365 Reasons we love Pacifica CA

Reason 53

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:33:00 +0000

Pacifica Fog Cutter Cocktail Drink:

Pacifica is also unique in having a cocktail that truly reflects our Pacifica coastal
environment. It is called the Pacifica Fog Cutter.

The ingredients are as follows:

Fill a Rocks Glass with ice
Add 1 oz. of light Rum
Add 1 oz. of Midori
Fill with 7up
A Splash of Sweet and Sour
Float on top Slow Gin

The way that the ingredients above reflect our Pacifica coastal envirironment is as follows:

The Ice... reflects our rocky coast
The Rum... reflects our crystal clear skies
The Midori...reflects our rolling green hills
The 7up... reflects our ocean spray
The Sweet and Sour... reflects the fog
The Slow Gin.... reflects our beautiful sunsets

Here is a bartender option:

Add Dry Ice at the bottom of the glass.. and Shaved ice on Top...... to reflect the fog coming in

How do you like your sunset cocktail?

Reason 52

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 19:03:00 +0000

The Pacifica Fog!

If you live in Pacifica, you really get to love the fog!

Fog is a natural part of our beautiful coastal climate; where we have extremely clean ocean air to breathe, moderate temperatures, sunshiny days, and a natural offshore breeze that provides climatic air conditioning.

When you live in Pacifica, you get to see all of the many aspects of the fog. First when you drive up Highway 280 from San Mateo towards Pacifica, you will see the fog drifting over the mountain, looking like cotton candy. Next, on some mornings, driving up Highway 1, as you crest the top of the hill at Skyline, you can see above the fog canopy, that covers part of San Francisco and Daly City below, for a spectacular view, only seen here.

You also get to appreciate the fog, since it provides a break in the monotony, that every day of sunshine would bring. Fog also reminds you to truly appreciate sunny days, and to always make sure that you get them most out of every wonderful sunny day we have here at the beach! This creates a true spirit of existential enjoyment of Pacifica's beautiful beaches, rugged coastline, scenic mountains, and unbelievable sunsets.

Fog symbolizes to us the constant change both in our environment, and in our daily lives. We don't just get seasonal climate changes, we get daily climate changes!

Halloween is an example of how fog makes things even more fun. Nothing is more exciting, than going trick-or-treating, in the fog, among all of the massively decorated homes in Pacifica, that take spooky to the extreme!

The fog also allows Pacificans to develop our sense of humor about our foggy reputation. There is even a contest that occurs during the Pacifica Fog Fest. Over the years, meteorologists and weathercasters have given the title of, Fog Capital of the Pacific Coast , to many other coastal cities, during the Pacifica Fog Fest. In 1997, it was Pacific Grove, CA, in 1988 it was Montara, in 1989 it was Arcata, CA, in 1990, it was Juneau, Alaska, and in 1991 it went to Gleneden Beach in Oregon.

If you live in Pacifica, you will begin to look at fog in many new ways, and always appreciate it's beauty and purpose.

Why do you love the fog in Pacifica?

Reason 51

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 16:08:00 +0000

The Pacifica Fog Fest !!

Happy 25th aniversary!! It is on Saturday and Sunday Sept 25th and September 26th from 9-5.

It all starts with the Discover Pacifica Parade to kick off the Fog fest and to celebrate the wonders that are Pacifica.

Here are some of the Traditions that have been celebrated, over the years:

Photo Contest- Your favorite scenes of of our lovely Pacifica coastal environment.
Fog Horn Contest- A contest to "call in the fog"
Fog Bank Contest- You guess the number of cotton balls that create coastal fog
Fog Jog- early Sunday morning 5K Run
Famous Fog Cutter Drink Contest- Coastside bartenders can create their best fog cutter drink
Classic Car Show-All the most beautiful vintage cars along the coast
Sand Castle Design Contest- To see who can create the most beautiful sand castle design.

Have fun!!

Reason 50

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:38:00 +0000

The natural wildlife to see in Pacifica:

I just read in the Pacifica Tribune, about a full- grown healthy male mountain lion, that was spotted in a Vallemar backyard last Friday, ...... I also read that 2 days earlier, a 2-3 year old female mountain lion, about 80-90 lbs, healthy and well fed, was struck by a vehicle, on the north side of Highway 1, near the Manor Drive exit. I wonder if that male mountain lion was out looking it's mate?

