july 6-12, 2023 montereycountyweekly.com LOCAL & INDEPENDENT volunteer scientists 14 | Robert Rivas’ rise 17 | a new venue in monterey 32 | summer brews 38 For the first time in its history, the U.S. Women’s Open comes to Pebble Beach. It’s a big deal. p. 20 By Dave Faries Tee Party
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 6-12, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com BEST SUMMER EVER! THE CITY OF MONTEREY FOR MORE INFO + REGISTRATION MONTEREY.ORG/REC OVERNIGHT CAMP DAY CAMPS TODDLER CAMPS SPORTS CAMPS AND MORE! REGISTER NOW SCAN ME! MBARD is offering $500 to low-income applicants in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties as an incentive to purchase a Class 1, 2 or 3 electric bicycle priced at more than $1,000. Electric Bicycle Incentive Program MONTEREY BAY AIR RESOURCES DISTRICT LEARN MORE AT MBARD.ORG 831.647.9411 Members Save More! Certificate Special Become a Member Today 5.00% APY* 12-Month Term Offer limited to new deposits of $1,000.00+ *Terms and conditions apply. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of May 30, 2023. The Dividend rate and APY may change at any time. The APY is based on the assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal, or transfer reduces the earnings and there are penalties for early withdrawal. The minimum deposit for this 12-month certificate is $1,000.00. Does not Automatically renew. NMLS# 786119 Members Save More! Certificate Special At CCFCU, Membership Means More Become a Member Today 4.10% APY* 18-Month Term *offer limited to new deposits of $10,000+ *Terms and conditions apply. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of January 17, 2023. The Dividend rate and APY may change at any time. The APY is based on the assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal, or transfer reduces the earnings and there are penalties for early withdrawals. The minimum deposit for this 18-month certificate is $10,000.00. Does not automatically renew. Call 831-393-3480 or visit your local CCFCU branch to take advantage of our Special Certificate rate. Seaside: 4242 Gigling Rd. | Salinas: 900 S. Main St. | Soledad: 315 Gabilan Rd. | King City: 510 Canal St. centcoastfcu.com NMLS# 786119 Certificate Special At CCFCU, Membership Means More Become a Member Today 4.10% APY* 18-Month Term *offer limited to new deposits of $10,000+ *Terms and conditions apply. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of January 17, 2023. The Dividend rate and APY may change at any time. The APY is based on the assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal, or transfer reduces the earnings and there are penalties for early withdrawals. The minimum deposit for this 18-month certificate is $10,000.00. Does not automatically renew. Call 831-393-3480 or visit your local CCFCU branch to take advantage of our Special Certificate rate. Seaside: 4242 Gigling Rd. | Salinas: 900 S. Main St. | Soledad: 315 Gabilan Rd. | King City: 510 Canal St. centcoastfcu.com NMLS# 786119 Certificate Special At CCFCU, Membership Means More Become a Member Today *offer limited to new deposits of $10,000+ *Terms and conditions apply. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of January 17, 2023. The Dividend rate and APY may change at any time. The APY is based on the assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal, or transfer reduces the earnings and there are penalties for early withdrawals. The minimum deposit for this 18-month certificate is $10,000.00. Does not automatically renew. Call 831-393-3480 or visit your local CCFCU branch to take advantage of our Special Certificate rate. Seaside: 4242 Gigling Rd. | Salinas: 900 S. Main St. | Soledad: 315 Gabilan Rd. | King City: 510 Canal St. centcoastfcu.com NMLS# 786119 Members Save More! Certificate Special At CCFCU, Membership Means More Become a Member Today 4.10% APY* 18-Month Term *offer limited to new deposits of $10,000+ *Terms and conditions apply. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of January 17, 2023. The Dividend rate and APY may change at any time. The APY is based on the assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal, or transfer reduces the earnings and there are penalties for early withdrawals. The minimum deposit for this 18-month certificate is $10,000.00. Does not automatically renew. Call 831-393-3480 or visit your local CCFCU branch to take advantage of our Special Certificate rate. Seaside: 4242 Gigling Rd. | Salinas: 900 S. Main St. | Soledad: 315 Gabilan Rd. | King City: 510 Canal St. centcoastfcu.com Call 831-393-3480 or visit your local CCFCU branch to take advantage of our Special Certificate rate. Seaside: 4242 Gigling Rd. | Salinas: 1141 S Main St. | Soledad: 315 Gabilan Dr. | King City: 510 Canal St. centcoastfcu.com
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4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 6-12, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com JULY 6-12, 2023 • ISSUE #1823 • ESTABLISHED IN 1988 Marci Bishop (Nikon D5500 DSLR, 18-140mm, f16 1/250) A squirrel strikes a pose on Pacific Grove’s “purple carpet”—an abundant, ground-coating display of purple ice plant flowers. MONTEREY COUNTY PHOTO OF THE WEEK Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@mcweekly.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: Minjee Lee tees off during the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open, held in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Lee comes to Pebble Beach as the defending champion. Cover Photo by Darren Carroll/USGA 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, Sloan Campi, Caitlin Fillmore, Paul Fried, Jesse Herwitz, Jacqueline Weixel 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 We’d love to hear from you. Send us your tips at tipline.montereycountyweekly.com. We can tell you like the print edition of the Weekly. We bet you’ll love the daily newsletter, Monterey County NOW. Get fresh commentary, local news and sundry helpful distractions delivered to your inbox every day. There’s no charge, and if you don’t love it, you can unsubscribe any time. SIGN UP NOW Sign up today at montereycountyweekly.com/mcnow
