History now has validated the calculations of the 1980 analysts
In the spring of 1980, officials of the San Mateo Union High School District were preparing to decide which of their seven comprehensive campuses to close.
It would be a close call. The choice came down to two schools: Burlingame and Crestmoor, located in the San Bruno hills. Both schools were suffering from a severe enrollment decline.
There was a second high school in San Bruno, too. Capuchino’s student numbers were shrinking as well. Burlingame was (is) the only public high school in that town. That turned out to be important.
In the end, data proved to be critically important. Researchers argued that San Bruno could not support two secondary institutions. They pointed to dire enrollment trends in the public elementary school district that is the primary feeder system for the two high schools as proof.
In 1980, the San Bruno Park Elementary district contained 2,400 youngsters; just 10 years prior, that figure had been 4,900. Crestmoor boosters claimed that, over time, the serious enrollment plunge would right itself, proving the need to retain their school — and Capuchino as well.
It never happened.
Crestmoor was shut down as a comprehensive high school. Now the high school district’s trustees are planning to sell all or part of that campus.
It’s worth noting that, today, the San Bruno Elementary district has 2,700 students, just 300 more than it had back in 1980. Capuchino, San Bruno’s lone remaining high school, contains 1,200 students; nearby Mills in Millbrae is at roughly the same level.
Four decades ago, the demographers turned out to be right. In the end, San Bruno could not produce enough students to merit two high schools. One of them had to go. It was Crestmoor.
Puffy buns
Meanwhile, let us turn our benevolent gaze to bodacious Brisbane, nestled in the considerable shadow of San Bruno Mountain, where it has been revealed that the historic 7-Mile House features a specialty item that, apparently, is to die for, so to speak. It’s puffy buns. Yes, puffy buns. No, it’s not a personal problem. It’s a menu option. So let the good times roll — puffy buns for everyone! I’ll wear my Expando slacks just in case.
Health insurance
It’s that time of year, time to make decisions about your health insurance coverage. Which means insurance companies are flooding mailboxes with blurbs touting their various products. It’s complicated stuff. One such company hosted an informational session at the Westin SFO Hotel in Millbrae last week. As part of the affair, the outfit provided a breakfast buffet. Rather ironically, a featured part of the bountiful spread was, yes, crisp bacon, and lots of it.
Christian de Guigne
The recent death of Christian de Guigne IV at the age of 82 brought to mind a controversy regarding his bucolic, 47acre Hillsborough estate a decade ago. He wanted to sell his property so that it could be developed into luxury housing. Neighborhood protests put the kibosh on that idea. Before his death, the 10-bedroom mansion and surrounding acreage were sold. Will that old project proposal return? We’ll have to wait and see.
Bright thinking
During a frustrating and uncertain period of PG&E decisions regarding electrical power (or the distinct lack of it), here are the three most anticipated and welcome words your family or friends can utter: “We have illumination.” Amen.