JANUARY 26-FEBRUARY 1, 2023 MONTEREYCOUNTYWEEKLY.COM LOCAL & INDEPENDENT TEEING OFF 16 | SENSE OF WONDER 39 | BLACK HISTORY ON SCREEN 40 | HOW TO SAVE A LIFE 42 Tools and practices that help you stay healthy, both physically and mentally. p. 22 RIPPED TIDE ISSUE Health & Fitness 2023
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4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY january 26-february 1, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com January 26-february 1, 2023 • ISSUE #1800 • Established in 1988 Todd Hunt (iPhone 14) Storms brought big surf to the coast, moving sand and revealing features that are normally hidden. Coupled with super-low king tides on Jan. 21-22, these rocks at Carmel Beach were illuminated at sunset. Monterey County photo of the week Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@mcweekly.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: The team at Fitness Fusion in Pacific Grove, including trainers Lilly Peak and Zach Brown, have some ideas about how anyone can become a bonafide gym rat. It starts with simply showing up consistently. Cover Photo by Daniel Dreifuss etc. Copyright © 2023 by Milestone Communications Inc. 668 Williams Ave., Seaside, California 93955 (telephone 831-394-5656). All rights reserved. Monterey County Weekly, the Best of Monterey County and the Best of Monterey Bay are registered trademarks. No person, without prior permission from the publisher, may take more than one copy of each issue. Additional copies and back issues may be purchased for $1, plus postage. Mailed subscriptions: $120 yearly, pre-paid. The Weekly is an adjudicated newspaper of Monterey County, court decree M21137. The Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Visit our website at http://www.montereycountyweekly.com. Audited by CVC. Founder & CEO Bradley Zeve bradley@mcweekly.com (x103) Publisher Erik Cushman erik@mcweekly.com (x125) Editorial editor Sara Rubin sara@mcweekly.com (x120) features editor Dave Faries dfaries@mcweekly.com (x110) associate editor Tajha Chappellet-Lanier tajha@mcweekly.com (x135) Staff Writer Celia Jiménez celia@mcweekly.com (x145) Staff Writer Pam Marino pam@mcweekly.com (x106) Staff Writer Rey Mashayekhi rey@mcweekly.com (x102) Staff Writer Agata Pope¸da (x138) aga@mcweekly.com Staff Writer David Schmalz david@mcweekly.com (x104) DIGITAL PRODUCER Kyarra Harris kyarra@mcweekly.com (x105) Staff photographer Daniel Dreifuss daniel@mcweekly.com (x140) contributors Nik Blaskovich, Rob Brezsny, Paul Fried, Jeff Mendelsohn, Adrienn MendonçaJones, Jacqueline Weixel, Paul Wilner Cartoons Rob Rogers, Tom Tomorrow Production Art Director/Production Manager Karen Loutzenheiser karen@mcweekly.com (x108) Graphic Designer Kevin Jewell kevinj@mcweekly.com (x114) Graphic Designer Alexis Estrada alexis@mcweekly.com (x114) Graphic Designer Lani Headley lani@mcweekly.com (x114) SALES senior Sales Executive Diane Glim diane@mcweekly.com (x124) Senior Sales Executive George Kassal george@mcweekly.com (x122) Senior Sales Executive Keith Bruecker keith@mcweekly.com (x118) Classifieds business development director Keely Richter keely@mcweekly.com (x123) Digital Director of Digital Media Kevin Smith kevin@mcweekly.com (x119) Distribution Distribution AT Arts Co. atartsco@gmail.com Distribution Control Harry Neal Business/Front Office Office Manager Linda Maceira linda@mcweekly.com (x101) Bookkeeping Rochelle Trawick rochelle@mcweekly.com 668 Williams Ave., Seaside, CA 93955 831-394-5656, (FAX) 831-394-2909 www.montereycountyweekly.com To read Monterey County NOW in your inbox daily, sign up at mcweekly.com/signup. We’d love to hear from you. Send us your tips at tipline.montereycountyweekly.com. MAKE A DIRECT IMPACT INSIDER MAKE AN IMPACT AT $15 PER MONTH Become an Insider today. montereycountyweekly.com/insider Our work is continuing to be made possible through the support of readers like you. Delivering local and independent journalism takes a lot of resources. Whether it’s for investigative reporting, covering the arts scene or offsetting the costs of distribution every dollar makes a difference.
