july 4-10, 2024 montereycountynow.com LOCAL & INDEPENDENT big sur bakery battle 8 | medical data breaches 12 | better than biden 15 | how hot is hot? 36 Democracy Is Teetering In granting immunity from prosecution to former president Donald Trump, the U.S. Supreme Court has handed antidemocratic powers to American leaders. p. 18 By Claire Finkelstein and Richard Painter
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY july 4-10, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com july 4-10, 2024 • ISSUE #1875 • Established in 1988 Sharen Carey (iPhone 12 pro) Inland heat combines with the cold ocean to create some seemingly magical effects, including this fog flanking the Point Sur Lighthouse in Big Sur. Monterey County photo of the week Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: The United States Supreme Court voted 6-3 on July 1 along partisan lines to grant presidential immunity to criminal prosecution, reshaping executive power in the U.S. Cover photo: Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States etc. Copyright © 2024 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: $300 yearly, prepaid. 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.montereycountynow. com. Audited by CVC. Founder & CEO Bradley Zeve bradley@montereycountynow.com (x103) Publisher Erik Cushman erik@montereycountynow.com (x125) Editorial editor Sara Rubin sara@montereycountynow.com (x120) associate editor Erik Chalhoub ec@montereycountynow.com (x135) features editor Dave Faries dfaries@montereycountynow.com (x110) Staff Writer Celia Jiménez celia@montereycountynow.com (x145) Staff Writer Pam Marino pam@montereycountynow.com (x106) Staff Writer Agata Pope¸da (x138) aga@montereycountynow.com Staff Writer David Schmalz david@montereycountynow.com (x104) Staff photographer Daniel Dreifuss daniel@montereycountynow.com (x102) Digital PRODUCER Sloan Campi sloan@montereycountynow.com (x105) contributors Nik Blaskovich, Rob Brezsny, Michael Dadula, Robert Daniels, Tonia Eaton, Jesse Herwitz, Jacqueline Weixel, Paul Wilner Cartoons Rob Rogers, Tom Tomorrow Production Art Director/Production Manager Karen Loutzenheiser karen@montereycountynow.com (x108) Graphic Designer Kevin Jewell kevinj@montereycountynow.com (x114) Graphic Designer Alexis Estrada alexis@montereycountynow.com (x114) Graphic Designer Lani Headley lani@montereycountynow.com (x114) SALES senior Sales Executive Diane Glim diane@montereycountynow.com (x124) Senior Sales Executive George Kassal george@montereycountynow.com (x122) Senior Sales Executive Keith Bruecker keith@montereycountynow.com (x118) Classifieds business development director Keely Richter keely@montereycountynow.com (x123) Digital Director of Digital Media Kevin Smith kevin@montereycountynow.com (x119) Distribution Distribution AT Arts Co. atartsco@gmail.com Distribution Control Harry Neal Business/Front Office Office Manager Linda Maceira linda@montereycountynow.com (x101) Bookkeeping Rochelle Trawick rochelle@montereycountynow.com 668 Williams Ave., Seaside, CA 93955 831-394-5656, (FAX) 831-394-2909 www.montereycountynow.com We’d love to hear from you. Send us your tips at tipline.montereycountynow.com. now [nou] adverb at the present time or moment Monterey County Now Local news, arts and entertainment, food and drink, calendar and daily newsletter. Subcribe to the newsletter: www.montereycountynow.com/subscribe Find us online: www.montereycountynow.com
www.montereycountynow.com july 4-10, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 3 summersplasH! 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 August 17, 2024 to MPWMD Summer Splash, P.O. Box 85, Monterey CA, 93942 or online at www.montereywaterinfo.org/waterchallenge by August 17, 2024 and who are at least 18 years of age as of the date of entry. Start: 12:01 a.m. PDT on 7/1/2024; deadline: 11:59 p.m. PDT on 8/17/2024. Prizes: Two (2) Winners will receive a High Efficiency Clothes Washer (ARV $650), one (1) Winner will receive a High Efficiency Dishwasher (ARV $600), two (2) Winners will receive an Apple iPad (ARV $470), two (2) Winners will receive a $200 gift certificate/card to a local plant nursery (ARV $200), two (2) Winners will receive a $200 Home Depot Gift Card (ARV $200), eleven (11) Winners will receive a $150 Visa Gift Card (ARV $150) 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 WinBIG! play now! get started! MontereyWaterInfo.org/Water Challenge High Efficiency Clothes Washer 2 winners (ARV $650) Apple iPad 2 winners (ARV $470) High Efficiency Dish Washer 1 winner (ARV $600) $200 Gift Card 2 winners - Low water use plants at local nursery $200 Gift Card from Home Depot - 2 winners $150 Gift Card from Visa - 11 Winners ENDS 8.17
4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 4-10, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH While the County of Monterey has long offered in-person Spanish interpretation at its board meetings, it had not done so for those tuning in on video. On May 7, the county began interpreting Board of Supervisors meetings in Spanish on video via Zoom. Supervisors Luis Alejo and Chris Lopez made the referral in December 2020—at a time when government meetings were in peak virtual form, rather than in-person. The supervisors said that video-recorded meetings with Spanish interpretation were needed to keep residents engaged and informed about county matters. On the meeting agendas, there are now Zoom links in English and Spanish. Two Spanish interpreters take turns translating the live meeting, which Valerie Ralph, clerk of the board, says is a way to make sure they provide a high-quality interpretation. Ralph says that online participation in Spanish meetings is small. “Even though we may not get too many participants during the day, I still think it’s beneficial because people can go in and listen to the interpretation in the evening,” she says. The pilot program will continue until July 16. Good: Bank of America divvied up nearly $200,000 in grants to 11 nonprofits in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties, it announced June 30. Monterey County organizations receiving grants are: Food Bank for Monterey County, Goodwill Central Coast, Hartnell College Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, Monterey Peninsula College, Rancho Cielo, Natividad Medical Foundation, Seneca Family of Agencies and Monterey Jazz Festival. The grants were awarded to nonprofits that focus on improving lives through education, career pathways and providing basic needs. “Partnering with impactful local organizations to address barriers to success such as hunger, health and job skills is part of our commitment to creating real change in Monterey County and surrounding areas,” said Jennifer Dacquisto, Bank of America’s Monterey Bay president. GREAT: Chippy the kitten, who was saved during a rescue that briefly shut down Highway 1 in Monterey, was adopted by the California Highway Patrol officer who stopped traffic, SPCA Monterey County announced on June 27. Officer Ryan Moore was called to the scene on June 14 when a motorist reported a kitten darting into traffic on Highway 1 near the Highway 68 exit. When Moore attempted to grab the kitten, she ran into the wheel well of a stopped vehicle and climbed up to the fuel tank. SPCA Humane Investigations Supervisor Jacob Duarte was called to help, and the vehicle was slowly moved with CHP escort to a nearby parking lot. Duarte was able to scoop the kitten up after removing a few parts of the car. “I couldn’t just leave this little kitten out on the highway,” Moore said. “I needed to try to do everything I could to help her. I’m so glad that Jacob was able to get her out.” GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY The number of hot dogs that are expected to be consumed on the Fourth of July. It’s enough to stretch from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. more than five times. Source: National Hot Dog and Sausage Council 150 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Yes, I was surprised.” -Monterey One Water General Manager Paul Sciuto, speaking on the board’s June 24 decision to nix a plan that would have shifted the agency’s billing to property taxes. A weighted vote by two of the board’s members scuttled the proposal (see story, montereycountynow.com). million The Peninsula’s Downtown Shops, restaurants, hotels and businesses Spend some time with us Downtown… oldmonterey.org 11:30am-close, 10am Sat & Sun 484 Washington Street Downtown Monterey 831.643.9525 www.melvilletav.com WOOD FIRED PIZZAS, BURGERS, PASTA, SAlADS & SANDWICHES INDOOR, PATIO DINING & TAKEOUT HAPPY HOUR FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS SUN-tHUR 4-6PM wEEKEND BRUNCH ’23 Celebrating 10 years in Downtown! Sunday–Thursday 11:30am-10pm Friday–Saturday 11:30am-11pm 426 Alvarado St. Monterery 831-655-BEER asb.beer Monterey County’s BEST LOCAL BEER/BREWERY BEST BAR FOR MILLENIALS BEST BAR FOR GEN XERS 447 Alvarado St • Monterey • 375-5332 www.gaspersjewelers.com Voted Monterey’s Best Jewelry Store 20% off all Tungsten Bands World’s 1st Permanently Polished™ Band EXP. 7/31/24 19 years “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
www.montereycountynow.com july 4-10, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 A Leader in Research and Clinical Trials Improving Patient Care Many state-of-the-art treatments available today are a result of clinical trials. Salinas Valley Health has a long history of these research studies that test new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease. Our physicians invest their time in clinical trials, in areas including cardiology, oncology, neurology and diabetes, because they directly benefit our patients, our community and the medical field. Introducing two of our research leaders For more information about our program, visit SalinasValleyHealth.com/clinicalresearch, scan the QR code or email research@SalinasValleyHealth.com. Kanae Mukai, MD AREA OF STUDY: Advanced imaging and heart disease and determining how socioeconomic disparities play a role in patient outcomes EDUCATION: Fellowship • UC San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA • Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC • Scripps Clinic/Scripps Green Hospital, La Jolla, CA Residency • Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ “Research is a crucial lifeline demonstrating the commitment of an institution to provide advanced care to its patients. When we learn how specific factors impact treatment, it has a sustainable impact locally and globally.” — Kanae Mukai, MD “Through our research, we aim to discover innovations that can improve our patients’ health. We are also the first to have access to new protocols and treatments and we can offer them right here in our community, close to home.” — Rene Colorado, MD Rene Colorado, MD, PhD AREA OF STUDY: Stroke clinical trials. Advancement of treatment and diagnosis of stroke including increasing access to emergency treatments for acute stroke. EDUCATION: Fellowship • UC San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA Residency • Harvard Medical School Mass General Brigham Boston, MA
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY July 4-10, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com 831 There is one activity most wineries have in common, besides the obvious. There is also a feature shared by galas, altruistic activities and other gatherings. It can be seen in the bottle for bid at a silent auction, the wine pouring freely at a fundraising event, the gift presented to a nonprofit volunteer. Winemakers are constantly approached by charitable groups. And— selectively—they are happy to give. “Scheid does so much. Silvestri— they do so much,” observes Dawn Galante, owner of the Dawn’s Dream label, starting to tick off what would be a long list. “I don’t know a winery in this community that doesn’t care for others.” Surveys are consistent in reporting that more than 95 percent of winemakers contribute to charities, educational institutions, arts organizations and other groups, with bottles of wine overwhelmingly the most common form of donation. “We all have a talent to give,” says David Baird, winemaker for Folktale Winery. “I have the opportunity to make wines