

The census reported that 3,839 people (95.3% of the population) lived in households, 16 (0.4%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 172 (4.3%) were institutionalized.

There were 1,425 households: 507 (35.6%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 974 (68.4%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 94 (6.6%) had a female householder with no husband present, and 41 (2.9%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 36 (2.5%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 9 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 254 households (17.8%) were one person and 150 (10.5%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.69. There were 1,109 families (77.8% of households); the average family size was 3.07.

The age distribution was 1,061 people (26.3%) under the age of 18, 182 people (4.5%) aged 18 to 24, 798 people (19.8%) aged 25 to 44, 1,179 people (29.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 807 people (20.0%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 44.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.6 males.

There were 1,467 housing units at an average density of 811.6 per square mile, of the occupied units 1,255 (88.1%) were owner-occupied and 170 (11.9%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.5%; the rental vacancy rate was 7.6%. 3,410 people (84.7% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 429 people (10.7%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 4,210 people, 1,536 households, and 1,216 families in the CDP. The population density was 2,340.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,548 housing units at an average density of 860.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP in 2010 was 59.7% non-Hispanic White, 1.3% non-Hispanic African American, 0.2% Native American, 25.2% Asian, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 0.4% from other races, and 5.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.6%.

Of the 1,536 households 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.7% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.8% were non-families. 15.2% of households were one person and 7.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 2.92.

The age distribution was 24.3% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 30.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% 65 or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.

The median household income was $105,165 and the median family income was $119,184. Males had a median income of $85,035 versus $57,813 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $46,584. About 1.0% of families and 2.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.7% of those under age 18 and 3.6% of those age 65 or over.

Government
In the California State Legislature, Highlands-Baywood Park is in, and in.

In the United States House of Representatives, Highlands-Baywood Park is in.

title: Highlands-Baywood Park, California


text:
Hillsborough, California

Hillsborough is an incorporated town in San Mateo County, California, United States, in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is located 17 mi south of San Francisco on the San Francisco Peninsula, bordered by Burlingame to the north, San Mateo to the east, Highlands-Baywood Park to the south, and Interstate 280 to the west. The population was 11,387 at the 2020 census.

History
Hillsborough is located on the Rancho San Mateo Mexican land grant which was purchased by William Davis Merry Howard, son of a wealthy Hillsborough, New Hampshire, shipping magnate, in 1846. Howard settled his family in this area, which attracted wealthy San Franciscans. On May 5, 1910, Hillsborough residents voted to incorporate. From the town's foundation until 1963, it was an exclusive community for wealthy whites. In 1963, Jack and Betty Ken, the first-generation children of Chinese Immigrants, purchased land in the town. This made them the first non-white people to own land in the town, effectively desegregating Hillsborough.

Geography and environment
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 6.2 sqmi, all of it land. The area's considerably winding, hilly topography, and impossibility of a grid layout make Hillsborough notoriously challenging to navigate. Many lots include fairly steep slopes, particularly the western side of the town, with the landscape generally flattening to the east as it descends from the 280 freeway to El Camino Real and the towns of Burlingame and San Mateo.

Three prominent streams drain the mostly wooded slopes of Hillsborough: San Mateo Creek, Cherry Canyon Creek, and Sanchez Creek. In all 3 cases the upper watersheds are closed-canopy California oak woodlands, with dominant trees of Coast Live Oak, Pacific Madrone and California Bay.

The upper drainage area of San Mateo Creek in Hillsborough contains significant serpentinite outcrops, which are known habitats for several rare plant species including the San Mateo woolly sunflower. Other common plants include toyon, gooseberry, lupine, monkeyflower and coffeeberry. Commonly observed mammals include California mule deer, raccoons, opossum, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, and skunks. Mountain lions are known to live and roam in the green belts that surround the city.

Hillsborough is bordered by Burlingame to the north, San Mateo to the east, Highlands-Baywood Park to the south, and Interstate 280 to the west.

Hillsborough's landscape is dominated by large homes; the town zoning and subdivision ordinances require a 2500 sqft minimum house size and minimum lot size of 0.5 acre. As a result, there are no apartments, condominiums or townhouses in the city limits.

The town has no commercial zoning and thus no businesses within the town limits; the only non-residential properties are the town's four public and three private schools, town and county government facilities, a golf course, a country club, and small parks.

2010
At the 2010 census Hillsborough had a population of 10,825. The population density was 1,748.9 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Hillsborough was 7,178 (66.3%) White, 42 (0.4%) African American, 7 (0.1%) Native American, 3,044 (28.1%) Asian, 23 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 109 (1.0%) from other races, and 422 (3.9%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 373 people (3.4%).

The census reported that 10,825 people (100% of the population) lived in households, as no other type of residence exists in Hillsborough.

There were 3,693 households, 1,445 (39.1%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 2,804 (75.9%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 220 (6.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 114 (3.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 66 (1.8%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 34 (0.9%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 451 households (12.2%) were one person and 309 (8.4%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.93. There were 3,138 families (85.0% of households); the average family size was 3.18.

The age distribution was 2,877 people (26.6%) under the age of 18, 466 people (4.3%) aged 18 to 24, 1,600 people (14.8%) aged 25 to 44, 3,667 people (33.9%) aged 45 to 64, and 2,215 people (20.5%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 47.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.9 males.

There were 3,912 housing units at an average density of 632.0 per square mile, of the occupied units 3,490 (94.5%) were owner-occupied and 203 (5.5%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.3%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.2%. 10,206 people (94.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 619 people (5.7%) lived in rental housing units.

In 2019, a Bloomberg analysis ranked Hillsborough as the fifth richest town in the United States with a median household income of $373,128.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 10,825 people, 3,689 households, and 3,161 families in the town. The population density was 1,738.7 PD/sqmi. There were 3,804 housing units at an average density of 611.0 /sqmi. Of the 3,689 households 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 78.6% were married couples living together, 4.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.3% were non-families. 11.1% of households were one person and 7.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.93 and the average family size was 3.14.

