"Serve the public by providing accessible and well-maintained marine facilities and programs to encourage and support recreational, commercial and educational activities, beach and ocean safety and environmental and ecological stewardship." | |
HARBOR HAPPENINGS
Stay afloat on the latest news from the
San Mateo County Harbor District (SMCHD)
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Message from our General Manager
Welcome to the first issue of Harbor Happenings, a new monthly newsletter dedicated to sharing news, information and updates from the San Mateo County Harbor District.
Under the leadership of the San Mateo County Harbor District Board of Commissioners, the District remains committed to open, active and transparent communication with the public. Improving the flow of public information and expanding community outreach are stated goals of the Harbor Commission. The Harbor Commission includes President George Domurat, Vice President Virginia Chang Kiraly, Treasurer Tom Mattusch, Secretary Kathryn Slater-Carter and Commissioner Bill Zemke.
Harbor Happenings is intended to increase public awareness of District activities, planned events and proposed projects while encouraging public input and participation. The newsletter will also share information of interest to our maritime community, including safety bulletins, environmental news, navigational updates and other relevant stories and announcements.
Our goal is to keep you informed, engaged and connected to the people, projects and activities shaping our waterfronts. We look forward to building stronger connections with our community through open communication and greater public involvement.
Thank you for being an important part of the San Mateo County Harbor District community. We are excited to share the work of the District and celebrate the public value, natural beauty and vitality of our waterfronts.
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Jim Pruett, JD, CSDM, CAPT (USCG ret.)
General Manager
San Mateo County Harbor District
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In keeping with the Harbor Commission’s vision of providing “quality, accessible facilities and services that draw people to the harbor and marina, meeting the needs of users, visitors, vendors and businesses,” the San Mateo County Harbor District is pleased to announce that the Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved two new restaurant leases at Pillar Point Harbor.
Please join us in welcoming Pillar Point Grill and Harbor Bar LLC owned by Brian Overfelt and Andrew Turner, and Lucky’s Pillar Point LLC owned by Fletcher Morgan and Juan Carlos Pantoja.
These additions mark an exciting step forward for our working waterfront. By welcoming local operators with culinary expertise and a commitment to creating memorable dining experiences, we are helping ensure that Pillar Point Harbor remains a vibrant, inviting destination for residents, visitors and the entire harbor community.
We are excited to welcome these new restaurants to the harbor, with openings anticipated in February 2027. We look forward to the energy, flavors and new experiences they will bring to our waterfront.
This shared commitment to community connection was on full display at the recent Mavericks Surf Festival, which brought together the community, big-wave surfers and enthusiasts and ocean safety advocates. The event was co-sponsored by the Harbor District and Mavericks Surf Company. Coastside surf legend Jeff Clark was on hand to sign autographs and discuss surfing with the many enthusiastic surfers. Jeff, a world renowned board shaper, also provided live demonstrations on board shaping techniques using a hand-carved, full-size wooden surfboard, adding a special touch to the celebration.
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The Harbor District was also proud to host the 8th Annual Coastside Cornhole Tournament in partnership with the Cabrillo Education Foundation. Organized by the California Cornhole Association, the event welcomed several hundred visitors to Pillar Point Harbor for a day of friendly competition and community spirit. The tournament raised an incredible $48,000 for the Cabrillo Education Foundation, supporting local education while introducing attendees to the many services, amenities and activities available throughout the harbor.
From supporting businesses that strengthen our local economy to hosting community events that give back to public schools in San Mateo County, the Harbor District takes pride in fostering a welcoming, vibrant harbor that brings people together and serves the entire community.
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Harbor Safety Highlight
At San Mateo County Harbor District, safety is at the heart of everything we do. With a potential Super El Niño, massive winter swells and the commercial crab season on the horizon, protecting life on the water requires proactive preparation across the entire community. From educating casual beachgoers to running intensive drills with commercial crews, here is how we are working to ensure our coast is ready for the season.
We recently hosted Coastside Ocean Safety Day at Pillar Point Harbor, where Harbor District staff, first responders and ocean safety experts led live water rescue demonstrations to help the public build essential habits for staying safe on and off the shore. The District thanks our allied agencies and volunteer groups, including the United States Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, Mavericks Rescue, Coastside Fire, San Mateo County Search and Rescue, Arunay Foundation and the Coastside Fishing Club for supporting this important event.
| The community also rallied for the Arunay Foundation Beach Safety Run, drawing more than 400 participants to the beach. | The Pillar Point Harbor Foghorn, officially known as the Pillar Point Harbor Entrance Light, LLNR 4145, was completely replaced and upgraded by the U.S. Coast Guard. The horn no longer sounds off every 10 seconds, 24 hours per day and 365 days per year. To reduce the noise pollution shoreside, the Coast Guard installed a directional signal, where the horn is directed out to sea. The upgrade also changed the signal to an on demand navigational aid. The foghorn remains silent until activated. To activate the horn, boaters and Captains must key (mic clicks) VHF Channel 83A six times. To assist boaters, we are handing out free dashboard stickers at the Pillar Point Harbormaster’s Office, with activation instructions during low-visibility winter weather. | |
When winter swells arrive, seamless coordination saves lives. On October 27 & 28, the Harbor District and Mavericks Rescue will host the free 2026 Allied Agency Training Day & Mavericks Ocean Safety Training Summit. This annual 2-day training brings together local emergency responders, big wave surfers and water enthusiasts of all ages to learn safe water practices. The event features presentations on safety strategies, beach drills, boat familiarization and patient transfers.
Special thank you to Brian Overfelt of Old Princton Land for providing lecture space for this critical safety training.
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Under the guidance provided by the Harbor Commission, SMCHD Deputy Harbormaster Cary Smith completed an intensive, Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA) Instructor Training Course. Armed with this advanced marine survival expertise, the District will host a specialized two-day survival course for commercial fishermen this December. This SMCHD-hosted training meets U.S. Coast Guard safety requirements, saving our commercial fleets thousands of dollars in travel costs by offering certification locally.
By continuing to train together and sharing capabilities, survival gear layouts and emergency response timelines, we ensure our entire waterfront is aligned, equipped and prepared for whatever the season brings. Whether you make your living on the water or simply enjoy the view from the shore, this shared commitment to preparation ensures our harbors and marinas remain a safe and thriving resource for everyone all winter long.
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