www.montereycountyweekly.com JULY 6-12, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 A: START FINISH How much of the water on earth is drinkable? A. How much water can you save by turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth? A. How do you plan to save water at your house? A. How do you save water when doing laundry? A. How can you save water in the bathroom? A. How can you save water in the kitchen? A. How can you save water outdoors? A. One drip every second adds up to five gallons per day! Check your faucets and showerheads for leaks and fix them. How many did you find? A. Who can take the shortest shower in your house? Time them and see who wins! A. Put food coloring in your toilet tanks. If it seeps into the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak. Did you find any leaks? A. How much is the rebate for a High Efficiency Clothes Washer? A. How much is the rebate for a High Efficiency Toilet? A. summer splash! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Void where prohibited. The sweepstakes is open only to California-American Water Company water customers in the Monterey County District of California who complete and submit a Summer Splash Water Challenge Giveaway entry form (“gameboard”) with correct answers by mail postmarked by July 31, 2023 to MPWMD Summer Splash, P.O. Box 85, Monterey CA, 93942 or online at www.montereywaterinfo.org/waterchallenge by July 31, 2023 and who are at least 18 years of age as of the date of entry. Start: 12:01 a.m. PDT on 7/1/2023; deadline: 11:59 p.m. PDT on 7/31/2023. One (1) Winner will receive a High Efficiency Clothes Washer (ARV $1,200), one (1) Winner will receive a iPad (ARV $600), four (4) Winners will receive a $50 Visa Gift Card (ARV $50). OFFICIAL RULES: www.montereywaterinfo.org/waterchallenge_officialrules.pdf SPONSORS: Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, 5 Harris Ct, Building G, Monterey CA 93940 and California-American Water Company, 511 Forest Lodge Road, Pacific Grove CA 93950 Complete Our Water Challenge Gameboard at: MontereyWaterInfo.org/Water Challenge prizes include: • High Efficiency Clothes Washer ($1,200 approx. retail value) • Apple iPad ($600 approx. retail value) • $50 Visa Gift Cards Win BIG in Our Water Challenge Giveaway ENDS JULY 31 2023
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY July 6-12, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH Public speech, as it relates to proposed developments in unincorporated Monterey County, won big on June 28 when the county Planning Commission directed staff to strike a proposed rule for how the commission does business. Of the 22 proposed rules put forward, many were new, and most were already in place with proposed amendments. The proposed amendment that garnered the most attention was to Rule 9, which dictates how documents are submitted to the county reflecting comments about Planning Commission business and projects under its purview. The proposed amendment added a hurdle: Instead of the public being able to put a document on the record up until the moment a hearing starts, the amendment suggested a change to “at least 24 hours prior” to the hearing. Per state law, meeting agendas are posted 72 hours prior to a meeting, detailing proposed projects the commission is voting on. Unanimously, the commissioners directed county staff to strike the amendment. Good: Good news comes in the state budget for Pajaro after devastating flooding led to the evacuation of hundreds of residents this winter. The small community will receive $20 million from Assembly Bill 102, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed on June 27. “The community of Pajaro scores a big win,” County Supervisor Luis Alejo wrote. The funds will be available to all residents regardless of immigration status for use in home inspections and repairs, rental and vehicle assistance, infrastructure and community outreach. “We are still waiting for instructions from the state and to see what their guidance will be on the administration of the funds,” says county public information officer Nick Pasculli. Per the state budget language: “Benefits shall not be in duplication or replacement of benefits available or received through other existing assistance programs.” GREAT: With $265 million from the Inflation Reduction Act, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing in training for the future agricultural workforce with its NEXTGEN initiative. The agency awarded 33 grants nationwide as part of its “From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals Program,” and two went to local institutions. CSU Monterey Bay received $5 million that will support scholarships and field research for 62 students in the agricultural and plant sciences program. Hartnell College got $9.5 million—the largest grant in the school’s history—for leafy greens training programs, enrolling up to 850 students with partner institutions in relevant agricultural regions (CSUMB, Imperial Valley College, and the University of Arizona, Yuma). GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY Funding from the U.S. Administration for Children and Families to Head Start programs for children ages 0-5 in Monterey County. The funds are part of the annual federal appropriations package. Source: Office of U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose $11,224,830 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “It’s planned to be as quiet as a conversation.” -A spokesperson for Joby Aviation speaking about the company’s all-electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle. Joby demonstrated a flight of its first such vehicle manufactured on its pilot production line in Marina on Wednesday, June 28 (see story, mcweekly. com). montereycountygives.com november 10 - December 31, 2022 OPENING DOORS Monterey County Gives! spotlights 202 local nonprofits doing vital work. With your support, we can further their impact. Join us. Pictured above: Students in Rancho Cielo’s workforce development program. major Partners: Colburn and Alana Jones Foundation at the Community Foundation For monterey County Gunde & ernie Posey Family Foundation THANKS TO OUR KEY PARTNERS MONTEREY COUNTY GIVES! 