be empowered be proactive be supported be strong Renew your commitment to good health this new year! Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or working on your fitness level, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System can put you on the path to wellness. For more information on program offerings or events, contact our Health Promotion Department at healthpromotion@svmh.com, visit svmh.com/pathways or call 831-759-1890. Online registration at svmh.com/events-classes. Be well | svmh.com be well www.montereycountyweekly.com JANUARY 26-FEBRUARY 1, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JANUARY 26-FEBRUARY 1, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH The Central Coast became a national story when President Joe Biden visited Santa Cruz County on Thursday, Jan. 19 to view storm damage. As with most presidential excursions, media access is limited; White House staff coordinate a press pool, in which assigned members of the media get access, then share their reporting with other outlets. The Weekly followed along with 23 email updates on Biden’s activities, starting at 6:24am. His arrival at Moffett Federal Airfield was followed by play-by-play updates: “POTUS deplaned at 11:55. He is in Aviators and has changed into a blazer and blue trousers from the suit he wore getting aboard [Air Force One].” Biden then flew to Watsonville Municipal Airport, where U.S. representatives Zoe Lofgren and Jimmy Panetta greeted him. After arriving via motorcade in Capitola, the pool reporter shared: “It feels like the whole town has turned out to look on from afar.” Evening updates came from Washington, where the president landed at 11:42pm eastern, “after an uneventful return flight, brightened by distribution of unfeasibly large ice cream sandwiches (from Marianne’s of Santa Cruz—mint and chocolate).” Good: As economic opportunity becomes increasingly linked with efficient internet access, it’s good news that Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, on behalf the Central Coast Broadband Consortium, was awarded a $1 million grant by the California Public Utilities Commission to expand and deploy broadband internet access in rural areas across Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. “Access to adequate and affordable broadband service continues to be an issue of equity and economic development for our region,” MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya said in a statement. “Broadband must be recognized as an essential utility. We are proud to partner with CCBC to advance the broadband goals of our region.” The funding will flow over a five-year period, and of the 15 such projects selected statewide, it is the largest single dollar amount. GREAT: Great news for the farmworker community comes thanks to $833,000 from the California Department of Community Services and Development that will enable Monterey County to start a Farmworker Resource Center in Greenfield. Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 941 into law, creating a grant program for counties to create such centers. The state will provide 75 percent of the funds, and Monterey County 25 percent, which will come from cannabis taxes. County Supervisor Chris Lopez says the center will provide better access to services: “I’m hoping this is a model and that we find success and realize the value in creating these hubs.” AB 941 was based on a program in Ventura County that started in 2019 and includes three offices, with weekend and evening hours to make services more accessible. The center is scheduled to be open by July 15. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY Monterey County’s Tourism Improvement District estimated revenue for 2022-23. About 45 percent is from hotel guests in the city of Monterey, the rest from elsewhere in the county. The fee charged per night per room ranges from $1 to $2.50. The revenue is used for tourism marketing. Source: Monterey City Council report $4,270,801 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “She brings a fresh perspective to jazz.” -Monterey Jazz Festival Artistic Director Tim Jackson on the announcement that saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin will be the 2023 artist-in-residence (see story, mcweekly. com). ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES Stop By To Shop And Find Your Vintage Treasure OVER 100 DEALERS 21,000 SQUARE FEET The Largest Antiques and Collectibles Mall on the Central Coast 471 WAVE STREET MONTEREY (831) 655-0264 P M canneryrowantiquemall.com Open Daily 11am-6pm ’22 Voted Monterey County's Best Antique Shop Bounce back with our skilled team Mee Memorial Healthcare System Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Services; A talented and capable professionals treating a diverse range of pain and injuries. We are patient advocates — delivering the best possible treatment available. We are just down the road, and at your service to: • Lessen pain • Increase stamina • Restore range of motion • Shorten recovery time or hospital stays • Reduce complications of surgery For appointments in south county call or email 831.385.6835 rlimone@meememorial.com
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8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JANUARY 26-FEBRUARY 1, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com 831 It is hard to believe that a compact studio, well hidden between other small businesses on Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey, is able to contain so much energy. It’s 10:45am on a Saturday morning when I open its door to attend the 11am free trial for Women Empowered at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Monterey. A mixed-gender combat class is still in progress on the floor, bodies in white dress drop heavily on a bouncy platform the color of seaweed, and students, mostly male, work in pairs mimicking as closely as possible real combat, according to traditions developed by the Gracie family over the last 80 years. Ceiling fans spin, fanning portraits of venerable founders of the martial arts being practiced below. Each Saturday, someone new shows up for the all-female class and Sam Chapa gives a quick introduction. She talks about “stages of the attack,” one of many important and often-invoked phrases throughout the course, emphasizing on the fact that fighting should be considered the last resort, and reminding participants that no possessions are worth losing one’s life for. The Women Empowered course consists of 15 classes and explores 20 essential jiu-jitsu-based defense techniques that can be used regardless of age or physical ability. It was designed by Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in cooperation with law enforcement officers and other experts—even former predators. On this day we cover step-by-step, move-by-move what to do when dealing with a much stronger attacker, with different techniques for somebody wielding a knife or a gun. Instructors demonstrate first, and students then practice in pairs. To learn the technique, I lie on the ground and allow my partner to sit on me with a plastic knife poised on my neck. I was shown how to use my arms and legs to take over the weapon and push the attacker away—all in slow motion for the purpose of learning. Then roles are switched; victims become the attacker, an easier job— even if the attacker gets lightly kicked and will spill over and hit the floor. At this point, killing your “bad guy” is optional, but the instructors emphasize that’s a choice that should be considered and made. The level of intensity is moderate. But one has to be comfortable with falling (on a mattress), and with the physical closeness. The students in Women Empowered are all of different ages, body types and ethnicities. Some take the course once, others continue. Chapa says taking