gift guide 2015

Fun Facts about Christmas

Holidays&G

ift-GivingGuide

Coastside

Half Moon Bay Review

2015

Secret ShoppingOur secret shoppers hopped around

town looking for unique gift ideas. Here is what caught their eye.

Here are some things you might not have known about the big day!

Unique holiday traditions that happen only on the Coastside.

SHOP LOCAL!

Look inside for fun Coastside events!

CAT C

UTILLO

2 Coastside Holidays Half Moon Bay Review

Half Moon Bay Review Coastside Holidays 3

If the Coastside has a signature cause it might just be Adopt-a-Family.

The annual holiday time effort pairs big-hearted local residents with low-income families and seniors who need a little help making the season bright.

This year, volunteer coordinator Judy O’Leary says volunteers will help about 260 families with 620 Coastside children. About 83 seniors are expected to benefit from the generosity of neighbors they don’t even know.

O’Leary says the number of needy families appears to be slightly fewer than last year and the family size is a bit smaller too. She has a number of single mothers who could use a little help. Meanwhile, there are a few more seniors on her list; she figures that has to do with the new senior housing in Half Moon Bay.

Volunteers “adopt” a family and shop for clothing. The organization already has some great toys and kids’ stuff to go along with the clothes. And, she says, each senior will receive a $50 gift certificate to Safeway.

To help with Adopt-a-Family, contact O’Leary at (650) 723-3967, or mail a donation to Coastside Hope, P.O. Box 1089, El Granada, CA 94818.

What: Adopt a FamilyContact: Judy O’LearyInfo: (650) 273-3967

Adopt a family and make holidays merry

Present this ad for 15% OFF On all wines

through December 31, 2015

Much of the country is socked in once the calendar page turns to December, but the Coastside is (usually) warm enough for a little nighttime fun, even in the dark of night, particularly if you bring a little

light of your own to the festivities.And there is no better time to do that than at the annual Night of Lights

parade and downtown gathering on the evening of the first Friday in December. Beginning at about 7 p.m., church and school groups, local businesses and others in the holiday spirit will parade down the city’s main drag. Prizes are given to the best light-bedecked entries, but everyone is a winner at Night of Lights.

As usual, the star of the show will be a certain jolly old elf in a red suit. Look for him on his perch in front of the Review offices on Kelly Avenue. You can also see him in a fitting climax to the parade.

As it has for most of the 16 years of the event, action centers around Mac Dutra Plaza at the corner of Kelly Avenue and Main Street. In the past it was a little hard to see the community tree lighting and hear guest speakers, but renovations at the plaza included a new stage, so this year’s event should be better than ever.

Night of Lights brightens

Half Moon BayWhat: Night of LightsWhen: 6 to 9 p.m., Dec. 4Where: Main Street, Half Moon Bay


San Mateo County Harbor District cordially invites you to

Pillar Point Harbor’s28th Annual

Lighted Boat Festival!Berthers are invited to decorate their boats in a holiday fashion. Don’t miss your chance at this

year’s exciting prizes!

Visit our “Giving Zone” this year and drop off any unwrapped

gifts or canned goods.

Special appearance by Santa,the San Mateo Elks Concert Band, and Half Moon Bay School Choir.

Call the Harbormaster Offi ce at 650-726-4382 with any questions.

We’ll see you then onSaturday, December 12 at 6pm!


If there is a better backdrop for the holidays than the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, we don’t know where it is. And this season, as usual, the Ritz offers its own special flair in December.

One cherished tradition is the lighting of the resort Christmas tree on the ocean lawn. Look for holiday carolers, Santa Claus and treats like apple cider, cookies and hot chocolate. The whole thing is free and open to everyone.

It’s the perfect time to see the results of an always-spectacular gingerbread house contest that is staged to benefit local charities. The houses will be on display in the Ritz beginning Nov. 30. There are categories for kids, professional chefs and the rest of us. The winners will be announced at the tree-lighting event on Dec. 6.

The 12th annual event benefits Coastside Children’s Programs. The gingerbread houses themselves are the stars of an online auction and can be seen at

www.biddingforgood.com/CCP.

