The Peninsula’s masked marauders are undeterred

They are bold. They are positively brazen. They are undeterred by bright lights, unusual noise or human interaction/intervention. Water, when sprayed at them, can have some modest effect on their foraging. But not always.

Their nocturnal dining goal apparently lies in the bugs that dwell beneath the tender turf. So, as you would imagine, the busy mammals use their tiny claws to grab and lift the sod, leaving huge divots in their aggressive wake.

Try as we might, little seems to dissuade them. They lately have been returning night after night to scar the same addresses. Residents try to repair the damage to no lasting effect.

The brash raccoons just keep coming back. They tend to pillage in packs, family groups even. Claw-bearing clans if you will.

Gardeners, animal experts and others who try to be helpful have had almost zero impact on the creatures and their annoying habits. Controlling their  behavior has proven to be frustrating and pointless, a waste of time and energy.

Apparently, the only thing that gets these marauding animals to stop their search for garden protein is the point where a lawn is simply tapped out, finally bereft of a meal — and torn up beyond redemption.

If nothing else, one fact does seem to be clear: Raccoons along the verdant Peninsula are not an endangered species. Not by a long shot.

READING MAKES A DIFFERENCE: Sometimes, the simple truths are right in front of us if we care to focus. Take the wisdom of Charlie Munger for instance.

He’s the late billionaire vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, a mega-investment firm, and the partner of the legendary Warren Buffett.

What’s Munger’s advice for those interested in increasing their knowledge, perspective and, in the end, net worth over time? It’s not terribly complex. Read. What? Read? Who knew?

Here’s Munger in The Wall Street Journal just prior to his recent passing: “I think I’ve learned a little something from everything I’ve read. … I don’t know how to get smart without reading a lot.” There you have it. Reading. What a concept.

Oh, and by the way, Munger was 99 when he made those comments, still dispensing sage advice to those who cared to listen and take heed. He is no longer with us but his wisdom endures.

THE GROANS ARE GETTING LOUDER: If you listen carefully these nippy days and nights, you can hear the sighs and groans of disbelief as the latest PG&E bills arrive in neighborhood mailboxes and online.

The tallies for electrical and natural gas charges, when combined in one startling total, are eliciting gasps as the reality sets in for most power customers.

Once again, the utility is testing the patience and pocketbooks of residents from Brisbane and Daly City to Woodside and Pescadero.

One side note: Don’t blame your PG&E repair person or telephone clerk. It’s not his or her fault. So go easy on them, friends.

SOUTH CITY DID PUT ON A SHOW: South San Francisco High School’s dream football season ended in a nightmare this past Saturday evening but its state regional bowl game against Colusa was not a total disaster despite the 42-6 final score.

Attendance on a wet night was strong with several thousand observers at the Warriors’ field. Food was available at their snack shack. The public address announcer was revved up and involved. The South City marching band, flag cadre/dancers and cheer squad were well-prepared and entertaining.

The only clear downside to the experience: A distinct lack of restrooms. Only odorous portable toilets were readily available, sans lighting. It was a personal hygiene adventure in the dark for anyone who dared to venture into one of those unpleasant cubicles.

Email John Horgan at johnhorganmedia@gmail.com. His new book, “Cradle of Champions — A Selected History of San Mateo County Sports,” is available via historysmc.org/online-store. All proceeds benefit the San Mateo County Historical Association based in Redwood City.