As one who grew up in Pacifica and then left, there were things that I missed about it, often more so as the years went on. When I returned for a visit in 1996, I visited my old grade school, Westview School, and the Sea Vue Theater. Now, both of those are gone.
Now that I have lived on the coast again for 13 years, I can appreciate the Coastside more than I ever could when growing up here. Also, with the addition of more walking paths, it is getting better and better. With this in mind, I was curious to find out what other former Pacificans/Coastsiders felt about leaving, and how it compares to where they are living now.
Rebecca Newlin: I have lived on the Coast for 62 years. Everywhere I went, I knew someone. I knew my way around the towns and the beach, met my husband, Bill, in the living room of my mom and dad's house on Linda Mar Blvd, in 1966....We were married at St. Peter's Church, one block away... We spent our last two years at that very home, (inherited from parents) renovating it, to sell.
I loved Main St, Half Moon Bay, and worked at many stores there after retiring from United Airlines. (City Hall, Ambience, Nuestra Tierra, and Toque Blanche). We lived in homes in Montara (14 years) and El Granada (20 years). We miss seeing the deer in our backyards.
When I was a kid, I enjoyed growing up on the Blvd, playing softball in the street, since it stopped at the end of our street (before Park Pacifica). Very few cars. Lots of artichokes fields...
We planned the move to Oceanside for 10 years, for when we were both retired. We wanted warmer weather and Bill (a surfer) wanted warmer water. We found better home prices in this area and we are very happy to be here now.
However, I seldom run into anyone I know here. That is very different, being so anonymous. We've been here two years now and have met many wonderful people, but there was something about walking into Peet's in HMB and talking with everyone. When we visit up north, we usually go to Peet's in HMB and meet some friends from the theatre, Coastal Repertory Theatre. However, I do notice how cold I am when we go up north. I'm happier in the warmer weather."
Cathy Froom Johnston: "Let's see...what do I miss. Definitely the small town feel. Well, then it was actually reality. I moved there in about 1988 or 89? Best way to tell is from old TSOTHP (This Side of the Hill Players, now Coastal Reperatory Theater) posters.
I had previously lived in SF and my boyfriend and I made frequent weekend trips to the HMB area; stopping at the Shorebird for Sunday afternoon cocktails. When I decided to move down there it was because I was in love with the area.
Getting involved with TSOTHP also got me involved with the whole community. I would constantly see people I knew when I was just walking down Main Street. (I first lived at the end of Main Street (not far from where the theatre is); moved to El Granada and finally to Pescadero). Loved shopping in the stores on Main Street which didn't seem at all as touristy as they did the last time I was back there - about five years ago. Getting my meat, specially ordered, at Cunha's. I don't recall that there were any chain restaurants or stores (except fast food). CRAVED Tres Amigos tacos when I was in the hospital for a few days. Hmmm....think I still do!
It was so easy to know people there. People in politics, running the paper, etc. Maybe that was because of being in the theatre. Pasta Moon! I remember when they opened. First "fancy" restaurant I think. Nothing beats their bruschetta! Ultimately, it's not the ocean I miss...it's the sense of community. Oh! And the wooden sidewalks! (Probably not there anyore?) And smelling the brussel sprouts growing!The sense that I'd stepped back in time...just a tiny bit. Oh! And bartending and waiting tables at Ketch JoAnn's!!! Loved the owner and family. And having the bar be the fishermen's living room!"
Terri Richardson Jackson: "I miss the friendliness. When you are out an about most people will be friendly.an smile. An most likely will say hello."
In my next column, I want to know what businesses or places do you miss that were once on the Coast or in Pacifica?