2023: Request for Proposals About Monterey County Gives!: Monterey County Gives! supports big ideas and demonstrated impact from local nonprofits. MCGives! is a partnership of the Monterey County Weekly, the Community Foundation for Monterey County and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation. The Fund has raised and contributed over $56 million for local nonprofits, including over $11.6 million last year. Over $600,000 in Matching Funds: Thanks to our key partners, we have commitments of $600,000 to kick-off the campaign, which runs mid November to midnight Dec. 31. ovember 10 - December 31, 2022 APPLICATION DEADLINE JULY 28 Apply online at: mcgives.com/rfp Nonprofits— Apply to MCGives! Joining Together for Big Ideas and Impact PRINT | WEB | MOBILE
www.montereycountyweekly.com JULY 6-12, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 7 Federally Insured by NCUA | Equal Housing Lender 831.479.6000 or toll-free at 888.4BAYFED, ext. 304 www.bayfed.com/HomeLoans * The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is variable and is based upon an Index plus a margin. The Index is the “Prime Rate” as published in the “Money Rates” section of the online edition of the Wall Street Journal on the first day of the billing cycle. Eligible Lines of Credit loan amounts up to $400,000. As of March 24, 2023, the variable APR for Home Equity Lines of Credit ranged from 8.50% APR to 10.00% APR, depending on your credit score (the lowest APR disclosed includes any applicable rate discounts). The maximum APR during the term of the plan is 18.00%. The maximum loan amount is $400,000. An estimate of the fees imposed for opening the plan are $750 to $2500. However, these fees will be waived and/or paid by the Credit Union provided that our security interest in your home is maintained for at least 36 consecutive months from the date the HELOC account is opened. Otherwise, you must reimburse the Credit Union for these waived and/or paid fees (not to exceed $500). An annual fee of $75 is required on all balances of less than $20,000 after the first year. During the Draw Period, you may convert the variable interest rate and repayment schedule on a portion of your outstanding balance to a fixed rate and repayment schedule (subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Home Equity Line of Credit Agreement). Each time you fix a portion of your loan balance, you will be assessed a charge of $50.00. Only three (3) fixed-rate options may exist at any one time. Offer is available for new applications submitted through December 31, 2023. Loans are subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Interest rates and programs terms are subject to change without notice. Property insurance is required. Other restrictions may apply. Bay Federal Credit Union membership required at the time of closing. For more information, visit any Bay Federal Credit Union branch or call a Bay Federal Home Loan Consultant at 831.479.6000 or toll-free at 888.4BAYFED, ext. 304. Get the Most from Your Home Upgrade in the ways that are most meaningful to you with a Home Equity Line of Credit from Bay Federal Credit Union! Apply Today! Visit bayfed.com/helocflex to learn more. JOIN US FOR FREE CONSERVATION WEBINARS Join us for free, interactive workshops in July, presented by Green Gardens Group via Zoom. The Monterey Peninsula is a leader in water conservation. Thank you for your commitment to being water wise! Learn more at: montereywaterinfo.org/events Wednesday, July 12 Drip Irrigation Fundamentals 6 p.m.–7 p.m. Thursday, July 27 Irrigation Basics and Programming Your Controller 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 6-12, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com 831 Katherine Marren rarely takes time away from the course. She is the PGA director of instruction at Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel Valley—a club pro— and earned Women’s Player of the Year honors from the PGA’s Northern California Section a year ago. Which is to say she spends a lot of time teaching and playing the game. But this weekend, July 6-9, Marren is taking a step back to just watch. “I didn’t know I’d ever see a women’s open at Pebble,” she says. “I’m so excited.” Like thousands of other golf fans, Marren will spend the weekend at Pebble Beach Golf Links. For Marren, it’s familiar territory. For the past 30 years, she has served as an instructor in Monterey County—16 of those at Pebble Beach, 14 at Quail Lodge, where she still presides. Yet the duties of a PGA America club professional do not always allow for time on course. While she now tries to get in a round each week, there were decades when she might tee it up 10 times in a year, if she was fortunate. Marren is a self-described golf swing nerd. She enjoys analyzing the mechanics—the degree of rotation at points of the body, club arc, radial deviation. However, Marren is first and foremost a teacher. People come to her at different stages of improvement and with distinct learning styles. Some may understand what they are doing wrong, but cannot find a way to fix the issue. Others are completely lost. “There are barriers to learning,” Marren says. “Trying to get through those barriers—that’s a challenge.” The same lesson taught to three golfers could require three different approaches. “What did you feel your body doing? What did you feel that was different?” she asks. “You’re trying to be a guide to their understanding.” Golf has a way of layering frustration on those who attempt it. When coaches say the game teaches resilience, they are referring to the way golf tugs and tears at emotions over a few hours. Marren notes that everyone misfires. There’s no such thing as consistency, which is why helping people come to grips with the mental aspect is as important as the mechanics of a swing. “There are times I step up to a 3-foot putt and I have to remind myself ‘this is fun,’” she says. “You don’t ever