each class three times should make one pretty confident about any given technique. True passionates can test for the pink belt that allows them to train with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for free and serve as an assistant instructor. That’s 60 classes attended and a pretty challenging test, explains Brendan Crooks, one of the lead instructors. Chapa tested and received her pink belt in August 2022, after starting her adventure in April 2019. She never considered martial arts before. “I was just driving by and saw them training,” she says. “It looked surprisingly interesting.” “A lot of women try it and they realize it’s different from what they thought jiu-jitsu is,” Crooks says. He has been practicing jiu-jitsu since 2012, and part of GJJ Monterey since it opened in 2017, becoming an instructor for Women Empowered in 2021. “Many women are not interested in jiu-jitsu because they might think they’d have to train with a bunch of sweaty guys,” he adds. Crooks runs the course in tandem with Chapa. He hopes she will eventually take over. (For students to take the Women Empowered class, after the initial trial, costs $120 monthly—four classes.) “My advice is come to the class,” says Lily Tellado, age 13, addressing all women who are not sure how they feel about martial arts, but wouldn’t mind feeling safer walking down the street. “If you don’t try it, you will never know if you like it or not.” Tellado has been taking Women Empowered for three months, and has been training in jiu-jitsu for five years. She finds jiu-jitsu less aggressive than karate or taekwondo. “I like the flow,” she says. “It’s graceful, like a dance.” Class Contact A self-defense course for women held at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Monterey is an introduction to empowerment. By Agata Pop˛eda Sam Chapa and Brendan Crooks demonstrate one of techniques from the Women Empowered program at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Monterey. “If you don’t try it, you will never know if you like it or not.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE DANIEL DREIFUSS ISSUE Health & Fitness 2023
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10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY january 26-february 1, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com news When Seaside City Council approved the West Broadway Urban Village Specific Plan back in 2010, the vision was to revitalize the city’s downtown core with a pedestrian-friendly, transit-adjacent street that would attract businesses (and customers) and a variety of different housing types. Some of that vision has already been realized: The sidewalks have been widened, trees have been planted, and the street has gone from four lanes to two. But among the things that haven’t happened yet are new housing developments (a lack of water supply has played a part in that) and a parking structure, the latter of which was included on page 1 of the 300-page plan. That’s in part why the council voted last January to spend almost $1.1 million to acquire a small lot on the corner of Broadway and Del Monte, which has been used for parking ever since. On Jan. 19, the City Council declared that use official, and also included another city-owned lot across Del Monte Boulevard that would total 60 parking spaces. Council voted to keep 36 of those spaces dedicated to residential parking. The timing is important as sometime in the next few weeks, El Dorado Hills-based developer Doug Wiele—who built the Trader Joe’s development in Monterey, among others—says he will submit a formal application to redevelop the Seaside Market property at 1540 and 1546 Del Monte, which has been shuttered for years. The plan is to build a four-story, mixed-use development with fast casual restaurants on the first floor and 32 workforce housing units above them. Wiele’s initial plan didn’t include any parking spaces for residents—they would all be offsite. Park Places To bolster urban density, Seaside is investing in parking—for both customers and residents. By David Schmalz Where an aging, low-income, 40-unit apartment building once sat at 1115 Parkside St. in Salinas, there are now two gleaming buildings featuring 80 units for low-income seniors. At one time, the old building that was torn down was connected by a bridge to a twin building at 1114 Parkside that still stands. The remnants of the chopped-off bridge still hang from the remaining building, decaying in the elements, an apt metaphor for the break between the two agencies that own each building. That break between the two—the Housing Agency for the County of Monterey (HACM), which owns Parkside I at 1115 Parkside, and Monterey County Housing Inc. (MCHI) which owns the older Parkside II next door—is contributing to apartments in Parkside II going vacant for months on end. HACM officials held a grand opening ceremony on Jan. 19 at Parkside I, where tenants have been moving in since November. There are still over 20 units vacant. It’s taken some time to sort through a long applicant list, says HACM Executive Director Zuleka Boykin. She hopes to have all 80 units filled within the next 60 days. Meanwhile, at MCHI’s Parkside II, 13 of 47 apartments are empty, or 28 percent, according to a January report. (The U.S. Census Bureau reports the national rental vacancy rate in the third quarter of 2022 was 6 percent, and 4.7 percent in the West.) One unit has been empty for over 400 days, since November 2021. Several became vacant more recently when tenants moved into the new complex next door. The reasons for the vacancies are complex, tied up in disputes between MCHI and HACM, linked together since MCHI’s founding in 1989. MCHI contracts with HACM to provide property management and financial accounting. MCHI attempted to replace HACM as property manager last year but was unable to find another company to take over, says MCHI Executive Director John Rose. Rose and Boykin both say they are seeking to create a new management contract for Parkside II. Rose recently submitted a month-to-month contract, but Boykin isn’t ready to sign: “With us splitting, do we go on a month-tomonth? Or do we do another contract that extends a year or two, in the best interest of the two agencies?” she asks. Rose contends it’s HACM’s responsibility as property manager to fill the units and calls long vacancies unacceptable, but out of his control. Boykin puts the responsibility on MCHI as the property owner. “The condition of the building and the occupancy is something we need to discuss with them and make requests to push forward,” she says, pointing to necessary improvements they need MCHI to approve. Boykin says they are working on filling Parkside II’s vacancies, but another holdup concerns the fact that the original plan was for MCHI to tear the building down and replace it with a new one as soon as Parkside I was completed. Rose says MCHI is working on pulling together financing. That could be a challenge since last month, the nonprofit was informed by the city of Salinas that it no longer meets criteria of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that would make MCHI eligible for federal funds. There are 13 vacancies in the 47-unit Parkside II, despite a waiting list of over 700 names. Parkside I, located immediately next door, is visible in the upper right. Yes Vacancy Low-income apartments sit empty in Salinas, despite a pressing need for housing. By Pam Marino Seaside City Council approved a plan to make a second city-owned lot—which is currently derelict, and includes a few small foundations—into 60 parking spaces. Of those, 36 will be residential. He calls the vacancies unacceptable, but out of his control. Daniel Dreifuss Daniel Dreifuss
