|
May 2017
May Flowers!
|
|
Dear ,
November-through-April showers definitely bring May flowers! Have you seen Mori Point lately? It’s truly a spectacle to behold. We’ll let it speak for itself:
Photo Credit: Steve Wilson
In This Newsletter:
Memorial Memories
by Steve Wilson
The last Monday of every May is Memorial Day, a day when we remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to their country. It is so easy to think of military service happening over there, and we forget that our very own spot along the California coast has a long and important military history.
|
Milagra Ridge Nike Missile Site SF-51
(National Park Service) |
Taking a walk around Milagra Ridge, you’ll probably notice that it’s not all mission blue butterflies and native scrub. Scattered around the landscape are remnants of a once-important coastal fortification known as SF-51.
In 1948, the U.S. Army installed two six-inch guns that, working with coordination radar control sites at Sweeney Ridge and Devil’s Slide, could launch artillery more than nine miles out to sea. Such was the importance of the San Francisco Bay that the military didn’t want to allow any enemy to get too close. You can still see large circular concrete pads at the top of Milagra Ridge where these once stood.
Eventually these guns were replaced with even more powerful firepower. In 1953, construction began on the Nike Missile launch site. Looking inland from the summit of Milagra Ridge, you can see two rectangular concrete pads. During WWII, these were missile elevators that led to underground radar and control rooms, as well as missile storage magazines.
|
Mr. & Mrs. Takahashi
(National Park Service)
|
As soon a threat was detected, a crew of 15 men always on-site could load and launch a nuclear-tipped missile in ten minutes. Thankfully, none of these weapons were ever launched.
Further down the coast, Rancho Corral de Tierra felt the impacts of WWII in a different way. Before the war, a number of Japanese families had come to call the coast near Montara and Half Moon Bay their home. Two of them, the Takahashis and Satos, cultivated land that is now a part of our national park.
Mr. Takahashi and his family grew flowers and even brought orphaned teenaged boys from San Francisco to work on the family’s farm and gardens until the youths graduated from Half Moon Bay High.
The Sato family grew cut flowers that were sold at the flower markets in San Francisco. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, these families were forced to move to Tanforan race track in San Bruno and later to mass incarceration centers around the country.
|
Mr. Sato with his sons and daughters
(National Park Service)
|
At the end of the war, Mr. Takahashi was one of the fortunate few who regained his land, and he took in other former Japanese internees until they could get back on their feet.
The Sato family was less fortunate; they lost nearly everything. A kind neighbor, Galen Wolfe, took in the family’s belongings, protecting them from others who wanted to burn everything. Eventually, the Sato family built a much more modest farm on Denniston Creek.
As we remember men and women who served in the armed forces, it is a good time to reflect on how our military endeavors and defenses affect us here at home. Milagra Ridge may have become houses had the military never been there, and the incarceration of Japanese Americans (in the name of national security) has changed the trajectory of many lives. While we work hard to restore and protect these open spaces, it’s always worth a reminder that we are just the latest in a long line of those who have been there before.
“May” We Suggest a Drink?
by Gina Shearn
The merry month of May is a lovely time to take a jaunt up one of our beautiful trails here in San Mateo County, and you know what is even better with that? A cup of java to super-charge your power walking!
However, that steaming mug of happiness brings a lot less joy once it’s cooled off. Whether you pop it in a thermos or grab a to-go cup straight from the shop, here are a few cafés close to our favorite trails, so your beverage will stay piping hot on the path!
