Application for Consideration of Appointment to the Coastal Advisory Committee (CAC)
Thank you for your interest in being appointed to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's Coastal Advisory Committee. The CAC's job will be to review, discuss, and recommend revisions to specified District policies related to the San Mateo County coastal area under consideration for annexation by the District, and will include the responsibility of gathering input from a wide range of community and special interest groups on the Coastside. The District policies to be reviewed include those concerning eminent domain, land acquisition, and agricultural land use.
Please answer the following questions, which will help the existing members of the CAC to select representatives for the three "at large" seats available. The intent of appointing such individuals is to ensure that there is adequate representation for Coastside interests which are otherwise un-represented, or under-represented, on the CAC. "At large" members must live within the area under consideration for annexation. Please limit your answers to the space provided. Please write legibly. This form must be returned to the District office, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 (fax: 650-691-0485) by 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 12, 1999.
1) Briefly describe your reasons for wanting to participate on the CAC.
I want to represent those living in the actual affected area in regard to eminent domain and other MROSD policies. I believe their (sic) is a fair, inclusive middle ground that can meet the concerns of most affected residents and other coastside residents.
2) Please describe your personal or professional interest in and knowledge of Coastside land use and land conservation issues, and what expertise or experience you will bring to the CAC.
I have owned a ranch in the affected area since 1989. I bought an abandoned property to bring it back into production, using modern organic principles and high value crops.
I grew up on a farm and am a certified permaculture design consultant. I participate in interact interest groups on permaculture.
As a hobby, I read coastside history and have traced the history of my ranch back to the 1800s.
3) What is the Coastside interest which you feel is un-represented or under-represented on the CAC, and what are your qualifications to represent those interests?
None of the 10 current members live in the area that is actually affected by eminent domain policies. I live in the area and studies the current eminent domain policy closely during the Measure F campaign.
4) Do you own property in the coastal area under consideration for annexation? If so, please briefly describe its location, size, and use. (It is important for the CAC to be aware of any potential conflicts of interest that may arise that might be relevant to its deliberations.)
Yes. I own a ranch of about 237 acres, the old O'Brien Ranch that runs from Lobitos Creek Road to Tunitas Creek Road. It currently runs horses and cattle belonging to a neighbor. We are installing the infrastructure to bring it into production - agroforestry (sp?), berries, herbs and grapes are the first targets (this last sentence a little illegible on my copy - I hope I got it right).
5) What clubs, organizations, or interest groups do you belong to or are you affiliated with?
6) Please provide a brief description of your desired outcome of the work of the CAC.
Inclusive policies that would attract overwhelming support from voters in the area actually affected by potential land acquisitions.
Michael Murphy
2100 Lobitos Creek Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650)726-8495 - 726-9497 - 726-3815