and give back to the community in a way that’s important to me.” Recently, Baird and Galante added a new approach. This year Baird released the second vintage of his Common Thread label. For Galante, 2024 marks the first of her Dare to Dream line. What sets both apart are their purpose. The wines are specifically designated for charity. Dare to Dream is an extension of the “Dream a Little Dream of Me” wall at the Dawn’s Dream tasting room in Carmel. Each year, the wall features a different nonprofit partner, with information and ways for guests to donate. Last year it was Jacob’s Heart, an organization dedicated to supporting children with cancer. For 2024, the winery has teamed up with Community Human Services, which provides mental health, substance abuse and homeless services. For each bottle of the Dare to Dream Zinfandel sold, $5 will go to Community Human Services, in addition to the amount donated from the wall. Common Thread features four single varietals and a blend named “Three Strands”—Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier. Echoing the common thread is the fact that Baird and both of his sons have a single palmar crease on their left hands, a feature consistent with Down Syndrome. Baird’s older son, Colin, has Down Syndrome. Three Strands is also a reference to his son’s DNA. “It’s a special bond I share with my two sons,” Baird says of his Common Thread label, which he makes with the full support of Folktale. “I wanted a brand I would be passionate about and would have meaning.” His goal with Common Thread is that 10 percent—measured through sales and donations of wine—will go to support organizations aiding the special needs community, both children and adults. The idea of creating wines with a purpose is not new. Other winemakers have adopted the approach. Indeed, Galante launched Dawn’s Dream with giving in mind. And for several years, the winery’s Frances Jane—named after one of Galante’s granddaughters—has sent a portion of receipts to animal-related causes. But there is a sense of deep purpose behind Dare to Dream and the charity wall. “I like to say ‘helping women and children reach for the stars,’” Galante says. “Using terms like ‘at risk’ stigmatizes the individuals.” The purpose goes beyond money. Both Galante and Baird say that the true goal is spreading the message. The staff at Dawn’s Dream receive instruction on the nonprofit and its goals so they can engage with guests who express interest. Baird speaks about those with special needs as he introduces his Common Thread wines. “Some of the phrases, like ‘give back,’ sound elitist,” Galante notes. “My criteria is that I work with people in our community.” Common Thread wines can be found at Folktale Winery, 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel. 293-7500, folktalewinery.com. Dare to Dream wines can be found at Dawn’s Dream, 7th and San Carlos, Carmel. 659-2649, dawnsdreamwinery.com. Good Stuff Two new Monterey County wine labels are dedicated to supporting local charities. By Dave Faries David Baird of Folktale Winery and Dawn Galante of Dawn’s Dream Winery say winemaking is an opportunity to raise awareness about the various causes they are passionate about. Both have created wine labels that support charities. “We all have a talent to give.” TAlES FROM THE AREA CODE DANIEL DREIFUSS
www.montereycountynow.com July 4-10, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 7 the original since 1988 Nominations Are OPenv v best of monterey county®
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY july 4-10, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com news On June 26, Josh Metz, executive director of Monterey Bay DART (Drone Automation & Robotics Technology), made a pitch to the board of the Transportation Agency for Monterey County: Please be the lead agency in our effort to get federal grant money to help us use drones in times of emergency or disaster. The idea is this: Unmanned drones, much bigger than the hobbyist’s variety, fly over rural parts of the county and assess the conditions of county or private roads. Then, that information is put into a county database and assimilated by decision makers, who then make decisions based on what we know to be true from the sky. The TAMC board was thrilled by the idea—the phrase “cutting edge” came up—and unanimously agreed to be the public agency sponsor for MBDART’s grant application (DART is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit). The grant application is for just under $2 million, about half of which would go toward the infrastructure side of drone operations, while the other half would go toward administering the program. A key partner in the program is University of Alaska Fairbanks, which hosted one of the original federal drone testing sites more than a decade ago, and which operates the Pan-Pacific Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Test Range Complex. DART’s proposal is an admission that our emergency responsiveness can improve, and must. Climate change-induced disasters are wreaking havoc on our infrastructure, and unless we want to accept major disruptions to our ability to travel on rural roads, we must adapt accordingly—it’s about seeing the problems in real time, and reacting. Remote Work The push is on to harness drones to help monitor disaster-damaged roads. By David Schmalz The owner of the destroyed Big Sur Bakery is suing his landlord, alleging that his lease was wrongly terminated following a May fire. Property owner Hillary Lipman called the lawsuit a “complete fabrication full of spurious allegations,” and he intends to file a countersuit. On the afternoon of May 3, the oven in the Big Sur Bakery—which was closed due to the Highway 1 shutdown—caught fire, and the flames quickly spread throughout the building. The other businesses on the property—Big Sur Shell station, Mother Botanical, Loma Art Studio and Gallery, and the event space Loma Vista Gardens—were spared, although Lipman says the fire destroyed a nearby storage building, burned trees and an electrical meter serving the property and melted a waterline. Bakery owner Michael