Because of our expansive hills and natural wildlife refuges, Pacifica is a great place to see alot of wild animals. We also have red-tailed hawks, black tailed deer, great horned owls, falcons, turkey vultures, coyotes, bobcats, raccons, skunks, the red-legged frog, and the famous San Francisco Garter snake.

Where in California, can you find all this ..... and still be close to San Francisco?

Reason 49

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 15:44:00 +0000

Surfing in Pacifica:

At the south end of Linda Mar Beach, Pedro Point is a little beach community built into the side of a hill, overlooking all of Linda Mar Beach, and the home of the Pedro Point Surf Club.

Doc Ball's first edition of Surfing in California listed four surf spots: Windansea, San Onofre, Malibu and Pedro Point. The Keating brothers and some other Ocean Beach guys started surfing Pedro Point in the late '30s and early '40s after Dick Keating got turned on to surfing by the Kahanamoku brothers while in the Islands for a swimming contest.

When you Talk Story....about surfing .......back in the '40s, Fred Van Dyke said that most of the real board surfing was done at Pedro Point. The legends continue......about surfing in Pacifica.

Surfing is great in Pacifica!!

August 7th is the Kahuna Kupuna Classic ...call Roy Earnet 650-438-6378

Check out these site:

For Surf conditions go to : http://www.surfline.com/home/index.cfm

Other Sites:

Pedro Point Surf Club at: http://pedropoint.typepad.com/about.html
University of Surfing at: http://www.universityofsurfing.com/

For Surfboards:

NorCal Surf Shop at: http://www.norcalsurfshop.com/ 650-738-9283
LogShop Surf Shop at: http://www.taitsboardshop.com/ 650-738-5664
SonLight Surf Shop at: http://www.sonlightsurfshop.com/ 650-359-0353

For Contacting your surfing buddies:

Pinger.com ..can provide surfers instant voice message updates to mobile phones regarding surf conditions and where to meet. Go to : http://www.pinger.com

"Life's a..... Beach!!!!!

Reason 48

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 17:21:00 +0000

Going Skateboarding at our Pacifica SkatePark:

The Pacifica SkatePark is open (M-Sat 9AM-Sunset, Sun 10:30AM-Sunset).

Today is the Pacifica SkatePark Contest ( 10am-Sunset).
There are prizes given today for skateboarding contestants in all catagorizes. The masters event will be around 2PM.

For more information:

Go to www.UniversityofSurfing.com

For Skateboarding Equipment:

Log Shop Surf & Skate in Pacifica www.taitsboardshop.com 650-738-5664
NorCal Surf Shop in Pacifica www.norcalsurfshop.com 650-738-9283

Have fun!!

Reason 47

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:03:00 +0000

Going to SeaBowl for an extreme evening of "Astro Bowl":

"Astro Bowl", occurs on every Friday night (from 10PM-12:30AM) at SeaBowl in Pacifica. It is extreme fun taken to a new level........... They have a DJ , who plays music,...a light show, the pins are Day Glo, and it is an experience of colors, sound, music, partying, and bowling all rolled together.

Where on earth can you first, .....hang out at Rockaway Beach,..then walk accross the street to a Bowling Alley, ...at the Beach,...that is this much fun !!!

Santa Cruz and Pismo Beach, have a Bowling Alley at the Beach, BUT... they dont
have "Astro bowl" !!!

Yeahhh Pacifica......

Reason 46

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:17:00 +0000

Going to the wonderful outdoor Archery range in Pacifica:

I love to go to the range and practice my archery skills, and walk through the most beautiful outdoor range par course through the hills in Pacifica. The scenery that you will see, as you are walking, either the "white range" or the "red range",...... is amazing!

San Francisco Archers is a nonprofit organization that promotes archery at all levels of ability and age. The Club is run by volunteer officers that are elected annually by the membership. San Francisco Archers was founded in 1946. San Francisco Archers has over 170 active members.

The Club is open to the public everyday. There is a fee for non-members, adults are $5.00 and children under 13 are admitted free of charge.

Go to: http://www.sfarchers.com/about_us.html

See Pictures at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfarchers

Have fun!

