Princeton Shoreline Wins Full Federal Funding as Harbor District Tackles Bacteria, Tenants and Staffing

The San Mateo County Harbor District board covered substantial ground at its June 17 meeting, securing confirmation that the Army Corps of Engineers will fully fund the long-sought Princeton Shoreline erosion project — a milestone that removes the biggest obstacle to protecting coastside infrastructure. Commissioners also navigated rising legal costs from past tenant disputes, a new state water quality mandate at Oyster Point, and leadership changes in the administrative office.

• Army Corps delivers full funding for Princeton Shoreline coastal erosion project; Congressman Lucardo asked to send thank-you letter to Corps headquarters

• Legal fees spike from former tenant row disputes, prompting commissioner to pull bills and claims for public scrutiny

• Water Board adopts pre-TMDL bacteria plan targeting Oyster Point beach; stormwater runoff from outside the harbor is the central challenge

• 2.2% CPI-based salary increase approved unanimously for all district employees except the General Manager

• Rochelle Levina appointed interim Director of Administrative Services, filling vacancy left by Julia Van Hoff's retirement

• Six groups tour Pillar Point Harbor commercial parcels ahead of RFP deadline; commissioners push for stronger lease protections

Full Funding Secured for Princeton Shoreline Protection

Why it matters: Coastal erosion along the Princeton shoreline has threatened harbor infrastructure for years. Securing full federal funding through the Army Corps of Engineers eliminates the project's largest financial barrier.

Where things stand: General Manager James B. Pruett reported that the Army Corps has granted full funding through its Section 111 Continuing Authorities Program.

"It's moving along quickly and the good news this month was that full funding has been received for that project," said Pruett.

President George Domurat disclosed that he personally asked Congressman Sam Lucardo to write a letter to Corps headquarters in Washington thanking them for the support — and the congressman agreed.

Pruett has also been taking the coastal erosion message to the broader community, presenting to the Odd Fellows (100-plus attendees) with upcoming talks at the Coastside Dems in Pacifica and the Lions Club.

What's next: With funding in place, the project moves into implementation. The community outreach campaign suggests the district is building public support ahead of construction activity along the shoreline.

Bacteria Plan Puts Oyster Point on Regulatory Watch

The basics: The Regional Water Quality Control Board recently adopted an "advanced restoration plan" for indicator bacteria impairment at San Francisco Bay beaches in San Mateo County. The plan applies to Oyster Point beach within the marina and functions like a TMDL — a Total Maximum Daily Load, a federal water quality standard — but without the heavier administrative burden. If this voluntary framework fails to bring bacteria levels down, a mandatory TMDL with steeper regulatory costs would follow.

Why it matters: The district could face significant compliance costs if bacteria levels don't improve, but many of the pollution sources lie outside the harbor's control.

Where things stand: General Manager James Pruett outlined the district's required actions: boosting no-dumping education (already underway), developing trash controls around the compactor area, addressing nuisance wildlife like geese and seagulls, continuing water quality monitoring with the county, and submitting annual reports. He framed the plan as a strong incentive for cooperation.

"It doesn't force anybody to work together, but it's a strong indicator that if we don't work together, a TMDL will be coming," he said.

The other side: Commissioners zeroed in on pollution sources the district can't control. Three stormwater outfalls from the Oyster Point development area are the biggest concern, along with a new dog park and sanitary sewer issues. South San Francisco is replacing its VAC sewer system, but the timeline for improvements remains uncertain. Vice Chair Virginia Chang Kiraly questioned whether the new dog park falls within the district's scope, and urged adding the topic to the liaison committee agenda for direct engagement with South San Francisco.

Commissioner Tom Mattusch offered a pointed reminder about the Water Board's track record:

"I'd like to remind the public that the Regional Water Control Board failed to answer an email in timely manner, and that resulted in the loss of an $800,000 grant to the harbor district."

What's next: The district will pursue stakeholder coordination through its liaison committee and continue monitoring. No board action was required at this meeting, but the compliance clock is now ticking.

Legal Fees Climb as Tenant Row Disputes Linger

Why it matters: Rising legal costs tied to disputes with former tenants at Pillar Point Harbor's tenant row are a direct financial consequence of past lease management decisions — and add urgency to the current RFP process for new commercial tenants.

Where things stand: Commissioner Tom Mattusch pulled the bills and claims item from the consent calendar specifically to draw public attention to the cost spike.

"Our legal fees are up considerably, and the majority of that was related to issues regarding our prior tenants on tenant row," he said.

Vice Chair Virginia Chang Kiraly added that the costs further illustrate the financial burden those previous tenants imposed on the public.

Decisions: The item passed via roll call vote (For: 3, Against: 0, Absent: 2).

Six Groups Eye Harbor Commercial Spaces as RFP Nears Deadline

Why it matters: New tenant selection at Pillar Point Harbor represents the district's best chance to avoid repeating the lease problems that fueled the legal fee surge.

