Pescadero Memories

Remembering the Vicious, Unforgiving Storm of 1998 By John Vonderlin

Posted on February 9, 2008 by June Morrall

Riding the Storm

Story by John Vonderlin (email John: [email protected])

Meg attended a ten- year anniversary memorial this weekend for the mudslides and flooding that devastated her house and neighborhood in La Honda, during the famous El Nino-generated disaster of 1998.

She and her neighbors celebrated their survival and recovery from several deadly landslides and mudflows that threatened their lives– and took the life of a dear friend in nearby Loma Mar whose home was swept into the raging Pescadero Creek as he slept.

But the effects of the 1998 mudslide disaster lives on in everyone’s memory and each time there’s a strong series of storms like we’ve had lately, everybody gets real worried about a repeat.
.
A repeat of seemingly endless landslides smashing houses and blocking roads for days.

A repeat of floodwaters swallowing up homes and washing out or crippling several bridges.

Add to this extremely bad weather menu, the accompanying high winds that prevented rescue helicopters from removing the injured.

Relying on their own strength, which proved to be powerful, the community rallied and pulled through the difficult time learning many valuable lessons along the way.

I wasn’t there. But much of what I do know about these horrific events, including personal recollections, comes from a U.S.G.S. documentary called “Riding the Storm.” To view the show, click here.

When I decided to write about the landslides, I borrowed Meg’s “El Nino/landslide disaster folder,” for background information. As I was reading, I came upon an email posted to “coastside.net” by Terry Adams, owner of the Ken Kesey house, about a week after the floods and mudslides started.

The family perservered and with the support of the community reached a brighter day.

Meg tells me the same spirit infused her neighborhood throughout the disaster’s aftermath. Today you’d be hard pressed to find any sign of what happened that scary night a decade ago. But, it is obvious in talking to locals that strength truly is fired in the crucible of adversity.

I sent this email***(see below)

to Terry Adams after reading his posting:

Hi Terry,
As you are aware we just passed the ten- year anniversary of the devastating floods, landslides etc. of 1998. Meg and her neighbors, who were almost wiped out by a landslide, had a party celebrating their survival and recovery. I thought I should write a short story about that time, particularly since it is something she recalls fearfully every time she gets prolonged and heavy rains. I’ve been researching for the story and she lent me her El Nino, flood, landslide folder to help. One of the documents I found was a printout of an email you posted on Feb.11th. It was about the scumbags that robbed and pillaged your home after it was nearly destroyed. I’m sorry you had to go through that, but am glad you have recovered so well. If you would like a copy of that email, let me know and I’ll scan it and send it along. I guess it’s true that anything that doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Congratulations on making it to a brighter day. Enjoy. John Vonderlin

Thanks John,
Sure, I would love to have a copy of that email. Every year, on February 2nd, we go out and pour some schnapps into the creek, to pacify it symbolically. About two weeks after the flood, with the help of a bunch of friends, we strung a rope across the creek and
pully-ed across all our rescuable stuff, including a TV – I wish I had photos of that! It was fun – we ended up using the pulley system to ride across the creek ourselves.

Terry

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***Terry Adam’s Email

Subject: Be On The Lookout

Date: Thurs, Feb. 19, 1998

From: Doug C. Woods

To: Subscribers Southcoast.net

The Storms of 98 really showed what our communities are made of. The spirit of community and co-operation in the face of devastating losses and damages brought out the best in us. We all gave, and continue to give, in our own way. So before the Storms of 98 Part II arrive this weekend let’s see if we can’t find the people who would rather TAKE then give.

Doug Woods

Thank you Jack for circulating good info – it gave me a good idea. Our house (the Kesey house HWY 84 near the old Boots and Saddle) – is probably a total loss. Well, we were ripped off, also & I would like to spread the word as far as possible to local folks to keep out an eye for their own homes as well as our stolen goods.

Please pass this on.