Gilson filed the lawsuit on June 20 against Lipman and his son, Blaise, who manages Loma Vista Gardens. According to the suit, the lease, which was first signed in 2001 and has been updated multiple times over the years, states that a fire or other such destruction is not a cause for terminating the agreement. The suit states that Gilson received word from Lipman on June 7 that the lease was terminated on May 3 “as a result of the destruction of the premises.” The suit goes on to claim that the Lipmans have “consistently and intentionally taken steps to disrupt” the business in recent years, including removing a sign that was visible on Highway 1. “I am not afraid of competing businesses, and I have a long record of supporting and welcoming all businesses that have opened in Big Sur over the decades,” Gilson says. “Unfortunately, however, my landlord, over the years, and much more so recently, has taken actions which are designed to try to shutter [Big Sur Bakery].” Gilson adds that the support for the bakery following the fire has been “completely overwhelming,” and the plan is to rebuild and reopen it as soon as possible. Lipman says the building will be rebuilt, but Big Sur Bakery will not be a part of it. Each side is accusing the other of illegal activity on the property— Gilson’s suit states that Lipman has allowed for events on the property in violation of Monterey County code, while Blaise Lipman says Big Sur Bakery was operating with “unpermitted building additions” that were made without the property owners’ consent. “This lawsuit is a transparent and feeble attempt to distract from Mike Gilson’s gross negligence and illegal activities that resulted in a devastating fire that destroyed our historic family property,” he says. “Before our family has had time to sift through the ashes of what he destroyed, he is filing lawsuits with frivolous and baseless accusations unrelated to the fire, in a last-ditch effort to preempt the substantive claims we have no choice but to pursue against him legally.” A case management conference in court is scheduled for Oct. 22. The restaurant and bakery occupied a historic building that previously served as a hospitality center in Big Sur. Loma Vista property owner Hillary Lipman says he was “shocked” to hear of the lawsuit filed by a tenant, Big Sur Bakery owner Michael Gilson. Into the Oven Big Sur Bakery’s owner and landlord prepare for court battle after fire ravages business. By Erik Chalhoub If awarded, DART could use the grant for drones to monitor hard-to-reach places. In supporting the application, TAMC asked that funds be used for monitoring county roads and private roads. “Before our family has had time to sift through the ashes, he is filing lawsuits.” sara rubin Airspace Integration
www.montereycountynow.com JULY 4-10, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 831.479.6000 • www.bayfed.com • 888.4BAYFED Federally Insured by NCUA | Equal Housing Lender 3.30% APY* 3-month Certificate 4.08% APY* 6-month Certificate 4.60% APY* 12-month Certificate Short-Term Goals, Long-Term Gain! *Annual Percentage Yield (APY). APY is effective as of July 1, 2024. $1,000 minimum deposit required to open and maintain Certificate account. APY assumes the dividends are reinvested and remain in the account for the full term. Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Certificates are eligible for this offer. Penalty for early withdrawal. Bay Federal Credit Union membership required. This offer is subject to change without notice. Other terms and conditions may apply. For more information, visit any Bay Federal Credit Union branch or contact us. Visit a Branch Today! 1524 N. Main Street | Salinas Personalized Care: We get to know your pet’s unique needs and preferences to provide the perfect environment for them to feel relaxed and happy. Expert Staff: Our compassionate team of professionals is trained to care for pets of all shapes and sizes, including those with special medical needs. Clean & Safe Facilities: Your pet’s well-being is our top priority. Our facilities are meticulously maintained to ensure a clean and safe environment for your beloved companion. Outdoor Playtime: Our spacious, secured play area allows your pet to enjoy fresh air, exercise, and socialization while staying with us. PEt bOarding at Pacific Grove Animal Hospital Why we’re the best choice for pet boarding: 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com VOTED MONTEREY COUNTY’S BEST VETERINARIAN THREE YEARS IN A ROW! ’23 ’22 ’21
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY july 4-10, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com In 1957, Donna and Fred Hofsas built a quaint, four-story Bavarianthemed hotel in Carmel. Donna commissioned an artist friend, Maxine Albro, to paint a welcome mural, and Fred created a coat of arms, with the Latin words “Otium Cum Dignitate,” or “Leisure with Dignity.” It’s been family-run, with the Hofsas’ granddaughter, Carrie Theis, a former Carmel City councilmember, acting as general manager of the 38-room hotel since 2000. After 67 years the inn is showing its age and with travelers demanding more modern conveniences, the family made the decision to tear down Donna and Fred’s creation and build a modern structure they named the Carmel Legacy Hotel. Architect Eric Miller described the design to the Carmel Planning Commission as inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Clinton Walker House on Carmel Point, as well as Craftsman designs. Theis spent the last year sharing the plans around town and gaining acceptance from a village that doesn’t easily embrace change. Her work paid off: At a Planning Commission meeting on April 10, a line of business owners and residents praised the Theis family and urged approval. The vote was 4-0 (with conditions), to a round of applause. (Vice Chair Stephanie Locke recused herself for owning property within 500 feet.) Only resident Neal Kruse, of the Carmel Preservation Association, was resolute in his disapproval of the proposed design. “We do not want progress. We do not want the most modern-looking hotels, and that is why we’re