Princeton by the Sea

from the “Half Moon Bay Review,” 1945

“Nat Johnson presented similar data on behalf of the market fisherman, and said that 150 salmon trawlers now using the port of Princeton would be increased to 300 if the breakwater is built.

“A.M. Patrick, president of the Princeton Packers, Inc. told the hearing that the harbor would prove of inestimable value to the entire fishing industry and daily tonnages of sardines for a number of canning plants at Princeton were forecast by several speakers.

“F.A. Mosier, representing the federal coordinator of fisheries, enlarged on both the wartime values and post-war values of the harbor improvement, developing the fact that a partial unloading depot and haven of refuge for the sardine fleet in Half Moon Bay would add approximately five full days to the present 105-day season, covering an increase in production of as much as 35,000 tons for…[apologies, missing lines.]

“[missing lines]….of the merits of the proposed harbor, with respect ot yachting, swimming, sports fishing and cruising. He elaborated on his report at the afternoon session and pointed out the natural advantage of having the industrial developed at the northern end of the projected harbor while county recreational facilities and yacht anchorage would be located at the southern end without appreciable conflict.”

…to be continued…

From the “Half Moon Bay Review,” 1945

“The annual catch of sardines and market fish in the grounds off this area was computed at 621,800,000 pounds with a value of $4, 590,000 given to the sardine catch alone.

“The meeting was then taken over by [California Chamber of Commerce Fred C.] Tatton and [Half Moon Bay Bank of America official Chas.] O’Brien, who presented a communication from the International Fishermen and Allied Workers joint council which endorsed the plan. Victor B. Martin, executive secretary of this organization, appeared to supplement this endorsement and Mervin Rathborne, secretary of the California CIO council, who made known the support of that labor group.

“…missing a few sentences, my apologies.

” Charles White outlined the purpose of the harbor in lessening navigation dangers and revealed that 81 boats have been lost off the fishing grounds during the last 10 years. Fourteen boats went aground in the present harbor last year because of southerly blows, he said. White set the value of the purse seiner fleet which could utilize the harbor at $12,000,000 and said that from 8000 to 10,000 men are employed in this trade in the area between Monterey and San Francisco. Other purse seiner fleets add to this value in season, coming from as far as San Diego and Astoria, he said.”

…to be continued…

In the parking lot near Mavericks. Steve and Andrew, going out to catch some good waves to the north of Pillar Point.

You can choose from fresh greens on the harbor side–or, if you walk around Pillar Point to Mavericks, it looks like a seashore garden of unfurled purple cabbage.

located at Pillar Point Harbor.

Dave is originally from New York and he loves the Coastside. On my walks through the harbor I sometimes run into the owner’s dog, Ruby, a perky,  little Boston Terrier, that has won over my heart–but Ruby and her owner were not at the Kayak Co. today.

I learned from Dave that we have a young otter kicking back, enjoying life and the local fish in the harbor. Pillar Point Harbor, Dave told me, is a great place for the “juvenile” otter because it suffers no competition from the more experienced adults. If you visit the Kayak Co., someone will point out the Otter.

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“Rock the Block” concert Friday, Sept. 21, 2007 at Pillar Point Harbor. 4 p.m.

From the “Half Moon Bay Review,” 1945

“District Engineer K.M. Moore presided at the official hearing which continued through the day and will study and submit for federal review the submitted statements, charts, construction plans, and supporting recommendations, together with a verbatim transcript of the entire hearing….

“The case on behalf of the project was presented jointly by Chas. W. O’Brien, Half Moon Bay Bank of America executive and general chairman of the Pillar Point Breakwater committee, and Fred C. Tatton, Mgr. Central Coast District of the California State Chamber of Commerce…

“Colonel Moore prefaced proceedings by reading communications of endorsement from Pacific Coast Purse Seiners’ association and from the California State Fish and Game Commission. The latter body cited the advantages of the project for the coast fishing industry and declared heaviest commercial and best fishing grounds for the north central coast lie between Pigeon Point on the south and Point Montara on the north. It declared Half Moon Bay to be one of the most desirable harbor points on the coast and recommended it as an intermediary point of unloading between Monterey and San Francisco, strongly recommending the harbor proposal in full.”

..to be continued…

From the “Half Moon Bay Review,” 1945

“Presenting a powerful array of factual evidence substantiated by expert testimony and backed by the endorsements of recommendations of literally scores of commercial, industrial, labor, sportsmens and civic organizations, the case for construction of a harbor breakwater at the northern end of Half Moon Bay was placed before the United States district engineers in Half Moon Bay…

“More than 250 representatives of the various groups appeared at the Half Moon Bay high school for the public hearing called by the war department to examine the merits, advantages and benefits to be derived from the long sought and long dreamed harbor project.

“Written statements were provided for study by the government officials, and oral presentations were made covering half a hundred phrases of the proposal. The statements covered the topics and subtopics of industrial fishing, navigational safety, economic advantages, improvement of sporting and recreational facilities, storm refuge for small craft, labor-saving, time-saving, air and sea rescue service, soil erosion, enhancement of land values and tax accruals.”

..to be continued…

Photo by Jerry Koontz; to visit his website, click here