A special holiday

season at the Ritz

What: Tree-lighting and Gingerbread house contestWhen: 5:00 p.m., Dec. 6Where: Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Just in time for the

Holiday Season“Made in Half Moon Bay”

Purissima Vodka is now available for ordering online!

This year, give an authentic piece of Half Moon Bay for the Holidays – place your order now to ensure timely delivery.Visit our website at www.hmbdistillery.com and get your Christmas shopping done early!

We also have Half Moon Bay Distillery apparel and gift items available online.

The perfect gift, shipped right to your door!We proudly distill and bottle Purissima Vodka and Harvard Avenue Gin in Half Moon Bay.

Support more local businesses by picking up a few bottles at these � ne local retail places:In Half Moon Bay: Half Moon Bay Wine & Cheese Company; Cunha’s Country Store; More For Less

In El Granada: Easy Mart Liquor & Food • In Moss Beach: Coastside Market

XNLV

241733

Ulli & Caesar Bisono

103 Harvard Ave. Suite #4 • Half Moon Bay, CA • 94019, USA • 650-728-7226www.hmbdistillery.com

Half Moon Bay Review Coastside Holidays 7 Half Moon Bay Review Coastside Holidays 7

Just in time for the

Holiday Season“Made in Half Moon Bay”

Purissima Vodka is now available for ordering online!

This year, give an authentic piece of Half Moon Bay for the Holidays – place your order now to ensure timely delivery.Visit our website at www.hmbdistillery.com and get your Christmas shopping done early!

We also have Half Moon Bay Distillery apparel and gift items available online.

The perfect gift, shipped right to your door!We proudly distill and bottle Purissima Vodka and Harvard Avenue Gin in Half Moon Bay.

Support more local businesses by picking up a few bottles at these � ne local retail places:In Half Moon Bay: Half Moon Bay Wine & Cheese Company; Cunha’s Country Store; More For Less

In El Granada: Easy Mart Liquor & Food • In Moss Beach: Coastside Market

XNLV

241733

Ulli & Caesar Bisono

103 Harvard Ave. Suite #4 • Half Moon Bay, CA • 94019, USA • 650-728-7226www.hmbdistillery.com


Lights are a big part of the holiday season, of course, and they are never more moving than when reflecting off the water. That’s one reason why the annual Harbor Boat Lighting is so special.

Come on by and see how recreational boaters and the commercial fleet have decorated their boats for your enjoyment. Winners will be crowned in several categories and you can hear the winners announced at about 8 p.m.

If this year’s anything like past events, you can expect Santa to pay a visit on the docks. The Half Moon Bay High School choir has been known to come by for caroling and the San Mateo Elks Club band has further brightened the mood with holiday music.

What: Lighted Boat FestivalWhen: 6 to 8 p.m., Dec. 12Where: Johnson Pier off of Capistrano Road in Princeton

See twinkling

harbor lights


cannolis * crème puffs * napoleons * much more * focaccia * sourdough * dutch crutch * i talian breads * wedding, bir thday, specialty cakes for

all occasions * butter cookies * biscot t i * éclairs * cannolis * crème puffs * napoleons * much more * focaccia * sourdough * dutch crutch * i talian

breads * wedding, bir thday, specialty cakes for all occasions * butter cookies * biscot t i * éclairs * cannolis * crème puffs * napoleons * much more

* focaccia * sourdough * dutch crutch * i talian breads * wedding, bir thday, specialty cakes for all occasions * butter cookies * biscot t i * éclairs

* cannolis * crème puffs * napoleons * much more * focaccia * sourdough * dutch crutch * i talian breads * wedding, bir thday, specialty cakes for




























Mazzetti’sBakery

Family owned and operated for

over 41 years!

650-355-1007Mon-Sat 6am-7pm, Sun 6am-6pm

mazzettisbakery.com101 Manor Drive, Paci� ca

...TO HAVESOMEONE

TO LOVE IS CALLED FAMILY...

PLANNING

FOR THE

HOLIDAYS

Custom Cakes,

Cookies, Pies,

Cupcakes,

Breads, and

Desserts.

BE THE HIT OF THE

PARTY!

