Editing Half Moon Bay, California

{{Short description|City in California, United States}}
{{Redirect|Half Moon Bay|the bay in California|Half Moon Bay (California)|other uses}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!--See the table at Template:Infobox settlement for all fields and descriptions of their usage-->
<!-- Basic info  ---------------->
 | name                     = Half Moon Bay, California
 | official_name            = City of Half Moon Bay
 | other_name               = 
 | settlement_type          = [[List of municipalities in California|City]]
 | native_name              = <!-- for cities whose native name is not in English -->
<!-- images and maps  ----------->
 | image_skyline            = 2009 aerial view of Pillar Point Harbor and Bluff.jpg
 | image_caption            = Aerial view of Half Moon Bay facing north
 | image_flag               = 
 | flag_size                = 
 | image_seal               = Seal of Half Moon Bay, California.png
 | nickname                 = "Home of the world-famous Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival!"
 | motto                    = Vivir, Trabajar, Jugar (Live, Work, Play)
 | image_map                = File:San Mateo County California Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Half Moon Bay Highlighted 0631708.svg
 | mapsize                  = 250px
 | map_caption              = Location of Half Moon Bay in San Mateo County, California
 | image_map1               = 
 | mapsize1                 = 
 | map_caption1             = 
 | pushpin_map              = USA
 | pushpin_map_caption      = Location in the United States
 | pushpin_relief           = 1
<!-- Location ------------------>
 | coordinates              = {{Coord|37|27|32|N|122|26|13|W|region:US-CA_city(12,000)|display=inline,title}}
 | subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
 | subdivision_name         = United States
 | subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
 | subdivision_name1        = [[California]]
 | subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in California|County]]
 | subdivision_name2        = [[San Mateo County, California|San Mateo]]
<!-- Politics ----------------->
 | established_title        = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
 | established_date         = July 15, 1959<ref>{{Cite web
   |url         = http://www.calafco.org/docs/Cities_by_incorp_date.doc
   |title       = California Cities by Incorporation Date
   |format      = Word
   |publisher   = California Association of [[Local Agency Formation Commission]]s
   |access-date  = August 25, 2014
   |url-status     = dead
   |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20131017052413/http://www.calafco.org/docs/Cities_by_incorp_date.doc
   |archive-date = October 17, 2013
 }}</ref>
 | government_footnotes     = 
 | government_type          = 
 | leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
 | leader_name              = Joaquin Jimenez<ref>{{Cite web
 | url = https://www.half-moon-bay.ca.us/235/City-Council
 | title = City Council Homepage
 | publisher = City of Half Moon Bay
 | access-date = May 9, 2024
| archive-url =
 | archive-date =
 }}</ref>
 | leader_title1            = [[City Manager]]
 | leader_name1             = Matthew Chidester<ref>{{Cite web
 | url = https://www.half-moon-bay.ca.us/191/City-Manager
 | title = Directory
 | publisher = City of Half Moon Bay
 | access-date = May 9, 2024
}}</ref>
<!-- Area------------------>
 | unit_pref                = Imperial
 | area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web |title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_06.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=July 1, 2020}}</ref>
 | area_total_sq_mi         = 6.25
 | area_total_km2           = 16.20
 | area_land_sq_mi          = 6.24
 | area_land_km2            = 16.17
 | area_water_sq_mi         = 0.01
 | area_water_km2           = 0.03
 | area_water_percent       = 0.32
 | area_metro_km2           = 
 | area_metro_sq_mi         = 
 | elevation_footnotes      = <ref>{{Cite GNIS|277528|Half Moon Bay|access-date=November 5, 2014}}</ref>
 | elevation_ft             = 75
 | elevation_m              = 23
<!-- Population ----------->
 | population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
 | population_footnotes     = <ref name=quif>{{Cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/halfmoonbaycitycalifornia|title=Half Moon Bay (city) QuickFacts|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
 | population_total         = 11795
 | pop_est_as_of            = 
 | pop_est_footnotes        = <ref name="USCensusEst2019CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2019.html|date=May 24, 2020|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 27, 2020}}</ref>
 | population_est           = 
 | population_density_sq_mi = auto
 | population_urban         = 
<!-- General information  --------------->
 | timezone                 = [[Pacific Time Zone|PST]]
 | utc_offset               = −8
 | timezone_DST             = PDT
 | utc_offset_DST           = −7
<!-- Area/postal codes & others -------->
 | postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]
 | postal_code              = 94019
 | area_code                = [[Area code 650|650]]
 | blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
 | blank_info               = {{FIPS|06|31708}}
 | blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature IDs
 | blank1_info              = {{GNIS 4|277528}}, {{GNIS 4|2410685}}
 | website                  = {{URL|half-moon-bay.ca.us}}
 | population_density_km2   = auto
}}