Where things stand: General Manager James Pruett reported that about six different groups attended open tours of Parcels 1, 2, and 3 and expressed strong interest. Commissioner Kathryn Slater-Carter pressed on attendees' attitudes and was told they were very positive. She emphasized the need for better lease structures going forward:

"We have many opportunities to not repeat what we did before because we are not stuck with tenants selling a lease to somebody and we have to approve. I think it's broader market and I like the way we're doing this."

Vice Chair Virginia Chang Kiraly noted community feedback wanting restaurants back at the harbor — a signal that the board will weigh community preferences alongside financial terms.

What's next: RFP responses are due by the end of June.

2.2% Salary Increase Approved for District Staff

Why it matters: The raise keeps district compensation aligned with the San Francisco Bay Area Consumer Price Index and fulfills CalPERS public disclosure requirements.

Where things stand: Rochelle Levina presented the publicly available salary schedule featuring a 2.2% increase covering OE3, Teamsters, and unrepresented employees. The General Manager is excluded. The increase takes effect July 12, 2026.

Decisions: Passed unanimously 5-0 via roll call (For: Chang Kiraly, Domurat, Slater-Carter, Zemke, Mattusch).

Levina Named Interim Admin Director After Van Hoff Retirement

Why it matters: The retirement of Julie van Hoff as Director of Administrative Services created a leadership gap in the district's financial and administrative operations. The interim appointment preserves institutional knowledge during the permanent hiring process.

Where things stand: General Manager James Pruett recommended Michelle Levina for the interim role through September 2026. The temporary salary increase amounts to approximately $5,300 in salary and $1,700 in benefits over the three-month period, representing entry-level director pay. Both the Director and Assistant Director positions will be permanently advertised by September.

Commissioner Kathryn Slater-Carter praised Levina as a "great contributor and motivator." Levina acknowledged the appointment as part of a long-planned succession:

"It's also part of looking forward as a succession plan, knowing that this retirement was coming and doing your best to be prepared for it."

Decisions: Passed unanimously 5-0 via voice vote.

Commissioners Engage on Whale Protection Bill

Commissioner Virginia Chang Kiraly reported attending a meeting with Congressman Sam Lucardo's office regarding the Save WILLY Act, a federal bill aimed at protecting humpback whales. Commissioner Tom Mattusch and other fishing industry stakeholders, including charter boat operators and bait and tackle shops, were present.

The bill has evolved significantly from its original form.

"Initially, I don't think it was going to be that because they were going to try to have the Coast Guard enforce some of that, but I think right now, because of all of the issues that the stakeholders brought up, that it could end up being an awareness situation," said Chang Kiraly.

President George Domurat suggested inviting researchers for a future presentation on automated instrumentation to improve crab fishing, which could lead to a letter of support for additional research funding.

Busy Season Drives Pillar Point to 89% Occupancy

Operations staff reported Pillar Point Harbor averaged 89% occupancy in May, fueled by salmon fishing openings and a massive squid harvest that brought nine semi-tractor trailers to Johnson Pier. The annual salmon smolt release by the Coastside Fishing Club put 900,000 baby salmon into the harbor over three weekends, with an expected 5–20% survival and return rate.

At Oyster Point Marina, occupancy sits at roughly 66% against a 75% target. Dock entrance ramp replacement for docks one through six is nearing completion, and a fuel dock feasibility study is underway. Commissioner Tom Mattusch saw opportunity in the gaps:

"Seems like there'd be an opportunity for something with marine hardware, especially with all the West Marines closing many, many stores and going bankrupt."

Staff also prevented a potential boat sinking and oil spill at Oyster Point by catching a vessel attempting to launch without its drain plug — with five people aboard.

Minor Items

• Consent calendar (items 2–8) approved via roll call (For: 3, Against: 0, Absent: 2).

• Board unanimously backed incumbent Antonio Martinez of Contra Costa Water District for CSDA Board of Directors Seat C over challenger Philip Pierrepont (For: 5, Against: 0). Commissioners praised Martinez's engagement and noted Pierrepont's minimal candidate statement.

• Coastside Buzz item deferred to next month pending finance committee review.

• Quilt Trail art project by local artists Laura McHugh and Nancy Fontana added to a future agenda (likely July or August) after unanimous voice vote. Commissioners discussed incorporating fish-themed designs and connecting the project with a previous mural proposal for harbor buildings. Commissioner Slater-Carter noted: "The painted pieces that we have at the harbor are very humanizing. And it makes the harbor more inviting for people to come."

• Hounds in the Harbor, an El Granada PTO fundraiser, and a Coastside County Line Dancers event were among community events hosted at the harbor last month.

• A public commenter criticized the harbor district for allegedly misappropriating the Surfers Beach name to secure Caltrans parking funds for the C4 lot, referencing an October 2024 Caltrans/AIMCO study and raising pedestrian safety concerns along Highway 1. No commissioners responded substantively.

Looking Ahead: A special meeting is set for June 24 at 10 a.m. to review the district budget, which was not ready for this meeting. The annual budget approval will determine district spending priorities for the coming fiscal year.