XNLV

2426

88

650 240 6550 • LUZLUNAIMPORTS.COM527 MAIN STREET (NEAR KELLY), HALF MOON BAY

★★★★★

HAPPY

HOLIDAYS

★★★★★

This holiday season give thegift of memories

Chris, Mary, Aimee, Ginger, Elizabeth, Toni, Matt, Susan (not pictured)

“Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer”

650-726-7345 • SHORELINE STATION225 S. Cabrillo Hwy., Ste. C108, HALF MOON BAY

BAYWORLDTRAVEL.COM

BAY WORLD TRAVEL

CST# 2034794 -10


Coastside motorcycle club collects toys, does poker run

They may be “unknown,” but their propensity for giving is well known to Coastsiders. This year, once again, the Unknown Motorcycle Club will collect toys for kids who could surely

use them this year.Beginning around Thanksgiving, the club will set up collection

barrels at Coastside post offices and at the American Legion at 470 Capistrano Road. The club asks for generous donations of unwrapped toys and school supplies, which members then deliver to Coastside Hope in time for holiday deliveries.

The gift-giving is tied to an annual poker run that takes riders across the Coastside. Once the Santa-like deliveries are through, members collect cash for the pot and head for destinations that

typically stretch from Apple Jack’s in La Honda to the Old Princeton Landing. They pick up playing cards at each stop. At the end, the rider with the best hand gets half the pot and the rest goes to cover expenses for the day.

Club ridesfor a good cause

What: Toy and Poker RunWhen: Dec. 12Where: American Legion, 470 Capistrano Road

RYAN A. HENSPETTER, D.M.D DIANA DIZIK, D.D.S.

Give thegift of a

whitersmile...

Ask about ourgift certificates

today!

669 CRESPI DR., SUITE FPACIFICA, CA 94044PHONE (650) 359-1646PACIFICADENTIST.COM

RYAN A. HENSPETTER, D.M.D DIANA DIZIK, D.D.S.CHRISTOPHER JEN KIN D.D.S.669 CRESPI DR., SUITE F PACIFICA, CA 94044(650) 359-1646 PACIFICADENTIST.COM

621, Main Street,Half Moon Bay

www.myhandmadehome.comX

NLV

2426

75


It’s easy to lose sight of the meaning of the season. Sometimes it seems like all the lights of the holidays are trained on what to buy rather than why we celebrate.

There is an annual event at Our Lady of the Pillar Catholic Church that is a perfect answer to all that commercialism. For the 28th year, parishioners and the rest of us can see a live

re-enactment of the scene at Christmas night in Bethlehem, 2015 years ago.

The live Nativity was conceived by beloved Coastsider Mel Schwing and is now shepherded by church member Oscar Braun. There will be live actors

portraying Mary and Joseph, and still more volunteers on hand in the roles of the Wise Men and shepherds.

The small shed housing the scene will be set up on December 19, and the live Nativity takes place on Dec. 24 and 25. On both days, the scene begins about an hour before Mass and continues for an hour afterward.

Nativity scene is regular part of Coastside Christmas

What: Live Nativity SceneWhen: Dec. 24 and 25Where: Our Lady of the Pillar Catholic Church

Legos are always a hit

Lego Star Wars Snowspeeder This miniature version of the Rebellion’s super agile attack craft is perfect for mini battles and includes great details, like 2 flick missiles and a mini cockpit for the Snowspeeder Pilot to sit in. $62.99Fog Town Toys


Keeping timely fun

Seiko Melodies In Motion Wall Clock Be mesmerized every hour on the hour! The clock face comes apart, dances in the case to one of seven songs and reassembles itself. The kids will rush to it every time it goes off!From $195Jewels Forever, Pacifica

The perfect pairing

Delicios ornaments The candies packed inside of these Christmas ornaments are a delicious combination of licorice coated in rich chocolate. $45Baterra Winery

Useful and beautiful

Guatemalan bagsRoomy and colorful handbags from Guatemala. Whether hand-woven or embroidered, these unique totes are sure to start many conversations.$85-$110Luz Luna