'''Half Moon Bay''' is a coastal city in [[San Mateo County, California|San Mateo County]], [[California]], [[United States]], approximately {{convert|25|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} south of [[San Francisco]]. Its population was 11,795 {{As of|2020|alt=as of the}} [[2020 United States census|2020 census]]. Immediately north of Half Moon Bay is [[Pillar Point Harbor]] and the unincorporated community of [[Princeton-by-the-Sea, California|Princeton-by-the-Sea]]. Half Moon Bay is known for [[Mavericks, California|Mavericks]], a big-wave surf location. It is called Half Moon Bay because of its crescent shape.

Originally an agricultural outpost to [[Mission San Francisco de Asís]], the town was founded in the 1840s first as '''San Benito''', and then as its Anglo fishing community grew, it was renamed '''Spanishtown'''. In 1874, it was again renamed Half Moon Bay. After rail and road connections in the early 1900s, the town grew. The foggy weather of the coast made the town a popular destination for booze-running during [[Prohibition in the United States|Prohibition]].

The city's infrastructure is heavily integrated with the coast, including the [[Pillar Point Harbor]], major roads, and the fire department. The economy of Half Moon Bay is dominated by a handful of businesses, the biggest of which is the [[Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay]] which employs 500 people and is a major source of property tax and tourism income for the city.<ref name=":0" /> Because of this geography, {{As of|2022|alt=a 2022 study}} found that the city had over 123 buildings vulnerable to [[sea level rise]].<ref name=":0" />

==History==
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2020}}

[[File:Hmbmeadow.jpg|thumb|A valley floor outside the city]]

Half Moon Bay began as a rural agricultural area, primarily used by [[Mission San Francisco de Asís]] (established in 1776) for grazing cattle, horses, and oxen. After the Mission's secularization, Tiburcio Vásquez received the [[Rancho Corral de Tierra (Vasquez)|Rancho Corral de Tierra]] [[Ranchos of California|Mexican land grant]] in 1839 and Candelario Miramontes was granted [[Rancho Miramontes]] (later known as Rancho San Benito) in 1841.

The community began to develop in the 1840s as San Mateo County's first real town. Originally, San Benito, the town was renamed Spanishtown and attracted a thriving fishing industry in addition to its continued importance to coastal agriculture. Spanishtown became a racially diverse community, settled by Canadians, Chinese, English, Germans, Irish, Mexicans, Italians, Scots, Portuguese, and Pacific Islanders. Regular stagecoach service was established with [[San Mateo, California|San Mateo]]; coaches also served [[Purissima]], [[Lobitos, California|Lobitos]], and [[San Gregorio, California|San Gregorio]]. Levy Brothers opened a department store downtown. Spanishtown was officially renamed Half Moon Bay in 1874.

[[File:USS DeLong;0512904.jpg|thumb|The [[USS DeLong (DD-129)|USS ''DeLong'']], run aground]]

The area grew very slowly, even after the [[Ocean Shore Railroad]] began serving the community in 1907. The construction of [[Pedro Mountain Road]] in 1914 provided better access to San Francisco and probably contributed to the railroad's demise by 1920. The [[USS DeLong (DD-129)|USS ''DeLong'']] ran aground at Half Moon Bay on December 1, 1921. During [[Prohibition]] "rum runners" took advantage of dense fog and hidden coves in the area to serve several roadhouses and inns, some of which operate today as restaurants (e.g., [[Moss Beach Distillery]]). Real growth in the area came after World War II with the construction of numerous subdivisions, eventually leading to Half Moon Bay's incorporation in 1959. The city preserves a historic downtown district that has buildings dating as far back as 1869.