The age distribution was 25.1% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 19.7% from 25 to 44, 32.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% 65 or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.

The median household income was $193,157 and the median family income was $200,000. Full-time male workers have a median income of $100,000+ versus $55,882 for full-time female workers. The per capita income for the town was $98,643. About 1.8% of families and 2.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.7% of those under age 18 and 0.8% of those age 65 or over. According to The Best Places to Live 2007 in Money Magazine, Hillsborough's $263,456 median household income is the highest in the country.

Politics
According to the California Secretary of State, on February 10, 2019, Hillsborough had 7,802 registered voters. Of those, 2,638 (33.8%) were registered Democrats, 2,337 (30%) were registered Republicans, and 2,522 (32.3%) had declined to state a political party.

In the state legislature, Hillsborough is in, and in.

In the United States House of Representatives, Hillsborough is in.

Because of the city's affluence, Hillsborough has historically leaned conservative. The city mainly supported Republican candidates for President and statewide/local offices up until 2016. It gave Mitt Romney 53% of the vote in 2012 against incumbent President Barack Obama's 45%. But four years later, the city swung massively against the Republican Party, with Democrat Hillary Clinton garnering 63%, with Donald Trump only carrying 31% of the vote in the city. In 2020, the city continued to swing left, President Joe Biden won 68% of the vote and Donald Trump only managed 29%.

Schools
Hillsborough has its own highly regarded and ranked public elementary and middle school system, but no public high school. High school-aged children can attend one of several schools in the San Mateo Union High School District, generally assigned by residential address. The town is also home to a small number of independent schools. The Hillsborough school district is the top-rated K through 8 district in northern San Mateo County.

 * The Nueva School, a nationally recognized independent school serving gifted and talented students.
 * Crocker Middle School, a public middle school, located on Ralston Avenue, named after William H. Crocker,
 * West Elementary School, a public elementary school, located on Barbara Way.
 * South Elementary School, a public elementary, at 303 El Cerrito.
 * North Elementary School, a public elementary, at 545 Eucalyptus Avenue.
 * Bridge School (California), a school serving students with physical and speech impairments.
 * Crystal Springs Uplands School, a college preparatory middle and high school.

Landmarks
Primarily a residential suburb of San Francisco, Hillsborough has many mansions and other points of interest within the town's borders dating from the early 20th century.

 * Arthur and Mona Hofmann House – Designed by Richard Neutra and is placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
 * Carolands — Built by Harriet Pullman Carolan, heiress to the Pullman railway. At 65,000 ft² (6,000 m2), it is one of the largest residences in the United States and is placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
 * Skyfarm — Built by William H. Crocker, namesake of Crocker middle school, and grandson of Charles Crocker of California's Big Four railroad magnates. Designed by Arthur Brown, Jr., and opened in 1930. Home since the 1960s to The Nueva School.
 * Tobin Clark Estate – Originally designed by the noted architect David Adler for Mrs. Celia Tobin Clark, one of the Peninsula's most prominent families of the early 20th Century
 * Uplands — Built by Templeton Crocker, as a gift to his fiancée Helène Irwin, heiress to the C&H Sugar family fortune. Designed by Willis Polk; opened in 1912, with interior of 35,000 ft² (3,250 m2). Home since the 1950s to Crystal Springs Uplands School.
 * Western White House — Commissioned by George Randolph Hearst, son of William Randolph Hearst and now privately owned. It, like Hearst Castle, was designed by Julia Morgan.
 * Junípero Serra statue — Overlooking Highway 280, the statue was built in honor of Father Junípero Serra.
 * Sidney Bazett Residence — Designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1939, the Bazett Residence is a fine example from his "Usonian" period. Completed in 1940, the house remains largely in its original condition.  Another notable feature of the house is that one of its former occupants was Joseph Eichler, whose tenancy in the house is said to have greatly influenced the eventual designs used in his successful housing developments of the 1950s-1960s.
 * ′The Flintstone House′ (a.k.a. the Adobe/Dome/Bubble/Marshmallow/Gumby house) — designed by architect William Nicholson and built in 1976 using sprayed concrete over balloon-shaped forms, now painted a deep/burnt orange color reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge's distinctive hue. The house can be seen to the east from the Doran Memorial Bridge, northbound on Highway 280 between the Bunker Hill and Hayne/Black Mountain exits.

Climate
December is the coolest month with an average high of 60 degrees, and September is the warmest month with an average high of 78 degrees. Hillsborough has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification Csa), with the vast majority of the precipitation from the months of November to April. On average, Hillsborough receives 17 in of rain. With coastal mountains to the west of Hillsborough, it is blocked in the winter from much of the rainfall over Half Moon Bay, and in the summer it is blocked from virtually all the fog of the coast. Hillsborough receives an average of 307 days of sunshine annually, with 52 days of recordable precipitation per year.

