Council Appoints Two New Members After Marathon Interviews

The Midcoast Community Council filled two of its seven seats after interviewing three candidates in a session that consumed more than 80 minutes of its Feb. 25 meeting — restoring quorum capacity and adding emergency preparedness and neighborhood maintenance expertise to an advisory body facing a growing policy agenda. Outside the appointments, residents pressed hard on Caltrans transparency, senior housing and geological hazards that could reshape property rights along the coast.

• Antonio Conte and David Santoro selected to fill two vacant MCC seats via paper ballot, with the recommendation headed to the Board of Supervisors for formal approval

• Seal Cove geological hazard zones expanded two blocks inland after a new study found the landslide cannot be stopped, raising questions about county liability for permitting homes in the area

• Residents demand Caltrans explain conflicting reports on Highway 1 intersection changes as the multi-asset rehabilitation project disrupts mid-coast commutes

• Former MCC member urges 55-and-older designation for the Cypress Point affordable housing project in Moss Beach, citing county poverty data

• Dark sky lighting letter postponed after the draft wasn't ready; advocate cites international 2200K standard for future consideration

Why it matters: The Midcoast Community Council, an advisory body representing unincorporated San Mateo County communities from Montara to El Granada, had been operating with five of seven seats filled. Appointing two new members strengthens the council's geographic diversity and its ability to represent residents before the Board of Supervisors — particularly with at least one seat opening again in the November election.