===2008 economic downturn and subsequent recovery===

In 2008, financial setbacks endangered the city's viability. The economic crisis severely affected tourism, which generates the most revenue, and just when the city had finalized an $18{{nbsp}}million settlement over a property lawsuit. As the municipal budget was typically $14{{nbsp}}million or less, city fathers had issued bonds with annual payments of approximately $1 million over 25{{nbsp}}years. As a result of these obstacles, the threat of bankruptcy was very real. Dozens of meetings were held to decide where to cut the budget and finally, 75{{nbsp}}percent of municipal employees were laid off and replaced with contract workers. Employee contributions toward retirement benefits were also raised. The city council sought to regain the money paid in the settlement, believing that it should have been paid by the city's insurers. A lawsuit against the insurers was decided in 2013 and the insurer was ordered to pay the city more than $13{{nbsp}}million; the Association of Bay Area Governments partially covered the costs of the lawsuit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smdailyjournal.com/sports/oakland-tops-the-yankees/article_83f9b028-df8c-5796-98e2-c4afa7cfd612.html|title=Oakland tops the Yankees|last=The Associated Press|website=San Mateo Daily Journal|date=June 13, 2013 |access-date=August 12, 2019}}</ref>

The city's finances improved afterward. It was able to retire the first of its two 30-year Judgment Obligation Bonds (2009A Series Bonds) 20{{nbsp}}years early. The early retirement was expected to save the city over $426,000 in annual General Fund expenses starting in 2015{{ndash}}16.{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}}

As of the publication of the Fiscal Year 2015{{ndash}}16 Budget the General Fund budget was balanced and had a structural surplus of $4{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://hmbcity.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=124&Itemid=126 |title=Financial Reports |access-date=June 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525002811/http://hmbcity.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=124&Itemid=126 |archive-date=May 25, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===2023 mass shootings===
{{main|2023 Half Moon Bay shootings}}

On January 23, 2023, [[mass shooting]]s occurred in Half Moon Bay. A [[spree killer]] opened fire at two farms with a semi-automatic pistol, killing seven people and critically injuring an eighth person. A 66-year-old suspect was taken into custody after he arrived in his SUV at the parking lot of the sheriff's office substation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=7 Dead, 1 Injured Following Separate Shootings in Half Moon Bay |url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/peninsula/deadly-shootings-half-moon-bay/3137085/ |access-date=January 24, 2023 |website=NBC Bay Area |date=January 23, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>

===2024 blocking of affordable housing===
In 2024, Half Moon Bay politicians were criticized by California Governor [[Gavin Newsom]] for repeatedly delaying approval of a 40-unit apartment building for senior farmworkers.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Thomas |date=2024-05-12 |title=Newsom blasts Half Moon Bay planners over delay on farmworker senior housing project |url=http://localnewsmatters.org/2024/05/12/newsom-blasts-half-moon-bay-planners-over-delay-on-farmworker-senior-housing-project/ |website=Local News Matters |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-10 |title=After mass shooting that killed farmworkers, Gov. Newsom urges Half Moon Bay to stop delaying housing project |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-09/gov-gavin-newsom-urges-half-moon-bay-to-stop-delay-of-farm-worker-housing |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Newsom threatened to take legal steps against the city if they continued stalling on the housing.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramirez |first=Len |date=2024-05-13 |title=Political pressure mounting for Half Moon Bay to build housing for retired farmworkers - CBS San Francisco |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/political-pressure-mounting-for-half-moon-bay-to-build-housing-for-retired-farmworkers/ |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}</ref> Half Moon Bay Commissioner Rick Hernandez said that they were resistant to approving the senior farmworker housing because "we love the character of our small-town community" claiming that once this proposal is approved, it will [[Slippery slope|trigger more requests]] for other constructions.<ref name=":1" />

==Geography==
[[File:HalfMoonBayCalifornia.RitzCarlton.jpg|thumb|[[Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay|Ritz-Carlton Hotel]] on the bay]]
[[File:NorCal2018 Beach and Cliff at Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay S0515061.jpg|thumb|Publicly accessible beach]]
[[File:The gorgeous California Coastline at Halfmoon Bay.jpg|thumb|Beach overseen from the cliffs of Half Moon Bay]]

Half Moon Bay is approximately {{convert|25|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}} south of [[San Francisco]], {{convert|10|mi}} west of [[San Mateo, California|San Mateo]], and {{convert|45|mi}} north of [[Santa Cruz, California|Santa Cruz]]. Neighboring towns include [[El Granada, California|El Granada]], [[Princeton-by-the-Sea]], [[Moss Beach, California|Moss Beach]], and [[Montara, California|Montara]] to the north and [[Purissima, California|Purissima]], [[San Gregorio, California|San Gregorio]], and [[Pescadero, California|Pescadero]] to the south.