let yourself think about the outcome.” Marren came to instruction naturally. A native of Maryland, Marren played college golf at North Carolina State University, “most often as the number six,” she says. With little demanded from her on course, she used the time to study the game, to work on its different aspects in detail. Her teammates began coming to Marren for advice. A teacher was born. Yet she can play, as well. To earn the section’s Woman’s Player of the Year honors, Marren finished in the top five at four Northern California PGA Women’s Division tournaments, a competition among regional club pros. She won at Half Moon Bay, was second on the leaderboard at Incline Village and also finished runner-up at her home course, Quail Lodge. How did another golfer edge Marren out? “We have a group of core players who love to compete—a couple who are fine players,” she explains. One of those is Pat Hurst, 1995 LPGA Rookie of the Year and a six-time winner on the tour, who is also an NCPGA member. “She’s a real player. I’m a club pro.” Although Hurst captured the crown at Quail, Marren’s fifth in the next event at Stanford was enough to secure the overall title—something that is a little bittersweet. The NCPGA section includes around 1,200 club pros. Just 50 of these are women. For decades, women rarely competed in section events. In 2020, the PGA introduced an award for the top female golfer on both a national and sectional basis. Marren claimed the 2019 title, but it was unofficial. “It still meant a lot to me,” she says. The game is changing. Over the past decade, PGA of America introduced several initiatives to bring more diversity to the game—“more than I ever thought they would,” Marren admits. That’s also why she is spending the weekend at Pebble Beach watching the world’s top women’s golfers endure the frustration and elation of the sport. “It’s the most exciting time for women’s golf,” Marren says. “It will help grow the game.” Pro Tip While Katherine Marren is reigning Player of the Year, Quail Lodge’s club pro puts teaching first. By Dave Faries “Every day is fun—beginners to more advanced and those in between,” club pro Katherine Marren says about teaching golf. “It doesn’t get stale. Each person is their own puzzle.” “She’s a real player. I’m a club pro.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE DANIEL DREIFUSS LET' S CELEBRATE! 2023 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce GET TICKETS! BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2023 Celebrating Excellence in the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Business Community! Thursday, July 20, 2023 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Monterey Conference Center
www.montereycountyweekly.com JULY 6-12, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 ’23 NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN MCWEEKLY.COM/BESTOF PACKAGED LOCALLY SINCE 1988 LAST WEEK! NOMINATIONS END JULY 9 MONTEREY COUNTY®
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY july 6-12, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com news When HumanGood, the nonprofit corporate owner of the 200-unit Pacific Meadows apartment complex off Carmel Road for very-lowincome seniors—many are in their 70s, 80s and 90s—cut back on janitorial services, the carpets in the hallways became filthy. At a town hall meeting in June, attended by over 60 tenants, a HumanGood representative suggested a solution: Help us out, vacuum in front of your own apartment. Tenants were incredulous. A month later, the carpets are still filthy despite a promise at the June 1 meeting they’d be cleaned. That’s just one of a long list of issues residents have with HumanGood, which bills itself as the largest senior housing provider in California and the sixth-largest in the U.S. The company was a merger of sorts in 2019 between a Baptist and two Presbyterian organizations providing affordable senior housing—Pacific Meadows was part of the Baptist group. Residents say many issues arose after HumanGood took over. Last year, the situation reached a boiling point when a tenant died inside her apartment and wasn’t discovered until more than a week later. Residents’ persistent calls to local and state officials resulted in the town hall meeting on June 1, moderated by a representative from the nonprofit organization ECHO Fair Housing, and attended by representatives from the County of Monterey, California State Sen. John Laird’s office, County Supervisor Mary Adams office, as well as HumanGood. They met inside the community room, which used to be a regular gathering spot for lunches and social events until HumanGood managNot-So Golden Years Tenants wait for answers about persistent problems at their affordable senior apartments. By Pam Marino Monterey County officials are fond of boasting about the Laguna Seca Recreational Area, a unique county asset. It’s home to campgrounds, a shooting range and WeatherTech Raceway. But maintaining it all is expensive. As Randell Ishii—Monterey County’s director of public works, facilities and parks—told the county Board of Supervisors on June 27, “While Laguna Seca brings substantial revenue, it is costly to operate and maintain the property.” On July 11, the board will consider a concession agreement with Friends of Laguna Seca that is intended to solve that problem, by giving the responsibility for maintenance costs to the nonprofit. “This proposed agreement seeks to eliminate the burden on the county’s general fund,” Ishii said. Under the proposed contract, which has been in negotiation for months, Friends of Laguna Seca would start with a five-year concession agreement. If it invests at least $10 million into the track in five years, it could extend the contract by 25 years; if in that time Friends spends another $40 million, it could extend the contract again by 25 years, for a total of 55 years, lasting until 2078. “The longer the better,” says Ross Merrill, president of the Friends group. “The longer term we have, the longer we have to create partnerships with donors and sponsors. The goal is to have a financially independent