www.montereycountyweekly.com JANUARY 26-FEBRUARY 1, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 Federally Insured by NCUA | Equal Housing Lender 831.479.6000 or toll-free at 888.4BAYFED, ext. 304 www.bayfed.com/HomeLoans * An example Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for a 5/5 ARM is 6.285%. An example monthly mortgage payment is $4,480.00 per month (excludes taxes and insurance). The estimated quotes are based on a loan amount of $800,000 with credit scores of 680+ and a 80% loan to value. This offer and term are effective as of January 13, 2023 . Actual payments may be greater than the example and may vary based on the actual loan amount. The APR and payments on 5/5 ARM loans are fixed for the first 5 years and are variable thereafter, adjusting every 5 years. Other Adjustable and Fixed Rate mortgage loans are available for loan amounts up to $3,000,000. Additional down payment requirements, closing costs, and other conditions may apply. All loans are subject to approval of credit, income verification and property valuation. Bay Federal Credit Union membership required at the time of closing. For more information, visit www.bayfed.com, any Bay Federal Credit Union branch, or call a Bay Federal Home Loan Consultant at 831.479.6000 or toll-free at 888.4BAYFED, extension 304. Save an average of $252 on your mortgage payment! An annual savings of $3,024 Visit bayfed.com/arm to learn how much you can save. Apply in person at Pebble Beach Human Resources Offices Monday – Friday 9A.M. – 4P.M. 2790 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach (Next to Pacific Grove Gate) Interviews on the spot These opportunities are for the period of January 30 – February 5, with most shifts February 2-5. Hiring for all areas Bartenders, bussers, barbacks, cashiers, cooks, purchasing clerks, servers, stewards, and many more! Special event applications will be available on-site. Questions: (831) 649-7657 Please come prepared to provide proof of employment eligibility. We are hiring for the AT&T Pebble Beach PRO-AM
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY january 26-february 1, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com For the last 19 years, Monterey Peninsula Engineering has operated a concrete recycling facility in southern Marina, just east of Highway 1 and across the street from the District 4 county supervisor’s office. With the exception of those who work in that building, the piles of concrete debris on that site have been out of sight. But that is soon to change as The Dunes development in Marina continues apace, and nearly all of the old military barracks south of Imjin Parkway and west of the highway have been demolished, clearing the way for future residences, businesses and a park. Paul Bruno, MPE’s chief financial officer, says that development to come is the catalyst for why MPE has been on the lookout for a new location for the recycling facility, including four different locations in Del Rey Oaks. The site MPE ultimately decided would be best is in the former Fort Ord on the north side of South Boundary Road. “It’s something not near residential,” Bruno says. “It won’t even be visible from the roadway.” Last October, Del Rey Oaks City Council approved an agreement to be the lead agency for an environmental review of MPE’s proposal, which MPE would pay for (about $40,000). During that Oct. 25 meeting, City Manager John Guertin stressed the need for the city to find more sources of revenue. Managing the land the city was given from the former Fort Ord—which, 25 years ago, conventional wisdom thought would be an economic boon—has instead become an albatross sapping the small city’s resources while putting nothing back into city coffers. “We have narrow revenue sources in the city, and from all appearances we’re heading into a recession,” Guertin told the council. “A big priority for me is to look for any opportunity we can to broaden our revenue sources.” Regarding the possibility of future development along South Boundary Road, Guertin added, “Even in the best case scenario moving forward, we’re at least five years out before the first shovel hits the ground.” Erin Harwayne, a planner for Denise Duffy & Associates—the firm Del Rey Oaks hired to conduct the environmental review—says she expects their work to be done in a few months. And while there were initial concerns when the proposition came before council that it might impact the 28-mile Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway, Guertin says this is a temporary use—something to bring in revenue as the city continues to work toward developing land it was given, but is now paying for. For the second time in three years, the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is considering building staff housing, an effort aimed at reducing turnover. Administrators say the high cost of living and lack of housing hinders the district’s efforts to hire and retain teachers. “We can no longer wait for others to deal with this [housing] crisis,” MPUSD Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh says. The cost of living is one reason people resign, and every year the district hires about 100 new teachers. Over the past five years, Soledad Unified, Salinas Union High, and Monterey Peninsula Unified school districts have looked to bonds to build or purchase housing units to provide below-market-rate housing for employees. The first two passed bond measures in 2020; MPUSD’s didn’t make it to the ballot because its board voted against taking it to voters. In a recent survey completed by over 300 workers (25 percent), MPUSD staff showed strong support for the concept, with 70 percent saying they were very interested in workforce housing. On Jan. 24, the survey results were presented to the board. The concept is to build between 30 and 60 units, ranging from one- to three-bedrooms. Nicola Williams, president of the Monterey Bay Teachers Association, says there are mixed feelings among teachers. Some appreciate the district’s efforts, while others feel frustrated since every year it is harder to afford to live in California and Monterey County. “The general feeling is that ideally, we would earn enough in salary that we could afford to purchase our own house,” Williams says. MPUSD’s potential bond proposal is in an early stage. If by the end of this year the board approves placing a measure on the ballot, it would appear in the 2024 primary election and would need 55-percent voter approval to pass. The dollar amount remains to be decided. Hide Away An obscure concrete pile in Marina is likely relocating to Del Rey Oaks. By David Schmalz news Accessibility Updates Learn about what has taken place so far in Monterey’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan update, which is in progress. The city is hosting two town hall meetings, inviting the public to provide feedback and perspectives on programs and activities, as well as access to city-owned facilities. 10am in-person; 6pm online Thursday, Jan. 26. Monterey City Hall, 580 Pacific St., Monterey. Free. 646-3762. Register for zoom at bit.ly/MontereyADAupdate. For more information, visit haveyoursaymonterey.org/ada-transition-plan-update. Business Savvy Monterey law firm Fenton & Keller hosts its annual “New Year, New Laws” seminar, geared toward business owners, HR managers and other professionals who deal with personnel issues. The seminar focuses on new employment laws and workplace compliance issues in 2023, including pay transparency requirements, fair employment practices and wage updates. 8-11:45am Friday, Jan. 27 and Tuesday, Jan. 31. Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Course, 1 McClure Way, Seaside. $75; registration is required at fentonkeller. com/new-year-new-laws-2023-registration. For more information, contact Julia Smith at 373-1241, jsmith@fentonkeller.com. Budget Talks It’s budget season, and the Salinas community budget forums are underway, seeking public input from residents. Take a survey online or attend one of a series of four community meetings (three are remaining) to provide feedback on what budget priorities you would like to see in the coming years. 