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|6.4|sqmi|km2|abbr=off|sp=us}}, of which, {{convert|6.4|sqmi|km2}} of it is land and {{convert|0.02|sqmi|km2}} of it (0.32%) is water. The town is situated on a [[bay]] of [[Half Moon Bay (California)|the same name]]. Major local industries include agriculture (houseplants, floriculture, Christmas trees, pumpkins, artichokes), [[fishing]], and [[tourism]]. Historically, Half Moon Bay had been known as San Benito and Spanishtown. A 2022 study of the effects of sea level rise, found that both major tourism attractions, and other infrastructure would be under threat from projected [[Sea level rise]] caused by [[global warming]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=staff|first=Curtis Driscoll Daily Journal|title=Half Moon Bay faces issues due to sea level rise|url=https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/half-moon-bay-faces-issues-due-to-sea-level-rise/article_1b0eee10-6c78-11ec-a96e-8bc4da3172dd.html|access-date=January 19, 2022|website=San Mateo Daily Journal|date=January 3, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> The study found at least 123 buildings, including the [[Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay|Ritz Carlton]] (a major employer for the town), [[Pigeon Point Lighthouse]] and the [[Pescadero Cal Fire Station]] would be seriously threatened by erosion if sea level were to rise by {{convert|5|ft|m}}.<ref name=":0" />

A popular spot at Half Moon Bay is the 'Jetty,' or as it is sometimes called, 'The Breakwater.' This is a man-made break with unusual waves shaped by reflections from the breakwater at [[Pillar Point Harbor]]. Creeks in Half Moon Bay include [[Frenchmans Creek, California|Frenchmans]], [[Pilarcitos Creek|Pilarcitos]] and [[Naples Creek|Naples]].

[[Montara State Marine Reserve & Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area]] extend offshore from Montara, just north of Half Moon Bay. Like underwater parks, these [[marine protected area]]s help conserve ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.

===Climate===
Half Moon Bay usually has mild weather throughout the year. Under the [[Köppen climate classification]], it has a [[warm-summer  Mediterranean climate]] (Köppen ''Csb''). Hot weather is rare; the average annual days with highs of {{convert|90|°F|°C|abbr=off|sp=us}} or higher is only 0.4{{nbsp}}days. Cold weather is also rare with an annual average of 2.5{{nbsp}}days with lows of {{convert|32|°F|°C|abbr=}} or lower.<ref name = "WRCC" >{{cite web|url = http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca3714|title = General Climate Summary Tables - Half Moon Bay, California|publisher= Western Regional Climate Center|access-date = December 6, 2012}}</ref>  Typical of Northern California, most of the rain falls from November to April. The normal annual precipitation is {{convert|26.2|in|sigfig=3|abbr=off|sp=us}}.<ref name="WRCC" />  Snowfall along the coast in Half Moon Bay has never been measurable; however, snow flurries were observed on December 12, 1972, February 5, 1976, and February 23, 2023. There is often fog and overcast during the night and morning hours, usually clearing offshore during the afternoon. Persistent sea breezes help to moderate the climate along the coast; farther from the ocean, in places such as Pilarcitos Creek, days are often warmer and nights cooler than on the coast. For the [[37th parallel north]], the mild summer temperatures of Half Moon Bay are unmatched across the board. Relatively nearby inland cities see significantly warmer temperatures at the same time. Despite the low latitude and strong maritime influence, nights remain very cool, even in the summer.

January is the coolest month with an average high of {{convert|58.4|°F|1}} and an average low of {{convert|42.9|°F|1}}. September is the warmest month with an average high of {{convert|66.8|°F|1}} and an average low of {{convert|51.2|°F|1}}.<ref name="WRCC" />