The Ultimate scooter

EcoReco M3 Electric Scooter EcoReco M3 is an eco-friendly, efficient, portable, and smart electric vehicle, designed for an adult and everyday urban use. Up to 20 mph. This is the real deal!$999Talbots Toyland

All in good taste

Logo gear You’ve had their spirits, now show your pride. HMB Distillery’s t-shirts, mugs and hats will convey your good taste in local artisan gins and vodkas!Hats $15Half Moon Bay Distillery

Secret Shopping

We sent some Half Moon Bay Review staffers out in the streets and

asked them to do some virtual shopping. What catches your eye? What gifts would be fun to give? This is far from a definitive list. Rather, its a sample of the unique items that can be found, without leaving the Coastside. We’re hoping it gives you some ideas for all the special people on your list!

Keeping it clean

Gift Certificate for an auto detailing

Sometimes the gift of time is the best gift of all. Get the car super clean for the new year and use that weekend for something fun! Starting at $125BK Motors


Stylish, elegant andcasual boutique clothing,

lots of chunky jewelry,accessories and handbags

545 Main St., Half Moon BayMon-Fri 11:00 to 5:30

Sat & Sun 11:00 to 5:00(650) 726-6062

Clothing

Happy Holidays!

SPEC

238213

(650) 726-6062

ClothingClothingClothingUnique

by Margo

707 Mill Street • 726-6300

Custom embroidered & personalizedgifts for men, women and children

Custom embroidered & personalizedCustom embroidered & personalizedCustom embroidered & personalizedCustom embroidered & personalizedCustom embroidered & personalizedCustom embroidered & personalizedCustom embroidered & personalizedCustom embroidered & personalizedCustom embroidered & personalizedCustom embroidered & personalizedCustom embroidered & personalizedCustom embroidered & personalizedCustom embroidered & personalizedCustom embroidered & personalizedCustom embroidered & personalizedCustom embroidered & personalizedCustom embroidered & personalized

quashlossom

the quashquashquashquashlossomlossomlossomlossomlossomlossom

• Holiday Napkins & Tea Towels• Monogrammed Cashmere Scarves• Half Moon Bay & Gamer Babe Wear

See our website for ordering and local retailers(650) 728-7745 | www.gaia-essentials.com

116 La Grande Ave, Moss Beach

Gaia E ssentials bel ieves in usingthe purest of organic ingredients • Oodles of handmade products & soaps• Create your own gift bags & sets• Count less comb inat ions• Perfect gifts for al l on your l ist

Visit The Studio!D.I.Y. holiday

gift ideas

See our website for ordering and local retailers

“ Ce r t i fi e d O r g a n i c b y O r e g o n T i l t h”

XNLV241842

542 Main St., Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

[email protected]: 650.726.2546fax: 650.726.5243


E N T E R T H E C O U R T Y A R D643 Main Street · Half Moon Bay · 650-560-9131

PFXshowroom.com

PE

RS

ON

AL

FX

HO

LIDAY

Original coupon required. Valid at 146 SAN MATEO ROAD - HALF MOON BAY location only. One item per coupon. Not to be combined with any other offer. Void if copied, transferred, repro-duced and where prohibited. Cash value 1/20¢ Expires 01/31/2016

V a l u a b l e C o u p o n

Secret Shopping

Smelling good

Goatsmilk Rose Soap Extremely rich & creamy, this milk-laden soap is especially beneficial to sensitive skin. Made with organic rose hydrosol giving the bar a pleasant rose caramel aroma. Topped with blended organic rose petals. Organic of course.

$8.75Gaia Essentials

For the art lover

The gorgeous Coastside Perfect reminders of the beauty of the San Mateo County Coastside. Ellen Joseph’s paintings are available in a variety of affordable gifts such as pendants, mouse pads and key chains. $8-$25Colors of the Coast

Truly one of a kind

Heirloom quality, hand made, walnut and maple wall clocks are truly works of art. The detail is exquisite. $369Cottage Industries


South Coast eventsPescadero Christmas Tree LightingDec. 4The Pescadero Christmas tree will light up at 7 p.m. outside the Pescadero post office at Stage and Pescadero roads. 879-0848.