Notable people

 * Toni Breidinger – NASCAR driver
 * Roxy Bernstein – sports broadcaster
 * Pat Burrell – baseball player
 * Jason Calacanis – Internet entrepreneur
 * Alyssa Campanella – Miss California USA 2011
 * Sam Chavez – professional golfer
 * Alden W. Clausen – former president of The World Bank; former chairman, president and CEO of Bank of America
 * Jenny Craig – weight loss guru, founder of Jenny Craig, Inc.
 * William H. Crocker – founder and president of Crocker National Bank, member of committee that built San Francisco Opera House and Veterans Building
 * Bing Crosby – singer, actor, raised his second family in Hillsborough
 * Nathaniel Crosby – U.S. Amateur golf champion, son of Bing Crosby
 * Eric Dane – actor
 * Andre Ethier – baseball player
 * Kathy Garver – actress
 * Marjorie Gestring – diver, youngest Olympian to win gold medal
 * Michael Grimes – managing director at Morgan Stanley
 * Patty Hearst – heiress of Hearst newspaper fortune
 * William Randolph Hearst I – newspaper publisher, politician, builder of Hearst Castle
 * Rickey Henderson – Hall of Fame baseball player
 * Charles B. Johnson – former chairman at Franklin Templeton Investments
 * Jimmy Kimmel – comedian
 * Erik Kislik – Chess International Master
 * Brigitte Lin – Taiwanese actress
 * Jeremy Lin – basketball player
 * Phyllis Welch MacDonald – actress
 * Greg Maddux – Hall of Fame baseball pitcher
 * Imelda Marcos – former first lady of the Philippines
 * David Marquardt – co-founder of venture capital firm August Capital
 * Timothy Francis McCarthy – former President of Charles Schwab Corporation
 * Sidney Mobell – artist and jeweler
 * Larry Probst – chairman and former CEO of Electronic Arts (EA)
 * Ryan Roslansky – CEO of LinkedIn
 * Alicia Silverstone – actress
 * J.T. Snow – baseball player
 * Jackie Speier – former U.S. Representative
 * Lucio Tan – businessman
 * Bud Tribble – vice president of software technology at Apple Inc., among founders of NeXT, Inc.
 * Marshall Tuck – politician
 * Troy Tulowitzki – baseball player
 * George Tupou V – former King of Tonga
 * Salote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita – Tongan princess, only daughter of former King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV
 * Siosa'ia Ma'ulupekotofa Tuita – Tongan diplomat and Consul General of San Francisco, husband of Salote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita
 * Caspar Weinberger – Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Health, Education & Welfare
 * Martin Yan – chef, star of TV show "Yan Can Cook," lives with family in Hillsborough

title: Hillsborough, California


text:
Millbrae, California

Millbrae is a city located in northern San Mateo County, California, United States. To the northeast is San Francisco International Airport; San Bruno is to the northwest, and Burlingame is to the southeast. It is bordered by San Andreas Lake to the southwest. The population was 23,216 at the 2020 census.

History
The oral tradition of the Ohlone people suggests they have been living in the Bay Area for thousands of years. Anthropological evidence suggests Ohlone ethnogenesis occurred around 700 CE following a wave of migration from the Central Valley. The local Ohlone people are today called the Ramaytush Ohlone; however, this name is a linguistic designation that arose relatively recently. Prior to colonization, the Ohlone did not operate as a single consolidated unit; they identified more with their local tribe and village than with the nation at large. The several local tribes that lived in the area prior to colonization coalesced into the modern Ramaytush people following the precipitous decline of their population in the 1800s. The closest villages to what is now Millbrae were located by the banks of San Bruno Creek, and they are known as Urebure and Siplichiquin. A third nearby village—whose original name is unknown—is called CA-SMA-299.

1500s
Anthropological evidence and oral tradition indicate the Ohlone people were living in the Bay Area prior to the 1500s. The Spanish empire claimed much of what is now the United States during the early period of Spanish colonization of the Americas. In 1535, the empire established kingdom of New Spain which inherited the empire's claims to much of what is now the western United States.

In 1542, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo explored the Pacific coast near what is today Millbrae, though the expedition did not see the Golden Gate or the San Francisco Bay, likely due to the San Francisco fog. The Ohlone people may have met this expedition as they explored the Monterey Bay, about 50 miles southeast of Millbrae.

In 1595, Philip II of Spain tasked Sebastião Rodrigues Soromenho with mapping the west coast of the Americas. Soromenho set sail on Manila Galleon San Agustin on July 5, 1595, and in early November they reached land between Point St. George and Trinidad Head. The expedition followed the coast southward and on November 7 the San Agustin anchored in Drakes Bay, about 40 miles northwest of Millbrae. In late November, a storm sank the San Agustin and killed between 7 and 12 people. On December 8, 80 remaining crew members set sail on the San Buenaventura, a launch which was partially constructed en route from the Philippines. Seeking the fastest route south, the expedition failed to notice the Golden Gate, arriving at Puerto de Chacala, Mexico on January 17, 1596.

1600s
In 1601, New Spain tasked Sebastián Vizcaíno with mapping the California coastline in detail and locating safe harbors in Alta California for Manila Galleons to use on their return voyage to Acapulco from Manila. In 1602, members of Vizcaíno's expedition explored as far north as Coos Bay, however like previous expeditions, they missed the Golden Gate.

Little came of this expedition. For the next century and a half, Alta California remained a distant frontier land, largely outside of the kingdom's control, despite its claims. Anthropological evidence and oral tradition indicate the Ohlone people were living in the Bay Area throughout this time.

1700s
The San Francisco Bay may have been explored and mapped in the early 1700s. José Cabrera Bueno's 1734 Navegación Espéculativa y Práctica describe it with the following:"Through the opening in the center enters an estuary of salt water without any breaking of the waves at all, and by going in one will find friendly Indians and can easily take on water and wood."On November 4, 1769, the Portolà expedition climbed Sweeney Ridge and descended southeast parallel to San Andreas Creek before camping overnight near what is today San Andreas Lake and Millbrae's western border. The Portolà expedition continued southeast along the peninsula before turning back and returning to San Diego.

Gaspar de Portolá returned to the Bay Area the following year, accompanied by Junípero Serra, who established Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo—the second Spanish mission in Alta California—in what is today Monterey on June 3, 1770. Between 1769 and 1824 a total of 21 missions were established across Alta California.