still the place that everybody wants to come to,” Kruse said. Two weeks later Kruse filed an appeal to the Carmel City Council on behalf of the CPA based on what he said was the failure of the commission to adequately assess the hotel’s potential environmental impacts. The hotel was considered exempt from creating an environmental impact report as an infill project, but Kruse argued that “unusual circumstances” made the exemption inappropriate, because the hotel is surrounded by residences which will be subject to construction noise and traffic and air quality impacts, including asbestos. Kruse also argued that the “historic facade of the building will be lost unnecessarily. One more piece of Carmel’s history obliterated,” he wrote. According to a staff report, the hotel buildings were evaluated last year for historical significance. The Historic Resources Board ruled they were ineligible as historic resources in December. The decision was not appealed. The City Council is scheduled to hear the appeal at 4:30pm on Tuesday, July 9. Like other local developments in the former Fort Ord that were approved in the aughts, a time of great optimism, East Garrison— which the County Board of Supervisors approved in 2004—failed to launch as the Great Recession tanked the market. It finally started to break ground in 2013, but its final phase—the fourth, which will include a long-awaited “town center” with a commercial core—has been on ice, as the current developers who have taken over the project have been re-envisioning its final phase to make it more commercially viable. Essentially, that’s meant downsizing the commercial town center core from 75,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet. Tony Lombardo, representing developer UCP, advocated before the supervisors that the updates were necessary due to the changing economic conditions in the past 20 years. The supervisors agreed and approved the amendment, which also created a slight reduction in residential units, but the one sticking point was parking. Many residents argued the revised plan doesn’t provide adequate parking, and as a condition of approval, the supervisors asked that county staff take a fresh, impartial look at UCP consultant Kimley Horn’s parking analysis. But the streets are wide open—there’s parking everywhere. However, the homeowner’s association prohibits homeowners from parking on the street, even though it’s fair game to park on for the general public, by law. And just a few months ago, the HOA sent out a notice to homeowners informing them that their garages would be subject to a “step-by-step process of…‘Garage Review’’’ so that the HOA board of directors could be better informed about giving out street parking passes. Yet Gary Redenbacher, an attorney retained by some residents, wrote a letter in January that insists the requirement to inspect a homeowners garage is beyond the HOA’s power. New Look A protest against progress sends a Carmel hotel’s transformation to council. By Pam Marino news Adopt a Friend SPCA Monterey County needs to find more homes for more pets, and to help that cause, offers $50 adoption fees for puppies and kittens 6 months and younger. For all other pets, adoption fees have been paid for by donors. 11am-5pm Friday, July 5-Sunday, July 7. SPCA Monterey County, 1002 Highway 68, Salinas. 373-2631, spcamc.org. Cooling Off With hot temperatures forecasted through Saturday, July 6, the County of Monterey has opened cooling shelters at libraries in South County and Carmel Valley. The cities of Greenfield and Soledad also opened centers for people seeking relief from excessive heat. Various hours through Saturday, July 6. Carmel Valley library, 65 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley; Greenfield City Hall, 599 El Camino Real, Greenfield; Greenfield Community Science Workshop, 45 El Camino Real, Greenfield; King City library, 402 Broadway St., King City; San Ardo library, 62350 College St., San Ardo; San Lucas library, 54692 Teresa St., San Lucas; Soledad Community Center, 560 Walker Drive, Soledad. 800-3226884. Government in Action The Carmel City Council meets and accepts public comment. Learn about the latest happenings in city government and share feedback. 4:30pm Tuesday, July 9. City Council Chambers, Monte Verde Street between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. Free. 620-2000, ci.carmel.ca.us. Help for Housing The Housing Authority of the County of Monterey opened the waitlist for the Housing Choice Voucher Program on July 1. Once the waitlist application process closes, the Housing Authority will run a lottery to place the first 5,000 applicants on the waitlist. Applications accepted through Friday, July 12 at 11:59pm. 775-5000, apply. hamonterey.org. Safe Streets The City of Seaside is developing a local road safety plan and wants to hear concerns from residents. Survey runs through July 29. tinyurl. com/44at2c4v. Future Plans The City of Soledad has updated its Housing Element based on feedback it received from the state Housing and Community Development Department. The public is invited to look over the document that provides a framework for housing production over the next eight years. View the document at soledadgeneralplan2045.com/housing-element. Park Place East Garrison’s last phase of construction is moving forward, with questions about parking. By David Schmalz A rendering of the proposed Hofsas House redesign would modernize the hotel from its 1957 look (inset), which still exists today. e-mail: toolbox@montereycountynow.com TOOLBOX “We do not want progress.” Eric Miller Architects, Inc. Daniel Dreifuss