Laguna Seca that can rebuild itself.” Currently, the company A&D, operated by former hotel manager John Narigi, oversees the track on a management contract. (The county maintains responsibility for upkeep.) A&D’s contract with the county expires on Dec. 31. Friends of Laguna Seca hatched its plan in partnership with Narigi, and would keep him on as manager; Merrill is a longtime motorsports aficionado, and vice president Bruce Canepa is a retired race car driver. The group approached county officials in mid-2022 with their concept. The Friends first pitched itself in 2016 when the county was seeking a new track operator; the nonprofit SCRAMP (Sports Car Racing Association of Monterey Peninsula) ran the track since 1957 before running into financial difficulties. At that time, Friends was unable to show evidence of funding needed to operate the track. The nonprofit still posts little by way of fundraising, according to publicly available documents—its IRS forms show it has raised under $50,000 each year since 2016, when it had a balance of $200,000—but Merrill says it needs a signed contract in order to transform pledges into checks. The group has been actively fundraising through the Community Foundation for Monterey County’s Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation fund. (The foundation does not disclose fund balances.) Per the proposed agreement, starting in 2028, Friends would pay the county 10 percent of its net revenue annually. Narigi told the board he estimated that could be at least $500,000, meaning he expects the group could net $5 million a year. The supervisors voted 5-0 on June 27 to move forward; they’re set to vote on the proposal Tuesday, July 11. If approved, Friends would need to deposit $6 million into operating and capital improvement funds, and the U.S. Department of Interior would have to approve the agreement before it could take effect. A ribbon-cutting on a new bridge at Laguna Seca happens July 8. The project, shown underway in April, was part of an $18.4 million county package, including repaving. On Track Monterey County considers a new, 55-year contract for management of Laguna Seca. By Sara Rubin The front desk of Pacific Meadows often sits empty with no receptionist, just one of many issues senior residents of the apartment complex have raised with owner HumanGood. “The longer the better.” Daniel Dreifuss Daniel Dreifuss years continued on pg. 12
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12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY july 6-12, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com Schools aren’t just a place to study anymore. Besides learning spelling and math, students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade, and their families, have access to additional services including mental health counseling and before- and after-school programs, sometimes running from 6am to 6pm. Some local districts have implemented unique programs to help families who are struggling to make ends meet. That includes access to a shower and washer/dryer at North Monterey County Unified, or a short-term emergency housing program Monterey Peninsula Unified offered last year—providing temporary housing at Motel 6 for unhoused students and their families. Three local districts—NMCUSD, the Monterey County Office of Education and Soledad Unified—have received implementation grants for such partnership-oriented offerings, known as community schools. “Education of the future is that schools really are the hub of the community and can support students in all aspects of their life,” says Ernesto Vela, assistant superintendent at MCOE. Alisal Union, Salinas City Elementary, Salinas Union High and MPUSD are in the planning stages of community schools. MPUSD Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh says they have spent a year meeting with people in Seaside to understand what services families want. NMCUSD received nearly $6.2 million from the state for a five-year implementation focusing on four campuses: Castroville and Elkhorn elementary schools, North Monterey County Middle and North Monterey County High School. Since the legislature passed the California Community Schools Partnership Act in 2021, the state has invested $4.1 billion in community schools. Dozens of districts have received grants for schools with great need—those with large low-income and unhoused student populations—to focus on the students as a whole and help them and their families to flourish. Districts are working with community leaders and nonprofits to develop plans that will target their needs. Implementation grants, up to $500,000 per year, are for five years. The intention is to provide a starting point that can later be replicated in all schools. Diffenbaugh says MPUSD’s goal is to create a sustainable model that would continue after grant funds run out. “We really have to be thoughtful and strategic about it so that it’s not just a bunch of other add-ons that go away,” he says. ers ended them, or refused to reinstate them after the pandemic. Other problems listed by residents included moldy apartments, clogged rain gutters, problems with garbage disposal, a lack of front-office staff and not enough generators. Residents also complained of disrespectful employees. When one woman asked HumanGood representative Kenetta Jackson if specialized staff training could be provided to remedy attitudes, the audience loudly applauded. We’re not here to complain, the woman said: “We’re here because we want to be able to live peacefully with each other.” (Jackson did not answer the question, later replying, “Respect goes both ways.”) Jackson told residents that cuts have been made in staffing levels, janitorial services and other maintenance because of vacancies at the complex, which has reduced revenues. “I can’t hire six people to help us if we don’t have the funding,” she said. How many vacancies exist was not clear; estimates by residents range from 10-to-20 vacant apartments. A HumanGood spokesperson was unable to provide information about vacancies by the Weekly’s deadline. During the