Council veteran Cal Hinton on the mend after freak restaurant crash
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      In addition to his 11 years service on the Pacifica City Council, Hinton is a retired Pacifica fire chief who worked for more than 30 years with the fire department, and is a longtime member of local service organizations.
      His wife told the Tribune he was on his way to pick up a Pacifica Tribune newspaper when he stopped by Seaview Tire and Brake for a chat. He was just coming out of the next-door business when the accident happened.
      The driver of the SUV, Mary Motoh, 60, of Daly City told officers she tried to brake, but that the vehicle did not stop, jumping the curb in front of the restaurant and then crashing into the front of the restaurant.
      Bertini said preliminary investigation showed no problem with the vehicle's brakes. The driver was apparently trying to park at the time, he said. Police believe the driver inadvertently stepped on the accelerator instead of the brakes. The SUV sustained very little damage, only a broken headlight, and was driven away from the scene. The driver was shaken, but unhurt, he said. No charges will be filed because it was an accident.
      The crash caused the building's supportive sideway pole to collapse but firefighters were able to bolster it to make the building safe and the exterior has since been boarded off.
      "I would like to offer my condolences to Cal and his wife," Pacifica Mayor Jim Vreeland said last week. "We wish him a speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with him. Anyone who has survived World War II as an honored veteran can survive this and we're looking forward to having him back on council."
      "I don't know if Cal is watching this, but if he's not I hope it is relayed to him that it's not the same without him here and wish him a speedy recover and hope he's back up here soon," added Council member Pete DeJarnatt, speaking at the council communications period at Monday's council meeting.
      Pacifican MaryAnn Nihart also wished Godspeed recovery to Hinton during oral communication.
      Coincidentally, last week's mishap wasn't the first time Camelot has been slammed into by a runaway vehicle; the same thing happened about 12 years ago, Wheatley recalls. Likewise, Tam's Cuisine of China, kitty corner to Camelot's has also been run into. Storefronts at Linda Mar Shopping Center, Eureka Square and Fairmont Shopping centers have also experienced similar crashes.
      Camelot, which first opened in 1969 was run by Wheatley's parents until she bought the business about five years ago. Ironically, they had just remodeled.
      "We're going to work with the Lees, who own this building to make sure there are some barriers," Wheatley said, adding that she's got contractors all lined up to restore the restaurant, pending issuance of city permits. Fortunately, Camelot has insurance.
      If all goes well, Camelot hopes to be back in business within the month. "Aside from the front of the building, it's mostly cosmetic damage. "We'll keep our customers informed."
      "We're glad there were no fatalities. And our thoughts are with Cal," she said.
      -- MEDIANEWS STAFF contributed to this report