The five men had cordoned off a square section of land with wooden planks and sheets of black plastic. They were proceeding to dig up the ground there, separating it into trenches.
Like other residents, McEachen immediately had two reactions: curiosity and concern.
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The long thin stretch of wild grassland known as the Burnham Strip, which unfurls on the eastern side of Highway 1 in El Granada, is designated as community open space, making it fairly difficult to develop. Anytime someone tries, there's quite a fuss, with ample opposition, especially from local open-space proponents.
So far, there've been no rumblings of the opposition that usually follows such projects. And according to San Mateo County Senior Planner David Holborook, in this case, there's good reason for that: Nothing's being built on that spot - at least not yet.
But one day, something might be built there.
A building permit application was submitted in 2003 and must still be reviewed by county planners. The first opportunity for public comment will be during an upcoming environmental review process, which is not yet scheduled.
As far as the parcel goes, what appears to be the beginnings of a construction project is actually percolation testing, a preliminary requirement for septic system installation, Holbrook said. And the county was given prior notice of that work.
Knowing what a hot-button issue the Burnham Strip is, the county alerted the Midcoast Community Council about the testing in hopes that the message would be relayed to concerned citizens, he said.
"I realize it gets people's attention," Holbrook said.
"I'm sure the whole thing is being watched very closely because of the area where it's proposed. This strip, this community open space zoning area, has always been closely scrutinized. No doubt there are probably neighbors watching and scratching their heads wondering if this thing isn't getting ahead of itself."
McEachen, whose view of the harbor will be directly impacted by the proposed home, said she was glad to know nothing had been approved yet. She wondered how installation of a new septic system across the street could possibly impact her home, which relies on well water, and she looks forward to more information as the project progresses.
"I have been wondering," she said, her eyes wide. "I would be very interested to know more details."
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