www.montereycountynow.com JULY 4-10, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 INSIDER SQUID SAYS: THIS 4TH OF JULY SUPPORT LOCAL & INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM HOW TO JOIN Go online at insider.montereycountyweekly.com Or by mail: 668 Williams Ave., Seaside, CA 93955 Your contribution level: $500 $150 $50 $20 $15 $10 Other $________ Contribution schedule: Monthly Annual One-time Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_ ______________________________________________________________________ City, State_ ____________________________________________________________________ Email_ __________________________________ Phone________________________________ May we include your name in public acknowledgements? Yes How would you like your name to appear?__________________________________________ No, I would prefer to be anonymous Payment: Credit card number_ ____________________________________________________________ Expiration date __________________________CVV code_ _____________________________ Name/Billing address (if different from above)_ _____________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ The holiday that honors this nation’s founding is a perfect time to take stock of the freedoms we enjoy. Here at Monterey County Weekly, we put the freedom of the press at the top of our list of things to celebrate. It turns out, however, that a free press is an expensive enterprise. Our editorial department is the largest of any media operation covering Monterey County and the costs of providing professional, trustworthy journalism are substantial. Please join over 3,000 of your friends and neighbors and become a Weekly Insider today. We are asking the people who appreciate our local and independent journalism to help fund the operation. We designate all those who contribute as Insiders. Scan the QR code to become an Insider. In honor of Independence Day, the Weekly is offering an Insider incentive program. If you sign up to give $15/month from now through July 7, or make a onetime contribution of $150 or greater, we’ll send you a handy-dandy new “Totally Locally” tote bag. JOIN YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS AND BECOME AND INSIDER
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY July 4-10, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas fell victim to a cybersecurity attack on March 11, and on May 1, a team of experts hired by Clinica determined that “certain data was accessed or acquired,” prompting officials with the nonprofit health care provider to notify patients that their names, demographic information and diagnoses, along with other health information, may have been compromised. Immediately after the cybersecurity experts determined the extent of the March breach, the websites Breachsense and HookPhish reported that Clinica had come under attack on May 2 from BianLiam, an internationally known ransomware group. (Clinica officials did not respond to a request for comment.) After the first attack in March, federal law enforcement was notified and Clinica officials “implemented additional security measures to minimize the risk of a similar incident occurring in the future,” according to its website. Cyber attacks on hospitals and other health care providers continue to be a problem in the U.S., with over 540 reported last year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (By law, health care organizations must report data breaches of 500 or more patients to the California Department of Public Health and HHS within 15 days of detection.) The HHS Office for Civil Rights is currently investigating 34 breaches in California; none are in Monterey County. The smallest breach affects 500 patients and the largest, affecting 13.4 million patients, relates to a network server belonging to Kaiser Foundation Health Plan. On June 24, the FBI and HHS released an advisory warning of “cyberthreat” actors targeting health care organizations to steal payments. Officials called the organizations “attractive targets for threat actors due to their size, technological dependence, access to personal health information, and unique impacts from patient care disruptions.” Described as a “social engineering campaign,” the advisory warns that the threat actors are using phishing schemes to steal login credentials specifically related to the processing of reimbursement payments to insurance companies, Medicare or similar entities. The payments are diverted to U.S. bank accounts and then sent to overseas accounts. In some cases the phishing consisted of someone posing as a legitimate employee calling an organization’s IT help desk, triggering a password reset for the targeted employee’s account. Or, they have manipulated an IT employee to bypass multi-factor authentication. Bad actors also use employees’ personal information gained through data breaches, to confirm an employee’s identification over the phone. The FBI and HHS advisory recommends organizations implement multi-factor identification for every account, train IT help desk employees and review the use of their remote access tools, among other protective actions. Cyber Vigilance A data breach comes to Clinica de Salud and the FBI warns health care organizations are a target. By Pam Marino After a cyber attack, Clinica de Salud is offering free access to identity protection services through the company IDX, as long as patients enroll by Sept. 3. NEWS After the first attack, federal law enforcement was notified. DANIEL DREIFUSS JOB FAIR Wednesday, July 10, 2024 8 A.M. – 12 P.M. Thursday, July 11, 2024 3 P.M. – 6 P.M. Fairway One Complex 3304 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953 Interviews on the spot The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the week of August 12 – 18. Applicants must be able to work Friday, August 16 – Sunday, August 18. Please come prepared to provide proof of employment eligibility. Hiring for all areas Bartenders, bussers, cashiers, cooks, housekeepers, purchasing clerks, servers, shuttle drivers, stewards, valets, and many more. Special event applications will be available on-site. Questions: (831) 649-7657 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Temporary Special Event PBR400-18_PB-Concours-Monterey County Weekly.indd 1 2024-06-26 7:49 AM JOIN US FOR A FREE CONSERVATION WEBINAR The Monterey Peninsula is a leader in water conservation. Thank you for your commitment to being water wise! Learn more at: montereywaterinfo.org/events Join us for a free, interactive workshop in July, presented by Green Gardens Group via Zoom. Thursday, July 11 Graywater Basics 6 p.m.–7:15 p.m.