The sixth Spanish mission in Alta California, Mission San Francisco de Asís was established on October 9, 1776, in what is today San Francisco's Mission District, about 10 miles north of Millbrae. Many of the Ohlone people who lived in and around what is today Millbrae were forcibly relocated and baptised at Mission San Francisco de Asís over the next few decades. The missions maintained authority over much of Alta California even after Mexico's independence from Spain 1821.

1800s
In 1827, California governor José María de Echeandía granted permission for sublieutenant José Antonio Sánchez to occupy Mission San Francisco's Rancho Buri Buri—which included parts of present-day Millbrae and Burlingame—for “grazing and agricultural purposes."

California came under American rule in 1848 following the Mexican–American War, and California became the 31st state in of the United States in 1850.

In the 1860s, Darius Ogden Mills purchased a portion of Rancho Buri Buri from José de la Cruz Sánchez to build a country estate. In 1872, members of the Sánchez family built the original Sixteen Mile House, a historical restaurant and rest stop near the Mills estate, and direct link to Millbrae's early days. The Mills estate was bordered by what is now Skyline Boulevard, U.S. Route 101 (the Bayshore Freeway), Millbrae Avenue and Trousdale Drive. The estate became known as "Millbrae" from "Mills" and the Scottish word "brae," which means "rolling hills" or "hill slope."

1900s
Transportation has shaped Millbrae's growth; from the start of the 20th century, San Francisco MUNI's #40 "interurban" streetcar traveled through Millbrae, linking the city with San Francisco and San Mateo.

Millbrae is home to Green Hills Country Club, built in 1929, and designed by famed golf course architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie (who designed other noteworthy courses such as Augusta National, Cypress Point, Royal Melbourne, Pasatiempo, and many more). The course was originally known as the Union League Golf Club of San Francisco (1930 to 1933) and Millbrae Country Club (1933 to 1945). The course provides a green belt in the center of the city that is the home of many animals, such as the red-tail fox, that otherwise would not be able to survive in the urban setting. It also may be the only area of the city where natural creeks still flow overground.

In 1931, citizens organized a volunteer fire department, which remained entirely volunteer until 1938. The police and fire departments were housed together for several years at Hillcrest Boulevard and El Camino Real before the vital services moved to their permanent location in Millbrae's civic center, a few blocks west of El Camino. Millbrae used a private patrol financed by fees from merchants and residents until 1941, when the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors created the Millbrae Police District. Records of the Internal Revenue Service document the licensing of several Millbrae bars for gambling; only after incorporation were gambling laws enforced in Millbrae and not until the 1950s was gambling defeated.

In the 1940s, a hilltop was shaved away to produce landfill for the expanding San Francisco Airport, which received an "international" designation in 1954 with the completion of the Central Terminal. Spurred largely by the desire to secure the Mills estate for residential use and by the efforts of Millbrae's weekly newspaper, the Millbrae Sun, residents heatedly discussed incorporation for over a decade before voting to incorporate. Finally, on January 14, 1948, residents of Millbrae traveled to Sacramento to present their new city's charter. W.F. Leutenegger was elected mayor to represent Millbrae's nearly 8,000 residents. That year, Green Hills Elementary School opened as Millbrae's first new school in over 25 years, in anticipation of the educational needs of the post-war "baby boom" children. The new city's chief industries were agriculture, floriculture, dairy, and porcelain manufacturing.

In the 1950s, Millbrae residents united to resist efforts to divide the city by the planned Junipero Serra Freeway (I-280), which was later routed parallel to Junipero Serra Boulevard, then through a canyon in San Bruno up to Skyline Boulevard. The streetcar line that connected Millbrae with San Francisco and San Mateo was dismantled just after Millbrae's incorporation in 1948, leaving the Southern Pacific Railroad as the only railway linking Millbrae with surrounding areas. Millbrae's high school students rode the streetcar to attend Burlingame High School until Capuchino High School opened on September 11, 1950. The original Sixteen Mile House was located where Millbrae O'Reilly Auto Parts stands today. The Millbrae estate mansion burned down in June 1954. After the fire the estate was subdivided and sold, with the bulk of the land going to the Paul W. Trousdale Construction Company in 1953 and eventually becoming the location for Mills High School, Spring Valley Elementary School, and Peninsula Hospital.

An unsuccessful effort to save the original Sixteen Mile House in the 1970s led to the birth of the Millbrae Historical Society and eventual successful crusades to save the Millbrae train station and the historic building that has become the Millbrae Historical Museum. Such challenges, though inevitable, have only strengthened Millbrae's resolve to preserve the city's unique character and rich history.

2000s
The population of Millbrae was 20,718 at the 2000 census, 21,532 at the 2010 census, and 23,216 at the 2020 census. Millbrae station has been the only station served by both BART and Caltrain since 2003. Millbrae station is also the only planned California High-Speed Rail stop between San Francisco and San José. Residents are employed in various industries throughout the Bay Area and children attend one of four public elementary schools, a middle school, or private schools. Millbrae has Sister City relationships with La Serena, Chile; Hanyu, Japan; and Mosta, Malta.

Geography
Millbrae has a total area of 3.26 sqmi, of which 3.25 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi, comprising 0.36%, is water.

Climate
According to the National Weather Service, Millbrae enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate featuring cool, wet winters and dry, mild summers. Night and morning fog are common during the summer months. Frequent, westerly sea breezes keep temperatures relatively mild throughout the year with highs in the mid-to-upper fifties (~15 °C) and lows in the mid-to-upper forties (~8 °C) during the winter and highs in the low seventies (~22 °C) and lows in the mid-to-upper fifties (~13 °C) during the summer. Annual precipitation ranges from 20 in in the lowlands to 32 in in the hills near Skyline Boulevard and I-280; most of the rain falls from November through April. Snow is very rare; the last measurable occurrence was on February 5, 1976. The nearest National Weather Service station is at the nearby San Francisco International Airport, where records go back to early 1927. For more details, see San Bruno, California.