6-8pm Tuesday, Jan. 31. Salinas City Hall, 200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas. Free. 758-7201. Survey at bit.ly/salinas23. Fresh Foods The city of Seaside wants to bring back a farmers market and is looking for qualified individuals or organizations to manage it. The operator would manage a certified market in the West Broadway Urban Village, the City Hall parking lot or Oldemeyer Center parking lot providing affordable, accessible, fresh fruits and vegetables for the community while reflecting the city’s diversity. Bidding period runs from Jan. 23 through 4pm Feb. 24. Seaside City Hall, 440 Harcourt Ave., Seaside. For more information, contact Dan Meewis at 899-6821 or dmeewis@ci.seaside. ca.us. Second Round MPUSD revisits a potential bond measure to build staff and teacher housing. By Celia Jiménez In the forefront, heavy machinery knocks down blighted military barracks. In the background, across 1st Avenue, is part of a concrete recycling lot that will have to move. e-mail: publiccitizen@mcweekly.com TOOLBOX “It won’t even be visible from the roadway.” Daniel Dreifuss
www.montereycountyweekly.com JANUARY 26-FEBRUARY 1, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 WE BRING OUR MOBILE SHOWROOM TO YOU! We are the #1 Customer Rated In-Home Flooring Company in America. Locally Owned and Operated. Mention this ad to get $250 OFF of your proposal CALL 831-583-8031 to make an appointment! Visit FloorMB.com to learn more Fully licensed and insured CSLB# 1051783 CARPET – LUXURY VINYL – HARDWOOD – LAMINATES The ultimate home field advantage. Virtual visits or in-person visits at Pediatrics – Monterey genpeds.stanfordchildrens.org We provide support on three different levels at no cost to the participant Health Projects Center supports people as they age to live safely at home by delivering high-quality services and programs in the Monterey Bay Region. Get in Contact! www.hpcn.org | www.delmarcaregiver.org | 800.624.8304 Caregiver Support Care Management Workforce Development CONGRATULATIONS TO Al & Friends has been serving complimentary Sunday Brunch-style breakfasts every weekend at Window on the Bay, Monterey for over a decade. Learn more or donate at alandfriends.org. Thank you for all the years of support! Al & Friends Sunday Breakfast, honoree of the 2023 Humanitarian Award
14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY January 26-February 1, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com On a pristine morning on Monday, Jan. 23—a week after the last of the storms that battered much of California—the line stretches out the door and around the block at Spreckels Veterans Memorial Hall. Tucked away on the edge of the old company town occupied by idyllic single-family homes and surrounded by agricultural fields, Monterey County officials chose the VFW hall as the site of a “one-stop” local assistance center for residents impacted by the storms, which likely caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure across the county. Outside the building, families—many accompanied by young children and strollers—stand patiently as the line inches inside, where dozens of tables staffed with workers from government agencies and nonprofits await to help them. In the first four days after it opened on Saturday, Jan. 21, nearly 1,500 families registered for assistance at the center, county officials say. Staffers from the Monterey County Department of Emergency Management and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services buzz around the floor, directing people to the appropriate services. Among the most in-demand booths are those representing the California Employment Development Department, which is administering federal disaster unemployment assistance for those who lost work and wages due to the storms, and the state Department of Public Health’s Vital Records office, which is waiving document fees for those who lost birth certificates and other personal records needed to apply for relief. Staffers note demand for food, diapers and rental assistance, citing how disasters tend to exacerbate existing economic ailments like food insecurity. Nonprofits like United Way Monterey County and Catholic Charities are also on hand—with the former handing out nearly 200 cash-loaded gift cards. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Small Business Administration are well-represented, with staffers helping people apply for low-interest loans covering damages to their homes, businesses and personal property. Daniel Gonzalez, an emergency services planner with Monterey County, has seen “a lot of residents looking for financial assistance [due to] lost wages,” particularly farmworkers from rural areas in North and South County. “We’ve seen a flow [of people] from all over the county,” Gonzalez says, citing how officials have set up bus routes to and from Pajaro and San Ardo, designed to help people access the center in Spreckels. FEMA spokesperson Tiana Suber says officials are discussing whether to keep the Spreckels assistance center open beyond Thursday, Jan. 26, when operations were initially expected to wrap up. Suber says FEMA is also considering opening its own disaster recovery center in Monterey County, akin to facilities it is already operating in Santa Cruz, Sacramento and Merced counties. After the Flood In Spreckels, Monterey County’s storm relief center forms the frontline of recovery efforts. By Rey Mashayekhi FEMA officials are among federal workers meeting with Monterey County residents. Partner agency SBA provides low-interest loans of up to $200,00 for homeowners and $2 million for business owners. NEWS “We’ve seen a flow of people from all over the county.” DANIEL DREIFUSS The 11th Annual John “Spud” Spadaro Hospitality Awards501(c) (3) Lifetime Achievement Honorees Rich Rosendale Flying Fish Carmel Rose Russo Woody’s at the Airport Pati Stevenson Poppy Hills, Spanish Bay Danny Aliotti Sardine Factory, Escargot Tony Tollner Montrio, Tarpy’s, Rio Grill Cindy & Ted Walter Passionfish Marie & Nino Favalora Favaloro’s Big Night Bistro Bozzo Family Gino’s in Salinas Al Siekert and Friends A Special Thanks To The Donors Who Made This Event A Huge Success Abalonetti Bar & Grill Alvarado Street Brewery Asilomar Conference Ground AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Beach House at Lovers Point Bistro Moulin Britannia Arms & Monarch Pub Casa Munras Garden Hotel Cibo Coffee Mia - Marina Coniglio Italian Deli Elroy’s Fine Food Erik’s DeliCafe Escape Room 831 Esteban at Casa Munras Hotel I Heart Candles Julie Ann Lozano Laguna Seca Golf Course London Bridge Pub Melville Tavern Monette Thiele Monterey County Weekly Monterey Fish Company Monterey Pines Golf Course Monterey Plaza Hotel, Schooners & Coastal Kitchen Monterey Touring Vehicles Monterey’s Tasty Olive Bar Neumeier Poma Investments Pacific Grove Adult School Pebble Beach Co. Pacific Grove Golf Course Portola Hotel & Spa Rockfish Harbor Grill Rombi Winery Rosines Safe Coast Seafood Sandbar & Grill Sardine Factory That Garlic Stuff The Clement Hotel Monterey Wavelength Hair Salon/Joyce Porter Whaling Station Steakhouse, Woody’s at the Airport, Chris Johnson Ron & Ida Chesshire Sheri Glazebrook George Molano George Kassal Larry Kerkhoff Doree Hyland Johnny Aliotti Mary Warburton Boland Phyllis Grillo Congratulations 2022 Hospitality Award Honorees THAnk You To ALL THE VoLunTEErS Mission Statement To honor hospitality professionals in our community and contribute to the future of the industry. All proceeds from the event go toward scholarships for selected hospitality majors at Monterey Peninsula College.
