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Business & Tech

Citizens Rally for Pacifica Landmark

Preserve Our Pier Supporters (POPS) celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Under a cloudy sky on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 3, locals and tourists alike played on the beach, fished, enjoyed barbecue and danced to the rock 'n' roll styling of singer and guitarist Dave Crimmen at the Preserve Our Pier Supporters (POPS) 10th anniversary party at Sharp Park State Beach.

The party was an informal gathering that centered at the Chit Chat Café, where owners Amy and Paul Kukielka sold hot dogs, burgers, corn on the cob and steak sandwiches. The event was full of family-oriented activities. POPS members stayed focused on bringing in funds for maintenance of Pacifica's ageing landmark.

POPS, a nonprofit citizen's group, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the 37-year-old, L-shaped structure by securing funds for repairs. 

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A group like POPS is essential for preserving the pier because, due to city budget cuts over the past couple of years, funds for repairs are no longer in the city budget.

"We're cheerleaders for the pier," said POPS director Anna Boothe.

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The pier, which is more than 1,100 feet long, has a perpendicular extension and the end that allows anglers to catch fish in deep water but also makes the structure more vulnerable to waves.

Boothe said the popular fishing spot is frequented by residents, people from the Stockton and Sacramento area who head down to get away from the heat, and, all in one day, Boothe said she had met visitors from China, Amsterdam and Mexico.

"We need to keep the pier standing for our guests and for our people who use it every day," said Boothe.

The fishing, which can be done on the pier without a license, and the scenic views keep people coming back. Striped bass, salmon and crab are common pier catches.

POPS was recently awarded more than $1 million in grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Coastal Conservancy, the Wildlife Conservation Board and the State of California for its preservation efforts. POPS estimates that the organization has received more than $5 million for the pier over the group's existence.  The POPS annual parties bring in about $500 from donations and purchases of a lifetime membership, which costs $25. After the party on Sunday, POPS had about 80 members.

Andy Pappas, vice president of POPS, is known to locals as "The Crab King." He was on hand diligently asking passers-by for donations.

"I catch more crab than anyone on the pier," Pappas said when asked about his nickname.  Pappas said he is particularly skilled at catching Dungeness crab.

Pappas, a Korean War veteran, has been fishing for more than 50 years, 44 of which were spent in Pacifica.

"We got people from all over the world that come here [to fish]," he said.

Pappas said the turnout for Sunday's event was a little less than previous years, probably because people wanted to stay home and watch the San Francisco Giants make it to the playoffs.

As for the pier itself, a donation box on the structure itself might be in the works. Boothe has spoken to numerous fisherman who said they would be willing to donate $1 every time they fished.

"Repairs need to be made to keep it as strong and safe as it is now," Boothe said. "And we want to keep it that way."

To learn more about POPS or to donate to the organization, visit the POPS website.

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