Environmental features
A wetland area in the eastern part of the city which is adjacent to U.S. Highway 101 is habitat to the endangered San Francisco garter snake, a species endemic to San Mateo County. At the western edge of the city, the San Andreas Lake and the San Andreas Fault may be found.

2012
According to a 2012 estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $86,364, and the median family income was $124,027. Males had a median income of $84,008 versus $70,975 for females. About 2.2% of families and 3.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.2% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

2010
At the 2010 census Millbrae had a population of 21,532. The population density was 6,608.5 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Millbrae was 10,177 (47.3%) White, 179 (0.8%) African American, 33 (0.2%) Native American, 9,205 (42.8%) Asian, 214 (1.0%) Pacific Islander, 776 (3.6%) from other races, and 948 (4.4%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2,555 persons (11.9%).

The census reported that 21,217 people (98.5% of the population) lived in households, 58 (0.3%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 257 (1.2%) were institutionalized.

There were 7,994 households, 2,593 (32.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 4,543 (56.8%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 868 (10.9%) had a female householder with no husband present, 315 (3.9%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 268 (3.4%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 40 (0.5%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 1,883 households (23.6%) were one person and 1,059 (13.2%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.65. There were 5,726 families (71.6% of households); the average family size was 3.15.

The age distribution was 4,337 people (20.1%) under the age of 18, 1,523 people (7.1%) aged 18 to 24, 4,960 people (23.0%) aged 25 to 44, 6,476 people (30.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 4,236 people (19.7%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 44.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.

There were 8,372 housing units at an average density of 2,569.5 per square mile, of the occupied units 5,076 (63.5%) were owner-occupied and 2,918 (36.5%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.8%. 13,968 people (64.9% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 7,249 people (33.7%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 20,718 people in 7,956 households, including 5,513 families, in the city. The population density was 6,446.4 PD/sqmi. There were 8,113 housing units at an average density of 2,524.4 /mi2. Of the 7,956 households 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.7% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.7% were non-families. 25.1% of households were one person and 13.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.08.

The age distribution was 20.6% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 20.8% 65 or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.

Government
In the California State Legislature, Millbrae is in, and in.

In the United States House of Representatives, Millbrae is in. According to the California Secretary of State, as of February 10, 2019, Millbrae has 12,850 registered voters. Of those, 5,733 (44.6%) are registered Democrats, 2,049 (16%) are registered Republicans, and 4,584 (35.7%) have declined to state a political party.

Millbrae has 5 city council members, one of which is the mayor, and another the vice mayor. City council members serve 4 year terms; the mayor and vice mayor are elected by the council and serve 1 year terms. Prior to 2022, residents of the city voted for city council members at-large, however in 2022 Millbrae switched from at-large to district city council elections. The city has generally allowed each city council member to serve as mayor and vice mayor, and the city council has generally chosen for the vice mayor to succeed the mayor, however a council member other than the vice mayor has been chosen as mayor several times since 2015. In 2023, the city council initiated plans to codify its procedure for mayoral succession, following the contentious mayoral elections of 2022 and 2023 which saw Gina Papan, sister of aforementioned Diane Papan, be skipped in line for mayoral succession.

Education
Millbrae has a reputation for having good schools in the San Francisco Bay Area and in the state of California, despite enduring years of state budget cuts. Millbrae School District (MSD) oversees four public elementary schools including Meadows, Green Hills, Lomita Park, and Spring Valley and one middle school, Taylor Middle School. MSD is state-funded and does not receive local property taxes, and has endured budget cuts from the state since 2007. Millbrae has one public high school, Mills High School, which is part of the San Mateo Union High School District.

The city is served by the Millbrae Public Library of the San Mateo County Libraries, a member of the Peninsula Library System.

Millbrae has one private school at Saint Dunstan's, a Catholic church.

Police and fire
On March 4, 2012, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office took over responsibility for providing police services in Millbrae and closed the local police department.

On December 29, 2014, the City of Millbrae combined services with Central County Fire which provides fire services to the cities of Millbrae and Burlingame and the town of Hillsborough. Millbrae has two fire stations within its city limits.

Roads
U.S. Route 101 and Interstate 280 run along the eastern and western boundaries of the city, respectively. California State Route 82 runs through the center of the city and serves downtown.

Public transport
Millbrae station serves as a major transit hub for the Peninsula, connecting the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Caltrain, and SamTrans networks. It is the terminus for BART's Antioch–SFO+Millbrae line and Richmond–Millbrae+SFO line and is the only place where BART lines directly connect to Caltrain.

Air transport
San Francisco International Airport is adjacent to the city and is directly accessible to Millbrae through both BART and road. However, Millbrae is also connected to Oakland International Airport through BART and San Jose International Airport through CalTrain and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority's light rail and buses.

Economy
Millbrae's economy is driven in part by its proximity to the city of San Francisco and its airport, SFO. The city hosts several hotels along El Camino Real, and near its bayshore park, just south of SFO. Downtown Millbrae, between El Camino and Broadway Avenue, is lined with small shops and restaurants that reflect the city's diversity, and Millbrae Square features several larger retailers.

Top employers
According to the city's 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:

Sister cities

 * 🇨🇱 La Serena, Chile
 * 🇲🇹 Mosta, Malta
 * 🇯🇵 Hanyu, Japan

title: Millbrae, California


text:
Montara, California

Montara is a census-designated place (CDP) in San Mateo County, California, United States. The population was 2,833 at the 2020 census. Nearby communities include Moss Beach and Princeton-by-the-Sea.