The most rainfall recorded in Half Moon Bay in one month was {{convert|15.70|in|sigfig=3}} in February 1998. The heaviest 24-hour rainfall was {{convert|5.33|in|sigfig=3}} on January 4, 1982. There is an average of 86{{nbsp}}days with measurable rainfall.<ref name="WRCC" />
{{Weather box
|location = Half Moon Bay, California, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1939–present
|single line = Y
|Jan record high F = 76
|Feb record high F = 81
|Mar record high F = 83
|Apr record high F = 84
|May record high F = 82
|Jun record high F = 89
|Jul record high F = 81
|Aug record high F = 88
|Sep record high F = 92
|Oct record high F = 94
|Nov record high F = 87
|Dec record high F = 79
|year record high F =
|Jan high F = 59.4
|Feb high F = 59.5
|Mar high F = 60.4
|Apr high F = 61.0
|May high F = 61.7
|Jun high F = 63.9
|Jul high F = 64.8
|Aug high F = 65.6
|Sep high F = 66.4
|Oct high F = 66.4
|Nov high F = 62.7
|Dec high F = 59.0
|year high F = 62.6
|Jan mean F = 51.4
|Feb mean F = 51.3
|Mar mean F = 52.1
|Apr mean F = 52.9
|May mean F = 54.9
|Jun mean F = 56.9
|Jul mean F = 58.8
|Aug mean F = 59.7
|Sep mean F = 58.8
|Oct mean F = 57.1
|Nov mean F = 53.7
|Dec mean F = 50.9
|year mean F = 54.9
|Jan low F = 43.4
|Feb low F = 43.0
|Mar low F = 43.7
|Apr low F = 44.7
|May low F = 48.0
|Jun low F = 49.9
|Jul low F = 52.7
|Aug low F = 53.9
|Sep low F = 51.3
|Oct low F = 47.9
|Nov low F = 44.8
|Dec low F = 42.9
|year low F= 47.2
|Jan record low F = 27
|Feb record low F = 22
|Mar record low F = 28
|Apr record low F = 31
|May record low F = 33
|Jun record low F = 36
|Jul record low F = 40
|Aug record low F = 41
|Sep record low F = 35
|Oct record low F = 33
|Nov record low F = 30
|Dec record low F = 19
|year record low F= 19
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 5.07
|Feb precipitation inch = 4.73
|Mar precipitation inch = 3.67
|Apr precipitation inch = 1.81
|May precipitation inch = 0.96
|Jun precipitation inch = 0.36
|Jul precipitation inch = 0.14
|Aug precipitation inch = 0.23
|Sep precipitation inch = 0.21
|Oct precipitation inch = 1.26
|Nov precipitation inch = 2.43
|Dec precipitation inch = 5.17
|year precipitation inch= 26.04
|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 14.4
|Feb precipitation days = 14.0
|Mar precipitation days = 13.9
|Apr precipitation days = 8.8
|May precipitation days = 7.2
|Jun precipitation days = 5.0
|Jul precipitation days = 7.0
|Aug precipitation days = 7.6
|Sep precipitation days = 6.3
|Oct precipitation days = 7.7
|Nov precipitation days = 10.6
|Dec precipitation days = 13.4
|year precipitation days= 115.9
|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=mtr
|title = NOWData - NOAA Online Weather Data
|publisher= [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
|access-date = June 15, 2022
}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00043714&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|title = Summary of Monthly Normals 1991-2020
|publisher= National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|access-date = June 15, 2022
}}</ref>

|date=August 2010
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1960= 1957
|1970= 4023
|1980= 7282
|1990= 8886
|2000= 11842
|2010= 11324
|2020= 11795
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}

===2010===

{{As of|2010|alt=The}} [[2010 United States Census]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0631708|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140715084306/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0631708|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 15, 2014|title=2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Half Moon Bay city|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=July 12, 2014}}</ref> reported that Half Moon Bay had a population of 11,324. The population density was {{convert|1,757.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of Half Moon Bay was 8,580 (75.8%) [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 82 (0.7%) [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 71 (0.6%) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 490 (4.3%) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 9 (0.1%) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1,710 (15.1%) from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 382 (3.4%) from two or more races.  [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 3,563 persons (31.5%).

The Census reported that 11,306 people (99.8% of the population) lived in households, 18 (0.2%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 4,149 households, out of which 1,264 (30.5%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 2,373 (57.2%) were [[marriage|opposite-sex married couples]] living together, 293 (7.1%) had a female householder with no husband present, 156 (3.8%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 208 (5.0%) [[POSSLQ|unmarried opposite-sex partnerships]], and 41 (1.0%) [[same-sex partnerships|same-sex married couples or partnerships]]. 1,067 households (25.7%) were made up of individuals, and 538 (13.0%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72. There were 2,822 [[family (U.S. Census)|families]] (68.0% of all households); the average family size was 3.24.

The population was spread out, with 2,533 people (22.4%) under the age of 18, 796 people (7.0%) aged 18 to 24, 2,587 people (22.8%) aged 25 to 44, 3,644 people (32.2%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,764 people (15.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.1 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 93.8 males.

