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 live in the Skyline Boulevard area that is not presently in the district but will be when the annexation of the San Mateo County's Coastside is realized. I want to participate in smoothing conflicts over plans in my area.
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.
For the past 5 years, I have served as Secretary of the South Skyline Association, and I feel I have gained an understanding of the concerns our members have with respect to MROSD, and wish to answer the objections of those who are opposed to annexation. Before coming to California, I lived in the northern part of the New Jersey coast, and was closely involved in the American Littoral Society. The New Jersey coast has serious overdevelopment, and very little public access. Perhaps I can apply my experiences gained there to the effort to preserve the San Mateo coastside.
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?
See question 1).
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.)
I do not own property in the coastal area under consideration for annexation, but live with my daughter who does. She owns a 35 acre parcel in Portola Park Heights. POST has a conservation easement on 30 of the acres.
5) What clubs, organizations, or interest groups do you belong to or are you affiliated with?
I have served as Secretary of the South Skyline Association for the past 5 years. I am a member of the American Littoral Society, California Native Plant Society, Wednesday Walkers, American Chemical Society, and American Geophysical Union.
6) Please provide a brief description of your desired outcome of the work of the CAC.
I would like to participate in the work of the CAC to smooth conflicts and answer objections of the people who voted no on measure F. During the campaign before the election, I was appalled by the objections which were based on false assumptions and false facts.
Ruth Waldhauer
22400 Skyline Blvd, Box 35
LaHonda, CA 94020
(650)948-1466