Stage Road Winter FaireDec. 5-6Continuing into the weekend after the tree lighting, the Stage Road Winter Faire offers handmade gifts and crafts from artisans from the South Coast to Santa Cruz. At the I.D.E.S. Hall at the south end of Stage Road in Pescadero.

La Honda celebrates winterDec. 6The annual La Honda Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair presents handmade crafts and artworks residents of La Honda, the Coastside and as far as Pacifica and the Peninsula, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the La Honda Fire Station at 8945 La Honda Road. It benefits the La Honda Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Secret Shopping

For that VERY special someone

Gold Pendant Estate art nouveau pendant in 14k gold. Diamond and Pearls in an elegant and graceful design. Truly an original piece.$3100Goldworks

Always unique

Various Treasures The Senior Coastsiders thrift store is packed with unique treasures. Tastefully curated and quality items. Plus it benefits Senior Coastsiders!$pricelessSenior Coastsiders Thrift Center

Say it with flowers

Beauty of the Coastside Calendar A-tisket, a-tasket, a candy cane Christmas basket. What fun it will be when this cheery basketful of holiday joy gets delivered! Peppermint and red carnations, pinecones, berries, holly and ribbon are delightfully placed in a white wicker basket. Real candy canes make this an extra sweet gift.Starting at $49.95 Pastorino flowers

XNLV24

1261

PlaytownPetting ZooHay Rides

Train RidesPony RidesGood Eats

... and more!

12320 San Mateo Road (Hwy. 92) 650-726-2342

Lemos FarmChristmas Trees

Choose & Cut Douglas Fir Available

www.lemosfarm.com

HALF MOON BAY, CALIFORNIA

For the family chef

Traditional Stewpots Emile Henry solid ceramic stewpots will do wonders for you in the kitchen. Superior heat retention, lead-free and chip resistant these pots have a beautiful old world charm!From $79Toque Blanche


There are many cultural threads running through the tapestry of the Coastside. None is stronger than that which ties us to the people of Mexico. La Posada is one way to renew that

bond.It’s a procession that recalls the trip Mary and Joseph made to

Bethlehem as they tried to find an inn on one very special and fateful night. La Posada traditions go back hundreds of years in

Mexico, and immigrants brought that tradition here.

On the South Coast, the procession begins at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 at Pescadero Community Church. It will end at St.

Anthony’s on North Street, and, when it does, those who make the memorable short trek will see Santa, take part in a raffle and even eat tamales made with love for this very special occasion.

What: La PosadaWhen: 6 to 8:30 p.m., Dec. 18Where: Pescadero locations

La Posada brings traditions to Coastside home


XNLV241809

Flower Shop & Nursery

340 Purissima Street, Half Moon Bay | 726-3662

UniqueHolidaydecor &

gifts

Plants, owersand much more

Tue-Sat 10–5Sun 11–3

Flower Shop

353 Main Street • Half Moon Bay

650-440-4348

Gifts A GoGo

www.GIFTSAGOGO.com

The Perfect Place for all Your Holiday Gifts

SPEC

237574

XN

LV24

1819

Fire Retardant + Flocking Available270 Main Street, Half Moon Bay • 650-726-7500

Noble orCedar Garland

Mixed NobleFir Wreaths

FromOregon & Washington State

Cedar Garland

Fresh Noble FirDouglas FirGrand Fir & Silver Tip Christmas Trees

&

P R O D U C E

SAVE$1000

with thiscouponon any

tree over

$5000

Happy Holidays from

www.bkmotors.comThe Coastside’s Quality ConsignmentAuto Dealer and Full Service Detailer

LOCAL Pick Up

andDeliver

Jewelry Repair • Appraisal • Design

Rose Gold Diamond Pendant

(.93 CTW � ligree diamond pendant and chain)

Open Tues-Sat 10-6 | Closed Sun & MonExtended Holiday Hours Start 12/14through Christmas • OPEN 7 DAYS

1343 LINDA MAR SHOPPING CENTERPACIFICA • 650.355.4886 • JEWELSFOREVER.BIZ

Good Things Come In Small

Packages

Storewide Savings!

XNLV

241076

Storewide Savings!Storewide Savings!Storewide Savings!Storewide Savings!


You Name It!!