meeting in June, Jackson said they had made progress on the length of vacancies, yet she reported vacancies lasting as long as 245 days, or eight months, despite a waiting list of approximately 500 names. Jackson said they needed to hire an occupancy specialist and blamed a lengthy process to determine which applicants meet income requirements. At the end, Jackson agreed to cleaning the carpets, clearing rain gutters and hiring an occupancy specialist. A month later, a representative of a tenants’ group says the carpets have not been cleaned and the specialist has not been hired; she is unsure about the rain gutters. Before the town hall ended, Jackson agreed to a follow-up meeting, but it’s still not clear when that might happen. Residents report after the town hall the company sent out a satisfaction survey asking for input. One month before the incident with the tenant dying, the California Department of Housing and Community Development inspected Pacific Meadows and found “a lack of onsite property management and unit maintenance.” In September, a spokesperson for HCD said that HumanGood had cleared the findings and was in good standing. On June 30, an email from the HCD media office said that a new inspection is planned based on a recent inquiry. After Class State funds aim to support a more expansive role of schools in communities. By Celia Jiménez news Work Force The Monterey County Workforce Development Board is gearing up for multiple job fairs and recruitments in the month of July. The board partnered with Vallarta Supermarket to offer several recruitment opportunities for a store that is scheduled to open in Salinas this October. There will be weekly recruitments for cashiers, management staff and other departments all month long. 10am-4:30pm Wednesdays-Fridays, July 5-28. Adams Conference Room at America’s Job Center, 344 Salinas St., Salinas. Free. 796-3341. bit.ly/ VallartaSupermarketsCareers. Summer Fun It’s the time of the year again to get kids signed up for Youth Center activities in Marina. The city offers programs for youth, teens and seniors in a healthy environment surrounded by peers. Activities are hosted by the Marina Recreation & Cultural Services Department, with the goal of teaching kindness, teamwork and social skills. Registration opens 4pm-5:30pm Monday, July 10. Marina Youth Center, 211 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. $35/Marina resident; $50/non-resident. You must register in person; space is limited. 384-6009, cityofmarina.org. Democracy in Action The Monterey County Board of Supervisors meets and, as always, accepts public comment. The day’s agenda includes voting on a contract for management of Laguna Seca Recreational Area. 9am and 1:30pm Tuesday, July 11. Monterey Conference Room (second floor), 168 W. Alisal St., Salinas; also on Zoom. Free. 755-5066, co.monterey. ca.us. Helping Hands The Hope Crisis Response Network is looking for volunteers to help repair properties damaged by flooding in Pajaro. The Greenfield Pajaro Response Team will undertake repair projects. Provide a helping hand and get Pajaro back in shape. Projects begin on Saturday, July 15. Free. Contact the organizer, Ariana Rodriguez, at 277-0514 for information on how to participate. Public Policy Want to influence policy in Monterey County? There are several county commission opportunities available in District 1, including positions in civil rights, housing and behavioral health. These positions are perfect for learning about public policy and building your resume with leadership skills. District 1 Office, 168 West Alisal Street, Salinas. Apply online. Free. 7555011, bit.ly/MoCocommissionlist. At Castroville Elementary School, students can find supplies like clothing, shoes and personal hygiene products as part of a community school effort. e-mail: publiccitizen@mcweekly.com TOOLBOX “Schools really are the hub of the community.” Daniel Dreifuss years continued from pg. 10
www.montereycountyweekly.com JULY 6-12, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 Summer is here! It’s time to play! At Camp Quien Sabe, campers spend a week sleeping outside under the stars and learning to live in a natural setting without altering or damaging the environment. A variety of outdoor activities including swimming, hiking, boating, crafts, cooking, games, nature lore and campfires make this an exciting and memorable week for all that attend. Register online now at MONTEREY.ORG/REC For ages 7–15 years Fee: $450 per week Weekly Sessions Available: June 26 – July 28, 2023 SCAN ME! THE CITY OF MONTEREY CAMP QUIEN SABE OVERNIGHT CAMP Celebrating 70 Years of Summer Fun Learn more online about our different overnight programs at Camp Quien Sabe. The Regular Program for children 7 through 11 years, the Environmental Team (ET) Program for 12 year olds, and the Work Experience (WE) Program for ages 13–15 years. COMMUNITY AIR PROTECTION PROGRAM GRANTS COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS LEARN ABOUT CLEAN AIR GRANT INCENTIVES AND POTENTIAL PROJECTS Contact: Tyrone Bell, Air Quality Planner tbell@mbard.org WHAT ARE YOUR CLEAN AIR PRIORITIES IN YOUR COMMUNITY? TUE., JULY 18, 2:00 PM - SALINAS mbard.org | 831.647.9411 MONTEREY COUNTY AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE 1428 ABBOTT STREET, SALINAS WED., JULY 19, 5:30 PM - VIA ZOOM ZOOM WEBINAR ID: 846 1831 0084 BY PHONE: 1-669-900-6833 MBARD is offering $500 to low-income applicants in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties as an incentive to purchase a Class 1, 2 or 3 electric bicycle priced at more than $1,000. Electric Bicycle Incentive Program MONTEREY BAY AIR RESOURCES DISTRICT LEARN MORE AT MBARD.ORG 831.647.9411 Goal $7.8M WWW.CHSERVICES.ORG DONATE TODAY to help homeless women and families with a new shelter in Monterey. $7.8M Thanks to group of generous donors with A heart for change your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar up to $250,000. There are hundreds of people experiencing homelessness in our county each night in desperate need of shelter. OPENING THIS FALL $7.3M Please help us reach the top!