There were 4,395 housing units at an average density of {{convert|682.0|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}, of which 2,944 (71.0%) were owner-occupied, and 1,205 (29.0%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.0%; the rental vacancy rate was 1.9%. 7,645 people (67.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 3,661 people (32.3%) lived in rental housing units.

===2000===
{{As of|2000|alt=As of the}} [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 11,842 people, 4,004 households, and 2,774 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,829.8|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 4,114 housing units at an average density of {{convert|635.7|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}.

There were 4,004 households, out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.7% were non-families. Of all households, 23.1% were made up of individuals, and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.2% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 31.9% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.8 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 115.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $78,473, and the median income for a family was $92,204. Males had a median income of $60,913 versus $41,265 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $37,963. 6.1% of the population and 3.4% of families were below the [[poverty line]]. Of those, 7% are under the age of 18 and 6.2% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

==Economy==
[[File:Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay Ocean Lawn.jpg|thumb|Ocean Lawn at the [[Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay|Ritz-Carlton Hotel Half Moon Bay]]]]
*[[GoPro]] was started in 2002 in Half Moon Bay, and then moved its headquarters to San Mateo, in 2012
*[[Odwalla]] was based in Half Moon Bay, but then relocated its headquarters to [[Dinuba, California|Dinuba]], on May 31, 2013
*The [[Institute for the Study of Knowledge Management in Education]] is headquartered in Half Moon Bay

===Top employers===

{{As of|2020|alt=According to the city's 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report}},<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.half-moon-bay.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/6390/HMB-ACFR-FY2023-FINAL|title=City of Half Moon Bay ACFR|access-date=February 17, 2024}}</ref> the top employers in the city were:

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! #
! Employer
! # of Employees
|-
|1
|[[Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay]]
|150
|-
|2
|[[New Leaf Community Markets|New Leaf Community Market]]
|105
|-
|3
|Sam's Chowder House
|98
|-
|4
|[[Safeway Inc.|Safeway]]
|65
|-
|5
|Rocket Farms Inc.
|62
|-
|6
|[[SP Plus Corporation|SP Plus]]
|50
|-
|7
|San Benito House
|49
|-
|8
|Pasta Moon Inc
|48
|-
|9
|McMahon Floral
|47
|-
|10
|Beach House LLC
|45
|}

===Pillar Point Harbor===
{{main|Pillar Point Harbor}}

[[File:Pillar Point Harbor aerial view.jpg|thumb|Eastern aerial view of [[Pillar Point Harbor]]]]

The Pillar Point Harbor at the northern edge of Half Moon Bay offers a protected landing for boats and provides other marine infrastructure. In the late 1980s, a new master plan was developed for the [[Harbor]].<ref>Callander Associates, ''Pillar Point Harbor East Harbor Master Plan'', December 21, 1988)</ref> A variety of fish species have been identified in the harbor area. At the harbor, fishermen sell crab and fish catches straight off their boats at discount prices directly to the public, and restaurants will filet the fish for purchasers.<ref name="fishfone">{{cite web|url=http://www.smharbor.com/pillarpoint/|title=FishFone|access-date=December 6, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117034913/http://www.smharbor.com/pillarpoint/|archive-date=November 17, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Half Moon Bay Yacht Club has facilities at the harbor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hmbyc.org/about-hmbyc|title=About|website=Half Moon Bay Yacht Club|language=en-US|access-date=January 14, 2020}}</ref>

==Arts and culture==
===Notable buildings===
[[File:Surfers at Mavericks.jpg|thumb|Surfers at [[Mavericks, California|Mavericks]]]]
[[File:Dodge WC series command car side.JPG|thumb|Dodge WC series command car, at the 2009 Pacific Coast Dream Machines|alt=]]
[[File:View of the coastal cliffs in Half Moon Bay, California.jpg|thumb|Cliffs overlooking [[Half Moon Bay State Beach]]]]

The city has four sites listed at the [[National Register of Historic Places listings in San Mateo County, California|National Register of Historic Places]]: the [[Methodist Episcopal Church at Half Moon Bay]], the William Adam Simmons House,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://noehill.com/sanmateo/nat1992000995.asp|title=National Register #92000995: William Adam Simmons House in Half Moon Bay, California|website=noehill.com|access-date=January 14, 2020}}</ref> the Robert Mills Dairy Barn,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://noehill.com/sanmateo/nat1990000120.asp|title=National Register #90000120: Mills Dairy Barn in Burleigh-Murray Ranch State Park, California|website=noehill.com|access-date=January 14, 2020}}</ref> and the [[James Johnston House (Half Moon Bay, California)|James Johnston House]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.johnstonhouse.org/|title=The White House of Half Moon Bay {{!}} The James Johnston House|website=www.johnstonhouse.org|access-date=January 14, 2020}}</ref> The remnants of the village of [[Purissima, California|Purissima]], perhaps the only ghost town in San Mateo County, are {{convert|4|mi|km|spell=in}} south of the city, near the junction of State Route 1 and Verde Road.

