Community Priority

Protecting the Coastside

Beaches, open space, community character and local planning authority — protected through Measure A, Measure D and the Local Coastal Land Use Plan.

“Half Moon Bay is still uniquely attractive because generations of citizens have worked tirelessly to protect its beaches, foothills, farmlands and small-town character. Debbie Ruddock has been at the forefront of these efforts for decades.”

Lennie Roberts

Committee for Green Foothills

Where Debbie stands

Half Moon Bay's beaches, bluffs and small-town character aren't guaranteed — they're the result of deliberate, sustained local planning decisions. When development pressure and urban sprawl threatened the Coastside, Debbie helped lead the community response, and that work continues today.

Debbie's record

Measure A & Measure D Debbie helped lead the successful Measure A initiative and is co-author of Measure D, the City's growth management program — both approved by voters to manage growth and protect open space.
Local Coastal Land Use Plan Debbie helped lead the nearly two-decade effort to update and secure certification of Half Moon Bay's Local Coastal Land Use Plan, which locks in protections for open space, provides for long-term beach access, and guides sustainable development.
Open-Space Preservation, Arleta Park Debbie supported the acquisition and permanent retirement of six environmentally constrained parcels near Arleta Park, directing development away from wetlands and erosion-prone land.
Even-Year Elections Debbie led the citizen initiative that moved City Council elections from odd to even years, increasing voter turnout and community engagement in local decisions.

What's next

Debbie continues to defend the Local Coastal Land Use Plan against pressure to weaken it, supports maintaining local control over land-use decisions, and is working through the City's 555 Kelly process to protect community input on the project's height, parking and scale.