www.montereycountynow.com July 4-10, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 Alisal Union School District is getting ready for the upcoming 2024-25 school year, which begins Aug. 7. What might be missing: after-school programs in the arts. AUSD recently terminated contracts with two extracurricular providers. On May 30, AUSD announced it terminated its contract with Alisal Community Arts Network, known as AlisalCAN, a nonprofit that taught four programs in the district, after the group’s executive director, Joshua Alfaro, was arrested on charges of child molestation. Alfaro entered a plea of not guilty; his preliminary hearing is scheduled to begin July 10. Norma Villalobos says in Spanish her son, who graduated last year from elementary and attended AlisalCAN drumline and music programs, was affected by news of the arrest. He no longer plays his violin, does his homework or takes his dog Chispa for walks. “We don’t know how to support him,” Villalobos adds. About 500 students district-wide had expected to continue AlisalCAN classes over the summer. The district hasn’t yet found another organization to take over the drumline, colorguard, mariachi and cheer after-school programs. Ruth Alavez Gomez is a mother of three. Her youngest, Jario Muñoz Alavez, 7, was part of AlisalCAN’s mariachi group. “It’s a valuable program,” Alavez Gomez says, noting it gets kids out of their everyday routine. Her son was excited about the summer mariachi program, but it turned sour when it—including a performance at Stanford University in July—was canceled. “The district remains hopeful a program, or at least a plan, will be in place by the time students return for the 2024-25 school year,” Superintendent Jim Koenig says in an email. The district also switched to a new folklórico contractor after it couldn’t reach an agreement with Tonatiuh Danzantes del Quinto Sol, ending a 30-plus-year working relationship. On June 26, the board approved a one-year contract for $203,253 with Danzantes del Valle instead. At a board meeting on June 5, parents, teachers and students spoke in favor of keeping Tonatiuh. One of them was Mia Almaraz, a fifth-grader at Fremont Elementary, who has been in the folklórico program since kindergarten. “Children like myself are being affected with the decision of removing Tonatiuh, because for me, Tonatiuh is not just a program, but family,” Almaraz said. Ramón Silva Ruelas, Tonatiuh’s director, says he couldn’t reach an agreement with AUSD after requesting a proper facility and storage space for costumes. “I was asking for classes to be held in a suitable classroom, an indoor classroom, because sometimes I would find my teachers teaching in the playground and I don’t think that’s where you teach dance,” he says. Space at AUSD is limited. The district runs 15 programs for over 2,000 students, about 600 of them in folklórico. “There’s a lot of competition for the facilities, and I can tell you the principals generally make a priority of making sure that folklórico is able to conduct their activities in the multi-purpose room,” Koenig says. School Bell After two shake-ups, Alisal Union School District is searching for an afterschool contractor for music and arts programs. By Celia Jiménez Several folklorico students including Natalia Oñate (left) and Mia Mendez (center) spoke during the Alisal Union School District board meeting in favor in Tonatiuh Danzantes del Quinto Sol. NEWS “Tonatiuh is not just a program, but family.” CELIA JIMÉNEZ
14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY july 4-10, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com HEALTH Check Just a note of heartfelt appreciation for the insightful and easy-to-digest article on why medical costs are so high in this county (“Hospitals in Monterey County are some of the most expensive in the state. Why?,” June 20-26). Monterey County Weekly continues to be a beacon in the journalism world as local reporting is disappearing throughout the country. Lorraine Yglesias | Carmel Valley Your article on the high cost of Monterey County hospitals was excellent. It was informative, well-researched, well written, and fact-driven. Thank you! Lauren Thomsen | via email It takes money to sponsor a soccer team. It takes money to run an aggressive marketing campaign against other area hospitals with constant ads, including full-page ads, and build more and more facilities. It takes money to sponsor a “feel-good” nonprofit that fails to address local health hazards and cancer risks, but will give your facility a stamp of approval. It takes money to constantly recruit to replace exiting employees. There is no safety net for people against huge medical costs. Those under 65 are most at risk of being financially destroyed by one accident or illness. A robust Medicare for all is a necessity as well as hospital boards of trustees interested in health care instead of building empires. Nina Beety | Monterey Having been diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and completed 12 rounds of chemotherapy at Salinas Valley Health, I am familiar with the economics of treatment that can exact a crushing financial burden on those ineligible for government insurance. Had my own diagnosis come a few years later, I would have been on Medicare. Financially that would have made a difference since my private insurance had a high deductible and treatment spanned three calendar years. But I don’t look at it that way. I received excellent care at SVH, where everyone was completely invested in my health. I also found it much more convenient than the Bay Area, where I started out my treatment at a large hospital. Routine labs took a lot longer there, which is draining for someone battling a major illness. I wouldn’t wish cancer on anyone, but I would recommend the Salinas Valley Cancer Center to everyone. Elizabeth Bowditch | Seaside Out and Proud Big shout-out to Merideth CanhamNelson for bringing this story to the attention of the general public as well as Monterey Peninsula Pride and Salinas Valley Pride, two organizations that participated in Monterey Bay Football Club’s Pride Night (“Derogatory chants at Cardinale Stadium turn Pride Night sour for fans of Monterey Bay F.C.,” June 20-26). MBFC claims they are doing what they can to stop these homophobic chants but are they really? General announcements about the code of conduct before the game are clearly not enough. The specific chants must be addressed in public as an ongoing issue, with fans clearly told this will not be tolerated until it stops. That the club would promote “Pride Night” to LGBTQ+ organizations and allow this to happen during Pride Month when this has been addressed with them on numerous occasions is simply not acceptable. Steven Goings | Seaside Zero tolerance. Identify, remove, and