Holiday Decorations • Crystal & ChinaVintage Toys • CollectiblesMen & Women’s Jewelry

Gift Certificates • Stocking Stuffers

Open 7 Days • 10 am - 6 pm

650-738-1991488 Manor Plaza, Pacifica | www.ynipacifica.com

Unique Gifts Make Your Holidays Special

Did you know?

The holiday season has arrived, and millions of people across the globe will be celebrating Christmas with their families and friends. Here is some trivia you can share around the Christmas dinner table. Impress that know-it-all uncle!

The Germans made the first

artificial Christmas trees out of dyed goose feathers.

According to the Guinness world

records, the tall-est Christmas

tree ever cut was a 221-foot Doug-

las fir that was displayed in 1950 at the Northgate Shopping Center in Seattle, Wash-

ington

All the gifts in the Twelve Days of

Christmas would equal 364 gifts.

According to data analyzed from Facebook posts, two weeks before Christmas is one of the two most popular

times for couples to break up. However, Christmas Day is the least favorite day for breakups.

Colors of the Coast

521 Main Street, Half Moon Bay ellenjoseph.com(650) 440-4527

Give the Gift of Coastal Art!“Majestic Montara” by

Favorite Art Gallery

FavoriteLocal Artist

Runner Up:

Gallery & Gift Shop

10% offCoastal Gifts

with this AdValid thru 12/31/15

“Half Moon Bay Sunset” by

XN

LV24

2720

SUNEENATDRESSMAKER

• Gifts• Accessories• Jewelry• Custom Made Clothing

604 Main St., Half Moon Bay650-720-0923

In A.D. 350, Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, proclaimed December 25 the

official celebration date for the birth-

day of Christ.


Christmas facts

Each year more than 3 billion Christmas

cards are sent in the U.S. alone.

Christmas trees usually grow for

about 15 years be-fore they are sold.

Oklahoma was the last U.S. state to declare

Christmas a legal holi-day, in 1907. Alabama was the first state in the United States to officially recognize Christmas in 1836.

Mistletoe (Viscum album) is from the Anglo-Saxon word misteltan, which

means “little dung twig” because the

plant spreads though bird droppings.

The poinsettia is native to Mexico and was cultivated by the Aztecs, who called the plant Cuetlaxochitl

(“flower which wilts”). For the Aztecs, the plant’s

brilliant red color symbol-ized purity, and they often

used it medicinally to reduce fever. Contrary to popular belief, the poin-settia is not poisonous, but holly berries are.

Coastside Books432 Main St., Half Moon Bay

650-726-5889Coastsidebooks.com

-Books-Stationery &

Winsome GiftsXNLV240577

Pastorino's FLOWERSPumpkin Farm & Flowers

~Since 1971~

For All of Your

reshF lowerFHoliday Needs

• Holiday Wreaths and Décor

• Center Pieces for your Holiday Table

• Bouquets for Christmas Gifts

Send Christmas fl ower arrangements or gifts to Half Moon Bay, CA or nationwide with Pastorino's Flowers.

We have a wide selection of wreaths, centerpieces and bouquets for Christmas decoration and Christmas gifts!

FFFHoliday NeedsF

Holiday NeedsHoliday Needs

decoration and Christmas gifts!

PASTORINO'S FLOWERS650-726-6440Two miles east of HMB on Hwy 92www.pastorinos owers.com

XNLV242322

XNLV

243170

XNLV241436

Fill your stockings at

The PaperCrane

10% offthrough Dec. 24th with this adWoof & Poof Christmas

Holiday Cards • Decorative BoxesGift Wrap • Journals • Stationery

Soaps • Lotions • Candles • And More!

412 Main Street | Half Moon Bay650-726-0722

Open 7 Days a Week - Call for our Extended Holiday Hours445 South B. Street • Downtown San Mateo - www.talbotstoyland.com

TOYSHOBBIES

DOLLS

(650) 931-8100

Free Gift Wrap!After you select your gifts, Talbot’s will gift wrap them free of charge.

Layaway Now For The Holidays!A Small Deposit Will Hold Your Selection Until Christmas Eve.

gift guide 2015

Documents