Reason 45

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:48:00 +0000

Going Crabbing... from the Pacifica Pier:

The season for getting Dungeness Crab on the Pacifica Pier,.. is from Nov 15-June 30th..
BUT.... you can also go Crabbing for Rock Crab.. ALL YEAR LONG!!

Dungeness Crab- are light brown in color with White Tipped Pincers. They are bigger and more meatier. During the season,... the minimum size is 6 and 1/4 inches. They are usually 7-9 inches when caught.

Rock Crab- are dark reb brown/or yellow with Black Tipped Pincers. The minimun size is 4 inches.

See: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/dungeness_crab.asp

Equipment:

-A mesh box with snares OR
-Crab Ring 42" circle

Bait: (Squid)

In Pacifica:
Call Marque at Coastside #2 Bait and Tackle OR
Call Cheryl at Rusty Hook Bait and Tackle

Have Fun !

Reason 44

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:11:00 +0000

Going Salmon Fishing on the Pacifica Pier.

Pacifica, has a long tradition of having some of the BEST fishing for Salmon, from our Pacifica Pier.

A Little Bit of Salmon Fishing History in Pacifica:

It was July 26th 1995..and the Chinook, or King salmon, took Pacifica by storm in record numbers. 1995 was one of the best seasons in 50 or 60 years.

It’s a pilgrimage that began each day at dawn and continued until dusk. Fisherman came to Pacifica, this quiet coastal city, from such places as Modesto, Stockton, San Jose, Sacramento and nearby San Francisco. Young and old, they come from all walks of life to partake of what had become a ritual: fishing for salmon on what must be the world’s busiest pier.

Fisherman packed the pier like sardines: hundreds upon hundreds of them, standing shoulder to shoulder. Those arriving late try to nudge their way to a spot on the rail. Those who can’t find a spot bide their time waiting for one to open, watching the salmon, and the occasional striped bass, come over the rail in a net. On the Pacifica Pier, more than 1,000 salmon were caught in a single day, the most ever recorded.

Fishing poles, long and short, fat and thin, old and new, protrude from the rails like quills from a porcupine, weaving a sometimes tangled web of monofilament down into the greenish sea. Salmon floats, small foam balls, markers above the baits, bob on the surface like pastel and neon polka dots.

In July 1995, the whole fishing scenario, had been reported by local newspapers and TV stations, attracting even more people. It’s a wonder the Pacifica Pier, about 120 yards long and 30 feet wide, is still standing. People saw it on TV, heard about it, and more and more people came just to see for themselves.

Cheryl, from the Rusty Hook Bait and Tackle Shop, was located at the end of the Pacifica Pier and she remembers.."Oh.. what a year that was" !!!!!

Each year’s class has its own history, so to speak, and it varies from year to year.

Have fun this year!!!

Reason 43

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 17:46:00 +0000

Going Fishing for Striped Bass at Sharp Park Beach and the Pacifica Pier:

July is a great month to go Striped Bass shore fishing in Pacifica. Pacifica is actually the BEST place on the West Coast to go Striped Bass Fishing!!!

Places to Go:

1) Sharp Park Beach- You can go anywhere South of the Pacifica Pier along the beach.
BE VERY CAREFUL of the RipTides!!!

2) Pacifica Pier: Pier opens 4AM until 10PM

3) Muscle Rock (Long hike down to the beach on either side)

4) The Point at Hidden Cove( around the point from Linda Mar Beach) ( by Ocean Cayak)

Equipment: All you need is a 10' Rod and Reel Ocean Surf Combo, hooks and sinkers

Lures: Top Water Lures, Shallow Diver Lures, Sandy Bottom Lures, Deep Water Lures

Live Bait: Worms and Anchovies

There are 2 great Fish and Tackle stores to visit down the street from the Pacifica Pieri:

Rusty Hook Bait and Tackle: Cheryl... will "Hook you Up" with advice and gear
Coastside #2 Bait and Tackle: Marque.. will "Hook you Up" with advice and gear

See: http://pacificapier.com/pacifica/

Fishing is an ART not a science !!

Quote: "It is always better to teach a man how to fish.. than to give him a fish"

I'll bet that also applies to our Federal Bailout Program!!!

Have Fun!!

Reason 42

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 20:21:00 +0000

The Montara Mountain Trail at the San Pedro Valley County Park.

This is a long hike ( 5.0 miles ...ONE WAY ) that goes all the way up the mountain then down to Montara State Beach. Give yourself at least 4-5 hours to finish the hike !

