Tsunami threat gets some serious attention

Many people in communities like Montara, Moss Beach, El Granada and Half Moon Bay and points south responded by trying to escape low-lying areas via Highway 1, then State Route 92. An ensuing traffic jam made departing quickly impossible for most and it greatly hampered the mobility of emergency vehicles and other high-priority conveyances.

The county’s new online dashboard aims to provide more timely and accurate information. Its local map depicts low-lying areas that could be vulnerable to tidal wave impacts.

Much of the focus of last week’s presentation at the county’s Regional Operations Center in downtown Redwood City involved the coastside as expected. Possible tsunami impacts along the county’s Bayfront were also noted. There, however, warnings of danger were not nearly so worrisome.

In fact, it was pointed out that the likelihood of major damage from a tidal wave within San Francisco Bay was regarded as quite minimal. That word was used several times as the county’s presentation continued.

In fact, officials could not recall a specific date when even a modest tidal surge event had occurred in the Bay, although, it was stated, the Berkeley harbor had felt some effects from a tidal wave some time ago. It wasn’t clear precisely when it occurred or how much major damage, if any, was incurred.

None of the materials provided by personnel from the county’s Department of Emergency Management included any photographs, historical perspective or hard data involving a tsunami on the Bay.

Does that mean towns and low-lying areas along the Bayfront, including San Francisco International Airport, have little or nothing to worry about? No.

Predicted sea-level rise, by itself, is enough to galvanize Bayside communities like Millbrae, Burlingame, Foster City, Redwood Shores and East Palo Alto, among others, into action to protect their considerable assets, both public and private.

As for tidal waves, however, they won’t be top of mind. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Oh, by the way, that tsunami impact map website can be found at conservation.ca.gov/cgs/tsunami/maps/san-mateo.

SF STATE SEEKING DONATIONS: Money for public institutions of all types is getting tight. For the first time in its history, San Francisco State University, a tax-funded higher education entity, is conducting a special day of fundraising. The school has been tightening its belt for months as enrollment shrinks and revenue expectations are trimmed. According to media reports, an operating deficit of $33 million has been projected for the 2025-26 academic year. Programs are being cut. Economies are being explored. Some service consolidations with other state colleges have been proposed. It’s a new day and the donation drive officially commences Wednesday, April 2.

PAUL RICHARDS PASSES AWAY: It is with considerable sadness we note the passing of Paul Richards, a firm but fair ex-teacher, coach and administrator in the San Mateo Union High School District at Hillsdale (primarily) and Burlingame highs. After serving the district for more than 30 years, he left the Peninsula and eventually became the principal at Folsom High School, located in a growing suburban region north of Sacramento. He died in Oregon last month at age 82 due to an illness.

MILESTONE FOR MISS CHINATOWN: Let’s raise a glass for Penny Wong of Millbrae; she was the winner of the very first Miss Chinatown beauty pageant in San Francisco way back in 1948 during the Truman Administration. The cultural trend-setter is turning 100 this month. It’s a notable milestone. Happy birthday.

John Horgan has been writing about the ins and outs of San Mateo County since 1963, beginning at the long-gone Burlingame Advance Star, to the tune of an estimated 7 million words. He can be contacted by email at johnhorganmedia@gmail.com or via Facebook or Instagram.