Etymology
According to historical sources, the name "Montoro" was initially used, at least in 1867, for Montara Mountain and Montara Point by the Whitney Survey (also known as the California Geological Survey). In 1869, the United States Coast Survey referred to the area by its current name of Montara; the name is thought to be a misspelled interpretation of a Spanish word, or even a combination of several Spanish words for mountains or wilderness, such as montuoso (mountainous), montaraz (the wild) or the word for mountain, montaña. Additionally, the Spanish verb montar (meaning “to ride”), or one of its conjugated forms, could have influenced the name by referencing “riding” through or traversing the land on horseback or by wagon. Montará is a future-tense conjugation of “to ride”, becoming “will ride”, more or less. This could have been further confused by non-Spanish speakers as sounding like “montaña” (mountain), interpreted as “riding the mountain”.

“Montara” could also refer to a corruption of the Spanish word "Montosa"; "Cañada Montosa" (valley of brush) was allegedly written on an 1838 design of Rancho San Pedro, located in Southern California, but the connections between this plan and the town are unclear.

Geography and environment
Montara is located at 37.53972°N, -122.50639°W (37.539639, -122.506426), approximately 20 mi south of San Francisco and 50 mi north of Santa Cruz, California. Neighboring towns include Pacifica to the north, Moss Beach, El Granada, and Half Moon Bay to the south. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.9 sqmi, all of it land.

The rare and endangered species Hickman's potentilla occurs at the northern extremity of Montara on the slopes above Martini Creek at elevations ranging from 32 to 410 ft.

Nearby Montara Mountain, part of the Santa Cruz Mountains, rises to an elevation of 1,898 ft above sea level. The mountain is accessible by a gravel fire road. On a few occasions light snowfall has fallen on the upper reaches of the mountain.

The town is surrounded by open space (Rancho Corral de Tierra) and a popular recreation area includes Montara State Beach. The nearly 1 mi long stretch of sand drops steeply into the ocean, making this beach hazardous for swimming. It is, however, a fairly popular surfing destination for experienced surfers. Waves of at least 10 - 15 ft can be common during winter storm swells.

Montara State Marine Reserve & Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area extend offshore from Montara. Like underwater parks, these marine protected areas help conserve ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.

Climate
Montara enjoys exceptionally mild weather throughout the year. Typical of Northern California, most of the rainfall falls from November through April, normally totaling more than 27 in. Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, heavy fogs and low overcasts are common throughout the year, sometimes producing light drizzle. Stray showers sometimes occur during the mostly dry summer months. January, the coldest month, normally sees daytime high temperatures around 50°-60 °F (between 10° and 15 °C), with overnight lows in the forties (4°-10 °C). Freezing temperatures are extremely rare, especially near the ocean. September, the warmest month, normally experiences daytime highs in the upper sixties (15°-21 °C) and lows in the lower fifties (around 10 °C). Temperatures rarely exceed 90 °F, and, whenever there are daytime temperatures above 80 °F, the overall temperate still cools into the fifties (~13 °C) at night. During experimental observations by a U.S. Geological Survey volunteer (from 1985 to 1989), the highest temperature was an amazing 100 °F, and the lowest was 31 °F. The nearest official National Weather Service station is at Half Moon Bay. Recently, an automated weather station was set up in Montara, providing regular observations on the National Weather Service's website, weather.gov.

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Montara had a population of 2,909. The population density was 750.1 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Montara was 2,491 (85.6%) White, 16 (0.6%) African American, 21 (0.7%) Native American, 142 (4.9%) Asian, 1 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 97 (3.3%) from other races, and 141 (4.8%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 324 persons (11.1%).

The Census reported that 2,909 people (100% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 1,109 households, out of which 351 (31.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 666 (60.1%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 77 (6.9%) had a female householder with no husband present, 46 (4.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 59 (5.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 17 (1.5%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 209 households (18.8%) were made up of individuals, and 72 (6.5%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62. There were 789 families (71.1% of all households); the average family size was 3.02.

The population was spread out, with 617 people (21.2%) under the age of 18, 169 people (5.8%) aged 18 to 24, 622 people (21.4%) aged 25 to 44, 1,145 people (39.4%) aged 45 to 64, and 356 people (12.2%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males.

There were 1,167 housing units at an average density of 300.9 /sqmi, of which 898 (81.0%) were owner-occupied, and 211 (19.0%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.9%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.3%. 2,409 people (82.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 500 people (17.2%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,950 people, 1,010 households, and 756 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 751.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,034 housing units at an average density of 263.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP in 2010 was 79.2% non-Hispanic White, 0.5% non-Hispanic African American, 0.3% Native American, 4.8% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 3.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.1% of the population.

There were 1,010 households, out of which 40.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.4% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.1% were non-families. 15.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.10.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 32.5% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $95,326, and the median income for a family was $100,881. Males had a median income of $67,708 versus $50,704 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $44,360. About 0.5% of families and 2.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.5% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Government
In the California State Legislature, Montara is in, and in.

In the United States House of Representatives, Montara is in.

Montara is an unincorporated community. All planning and zoning is the responsibility of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, which is elected at large by the voters of San Mateo County. The Midcoast Community Council is an elected advisory body to the Board of Supervisors, is chosen by residents of Montara, Moss Beach, and El Granada.

Montara is also part of the Cabrillo Unified School District, Coastside Fire Protection District, Montara Water and Sanitary District, and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Because it is in the coastal zone, Montara is under the jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission.

History
A lighthouse was established at Point Montara in 1875. The Montara area was first settled by farmers in the late nineteenth century. A commercial flower farm, still in operation, was established in 1900. In 1905, Montara became a stop on the new Ocean Shore Railroad, then under construction. The railroad built a hotel next to the train station. The trains encouraged weekend visitors to the area, but development of the community was very slow. The railroad went bankrupt and ceased operations in 1920, but the hotel remained and, although greatly remodeled, is still standing today, between State Route 1 and Main Street, next to the remodeled train station.

