Coastside Life Rotating Header Image

September, 2010:

Tunnel Project Update!

The Half Moon Bay Review just reported that a small breakthrough hole has been dug in preparation for the official breakthrough ceremony planned this week:

Diggers deep inside Devil’s Slide tunnel poked a small hole at the end of the north end of the northern bore Wednesday morning in preparation for the official break through ceremony on Friday afternoon. Workers weren’t sure how long it would take to actually pop through so they preemptively dug through the last leg of the tunnel to insure tomorrow’s ceremony would go smoothly, explained a Caltrans engineer who preferred not to be named.

Although Caltrans has invited media and dignitaries for Friday’s ceremonial punch through the dirt, Wednesday’s premature drilling was nonetheless exciting for workers because daylight streamed in through the northern portal, three years after starting the project.

The drilling Wednesday morning took about an hour and a half, explained the Caltrans engineer. This was much longer than expected.  The tunnel break through marks the final stages of boring, but the tunnel won’t be open for drivers until late 2011 or early 2012.

Click here to view article at Half Moon Bay Review

Visit a San Mateo Coast B&B for a Little R&R!

Venturing along the San Mateo Coast can be a breathtaking and rejuvenating experience for both locals and visitors alike.  Of course living along the San Mateo Coast in the communities of Half Moon Bay, Pacifica, Moss Beach, El Granada or Montara makes this a possible every day event and locals take advantage of all that coastal living has to offer.  For those looking for a place in California for a weekend getaway or even a week long retreat; we recommend our favorite coast to everyone!

One of the best ways to enjoy the coastal lifestyle is to experience the local Bed and Breakfasts in the area.  Everyone needs an opportunity to unwind and these quaint,boutique-like homes are ideal.  Many of these B&B’s are located right along the coastline and offer magnificent views, while others are tucked away where visitors can enjoy a sense of complete privacy.    Below we are highlighting a few of our favorites although there are many from which to choose!

Cypress Inn On Miramar Beach
407 Mirada Road, Half Moon Bay
www.cypressinn.com
- A luxurious beachfront inn located on miles of pristine white sand beaches with the Pacific Ocean at your doorstep. This prime oceanfront property is located in the upscale beachside community of Half Moon Bay just 30 minutes south of San Francisco. Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach offers 18 guest rooms complimented by dramatic ocean views, fireplaces, spa tubs, in most accommodations, and gracious personalized service. Several unique amenities include daily morning and evening food and beverage services and a resident certified massage therapist.

Seal Cove Inn, A Four Sisters Inn

221 Cypress Ave, Moss Beach
www.sealcoveinn.com
- Just 24 miles south of San Francisco, this serene hideaway is spectacularly set amongst a meadow of wildflowers and bordered by towering cypress trees. The inn looks out to acres of county park and the ocean beyond: an oasis where you can enjoy secluded beaches, watch frolicking seals, and follow the tree-lined path tracing the windswept Half Moon Bay ocean bluffs. The inn also features an executive board room for small meetings up to 14. This Four Sisters Inn blends the modern luxuries and sophisticated services of a boutique hotel with the traditional amenities and architecture of a B&B.

The Inn at Mavericks
346 Princeton Ave, Half Moon Bay
www.innatmavericks.com
- Located in the quaint village of Princeton-by-the-Sea and just a few short minutes north of historic Half Moon Bay; the Inn at Mavericks sits on a small waterfront bluff overlooking picturesque Pillar Point Harbor and the Pacific Ocean.  Here you will find activities such as beachcombing, tidepooling, hiking, kayaking, surfing, shopping, and oceanfront dining all within easy walking distance…Or, just relax on the veranda of your elegant waterfront guestroom, reading a book and listening to the ocean waters lapping against the soft sand and rocks.

The Goose & Turrets Bed & Breakfast

835 George St, Montara
www.goose.montara.com
-The Goose & Turrets Bed & Breakfast, located in the seaside village of Montara, California, just north of Half Moon Bay, offers a quick getaway from San Francisco and Silicon Valley. The historic building, constructed around 1907, and its quiet gardens are only 20 minutes from San Francisco airport and 30 minutes south of downtown San Francisco. Best of all, a pleasant half-mile walk takes you to a clean sandy beach where harbor seals stare back at the occasional beachcomber. Many of the herbs and vegetables used in Goose & Turrets breakfasts come from the surrounding gardens and orchard.

