City of Pacifica Update | Pacifica Performances

Update From Pacifica Planning Commission Meeting Held On Monday, June 2, 2025

This meeting was another long meeting, and toward the conclusion, the following points were discussed:

Co-Chair Berman mentioned that she was awaiting follow-up from staff regarding the art center’s specifics—although it was somewhat vague, alluding to the continuation of existing uses, it demonstrated her attentiveness to community concerns.
Commissioner Davis inquired about the possibility of recommending the removal of the site from the housing element.
- A couple of Commissioners noted, based on the previous meeting, that they lack the authority to remove the site independently. Commissioner Davis clarified that she was requesting language for a recommendation from the Planning Commission to City Council to remove Site 23, Pacifica Center for the Arts.
- Staff agreed to proceed with this request.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

The optimal outcome would be for the City Council to direct staff to amend the Housing Element to remove Site 23, Pacifica Center for the Arts, from the list of housing sites. An amendment to the Housing Element is the only way this can happen.

REMINDER!

Pacifica Center for the Arts was included in the Housing Element as a “buffer” or “shortfall” site in case enough affordable housing was not generated by the listed sites for this housing cycle.
Subsequently, according to City Staff, the State Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) required all sites in the Housing Element to be advanced and included in the overall rezoning package.
The impact on Pacifica Center for the Arts became apparent during the March 23, 2025, City Council meeting. At this meeting, City Council members expressed their concern and desire for the continuation of culture/recreation at the site. However, the specifics of that discussion remain unclear.

Undertaking the work now to remove Site 23 from the Housing Element via an amendment by City Council would save considerable effort and resources, including funding a “fit test,” developing an RFP, navigating the Surplus Land Act process, and avoiding continued community opposition.

WE NEED YOUR VOICE!

OUR GOAL!

Remove Site 23, Pacifica Center for the Arts, from the list of sites to be rezoned for housing.

While acknowledging that community voices are being heard, it remains critical to continue advocating until the goal listed above is achieved.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

1. Speak up during the General Public Comment section of the City Council Meeting and Planning Commission Meetings. We need continuous community input at every meeting so that City Council and Planning Commission clearly understand the importance of preserving the site and supporting the current tenants of Pacifica Center for the Arts. City Council meetings are just the initial step in a lengthy process to protect the community and the Art Center.

City Council

June 9: General Public Comments can be made at the start of the meeting. This is a critical opportunity to initiate requests for an amendment to the Housing Element to remove Site 23.
June 23: General Public Comments can be made at the start of the meeting.
July 14 (potentially): The Housing Element/Rezoning will be addressed.

Planning Commission

June 16: Short Term Rental Ordinance will be on the agenda. Public comments can be made at the start of this meeting, providing another chance to address the issue of REMOVING Site 23 from consideration.
July 7: Housing Element/Rezoning returns to the Planning Commission. The goal is to have the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council to amend the Housing Element to REMOVE Site 23. General Public Comments can be made at the start of the meeting.

2. Submit written public comments to City Council and the Planning Commissioner weekly if possible, so they understand the ongoing nature of this issue. Emails should be sent to everyone involved in this decision-making process, including individual Commissioner emails and public comment email addresses. Let your voice be heard! Below are some sample emails and email addresses for the City Council and Planning Commission members.

Make Your Voice Heard! Speak Up and Speak Out!

*SAMPLE EMAIL #1*

The Pacifica Center for the Arts, including Pacifica Performances’ Mildred Owen Concert Hall, Sanchez Art Center, and the home of the Art Guild of Pacifica, is a cherished space and home to legacy nonprofit organizations in the City of Pacifica. Visitors from across the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond are drawn to this facility, finding a hidden gem in San Pedro Valley. The accomplishment of creating a vibrant multi-purpose art center—a cultural institution—from an abandoned elementary school results from efforts by artists, service organizations like Lions and Rotary Club, and countless individuals like Mildred Owen. Today, the Center delights people with its ingenuity and sustainable repurposing of space. Other cities from Brisbane to Redwood City have sought to replicate this model, recognizing the value of arts and culture to the fabric of a community.

The current discussion regarding the Pacifica Center for the Arts could jeopardize the City of Pacifica’s legacy as a forward-thinking municipality that values the arts. These cultural gems attract not only Pacificans but also visitors from outside the city. Are you aware that a significant percentage of Pacifica Performances concert attendees come from communities outside Pacifica, and outside California? For decades, Pacifica has cherished its open spaces and cultural legacy in visual art and music. This heritage makes Pacifica an exceptional place to live. Please do everything possible to maintain our cultural heritage at this site for current and future generations.

It is imperative that language is included in the rezoning plan that preserves the Pacifica Center for the Arts as it exists today, including the Gallery/Exhibition Spaces, Artist Studios, Classrooms, and the Pacifica Performances Mildred Owen Concert Hall space.

*SAMPLE EMAIL #2*

My name is ________, and I have been a resident (or working) in Pacifica for ____ years. I reside just off Linda Mar Boulevard in the neighborhood adjacent to Pacifica Center for the Arts.

I acknowledge the necessity for housing and recognize the City’s pressure to comply with the state mandate to build housing. I support the broader objectives of increasing housing availability, including affordable housing. However, I do not endorse selecting the Pacifica Center for the Arts site, which currently houses Mildred Owen Concert Hall, Sanchez Art Center, Pacifica Performances, and the Rotary Plaza. Traffic is already challenging with one lane in each direction. Making a left turn onto Linda Mar Blvd. is problematic during my morning commute. Increased traffic in this neighborhood would exacerbate congestion and cause significant delays for the entire community.

I understand that your role is challenging. Nevertheless, you have the opportunity to effect positive change while supporting our community. I urge you to reconsider the selection of this site and explore other locations in Pacifica to add housing. Preserve this valuable home for the arts.

Sign YOUR NAME and specify the city where you reside.

Address the email to each City Council and Planning Commission Member.

AND TO: publiccomment@pacifica.gov

Subject: Save Pacifica Center for the Arts – Save Mildred Owen Concert Hall

# Email Addresses for Mayor and Council Members:

· Mayor Sue Beckmeyer: sbeckmeyer@pacifica.gov

o Mayor proTem Christine Boles: cboles@pacifica.gov

o Councilmember Mary Bier: mbier@pacifica.gov

o Councilmember Espinosa: mespinosa@pacifica.gov

o Councilmember Greg Wright: gwright@ci.pacifica.ca.us

# Planning Commissioner Emails:

· Samantha Hauser: hausers@ci.pacifica.ca.us