We have found that it is much easier is to take 2 cars. First we drive both cars approximatly (3.8 miles South from the Linda Mar light on Highway 1 ) to the SECOND parking lot turnoff (Grey Whale Trail/McNee Ranch) ,ON THE LEFT side of the highway. Make sure that you go PAST the first big parking lot...(remember to go all the way to the much smaller 2nd parking lot on the left (that is around .8miles ) AFTER the bigger parking lot ( It is a bit confusing since both parking lots are called Montara State Beach/McNee Ranch. We park 1 car there, then we drive back (3.8 miles) to Pacifica and turn right on Linda Mar Blvd, and go all the way back(1.2 miles) , to San Pedro Valley County Park and park there.

We usually begin our hike around 10AM at San Pedro Park at the Montara Mountain Trailhead, at the parking lot. You follow the trail up a long uphill hike up to the Montara Mountain overpass (2.1 miles to the summit),.. from there you meet up with the North Peak Access Road, you can either go Left and UP even higher (1.4 miles) to the mountain summit at 1878 feet OR you can go Right and DOWN the North Peak Access Road (2.5 miles) to the parking lot at McNee Ranch. By this time it is around 3PM. Believe me, you will really appreciate having your car there, to get in to drive back to San Pedro Valley Park afterwards!!!

On this long hike you will see Red Tail hawks, turkey vultures, coyotes, squirrels, rabbits, ....and maybe a... mountain lion. There are many varieties of mountain chaparral native plants as well........AND there are great vistas of ocean views to see from the mountain top. It is really beautiful and well worth the workout.

Make sure that you bring good hiking boots, water, food, jacket(as it may get windy), and a hiking stick. I never really used a hiking stick before until I realized how steep the North Peak Access Road coming down the mountain was!! The hiking stick actually allows you to cushion the steepness of the downgrade. Always let someone know that you are hiking that trail. The Montara side closes at sunset. The gates close at San Perdo Park at 8PM !

For more information you can call 650-726-8819

Have a great trip!!!!

Reason 41

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:43:00 +0000

The Hazelnut Trail for hiking in the San Pardo Valley County Park.

This is a beautiful long hike (round trip it is 4.8 miles ). You start at the San Pedro Valley Visitor Center and begin the hike at Plaskon Nature Trail entrance (.1 ) .... from there it leads you to the entrance of the Hazelnut Trial , ..... you then follow the long looping trail ( 3.7 total miles)... all the way up the hill to see beautiful views of the untouched surrounding park hills and vistas on top of the mountain, and then you continue all the way down the backside of the mountain to the bottom of the trail .. this will feed you into the Weiler Ranch Trail.. which is a flat trail (1 mile) ...back to the Vistor Center.

This is a great hike to keep you in shape, see outstanding scenery, see local wildlife, and relax, ...all at the same time!!!

Have fun!!!

Reason 40

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:23:00 +0000

I really love to go on hikes at San Pedro Valley County Park.

To get there;... take Highway 1 South to the light at Linda Mar Blvd, and turn left. Stay on Linda Mar Blvd all the way back , then turn right at Oddstad Blvd, (they are at 600 Oddstad). The park gates are open every day from 8AM and the gates close at 8PM. The Visitor Center is open 10AM-4PM Saturday,Sunday and Holidays (650-355-8289 ). There is a volunteer program for trail maintenance (They meet the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9AM, contact nramirez@co.sanmateo.ca.us).

There are several wonderful hiking trails in the park such as: Plaskon Nature Trial, Old Trout Farm Loop Trial, Weiler Ranch Trial, Valley View Trial, Hazelnut Trail, Brooks Creek Trail Loop, and Montara Mountain Trail.

There is also a "Friends of San Pedro Park" Newsletter. You can email : carolynjunepankow@yahoo.com

I will give you some of our favorite hikes.... in upcoming reasons.

Have fun!!!

Reason 39

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:13:00 +0000

There are alot of wonderful hikes to take all around Pacifica! There are even stroller hikes to take for all the parents that are doing double duty while trying to stay in shape.