www.montereycountyweekly.com January 26-February 1, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15 Since New Year’s Eve, the Pajaro River was one of several rivers officials watched closely as the water level rose amid storms that pounded the Central Coast. The Pajaro River watershed drains 1,300 square miles across four counties. Rainfall far upriver can take days to flow to the Monterey County community of Pajaro, population 3,000. It wasn’t just the height of the river, but its levees that put officials on alert on both sides, in Monterey County (on the south bank) and Santa Cruz County (on the north). Rising water brought back memories of flooding in 1995 that devastated the Pajaro community and resulted in $95 million in damages, and a more recent flooding scare in 2017. “We are aware of the things that went wrong in ’95 and we are hoping not to repeat those,” Sheriff Tina Nieto said at a press conference in Pajaro on Jan. 8. She urged Pajaro residents to abide by evacuation orders that lasted over a week, from Jan. 9 to 17. Mark Strudley, executive director of the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency (PRFMA), says agency officials worked in conjunction with local agencies in monitoring forecasts and generating flood models. They used that information to reinforce weak areas along the levee. They also installed a muscle wall, a type of portable barrier. “[It was] a way of gaining a little bit of extra height and extra factor of safety against the flood flows that were forecast to come down the river, because we didn’t want the levees to overtop,” Strudley says. Crews also installed seepage berms—large rock supports— to prevent leaks. “Every measure we took wasn’t luck-based, it was based on calculated knowledge,” Strudley says. The Pajaro community didn’t flood, due to a combination of planning and luck. Forecasts showed the levees overflowing, which did not happen. “The flows that were expected were much larger than the levee system could contain, no matter what we did to it,” Strudley says. “It really could have been a lot worse, had there not been that kind of teamwork done by multiple jurisdictions,” says County Supervisor Luis Alejo, also a PRFMA board member. Other communities weren’t as lucky. On Jan. 1, Corralitos Creek overflowed, affecting a retirement community in Watsonville, as well as agricultural fields. And on Jan. 9, the Pacheco Creek Dam overflowed in Hollister. Now that the emergency is over, PRFMA will continue to remove vegetation and clean and replace damaged culverts that are underneath the levee. The levee has been on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ reconstruction list for over 50 years, and last year it got needed federal funds for a $400 million project to prevent flooding. In June 2022, property owners in PRFMA’s area voted overwhelmingly (79 percent) to pay a tax assessment to maintain and manage the levee. Corralitos Creek, where the recent flooding occurred, doesn’t have any levees. “That is the first spot we are prioritizing for new levees with the Army Corps of Engineers,” Strudley says. Construction is expected to begin in 2025. With the Flow Revisiting what happened— in flood management and in hydrological luck—that kept Pajaro from flooding. By Celia Jiménez The bridge over the Pajaro River that connects Monterey and Santa Cruz counties was closed for over a week due to risk of flooding, which never materialized. NEWS “It really could have been a lot worse.” DANIEL DREIFUSS An Open Letter of Appreciation to the Breakthrough Community. Breakthrough Men’s Community is a non-pro t organization founded in 1987 to provide men with the skills to free themselves from non-productive, painful, or unworkable aspects of their lives. is is accomplished via the Breakthrough workshop and other supporting activities of the breakthrough community. Breakthrough’s Mission Statement relates it well: Men Supporting men to uncover aliveness and build fulfilling relationships. We Share • We Listen • We learn, together. As incoming Executive Director for Breakthrough Men’s Community, I want to start the year by taking a moment to appreciate all the hard work of those who were part of this organization in 2022. First and foremost, thank you to the men who enrolled and participated in the Breakthrough workshop in 2022 for taking a stand for themselves and making an investment in their own happiness and aliveness. ank you to the workshop presenters and team members who generously volunteered their time to be with those men on their Breakthrough journey. ank you to the committee members without whose e orts much of the work behind the scenes would not have gotten done. ank you to our Board of Directors in 2022 for your time and your energy. ank you to our outgoing Executive Director Stephen Osborne, for the love commitment and wisdom you gave to Breakthrough in 2022. And very special thanks to all who donated to Breakthrough in 2022. Your generosity directly impacts the men who take the workshop, their partners, children and communities by making it possible for Breakthrough to reach more men with this powerful work. is generosity of time, love and support opens the door to transformation in the lives of the men who participate in the workshop. As men regain a loving relationship with themselves, they positively impact the lives of their families, their workplaces, their communities, and the world. 2022 saw new changes at Breakthrough. e expanded reach of our program continued with participants joining from many states across the country alongside local men from Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. We reintroduced in-person live meetings as part of the workshop again, giving the participants and team members a chance to connect face-to-face and reach beyond the cameras and computer screens. We relaunched our annual summer retreat and we hosted gatherings of music and poetry beginning the process of relearning to be together “in real life” once again. Looking ahead to 2023 we plan to continue supporting our ever expanding family of alumni, adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of outbreaks, variants, and the “new normal” whatever that might be and working to make the workshop available to as many men as possible from all walks of life. We are also reaching out to new strategic partnerships to nd ways that Breakthrough’s work can support the missions of other amazing nonpro ts in our community. It is an honor to take on my new role at Breakthrough and a privilege to serve this community that has contributed so much to my life. With Gratitude, Arnold S. Westphal, Executive Director & Workshop Presenter Breakthrough Men’s Community To learn more about Breakthrough visit www.breakthroughformen.org Try Us First. We Pay The Highest! MONTEREY COIN SHOPPE Since 1970 same street for 40 years Open Mon-Thur 11am-4pm and Friday by appointment only. Call for an appointment: 831.646.9030 449 Alvarado St., Monterey www.montereycoinshoppe.com WE BUY GOLD AND SILVER, JEWELRY, COINS, DIAMONDS, WATCHES, ART & RARE ANTIQUES