Whether you live in the San Mateo Coastal area or would just like to visit the beautiful California coastline; everyone deserves a relaxing getaway and these Bed and Breakfasts are perhaps just what you’ve been looking for!  If you are visiting any of the Coastal towns in hopes of making it your new home, but aren’t quite sure where to start looking- let us know!  We have been working with the San Mateo Coastal Real Estate market for years and can help you find a home that fits your needs and lifestyle!  Let us know how we can help or if you live on the coast and would like to see any of the homes on the San Mateo Coast!  We look forward to hearing from you!

Kathy & Michael Rain
Your San Mateo Coastal Real Estate Experts

San Mateo Coastal Real Estate
View San Mateo Coastal Listings
View San Mateo Area Open Houses
Visit Our Website
Email Us

Two Great Coastal Events this Weekend- Environmentally Friendly and Fun!

Living in the San Mateo Coastal towns of El Granada, Half Moon Bay, Montara, Moss Beach or Pacifica means living in communities that truly care about the environment.  For those of you who’ve lived in the coastal area for a while, you’ve probably enjoyed taking part in some great environmental causes or events that are offered throughout the year.  The possibilities are endless!

This coming weekend a fun and eco-friendly event is coming to the coast!  The 26th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day is this Saturday, September 25 from 9am-noon and is open to everyone.  Across the country, this is known as the premier volunteer event focused on the marine environment and has been a great success year after year.  More than 80,600 volunteers showed up last year to the event which covers the coast of California along with its lakes and waterways and they collected over 1,300,000 pounds of trash and recyclables!  The Guinness Book of World Records has deemed this event the “largest garbage collection” which attests to the fact that the Coastal Cleanup Day is proving to be a large contribution to cleaning up our planet.  The Coastal Cleanup Day kicks off Coastweeks which is three weeks of coastal and water related events, so there are many ways to be involved.  For the San Mateo Coastal area, there are a few specific places to show up and help out!

Mirada West
Surfers Beach & Mirada Surf Coastal Trail- Help clean up the bluff near these locations!
Starting Point: West side of Highway 1 and Coronado

Pillar Point Harbor
Harbor beachs, Launch ramps and Trails- Join others in picking up trash and debris from these locations
Starting Point: Pillar Point Harbor near Half Moon Bay Kayak Company

If you’re not able to be involved in this event, don’t worry!  There are year round opportunities to help clean up our environment.  The California Coastal Commission offers the Adopt-a-Beach program in which groups, friends or even families can “adopt” a beach to commit to clean up at least three times a year.  If you’re interested, you can find more information on the California Coastal Commission’s website.

After helping clean up the coast, why not head over to Pacifica for an event that celebrates the San Mateo Coastal lifestyle!  The 25th Annual Fog Fest takes place this weekend, September 24-25 in Pacifica and is centered around the sun, sand and surf- which are elements that define our beautiful coast!  This free event is open to everyone and has become a highlight of the year for many.  Historically, the last weekend of September has the best weather and so it was decided that the Fog Fest would take place with the climate as a backdrop!

The kick-off event will be the 25th Anniversary Fandango event on the evening of Friday September 24th at the Sanchez Adobe Historic Site!  The festivities continue on Saturday morning at 10am with the Discover Pacifica Parade, Sand Castle Contest and Marching Band Competition. There will also be food and beverage booths along with other fun actvities that will take place throughout the day such as arts and crafts, live music and contests.  This is another great way to get to know the Pacifica community and to spend time with family and friends!  You can view more information on the Fog Fest website.

We hope you are able to join in on these great events!  Our environment is very important to us and to keeping the California Coastal area beautiful!  We also love to celebrate the unique characteristics of our coastal towns!  If you are looking to buy a home in the San Mateo Coastal area; let us know!  We’d love to help you in your search and show you why we love to call the coast “home!”

Kathy & Michael Rain
Your San Mateo Coastal Real Estate Experts

San Mateo Coastal Real Estate
View San Mateo Coastal Listings
View San Mateo Area Open Houses
Visit Our Website
Email Us