There is an artist's collective, ''Colony of Coastside Artists'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.colonyofcoastsideartists.com/|title=Colony of Coastside Artists home page|website=Colony of Coastside Artists|language=en|access-date=January 14, 2020}}</ref> downtown has several galleries, and there are art classes and workshops available locally.<ref>[http://coastalartsenterprises.com/arts-on-the-coastside/ Arts On The Coastside] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730054944/http://coastalartsenterprises.com/arts-on-the-coastside/ |date=July 30, 2015 }} Retrieved on May 6, 2015.</ref>

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is a major employer. The hotel was used as the wedding venue for the 2003 comedy film, ''[[American Wedding]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Filming Locations for American Wedding (American Pie 3) (2003)|url=http://www.movie-locations.com/movies/a/American-Pie-3.php|access-date=January 19, 2022|website=The Worldwide Guide to Movie Locations}}</ref>

===Events===
The [[Eddie Andreini Sr. Airfield|Half Moon Bay Airport]] hosts an annual benefit event in April, Pacific Coast Dream Machines, which features aircraft and automobiles.<ref>[http://www.miramarevents.com/dreammachines/ Pacific Coast Dream Machines, Half Moon Bay's Festival of Magnificent Machines]. Miramarevents.com. Retrieved on July 21, 2013.</ref> Half Moon Bay also hosts an annual [[Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival|Art and Pumpkin Festival]] in October.

==Parks and recreation==
The region around Half Moon Bay contains several state parks and beaches, including:
*[[Half Moon Bay State Beach]]
*[[Poplar Beach]]
*[[San Gregorio State Beach]]
*[[Pomponio State Beach]]
*[[Fitzgerald Marine Reserve]], located north of Half Moon Bay, is a refuge for plants and animals adapted to live at the shoreline.

At the north edge of the bay is the [[Big wave surfing|big wave]] surf area, [[Mavericks, California|Mavericks]], off Pillar Point, where surfers challenge waves over {{convert|50|ft|m}} tall. From 1999 to 2016, it was the location of the annual [[Titans of Mavericks]] competition.

[[Montara Mountain]], located North of Half Moon Bay, is a popular outdoor recreation spot and home to the old Highway{{nbsp}}1.

==Government==
[[File:Half Moon Bay City Hall 1 2019-06-12.jpg|thumb|Half Moon Bay City Hall]]

In the [[California State Legislature]], Half Moon Bay is in {{Representative|casd|13|fmt=sdistrict}}, and in {{Representative|caad|23|fmt=adistrict}}.<ref>{{Cite web
| url = http://statewidedatabase.org/gis/gis2011/index_2011.html
| title = Statewide Database
| publisher = UC Regents
| access-date = November 29, 2014
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150201113744/http://statewidedatabase.org/gis/gis2011/index_2011.html
| archive-date = February 1, 2015
| url-status = dead
}}</ref>

In the [[United States House of Representatives]], Half Moon Bay is in {{Representative|cacd|16|fmt=district}}.<ref>{{Cite GovTrack|CA|16|access-date=March 13, 2013}}</ref>

Fire protection for the city of Half Moon Bay is provided by the Coastside Fire Protection District,<ref name=CFDP>{{Cite web|url=http://www.coastsidefire.org/about|title=About Us {{!}} Coastside Fire Protection District|website=www.coastsidefire.org|access-date=June 27, 2017}}</ref> which contracts for service with CalFire.<ref name=CFDP/>

Law enforcement for the City of Half Moon Bay is provided under a contract with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

According to the [[Secretary of State of California|California Secretary of State]], as of February 10, 2019, Half Moon Bay has 7,549 registered voters. Of those, 3,603 (47.7%) are registered [[California Democratic Party|Democrats]], 1,380 (18.3%) are registered [[California Republican Party|Republicans]], and 2,142 (28.4%) have [[Decline to State|declined to state]] a political party.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/ror/ror-odd-year-2019/politicalsub.pdf|title=CA Secretary of State – Report of Registration – February 10, 2019|website=ca.gov|access-date=March 12, 2019}}</ref>

==Education==
The [[Cabrillo Unified School District]] serves the city. Schools include [[Half Moon Bay High School]], Cunha Middle School and Hatch Elementary School although many students are bused to other Cabrillo Unified Schools (Farallone View Elementary and El Granada Elementary) in the unincorporated area north of the City and King Mountain off Skyline Boulevard south of Highway{{nbsp}}92.