The Montara Grammar School opened in 1915; the historic two-story building still stands, serving as a community center. The newer Farallone View Elementary School, a few blocks north of the original school, services the town's children today.

California's second paved highway, Pedro Mountain Road, was completed in 1914, providing another connection between Montara and San Francisco. This highway was replaced in 1937 by State Route 1, which followed the old railroad route through the Devil's Slide. A tunnel was opened in 2013 to replace this dangerous route, which had been closed periodically due to landslides. The United States Navy operated an anti-aircraft training center at Point Montara during World War II.

Real growth in Montara began in the 1950s as more people moved away from San Francisco during the postwar boom. As Montara has continued to grow, the community has still maintained its generally rural image. Most of Montara's streets were dirt or gravel until the early 1990s; the rustic quality of the town has not been lost since the streets were oiled or paved (only some of the streets are actually paved).

Notable
In 2003, Montara Water and Sanitary District purchased its water system from the German industrial firm RWE. Montara and Moss Beach residents overwhelmingly supported a bond for the purchase and repair of the system. The high, spiraling rates and a decades-long water moratorium were key motivations behind the bond measure.

Point Montara Light is a lighthouse in Montara, located just west of the Cabrillo Highway at Point Montara. Montara Light was originally established in 1875 as a fog signal station after several ships ran ashore in the late 1860s. The cast-iron lighthouse was brought from Wellfleet Harbor, Cape Cod, Massachusetts in 1925. It continues to operate as an aid-to-navigation maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. The lighthouse demarks the northern point of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, a holding of Special Biological Significance owned by the State of California. The lighthouse grounds also serve for an international hostel, Point Montara Lighthouse.

Transportation
Primary road access is via State Route 1 (the Cabrillo Highway) from the north and south.

SamTrans route 117 provides service to Montara with service from Linda Mar in Pacifica to Half Moon Bay.

title: Montara, California


text:
Moss Beach, California

Moss Beach is a coastal census-designated place in San Mateo County, California, with a year 2020 census population of 3,214. Located in Moss Beach are the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, a marine sanctuary; the Half Moon Bay Airport, the historic Moss Beach Distillery; and the Seal Cove Inn, a destination lodging property. Moss Beach is a cool coastal microclimate that gives one a sense of separation from the nearby metropolitan San Francisco Bay Area and assures that summer temperatures are generally mild.

History
Moss Beach began as a resort destination, with its first hotel built in 1881 by Juergen Wienke. It grew with the advent of the Ocean Shore Railroad.

Geography

Moss Beach is situated at 37°31'31" North latitude, 122°30'46" West (37.525240, -122.512811), approximately 20 mi south of San Francisco and 50 mi north of Santa Cruz, California. Nearby towns include Montara to the north, El Granada, Princeton-by-the-Sea, and Half Moon Bay to the south. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.3 sqmi, all land.

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Moss Beach had a population of 3,103. The population density was 1,377.0 PD/sqmi. The racial make-up of Moss Beach was 2,280 (73.5%) White, 25 (0.8%) African American, 43 (1.4%) Native American, 118 (3.8%) Asian, 9 (0.3%) Pacific Islander, 494 (15.9%) from other races, and 134 (4.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 903 persons (29.1%).

The census reported that 2,983 people (96.1% of the population) lived in households, 12 (0.4%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 108 (3.5%) were institutionalized.

There were 1,062 households, of which 359 (33.8%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 607 (57.2%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 85 (8.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 41 (3.9%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 49 (4.6%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 14 (1.3%) same-sex married couples or partnerships.251 households (23.6%) were made up of individuals, and 68 (6.4%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81. There were 733 families (69.0% of all households); the average family size was 3.35.

710 people (22.9%) were under the age of 18, 234 people (7.5%) aged 18 to 24, 699 people (22.5%) aged 25 to 44, 1,097 people (35.4%) aged 45 to 64, and 363 people (11.7%) were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.6 males.

There were 1,154 housing units at an average density of 512.1 /sqmi, of which 868 (81.7%) were owner-occupied, and 194 (18.3%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.2%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.3%. 2,448 people (78.9% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 535 people (17.2%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census, there were 1953 people, 740 households and 526 families residing in the Census Designated Place (CDP). The population density was 1,092.5 PD/sqmi. There were 771 housing units at an average density of 431.3 /sqmi. The racial make-up in 2010 was 62.9% non-Hispanic White, 0.7% non-Hispanic African American, 0.2% Native American, 3.8% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 0.3% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. 29.1% of the population were Hispanic.

There were 740 households, of which 36.1% had children under the age of 18, 58.9% were married couples, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.9% were non-families. 18.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and average family size was 2.98.

The median household income was $91,992 and the median family income was $99,307. Males had a median income of $81,619 and females $41,411. The per capita income was $41,283. 4.3% of the population and 3.2% of families were below the poverty line. 2.2% of those under the age of 18 and 2.7% of those over 64 were below the poverty line.

Climate
Moss Beach has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb) typical of the West Coast that is characterized by mild, rainy winters and cool, mild to warm summers, with an average temperature of 55°F (13 °C).

The area experiences some warmer degrees than Half Moon Bay due its proximity to San Francisco and coastal influence fog all year round and an Indian summer.

There is no significant snow occurring in Moss Beach in winter months. Though snowfall along the coast in Moss Beach has never been measurable, however, snow flurries were observed in December 1972 and 1976.

Hot weather is not unusual; the average annual days with highs of 90 °F or higher can occur in summertime. Cold weather is also rare with lows of 44.3 °F or lower. Typical of Northern California, most of the rain falls from November to April. The normal annual precipitation is 27.2 in. There is often fog and overcast during the night and morning hours, usually clearing to offshore during the afternoon. Persistent sea breezes help to moderate the climate along the coast.