14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 6-12, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com In 2007, at a meeting of volunteers organized by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Robert Scoles, a retired Santa Cruz County sheriff’s deputy, stood up and asked if anyone wanted to kayak on the Elkhorn Slough with him before dawn to look for otters. Scoles first discovered evidence of them in 2006, and wanted to look deeper into the slough. Ron Eby, a retired naval officer, raised his hand. Not only have the two remained close friends ever since, they started—and continue— to collect valuable observational data for scientists trying to understand sea otter behavior and the ebbs and flows of the slough’s otter population. About five years later, they began to recruit others to volunteer with them— the more locations that can be observed at the same time, the more valuable the data. They’ve since recruited nearly 30 others and now have an official title: the Elkhorn Slough Reserve Otter Monitoring Program, aka ROMP. In August 2022, the scientific journal Ecosphere published a paper with nine authors that included Eby and Scoles, another volunteer named Susan Rosso, and Kerstin Wasson, the research coordinator at Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. Its aim was to demonstrate the importance of the data that volunteer monitors can provide to career scientists, and evaluate the “rigor and value” of that data. The paper’s abstract states that data is similar to that collected by professional scientists, both in long-term trends and variability. It has an added value: “The much higher frequency of volunteer observations allowed for seasonal and tidal dynamics to be detected that could not be revealed by less frequent professional monitoring.” The abstract concludes, “Volunteer data can thus provide critical information about coastal habitat use and behavior that can improve conservation strategies for threatened wildlife species.” The ROMP team conducts counts of otters and seals twice a month, and splits up to collect data at over 20 locations. And it’s not just the ROMP team providing volunteer data—it’s sightings made during the Elkhorn Slough Safari, where since 2017 the boat’s captain, Yohn Gideon (also a co-author of the paper), has been counting otters. “Because hundreds of excursions were taken each year, these counts represent the highest-frequency monitoring of sea otter abundance in the estuary,” the paper states. “It is totally remarkable,” Wasson says of the ROMP team. “When Ron and Robert started this, it was just the two of them. I don’t know of another community science group better managed…It’s a pretty miraculous team.” Among the newer recruits is Rosso, who had recently retired from a career doing corporate trainings in the tech industry. She now runs the team and onboards new volunteers and figures out which location in the slough to deploy them in. “There definitely are some sites where people get an ownership, and we try to honor that,” she says. As for the whole venture, she adds, “It’s great. There’s so much to experience.” Team Players A growing group of volunteers is helping scientists by monitoring otters in the Elkhorn Slough. By David Schmalz Ron Eby, left, works with a team of about 30 volunteers (including Laurie Schultz, right) to monitor sea otters in Elkhorn Slough through the ROMP program. They enter data into a smart device in real time. NEWS “Hundreds of excursions were taken each year.” DANIEL DREIFUSS Smarter, faster urgent care. 8 a.m.–8 p.m. every day including holidays Walk in or make a reservation online MoGoUrgentCare.org LOCATIONS y CARMEL 26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Suite B-1 y MARINA 2930 2nd Avenue, Suite 120 y MONTEREY 2020 Del Monte Avenue, Suite B
www.montereycountyweekly.com JULY 6-12, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15 HEATABLE EATABLES! ELROY’S PRESENTS @ELROYSFINEFOODS WWW.ELROYSFINEFOODS.COM 15 SOLEDAD DRIVE (831) 373-3737 MONTEREY, CA 93940 JULY’S HEATABLE EATABLE...THAI IN JULY! TICKET=$112 EACH (1 TICKET SERVES TWO PEOPLE) GREEN PAPAYA SALAD unripe papaya & vegetables with peanuts and fish sauce dressing (GF, DF, CONTAINS FISH SAUCE) CHICKEN SATAY curried chicken skewers with peanut dipping sauce (GF, CONTAINS SOY) PAD PRIK KING sauteed vegetables in dry red curry with smoked tofu (GF, CONTAINS SHELLFISH, FISH SAUCE) PAD THAI stir fried rice noodles with peanuts & tamarind (GF, CONTAINS FISH SAUCE, PEANUTS) GREEN CURRY summer vegetables simmered in curried coconut milk served with rice (GF, CONTAINS SHELLFISH, FISH SAUCE) THAI TEA PANNA COTTA chilled dessert with fresh mango (GF, CONTAINS DAIRY) To place your order visit www.elroysfinefoods.com or scan this QR CODE! Quantities are limited, so order soon! *Order by: Thursday, July 20th *Pick up date: Thursday, July 27th *Next month: The Israeli Table All items will also be available à la carte for purchase at the Prepared Foods counter on Thursday, 7/27 until sold out! From Elroy’s Fine Foods Executive Chef & Culinary Director David Hardie A pre-ordered, fully prepared meal to heat & eat at home. Offered on the last Thursday of every month. GLOBALLY INSPIRED & LOCALLY SOURCED “I brought my Subaru to Hartzel on advice of a friend and I was so pleased with the service & attention I got from them. Not only finished on time, but under the estimate I was given. Very rare these days. So pleased with the whole experience & great peace of mind knowing it was done correctly. Highly recommend this guy.” —David F., Seaside 2/14/19 510 California Avenue | Sand City | 394.6002 hartzelautomotive.com EXPERT SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT. Subaru Mazda Lexus Infiniti Saab vintage MG SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT SERVICE ONLINE TODAY
