South San Francisco, CA July 17, 2018 Submitted by Debbie Gehret, SMC Harbor District
The San Mateo County Harbor District recently adopted a resolution that stated the District’s intent to move from ‘at large’ to ‘districted’ elections. Since its formation in 1933 (with a brief hiatus in the 60s), the District’s five Commissioners have been elected in alternating elections and voted on by the county at large. With the resolution adopted in June, the District has embarked on the process of establishing districts from which Commissioners will be elected by voters within that District only.
The process begins with a series of public meetings, held in various parts of the county to ensure the greatest opportunity for public participation; the drafting, publication and discussion of potential maps and a final selection, by the Commission, of both the map to be used and the process for implementation of the map over the elections in 2020 and 2022.
The dates for the first meetings are as follows:
- Tuesday, July 24, 6:30p.m. at the District office at 504 Ave. Alhambra, Ste 200, El Granada;
- Wednesday July 25, 6:30p.m. at Redwood City Downtown Library Community Room, 1044 Middlefield Rd., Redwood City
- Monday, July 30, 6:30p.m., Municipal Services Building (Betty Weber Room), 33 Arroyo Dr., South San Francisco.
Following these meetings, there will be discussion at the next Harbor Commission meeting, t be held August 15, 6:30p.m. at the District office, 504 Ave. Alhambra, El Granada, followed by a similar series of opportunities for the public to review and comment on maps before a final decision is made by the Commission in September.
More information is available at the District’s website, which will be continuously updated:
www.smharbor.com/district-elections
About the San Mateo County Harbor District:
The San Mateo County Harbor District was first established in 1933 and now operates both Pillar Point Harbor and Oyster Point Marina/Park. Pillar Point Harbor, near Half Moon Bay, remains a major commercial and sport fishing harbor, with 369 berths and is host to many public events throughout the year. Oyster Point Marina/Park in the City of South San Francisco provides a 408-berth marina and boat launch ramp, a fishing pier, and open space and trails. At both facilities, the District manages the property, provides public safety and search and rescue functions, and opportunities for many kinds of recreational activities.
The District is governed by a five-member Board of Harbor Commissioners, who are currently elected county-wide for staggered four-year terms.