January is the coolest month with an average high of 57.5 °F and an average low of 44.3 °F. August and September are the warmest months with an average high of 70.6 °F and an average low of 53.8 °F within the summer months.

Politics
Locally, Moss Beach and other portions of the unincorporated Midcoast is represented by the elected Midcoast Community Council.

In the California State Legislature, Moss Beach is in, and in.

Federally, Moss Beach is in.

Noteworthy features
Because of the air currents off the Pacific Ocean, Moss Beach experiences above average fog levels, but also high quality ambient air. Situated along the coast of Moss Beach is the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, a California designated area of Special Biological Significance. The reserve has a scenic blufftop trail through cypress groves overlooking the Pacific Ocean, historically significant tidepools, and a variety of marine animals and pelagic birds. The outcroppings along the beach are part of the Franciscan Complex.

Montara State Marine Reserve & Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area extend offshore from Moss Beach. Like underwater parks, these protected areas help conserve ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.

An occurrence of the rare plant Hickman's potentilla, Potentilla hickmanii, was observed by E.C. Suttliffe in 1933 in the vicinity of the mouth of San Vicente Creek within Moss Beach. This colony was not further documented for decades, but another colony was discovered toward the end of the 20th century north of Moss Beach. The plant was listed as California endangered in 1973 and as an endangered species by the United States government in 1998.

Off State Route 1 is Moss Beach Distillery, a restaurant that has its roots in bootleg liquor during Prohibition. The building is a California Point of Historical Interest. The restaurant, which claims to be haunted, was featured on the television series Ghost Hunters, where they revealed that owners of the distillery have created hoaxes simulating paranormal activity.

Transportation
Primary road access is via State Route 1 (the Cabrillo Highway) from the north and south.

SamTrans route 117 provides service to Moss Beach with service from Linda Mar in Pacifica to Half Moon Bay.

title: Moss Beach, California


text:
North Fair Oaks, California

North Fair Oaks is a census-designated place and an unincorporated area located in San Mateo County, California adjacent to Redwood City, Atherton, and Menlo Park. As of the 2020 census the area had a total population of 14,027. Because of the large number of residents from one Mexican state the area is also known as Little Michoacán. The larger area including North Fair Oaks and adjacent parts of Redwood City has a large Latino population and is known locally as Little Mexico. The neighborhood is distinctive, as it is one out of only three communities (the others being East Palo Alto and Pescadero) in San Mateo County that have a majority Hispanic population.

History
Fair Oaks was a residential area north of Menlo Park. In 1923, Menlo Park attempted to incorporate Fair Oaks first, but instead, Fair Oaks incorporated separately as the town of Atherton (see Atherton for details and history). This left North Fair Oaks unincorporated.

One of the two Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct utility corridors on the San Francisco Peninsula was installed through the area at an angle diagonal to the existing street grid.

Geography and climate
North Fair Oaks is located at 37.47528°N, -122.20361°W (37.475170, -122.203506).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the area has a total area of 1.2 sqmi, all of it land.

Proximity to mountains by the Pacific coast and the San Francisco Bay creates a microclimate that makes the area frequently sunny and warm with temperatures moderated by ocean and bay breezes. Similar conditions are found on the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean Coast of North Africa. This local microclimate is centered on nearby Redwood City which claims the slogan "climate best by government test".

Law and government
Essential services are provided through San Mateo County by the Board of Supervisors using input from the North Fair Oaks Community Council. They also are included in the boundaries of the Sequoia Healthcare District which provides health care benefits supported by property taxes collected from District residents. http://www.sequoiahealthcaredistrict.com/

Children attend elementary school in the Redwood City School District but then attend Menlo-Atherton High School within the Sequoia Union High School District.

Demographics
The 2010 United States Census reported that North Fair Oaks had a population of 14,687. The population density was 12,236.5 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of North Fair Oaks was 7,060 (48.1%) White, 235 (1.6%) African American, 143 (1.0%) Native American, 548 (3.7%) Asian, 219 (1.5%) Pacific Islander, 5,728 (39.0%) from other races, and 754 (5.1%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10,731 persons (73.1%).

The Census reported that 14,367 people (97.8% of the population) lived in households, 314 (2.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 6 (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 3,919 households, out of which 1,928 (49.2%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 2,033 (51.9%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 548 (14.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 350 (8.9%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 324 (8.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 45 (1.1%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 629 households (16.1%) were made up of individuals, and 175 (4.5%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.67. There were 2,931 families (74.8% of all households); the average family size was 3.93.

The population was spread out, with 4,075 people (27.7%) under the age of 18, 1,557 people (10.6%) aged 18 to 24, 4,990 people (34.0%) aged 25 to 44, 3,097 people (21.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 968 people (6.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.0 males.

There were 4,107 housing units at an average density of 3,421.7 /sqmi, of which 1,838 (46.9%) were owner-occupied, and 2,081 (53.1%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.0%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.1%. 5,997 people (40.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 8,370 people (57.0%) lived in rental housing units.

Politics
In the California State Legislature, North Fair Oaks is in, and in.

In the United States House of Representatives, North Fair Oaks is in.

The community is mostly Democratic, with 58% registered Democrats and 19% registered Republicans as of 02/2002.

Community
The Fair Oaks Beautification Association is an active element of the North Fair Oaks community. FOBA is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization that has raised funds to plant trees and install traffic-calming devices throughout the neighborhood. Its primary activity is to maintain the neighborhood park at Edison Way and Fair Oaks Avenue. This park is built over the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct and was installed with permission of the SFPUC. Construction and maintenance are made possible by grants and community contributions, with substantial volunteer effort provided by members of the community.

The North Fair Oaks Festival is a popular summer event.

title: North Fair Oaks, California