Someone broke in and stole everything we might have saved from the flood…all my power tools, two guns, two computers, monitors, VCR, stereo, etc., Minolta camera, my CR500 dirt bike – over $10,000 of stuff.

And on top of that they went through every drawer and shelf in the house and dumped everything in the mud – clean clothes. irreplaceable momentoes, documents and photos – everything. The sheriff has a complete report of course. Given how hard it is to get to the place without a bridge, I’d guess it is someone who lives nearby and knows the area and how to ride a dirt bike. I’d like to see them caught. No hung!

Terry Adams.

(coming later…)

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Lost and Found……Story by John Vonderlin

Posted on February 8, 2008 by June Morrall

Story by John Vonderlin
Email John ([email protected])

The stickerreads: Constructed NOVEMBER1998
Capacity: 150 gallons
Materials: 1/8th Inch 5052 ALUMINUM
Custumer No.: FARALLON BOATS
Serial No.: 132745
COASTLINE EQUIPMENT INC.
Bellingham, Washington

Last week when I was cleaning up tar balls at Tunitas Beach, I found a huge 150- gallon aluminum gas tank that had washed up onto the beach. I’ll attach a picture of the sticker I pulled off it.

I talked to Leo Morelli ,of the Lou Denny Wayne, and he said it wasn’t his. I wonder if it was from “The Good Guys,” the boat that belonged to those poor guys who died from Pillar Point? You have any idea how I could find out? I’m not sure if the authorities or family are interested, but thought I should make an effort. Enjoy. John

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Amazing People: The Steeles, the 2-ton cheese & other legends e & Other Tales

Posted on February 8, 2008 by June Morrall

[I wrote this in 2003.]

When Colonel Albert S. Evans learned that the Steele Brothers Dair at Ano Nuevo had produced a huge two-ton cheese in the 1860s, the author insisted on meeting Rensselaer Steele, owner of the famous Cascade Dairy Ranch.

The Colonel, who worked for the New York Tribune, often galloped atop his trusty old steed Don Benito to the scene of a news story. He was a rugged, experienced outdoorsman, avid fisherman and hunter, who, for protection against critters–wild or human–carried a Smith and Wesson revolver.

In 1869 it was Colonel Evans’ goal to collect anecdotes for a book that he hoped would illuminate the unique character of the rapidly vanishing “early Californian.” The book would be published as “A La California: Sketches of Life in the Golden State.”

Colonel Evans’ writing adventure began in San Francisco. From there he turned his attention southward to the San Mateo County Coastside–where he visited Pescadero, population 300. Pescadero’s local economy depended on the success of the nearby sawmills, dairies, grain and potato ranches. The lumber, butter, cheese and vegetables were sold at the bustling farmer’s market in San Francisco.

With popular little Pebble Beach a stone’s throw from Pescadero, there was also a growing summer tourist trade.

Around and about Pescadero, no newcomer was ever spared the horrific tales of injuries inflicted by the local grizzly bears and Colonel Evans got his earful.

Evans also became fascinated with the saga of two stubborn local men, each claiming that he was the title of Pescadero’s first settler. Don Salvador Mosquito, reportedly a former member of the Indian outlaw Pomponio’s gang, insisted he came first. His competitor, the Spaniard Senor Felipe Armas, argued that he came first.

While the contentious pair could never resolve their disagreement, Colonel Evans turned out to be the winner–because he walked away with the unique anecdote for his book.

Like all the tourists, Evans boarded at the famous Swanton House. His host was a talkative character called Thompson who had an encyclopedia knowledge of the local shipwrecks, including the Carrier Pigeon, Coya, Hellespont and the Sir John Franklin. More great details for the Colonel’s book.

Continue reading →

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……..Wet………

Posted on February 7, 2008 by June Morrall

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Amazing People: Founder of Djerassi Resident Artist Program: Dr. Carl Djerassi

Posted on February 7, 2008 by June Morrall

[I wrote this in 1999.]

