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VIDEO. From the Pescadero Municipal Advisory Council (PMAC) on Tuesday, August 11th, 2026 at 7:00pm, as remote meeting with remote comment. Agenda and Minutes.
VIDEO
Starts at 1:12:05
MINUTES: 8. Presentation – Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA Sanctuary Project (Lisa Van Buskirk, Anthony Tansimore)
Lisa Van Buskirk and Anthony Tansimore presented an update on the animal sanctuary project.
Details
- Lisa Van Buskirk: Presented a video overview of the sanctuary vision — a 216-acre site near La Honda for animals that cannot be adopted through traditional programs (under-socialized dogs, cats with behavioral issues, etc.). The sanctuary will include predator-proof cat enclosures (capacity up to 500 cats), dog cottages with fenced yards, a dog pavilion, an on-site veterinary medical center, farm animals (goats for fire protection), and a 24/7 on-site caretaker.
- Anthony Tansimore: All but one permit has been approved; the final permit is expected in 4–6 weeks. Construction (approximately 18 months) may be delayed due to El Niño. If it does not start this year, construction will begin after winter/spring.
- Anthony Tansimore: Total project cost is approximately $62 million (including property purchase and all fees/expenses). Approximately 75 cottages are planned.
- Anthony Tansimore: Animals will come from the PHS/SPCA intake shelter in San Mateo — those that do not find homes through traditional adoption and would otherwise potentially be euthanized.
- Elsa Warnick (public): Identified herself as the former ranch owner, expressed delight at the sanctuary’s planned use of the property, and offered to help with fundraising.
- A council member: Expressed excitement about local employment opportunities, potential collaboration with schools and Puente for internships, and suggested Pescadero Veterinary Services as a potential partner.
- Patrick Horn: Expressed mixed emotions — supportive of animal welfare but noted the contrast with the ongoing struggle to provide dignified housing for farmworkers, stating it should motivate greater effort on human housing.
- Nic: Commended the project but advised sensitivity around the housing comparison in this community. Asked about water/wastewater plans, potential applicability of farmworker housing programs for on-site staff, and whether the on-site veterinarian would handle wildlife.
- Lisa Van Buskirk: Confirmed the veterinary center will focus on sanctuary animals (cats, dogs); wildlife rehabilitation is handled at their Saratoga center. Water/wastewater details to be provided separately.
- Nic: Raised concern about the site potentially becoming an animal dumping ground; Lisa Van Buskirk confirmed animals must first come through the San Mateo intake center.
Conclusion
- Final permit expected within 4–6 weeks; construction timeline approximately 18 months from start.
- Local employment and internship opportunities to be explored.
- Fundraising links and information to be shared with the community when available.
- Sanctuary video to be shared with the council for community distribution.
More on PMAC on Coastside Buzz
PMAC Calendar, Agendas, Minutes
Pescadero Municipal Advisory Council (PMAC) Councilors
Ryan Augustine, Chair, Term 2025-2028
Dr. Kassandra Talbot, Vice Chair, Term 2025-2028
Nicholas Erridge, Term 2025-2026
Cullen Rose, Term 2025-2026
Dr. Patrick Horn, Term 2025-2028
San Mateo County Board of Supervisors (BoS) Agendas
The Supervisors meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 9:00am, as a hybrid meeting.
Author: mdrag
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