16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY July 6-12, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com Up in the Air This is a wonderful development (“Joby Aviation demonstrates its all-electric flying aircraft manufactured in Marina,” posted June 28). Soon we should be seeing these aircraft in our skies. I’m looking forward to situating one of the first landing pads here in Monterey County. Walter Wagner | via web Amazing!! Garrett Benjamin | via social media Think of all those tax dollars wasted in research grants. All it did was make a few people richer. Glen M. Taylor | via social media “Get on this sub,” they said. It’ll be fun, they said. We’ll see the Titanic—it’ll be awesome… Anno Buich | via social media The stock went up 40 percent today! Go Joby! Nestor Nicolas | via social media Fire in the Sky If you want to know why there continues to be an illegal fireworks problem with more and more Seaside residents furious or leaving town, all you have to do is listen to city officials (“Seaside police hope to quell illegal fireworks boom with more enforcement this July Fourth,” June 29-July 5). When a municipal government either does not want to or doesn’t believe they can address a problem, they will say exactly what has been quoted here. They spend a half-hour telling you that they have tried while going over what has failed—in other words, making excuses. Eventually the city begins to turn its contempt on people who complain, rather than on those who continue to engage in illegal behavior. This is exactly what has happened in Seaside. The city continues to fail to enforce existing law to the extent that this purposeful assault on community peace and order goes on, night after night, while those in Monterey, Carmel, Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove get a healthy and peaceful night’s sleep. Curt Chaffee | Seaside Amen! These fireworks laws need to be strictly enforced. Besides saving lives, pets are terrorized by these constant explosions (“Early fireworks are already filling Monterey County’s animal shelter—here are tips to keep your pet safe and at home,” posted June 30). If the police we have can’t keep the peace, we need to find new ones that can. John Thomas | Salinas Mistaken Identity Hope she’s successful (“A Salinas woman’s name ended up in court records by mistake. Now she’s suing,” June 24-28). Good for her standing up for herself…and for the truth. Having one’s name dragged through the mud in a public way is a horribly traumatic, lastingly painful experience. Hopefully those who made the mess will not shy away from being accountable and making proper amends. Acknowledging the other person’s hurt and expressing sincere regret is in order. Karen Araujo | via social media Nothing worse than a government agency that will not admit an error. We need more leaders with less fragile and more humble egos. Phil Candreva | via social media OPEN ARMS I’m glad this is happening (“Pacific Grove task force picks a consultant to guide the city toward more equity,” June 29-July 5). Outsiders can see things we don’t want to see in ourselves. Mary Jane Perryman | Pacific Grove Peace Warrior I wish I had known Gordon Smith better now having read his bio (“Gordon Smith, a veteran and peace activist, dies at 73,” posted June 19). I first met Gordon when I joined Veterans for Peace, the chapter he founded in 1990. I marched with him and Joan Baez against the First Gulf War. That was an odd thing for me to do. I’m a military and foreign affairs analyst and if there’s been one “good” war the United States has fought in my lifetime, that was the one. I was mad at the Army, still licking my own wounds, I guess. I got over it. I kept bumping into Gordon at various events. It’s true he was out there modifying trails on Fort Ord where, no pun intended, I ran into him several times while cross-country jogging. I’d say Gordon Smith deserves a memorial service or at least a good poker game in his honor. It would be a good event to bring together and reconnect the many folks whose lives he touched. Cameron Binkley | Seaside Speak On It Much to my dismay I am noticing a steady increase in offensive and unproductive rhetoric in the Letters to the Editor sections of our local media (“Letters,” various dates). It appears that the national tenor of unbecoming etiquette has seeped into our local population. My advice is that these First Amendment-ers and entitled actors think hard before speaking with regard to the perpetuating damage that can be caused to our local community. Typically male, though surprisingly often female, voices feel their whining will result in action. I recommend asking yourself, what am I doing to solve the many challenges we face regionally? Trust me, these challenges will be compounded in the not-so-distant future. Monterey County has consistently hit above its weight with regard to literature, philosophy, music, environmentalism, athletics, and even federal legislation. Join the movement or feel free to see the door. No offense. Alice Flanders | Pacific Grove Eating Clean Your article on local restaurant inspectors was informative (“A ridealong with county health inspectors who ensure restaurants meet food safety standards,” June 22-28). Unfortunately, unlike many other California counties, Monterey County still doesn’t allow web browser lookups of restaurant health reports. The Health Department website does claim a smartphone app is available for viewing reports, but when I tried to download the Apple version, the store claimed: “This app is currently not available in your country or region.” Joe Snyder | 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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