Stanford chemistry Professor Dr. Carl Djerassi is often called the “father of the birth control pill.”

In 1951, the brilliant young organic chemist made history by synthesizing the first steroid effective as an oral contraceptive at Syntex’s Mexico City lab. This breakthrough led to the development of the birth control pill, which ranks near the top on the list of 20th century scientific achievements.

The glow of worldwide recognition might have enough for some, but not for the prolific Djerassi. He exchanged his white lab coat for highly successful careers in academia and as an industrial executive in Palo Alto.

He founded the Djerassi Resident Artist Program: by 1999 more than 1000 musicians, painters and writers have used its studios near rustic Woodside.

Most recently, Djerassi has plunged into the literary world as the engaging author of what he calls “science-in-fiction” novels and as a playwright whose latest work, “The Immaculate Misconception,” was performed at the Eureka Theater in San Francisco.

Djerassi was born in Vienna in 1923, the only child of Jewish parents, both physicians. The relationship with his parents was complex. In Djerassi’s 1992 scientific autobiography, “The Pill, Pygmy Chimps, and Degas’ Horse, he confesses that he did not know until he was 13 that his mother and father divorced when he six.

On the brink of World War II, in 1939, Djerassi and his mother fled Europe for the United States. First residing on the East Coast, the highly driven young man, almost penniless, went after and got a formal education in record time.

He was only 18 when he received a chemistry degree from Kenyon College in Ohio in 1942. Djerassi gained industrial experience working for a year at CIBA Pharmaceuticals in New Jersey, participating in the discovery of one of the first anti-histamines for allergy sufferers–an experience exposing him to the heady stuff of scientific research.

Djerassi earned his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin in 1945, where two young professors were researching the total synthesis of steroids, such as cortisone, then believed to be a wonder drug containing anti-arthritic properties. Djerassi’s interest in steroids was most likely further stimulated here.

Continue reading →

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Intermission for Your Head: Other Minds…. Music Festival

Posted on February 6, 2008 by June Morrall

click here

From the OM pamphlet:

“Now in its 13th year, the annual of New Music brings nine of the most innovative artists from around the world to the San Francisco Bay Area for a four-day residency at the Djerassi Resident Artists Program in Woodside, California, and three days of concerts, panel discussions, and symposia in San Francisco. Known for featuring illustrious guest performers, world premiers, and productions that incorporate new technologies and multidisciplinary collaborations, this Festival features composers who represent all points of the musical spectrum and push the creative possibilities of their respective disciplines.”

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Pescadero during Prohibition (3)

Posted on February 6, 2008 by June Morrall

[I wrote this in 1977.]

All during Prohibition, Pescadero provided the colorful backdrop for a violent whiskey war between smugglers…..and the residents of the tiny village.

And when undercover agents learned from their key sources that a well-connected booze ring routinely landed whiskey near Pescadero, the liquor police swarmed into the quiet seaside town. First on their list was to find $20,000 worth of missing Scotch whiskey bound for San Francisco.

Insiders, privy to the exclusive details, were persuaded to talk. As usual, these folks explained, the smugglers arrived when it waas dark to unload their valuable cargo on the secluded beach. But this time, the men temporarily buried the whiskey in the sand with the idea of digging it up later. With sand in their shoes, they fled the scene, not in high-powered automobiles, but in their high speed motorboats–to pick up more booze from a “mother ship” anchored some distance away.

Unknown to the smugglers, a gang of five locals hid in the shadows nearby, watching the rumrunners bury the whiskey in the cold sand–and as soon as it was safe they rushed over to the spot and dug the liquid treasure up. Within an hour the whiskey was being distributed throughout Pescadero and they had become “hijackers.”

This was a dangerous thing to do.

As soon as the rumrunners returned to the beach, and discovered their whiskey was gone, it didn’t take them long to figure out what had happened. Scowling, the heavily armed men headed for Pescadero, bursting into homes, threatening lives, demanding to know what happened to the stolen booze.