sports 16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY january 26-february 1, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com The 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links hates you. More specifically, it hates me. After a relatively routine tee shot, I tried to skim the left side of the fairway, aiming for a sliver of grass, but instead found the menacing bunker. In my attempt to clear the sand, the ball ricocheted wildly off a stoney lip of ground into the Pacific Ocean. I had to think back to the 16th, where I managed to punch a 6-iron under a tree and onto the green, to boast about a decent shot. Fortunately, the cost of all this aggravation was five figures less than a round at the famed links and a twonight stay at the Lodge. The course was projected on a screen at Links Club in Carmel—literally minutes from the real deal, but without the environmental damage of ditching a ball into the sea. Unfortunately, the program from TrackMan used in the Links Club’s six golf simulation bays is all too realistic. Cut it too fine on 18 and the course will punish you. And 17 isn’t all that friendly, either. “When I saw TrackMan I was super excited,” says April Montgomery, owner of the bar and entertainment center in the Carmel Plaza. “It’s just like playing.” Indeed, one can size up the lie— fairway, rough or just off the cart path out of bounds—check distance to the pin, account for the wind and select the appropriate club. But one can also just have fun. There are 150 courses from around the world to choose from, all mapped out with elevation changes, trees and neighboring houses. Because of the proximity, Pebble Beach Golf Links is the most popular selection, ahead of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews, Scotland. Guests less accustomed to checking ball speed, launch angle and the other data that pours almost instantly from the computer system can select from casual games of target practice, capture the flag or miniature golf. There’s even a version for kids with fanciful figures that allows them to double or triple the power behind their swing. “It makes it very accessible,” Montgomery explains. “We have people who have never played before.” The golf industry has long struggled with the perception of an older, wealthier clientele and the reality that a gap persists between the ages of 18 and 40 where participation in the game drops off. Life—family, career— begins to interfere with the hours necessary for a round of golf. Yet research into the “near golf experience,” “off-course participation” and “latent demand” finds a different form of play thriving, especially among young professionals. Those inventive phrases track those taking part in golf-related entertainment. Venues such as Topgolf, which combine restaurants, bars, music and a technology-driven form of golf, have become popular havens on a national scale. Tipsy Putt, with craft beer and indoor miniature golf, is scheduled to open on Monterey’s Cannery Row later this year as part of an expansion within the state. The thwack of clubs striking balls in the golf bays at Links Club competes with trivia night, karaoke, live bands and other fun. According to the National Golf Foundation, such off-course participation was growing at 10 percent a year before the pandemic struck. Since it opened in April 2021, Links Club has seen business boom each winter, as well as during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. “The business model is not all about golf,” Montgomery notes. “There are a lot of moving parts. It’s an entertainment and nightlife venue.” Montgomery grew up in eastern Tennessee, puttering around as a child on the Gatlinburg Country Club course, and is versed in unique, family-friendly forms of entertainment. Montgomery owns the Mirror Maze on Cannery Row. An indoor golf facility she also operated on the popular strip was shuttered during the Covid lockdown. The pandemic could have derailed Links Club. Montgomery’s planned opening in the fall of 2019 was delayed by renovations to Carmel Plaza. And then March 2020 happened. “We wanted to get open before the holidays,” she recalls. “Missed it.” She persisted, and Carmel Plaza was patient, under the circumstances, as she transformed 6,000 square feet of former retail space into a slick bar and small plates restaurant with high-tech golf. The TrackMan program allows serious golfers to practice. They can work on drives, short irons, wedge shorts and more on a simulated driving range. A test center can work for those looking to improve through a set of drills, and Montgomery has golf pros available for personal instruction. Among the local course selections are Pebble Beach, the Links at Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. They expect to add the par-3 The Hay soon. “Come here first—you’ll play a lot better,” Montgomery says of those with actual tee times. Perhaps. But my drive on 15, which bounded along the cart path before wallowing well out of bounds, suggests it would be about the same experience, except at Links Club there are street tacos and beer involved. Links Club is at Carmel Plaza, Ocean Avenue and Mission Street, Carmel. 250-7816, linksclubgolf.com. Virtual Reality Teeing off at Links Club offers all the fun and frustration of an actual round, with food and drink. By Dave Faries “We have people who have never played before.” Play at Links Club in Carmel is indoors. And there are comforts, such as a menu of shared plates—street tacos, sliders, truffle fries. But for those who wish either to test themselves against the world’s courses (or just flail away), golf simulation is the attraction. Daniel Dreifuss The Real Deal The 2023 AT&T Pebble Beach ProAm pits PGA Tour professionals and amateurs against three courses on the Monterey Peninsula— Spyglass Hill Golf Course, the Monterey Peninsula Country Club and the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links. Celebrities and professionals take part in charitable events on Feb. 1, all located at The Hay. Last year, the team of Alfonso Ribeiro, Hally Leadbetter, Colt Ford and Don Cheadle won the 3M Celebrity Challenge, which raises $125,000 for select charities. Former NFL standout Larry Fitzgerald and pro Nick Taylor captured The Chevron Challenge, with another $250,000 destined to nonprofits. In the Cisco Million Dollar Hole-in-One for Charity, famed chef Thomas Keller— participating in his kitchen whites and tall chef’s hat—was closest to the pin. Play begins on Thursday, Feb. 2. The tournament concludes on Sunday, Feb. 5, when the 60 low-scoring pros and 25 low teams advance to the final round on the Pebble Beach Golf Links. Schedule of Events Feb. 1 10:30am 3M Celebrity Challenge • The Hay 12:30pm The Chevron Challenge • The Hay 2pm Cisco Million Dollar Hole-in-One for Charity • The Hay, 2nd hole Feb. 2-4 8:30am AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am • Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, Monterey Peninsula Country Club Feb. 5 7:30am Final round • Pebble Beach Golf Links Times subject to change.
