In a recent meeting, the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAPCO) discussed the annexation proposal from the La Honda Pescadero Unified School District, which received support from the district itself. The school district, as the sole landowner in the affected area, requested a waiver of protest proceedings. Notifications regarding the project were sent to property owners and residents within 300 feet of the annexation site, as well as to the Pescadero Municipal Advisory Council (PMAC), which did not provide any comments prior to the meeting.

Public comment was submitted by Bridget Jett, raising concerns about the proposed fire station's location, the implications for active agricultural uses, and the need for voter input on the project. Jett's letter also highlighted issues related to low-income and affordable housing, as well as the water status for the school site.

LAPCO clarified that while the staff report mentioned affordable housing in the Pescadero area, the current annexation proposal does not include any such developments. The commission noted that growth in Pescadero is limited and that the annexation would not induce further growth.

A significant aspect of the proposal is the provision of a reliable drinking water source for the Pescadero Middle and High School, which has faced challenges with its current groundwater supply due to contamination issues. The school has been relying on bottled water for consumption, as previous attempts to drill new wells have failed.

The meeting also addressed the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, with the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors certifying a mitigated negative declaration for the project. The staff recommended that the commission approve the proposal, which includes the annexation of the school site and the fire station property, along with necessary findings and mitigation measures.

The commission is set to take action on the proposal, with staff from county planning and representatives from the school district available for any questions.