Finally they hit the jackpot and cornered one of the locals involved in the theft. During that long night, he was beat-up until he talked, implicating all his fellow “hijackers,” all of whom talked and finally returned what was left of the Scotch whiskey.

This was the dark side of Prohibition.

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Pescadero during Prohibition (2)

Posted on February 5, 2008 by June Morrall

Early in 1924 an abandoned trawler, the SS Fremont crashed into the rocks near Ano Nuevo Island–arousing the curiosity of the alcohol police, as well as the locals, of course.

Just like the table talk at Duarte’s Tavern today, the Pescaderans debated the stranded boat’s destination. There were many opinions.

Some folks blamed it on the heavy seas that accounted for both the missing crew and their liquid cargo. Rumors circulated that this was not the first rumrunning disaster in the exact location. There had been a string of “disasters” in the exact same treacherous part of the South Coast.

An intensive search for the SS Fremont’s owners turned up the captain who was anxious to talk about his experience. The Fremont was a rumrunning vessel, he said, and it struck the invisible reefs when he mistook the light on “Mile Rock” [which signaled the westward turn into the Golden Gate.] The boat’s captain also revealed that everybody on board got away by swimming to shore– except for one crew member who drowned in the surf.

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Arches: Pescadero’s Pride and Joy….Story by John Vonderlin

Posted on February 5, 2008 by June Morrall

Arches: Pescadero’s Pride and Joy [See Note below]

Story by John Vonderlin (email John: [email protected])

Hi June,

I think of all the Sea Arches on the San Mateo Coastside, and the one just south of Pescadero Creek, is the most well-known and one of the most photogenic.

It’s visible from the Highway 1 bridge that crosses the creek and easily accessible by pulling into the most northerly parking lot of Pescadero Beach. And it’s not that difficult to climb down and walk through it, provided the creek isn’t raging and there is a reasonably low tide. If you are not handy jumping from rock to rock you should be ready to get your feet wet.

Looking at the 1972 pictures of this arch on CCRP, my guess is that unlike many other sea arches on our coast, it will be there a long time.

Picture #6257 on CCRP gives a nice overview of this area, helping put the pictures I’ve attached in better perspective.

Please note that that Picture #6257 was taken in September before the winter rains which open the creek to the ocean and remove much of the visible sand. Enjoy. John

[Note: But is the arch manmade? Stay tuned….]

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….On Ano Nuevo…

Posted on February 4, 2008 by June Morrall

From: Coastal Cultural Resources of San Mateo County, California (1982)

Point Ano Nuevo: A number of features combine to make Point Ano Nuevo the most remarkable and spectacular area on the entire Coastside. Punta del Ano Nuevo was one of the first landforms in California to receive a Spanish name. From his ship in January 1603, Captain Sebastian Viscaino saw the point and its island while exploring for Spain. The first contact between Europeans and the natives of this land, the Ramaytush or San Francisco Costanoan Indians,

occurred here in 1769 when the Portola expedition entered what is today San Mateo County one mile to the south. A Spanish engineering officer returned later to survey the area and an outpost of Mission Santa Cruz was established after 1798. The first American settlers came int he decade after the Gold Rush, building a wooden railroad for lumbering and introducing large scale dairy farming.

The area is rich in fauna, particularly in the marine area where, due to submarine stacks and shoals which prevent commercial fishing, there is a prolific population of fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Tidepools are found in the bedrock outcrops. Sea birds nest on the shoreline cliffs, and recently the northern elephant seal has extended its breeding area from Ano Nuevo Island to the mainland beaches.

Ano Nuevo Island: This small island, once the tip of a peninsula, is one of the most important pinniped breeding grounds in Northern California, including the elephant seal. This animal has returned to the island in the past decade after virtual extinction around the turn of the century.

The island has been the site of a light station since 1890, when a light was added to the warning of the foghorn installed in 1872. The light station was abandoned in 1948 and today is occupied by seals and sea lions.

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