Volunteer Fire-Prevention Push Forces Caltrans Action on Coastside Hazard

The Montara Water and Sanitary District board celebrated a rare community win against state bureaucracy, honored nearly $1.81 million in cumulative federal disaster funding flowing to the local sewer authority, and heard warnings that new wildfire regulations could force changes at district facilities — all in a meeting that underscored how a small special district punches above its weight on public safety and infrastructure.

• Community group pressures Caltrans to clear decades of overgrown fire hazard through Montara and Moss Beach, but long-term maintenance remains unresolved
• FEMA pass-through funding to the Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside tops $1.81 million, paying for critical infrastructure work the sewer agency cannot fund on its own
• New state Zone 0 wildfire rules advancing after years of delay could require the district to modify landscaping around pump stations, tanks, and buildings
• Solid waste rates heading for 6% increase under contractual cap; Prop 218 notice coming in December
• Director Slater-Carter sworn in to LAFCO special district seat, strengthening coastside voice in regional governance

A scrappy volunteer coalition accomplished what years of government inaction could not: forcing Caltrans to clear a fire-choked right-of-way running through the heart of Montara and Moss Beach.