(Of course, these are only a sparse few of the delectable spots to go to, and if you have suggestions of other favorite spots please feel free to contact me at gshearn@parksconservancy.org ☺).
|
Photo Credit: Vera DeVera
|
Milagra Ridge
Headed up to Milagra Ridge for some butterfly scouting or massive coastal views? How about these stop-offs for your daily stroll:
 Philz Coffee
Just a 6-minute drive down Westborough Boulevard and Sharp Park Road, this little coffee shop is an easy stop. Ever had Mint Mojito or Ginger Snap Iced Coffee? Check it off your list! For directions from the coffee shop to the trailhead, click here.
|
Photo Credit: Stefan Nilsen
|
Paris Baguette
Another quick hop down the road is this adorable bakery and coffee shop supreme. I’ve never had a Velvet Iced Tea with my pastry, but I’d be willing to give it a try on one of the warm, sunny days coming up! Another quick 5 minutes away. Here are some directions.
|
Photo Credit: Holly Merritt
|
By George, Mori Point is beautiful this time of year with its fields of flowers, munching bunnies, and a whale or two offshore! Whether it’s your first time out there or hundredth trek up to the cliffs, hop over to a new café to really drink in the sights!
Café Pacifica
Looking for a cozy nook near the beach with tasty sandwiches and hot drinks? Look no further! This coffee shop is recommended by a Pacifica local who knows her sips. Check out the rad surfboard menu and get in the mood for a hike out to some coastal cliffs! Just a 5-minute drive away; click here for directions.
|
Photo Credit: Yelp User Kanoa U
|
Perfect Pour Café
Looking for a cool vibe with plenty of breakfast options? How about the Perfect Pour Café? Excellent for any regular pick-me-up, they also sport a variety of Specialty Lattes including Snickers, Reese’s, and Caramel Apple! Walk 18 minutes from there to the Mori Point trailhead or zip on over in a two-minute car ride. Find directions here.
|
Google Street View
|
Rancho Corral de Tierra
At this more rugged addition to the park, the hikes up Montara Mountain could be sweetened up a little with some tea or coffee!
Ebb Tide Café
As the name suggests, this café is right next to the beach! Snap up a cup on your way to the trailhead or stop in after you’ve tired yourself out; it’s only a 10-minute drive away.
|
Photo Credit: Emily Rivas
|
Caffé Mezzaluna
Gelato, pastries, coffee, you name it! This cute little Italian café will meet all of your trail fueling needs. A 7-minute drive along Highway 1 will get you to the start of the Montara trailhead. They even have fresh squeezed OJ!
Weed Warriors!
Have we mentioned how important Earth Day is for us at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy? To really drive it home we’re kicking off a bunch of special events, talks, walks, work days, and activities so you can come learn, enjoy, and engage! Here’s a schedule of some Earth themed events hosted by the Parks Conservancy and friends:
|
Photo Credit Gina Shearn
|
San Mateo Park Stewardship volunteers, we need to say something. You are amazing! Now that we’re definitely in the weeding season we have been pulling, digging, yanking, and just plain demolishing huge amounts of invasive weeds.
Our volunteers have been undaunted by dense thickets of wild radish (Raphanus sativus), posion oak-infested tree echium (Echium pininana), deep-rooted French broom (Genista monspessulana), or savagely spiky Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus), and have pulled an incredible 250 bags worth of weeds in the month of April.
To give you a better idea, that’s enough to fill a 15’ x 30’ swimming pool that is five feet deep! You weed warriors are true lifesavers, thanks!
Regular Volunteer Information and Work Day Schedules
Volunteers make it all happen! If it weren’t for you we’d be drowning in all these weeds. Come join us in the beautiful parklands and enjoy the spring wildflowers, get some fresh air, and help restore your national parks!
Regular San Mateo Parks Stewardship Drop-In Dates
Saturdays, 10 am–1 pm
Work day events include a combination of hands-on service projects and short natural or cultural history talks. To learn more or sign up, visit our website by clicking here.
Rancho Corral de Tierra
Mori Point
Milagra Ridge
Note: Saturday, May 27 work day is CANCELLED for Memorial Day weekend.
Thanks to all our wonderful volunteers who came out in April; here’s hoping that we May see you again!
Sincerely,
Team San Mateo
Georgia, Gina, and Steve 
|