The city is served by the [[Peninsula Library System]].

==Media==
*''[[Half Moon Bay Review]]'', online newspaper
*''Half Moon Bay Patch'', online newspaper<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://halfmoonbay.patch.com | title=Half Moon Bay, CA Patch - Breaking News, Local News, Events, Schools, Weather, Sports and Shopping}}</ref>

==Transportation==
Primary road access is via [[State Route 1 (California)|State Route&nbsp;1]] (the Cabrillo Highway) from the north and south, and [[State Route 92 (California)|State Route&nbsp;92]] from the east.

The city is served by [[Half Moon Bay Airport]].

[[SamTrans]] routes{{nbsp}}294 and{{nbsp}}117 provide service to Half Moon Bay from the [[Hillsdale Caltrain station]] in [[San Mateo, California|San Mateo]] and Linda Mar in [[Pacifica, California|Pacifica]], respectively.

==In popular culture==
The [[World War II]] [[United States Navy]] [[seaplane tender]] [[USS Half Moon (AVP-26)|USS ''Half Moon'' (AVP-26)]] was named for Half Moon Bay and retained the name when serving as a [[United States Coast Guard]] weather reporting ship USCGC ''Half Moon'' for more than 20 years after the war.

The album ''[[Half Moon Bay (album)|Half Moon Bay]]'' was recorded by jazz pianist [[Bill Evans]] in 1973 at the Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society in Half Moon Bay.

Half Moon Bay is the primary setting of the 2010 B-movie ''[[Birdemic: Shock and Terror]]''.

[[Belinda Carlisle]] shot her music video for [[Circle in the Sand]] at Half Moon Bay.

==Notable people==
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2020}}
*[[John Cardiel]], skateboarder
*[[Jon Miller]], Hall of Fame broadcaster for the [[San Francisco Giants]]
*[[Charlee Minkin]] (born 1981), Olympic judoka
*[[John Montefusco]], former pitcher for the [[San Francisco Giants]] and [[Atlanta Braves]]
*[[Jay Moriarity]], surfer and free diver, youngest person to surf Mavericks, depicted in the film ''[[Chasing Mavericks]]''
*[[Al Pereira]], professional wrestler, twice holder of the [[European Heavyweight Championship]]
*[[Dorothy Wagner Puccinelli]], muralist and artist<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.askart.com/artist/Dorothy_Wagner_Puccinelli/106919/Dorothy_Wagner_Puccinelli.aspx|title=Dorothy Puccinelli|website=www.askart.com|access-date=March 14, 2016}}</ref>
*[[Richard Rhodes]], Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.visithalfmoonbay.org/events/richard-rhodes-discusses-his-book-energy-human-history|title=RICHARD RHODES DISCUSSES HIS BOOK 'ENERGY: A HUMAN HISTORY'|access-date=September 21, 2021|date=September 21, 2017}}</ref>
*[[Phil Schiller]], senior vice president at Apple<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://features.bowdoin.edu/schiller-coastal-studies|title=The Schiller Coastal Studies Center|website=features.bowdoin.edu|access-date=September 6, 2017|date=August 31, 2017|archive-date=September 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906224424/http://features.bowdoin.edu/schiller-coastal-studies|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|San Francisco Bay Area|California}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{wikivoyage|Half Moon Bay}}
{{Commons category|Half Moon Bay, California}}
*{{Official website}}
*[https://www.visithalfmoonbay.org Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitors' Bureau]{{snds}}tourist information
*[http://hmbreview.com/ Half Moon Bay Review]{{snds}}newspaper serving the San Mateo County Coastside since 1898
*[https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/gpo52692 California State Waters Map Series]{{snds}}Offshore of Half Moon Bay{{snds}}United States Geological Survey

{{San Mateo County, California}}
{{SF Bay Area}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Half Moon Bay, California| ]]
[[Category:Cities in San Mateo County, California]]
[[Category:Cities in the San Francisco Bay Area]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in California]]
[[Category:Incorporated cities and towns in California]]