www.montereycountyweekly.com JANUARY 26-FEBRUARY 1, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 17 Start Your New Year with Us! DR. TERRENCE HACK 166 CARMELITO AVENUE, SUITE B, MONTEREY 831-387-4999 OR 831-705-3010 • MONTEREYAESTHETICSANDMEDICALSPA.COM REJUVENATE YOUR SKIN AND APPEARANCE We offer state-of-the-art Opus® plasma skin resurfacing and skin tightening. Soprano® ICE platinum laser hair removal that is virtually painless, and TED™ Hair Restoration that stimulates hair regrowth to treat pattern baldness. CONTACT US FOR A CUSTOMIZED TREATMENT PLAN TODAY. Pacific Grove STAY & SHUTTLE WITH ONE OF OUR HOTEL SPONSORS Complimentary wristbands with hotel stay Thank You to our Shuttle Sponsor Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Centers PACIFIC GROVE AT&T PRO-AM SHUTTLE FEBRUARY 1st - 5th, 2023 Wednesday- 8:00am - 3:30pm Thursday - Saturday - 6:30am-5:30pm Sunday - 6:30am-4:30pm $25 - one day | $75 - 5 days Shuttle Location Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History 165 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove PacificGrove.org | 831.373.3304
18 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY january 26-February 1, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com Prison BreaK Congratulations on the insightful cover story on the local prison and its transformative justice program (“Call me by my name, and other exercises in empathy from the local prison in Soledad,” Jan. 19-25). Agata Popeda clearly put a lot of time into her research and it shows. The American prison system is horrific, in my opinion, and long overdue for reform. It was heartening to read about efforts to improve conditions and treat inmates like humans capable of change. Nancy Middleton | Monterey Tax and Spend The county collected over $70 million from cannabis in the good times and spent it on benefits to our communities, so the promise to the voters is fulfilled for years to come (“County supervisors will vote on another tax break for cannabis growers, who say it’s still not enough,” Jan. 19-25). Now in hard times, they need the help themselves. Bob Roach | Salinas Note: Roach is executive director of the Monterey County Cannabis Industry Association. MUSICAL CHAIRS Last week, Salinas City Councilmember Anthony Rocha threw shade at Mayor Kimbley Craig for her support in the business community (“Squidfry: Hot Seat,” Jan. 19-25). At least much of her support is local. Councilmember Rocha’s overt ties to the Monterey County New Progressives, founded and led by prominent Peninsula interests, call into question whether his allegiance would be to the city of Salinas at all (“The politics of powerful appointments makes democracy messy,” posted Jan. 23). The math on the council may have changed but the mandate has not—serve the people and interests of Salinas. Residents will be watching closely if Rocha can rise above politics to do just that. Dennis Sanchez | Salinas I’m really enjoying your reporting on the meetings of Monterey County councils and boards (“With appointments to regional boards, newly elected officials realign,” Jan. 19-25). Who knew local government would be such a hotbed?! Mary Jane Perryman | Pacific Grove Moving On What a waste of time when there are some much larger issues in this world to deal with—homelessness, hunger, poverty, mental illness, famine…(“Can Pacific Grove’s diversity task force survive a controversial appointment process?” posted Jan. 17). Diversity, inclusion, equity are all misguided attempts at relieving woke guilty consciousness. People’s time and resources [should be spent on] something important and relevant, instead of making efforts to apologize for actions taken by people eight generations ago. Wake up to today’s issues like education and healthcare, and move on. William Offenberg | via email ROCK ON This sounds amazing! (“A unique museum/micro-hotel overcomes dissent to get approval in Pacific Grove,” Jan. 19-25). Heather K. Purdy | via social media Over Flow The runoff into Little Bear Creek was increased by the development of the subdivision on the southeast corner of the intersection of San Juan Grade and Rogge roads (“Salinas residents blame flooding on the county for lack of creek maintenance outside city jurisdiction,” Jan. 19-25). Even with stormwater improvements, the runoff from the impervious surfaces has permanently increased the surface flows into the creek. When that increase in urban runoff is coupled with the failure (over the past 20 years) to clean out the creek, the flooding of innocent downstream homeowners is guaranteed. The true price of new subdivisions, allowed to be developed without adequate infrastructure and without adequate fees being charged to developers, is paid for by unsuspecting neighbors or the county’s taxpayers. Marc Del Piero | Pebble Beach POWER OF Art I was touched by your article on grief through art (“As the pandemic continues, Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital invites us to process our grief through art,” posted Jan. 19). The rose project is a wonderful movement to honor those that have passed but I also feel it is a unifying force for those left behind. Thank you for bringing this subject to light for the community. David Villareal | Carmel Valley Power Down The push by Michael DeLapa and Ben Gould to switch our energy system to be powered by electricity is a mistake for a couple of reasons (“Monterey County should reduce greenhouse gas emissions by requiring new homes to be all-electric,” Jan. 19-25). The first is that there’s an alternative to electricity which is more economical and better for the environment. Simply put, when solar and wind are not available, coal is used to provide electricity; batteries like those at the Moss Landing facility cannot be disposed of environmentally and elements mined for batteries damage the environment. As proven during recent blackouts, our electric grid can’t handle a conversion to only electricity. The natural gas from PG&E that powers my car is renewable natural gas. RNG is natural gas made from garbage and animal waste. RNG is the stepping stone to a future of hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe. Martin Becker | Pacific Grove Play to Win I read your piece about the Niners and felt the same way that you did! (“Becoming a fan of a sports team often starts at a very young age, and when it does, it sticks. (Go Niners.)” posted Jan. 20.) Last time I watched them was at a bar in Tiburon and when we won my gals and I went into the city which was on fire—honking, dancing in the streets! Watching the Niners play during [shelter-in-place] made me feel normal, and I am hooked again. So glad that “we’ve” had a winning season, and crossing my fingers for Sunday’s game! Anna Wilson | Monterey Letters • CommentsOPINION Submit letters to the editor to letters@mcweekly.com. Please keep your letter to 150 words or less; subject to editing for space. Please include your full name, contact information and city you live in.
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