One of our favorite stroller hikes is from the back of Vallemar. You hike along Reina del Mar towards the ocean. Cross Highway 1 at the Reina del Mar light. Go right along the walkway until you see the Mori Point Trailhead. Turn left at Mooselodge Road and then hike into Mori Point. You can go either straight back to the ocean and then hike along the path to the pier, OR you can go up the Trail to the top of Mori Point for a beautiful view of the Ocean and the Farralon Islands.

All this while you a pushing a stroller!! Only in Pacifica!!!!

Reason 38

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 02:15:00 +0000

Pacifica has some of the Best bike trips! You can go to the beach and around Mori Point. You can also go up to Sweeney Ridge!

Here is a good starting point:
http://carfreeoutdoors.wordpress.com/2009/12/18/pacifica-coastal-hike-mori-point-and-beaches/

Reason 37

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:24:00 +0000

Today, July 5th, from 9AM-11PM...is the last day you can light your "Safe and Sane" fireworks in Pacifica!

You can light your fireworks on your property OR at Linda Mar Beach and Rockaway Beach!

Have fun!!!!

Reason 36

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 14:13:00 +0000

The best view from the hill, of the Pacifica ON THE BEACH Fireworks on 4th of July is on Roberts Road. You can see all the different fireworks displayed by everyone at the beach. Go to Linda Mar Beach or Rockaway Beach for all the excitement! The only beaches that allow "Safe and Sane" fireworks in Pacifica... is Linda Mar Beach and Rockaway Beach!

As a side note: The large Public Fireworks Show at Princeton Harbor tonight HAS BEEN CANCELLED !

If you want to see a large Fireworks Show tonight on the 4th of July, here is the list:

1) Foster City Fireworks (tonight at 9PM)
2) San Francisco Fireworks (Behind the Ferry Building at 9PM)
3) Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Fireworks (Vallejo)
4) Hercules Fireworks (on the Waterfront)
5) Martinez Fireworks (on the Waterfront)
6) Benicia Fireworks (on the Waterfront)

Reason 35

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 05:24:00 +0000

The Pacifica Moose Lodge Fireworks Booth for 4th of July.

Come and visit their Fireworks Booth …..to purchase "safe and sane" fireworks. “Safe and Sane” fireworks carry a state fire marshal's seal and do not explode, fly or burn excessively hot. They are legal on private property in Pacifica, and ON THE BEACH at Linda Mar Beach and Rockaway Beach.

The Pacifica Moose Lodge Family Center is a wonderful place to take your family.
They have “Steak Night” every Thursday at 6PM, and they have “Family Dinner”
every Friday at 6PM. Come and join them this 4th of July weekend !

They are located on Highway 1 at Mooselodge Rd/Mori Point trailhead (just befor the traffic light at Reina del Mar).

Reason 34

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 14:13:00 +0000

4th of July 2010, 36th Annual Celebration in Pacifica!

Come celebrate the 4th of July, Sunday July 4th from 11AM to 4PM at
Frontierland Park in Pacifica (Yosemite Dr, at Humboldt Ct).

There will be Live Music, Mayor's speech, Rotary Club Dog show, Dance and Martial Arts Demos, Face Painting, Puppets and Balloons, Hair Coloring, Temporary Tattoos, Water Balloon Toss,Rope Pull, Parachute Games, Crazy Relays, Sack Races, Watermelon-eating contest, Really Tasty food, Cotton Candy, Crafts Booths, and more!

www.cityofpacifica.org

Reason 33

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 01:40:00 +0000

Fireworks for the 4th of July!!

Pacifica is the ONLY place ON THE COAST, where you can light your firecrackers ON THE BEACH.

It is called "Safe and Sane", and you can light off fireworks from June 29th until July 5th from
9AM till 11PM at Linda Mar Beach or Rockaway Beach!

Reason 32

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 01:11:00 +0000

Here are some great places to eat in Pacifica See this site at http://www.inpacifica.com/pacifica/restaurants/

Reason 31

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 01:10:00 +0000

I love biking near Vallemar.
See some pictures at http://www.goby.com/biking--near--vallemar-ca

Reason 30

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 01:09:00 +0000

In Vallemar, we have the BEST Barbeque called "Gorilla Barbeque"
See them at http://www.gorillabbq.com/

Reason 29

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Kryss) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 01:08:00 +0000

In Vallemar we have an incredible school, called Vallemar School.
See them at http://www.meetup.com/WhatWhereWhen/calendar/12997555/