ban. It will stop real quick. Greg Hamer | Salinas Bridges Of the County It’s a classic and an icon (“Officials at odds about how to fix a bridge while preserving iconic Big Sur,” June 20-26; “Supervisors uphold the denial of Garrapata Creek Bridge railing replacements,” posted June 26). It would be like if you took the Eiffel Tower and took all of the beautiful work off and made it into a modern look. Just no. Jeanne Porter | via email I feel the arguments over the degree to which the new, safer, replacement rails will hide the view are misplaced. I have traveled Highway 1 many dozens of times and seldom, if ever, have taken in the view through a bridge railing. The views are better on either end of the bridge. That’s not to say that the bridges themselves are not beautiful and iconic, but the view of the bridge is better from either side. Stop wasting our tax dollars having Caltrans jump through hoops designing rails with incrementally wider gaps. Bryan Syverson | Carmel Booking It I would also add Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch by Henry Miller (“Monterey County’s beauty serves as the inspiration for a large number of books and poems,” June 27-July 3). Published in 1957, it’s still relevant to Big Sur. One of the most comically funny books I’ve ever read about Monterey County or Big Sur. Barry Amundsen | Salinas Bill Pay As a property owner and bill payer I am disappointed to see this change not go through (“In a stunning vote, two cities nix Monterey One Water’s billing process one week before it begins,” posted June 26). I was looking forward to no longer writing checks and finding an envelope and stamp to pay my sewer bill every other month. I am shocked and disappointed that this upgrade to their antiquated billing system did not get passed. Thank you for reporting on this. Margaux Gibbons | via email Thank you, thank you to Seaside and Salinas for torpedoing Monterey One Water’s slick move to place sewer bills on our property taxes! Even though I adamantly voiced my opposition, I felt like it was already a done deal. I’m very happy to be proven wrong! Inge Lorentzen Daumer | Pacific Grove CORRECTION A story about Red Rake Rescue (“A horse rescue in Salinas is a place where its denizens—human and animal—care for each other,” June 6-12), incorrectly spelled the name of the rescue. The story also incorrectly identified the owner of the Icelandic pony, which was placed in residence at the rescue, not owned by the rescue. Letters • CommentsOPINION Submit letters to the editor to letters@montereycountynow.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.
www.montereycountynow.com july 4-10, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15 Last Thursday night, June 27, two very different men stood on stage to debate the issues and to attempt to persuade the American voting public that they are the best person to be the next president of the United States. Debates give voters a rare opportunity to hear directly from the candidates themselves. This matters when it comes to matters of policy, but also how they comport themselves. Voters are wondering: Is this the person best equipped to hold the most powerful job in the world? Nothing about the debate made us feel comforted. Jokes about golf skills, when existential questions face our country, the world order, peace, prosperity and health? And yet those were among the more coherent moments of the debate between President Joe Biden and former president Donald J. Trump, the presumptive nominees for the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, respectively. When Trump at one point said, “I really don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence, and I don’t think he did, either,” it was a rare moment of truth for the serial liar. Biden seemed lost and dazed throughout. While his surrogates have dismissed it as an off night, we are not convinced. This is a time for intense clarity to hold Trump accountable—and if not Trump, what about Vladimir Putin, Benjamin Netanyahu and other world leaders? The Biden campaign’s fundraising email the next morning was just as tepid as Biden the debater: “I have never heard so much malarkey in my whole life.” Sure, it’s a cute line, his signature “malarkey.” But Biden failed even in writing—as he failed to do verbally the night before—to convey the real dangers associated with a second Trump presidency. Who says malarkey when talking about a candidate who’s promised to leverage his elected office to go after his political enemies, pardon the convicted Jan. 6 insurrectionists, let Putin have his way in Europe, undo smart climate change initiatives, and effectively shut down the country’s borders and build a permanent wall around a nation of immigrants? This is much, much worse than malarkey. It is a threat to undermine the whole American experiment. We like Biden—his lifelong spirit of service, his measurable achievements in the past four years (the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, rallying to support Ukraine, a long-overdue exit from Afghanistan, his overall human decency). It’s precisely because of all of this good that we hope the people who have his ear will urge him to step aside. Biden can walk away gracefully on a high note, and also empower the next generation of leadership. Or he can fight for another term and in so doing imperil not just his own political sendoff, but also a 50-year legacy of Democrat-led legislation that has done good. Remaining in the race would almost definitely mean a Trump presidency, after his halting debate performance. And that’s not just bad for advancing Democrats’ policy goals and Biden’s legacy—it’s bad for America, and dangerous. Trump wants to double down on a xenophobic state, effectively shutting down our borders and deporting people he doesn’t agree with. He wants to strip the government of knowledgeable staff, in his attempt to root out the elusive “deep state.” He threatens to pull out of NATO, undermining the world order. He would exit the Paris climate accords, and would ramp up oil production just as the world is beginning a serious shift to renewables. His policy platform is an existential threat to American ideals, to freedom and liberty for all— including women. It’s not just Biden who should step down from his candidacy—it’s Trump too. Even after 62 lawsuits making claims of 2020 election fraud failed, he still claims the election was stolen. Instead of celebrating our free and fair elections as a bedrock American institution, he continues sowing doubt that imperils the credibility of the system infrastructure itself. He is evasive about whether he will accept the 2024 election results. This says nothing about Trump’s true character: that his company is barred from doing business in New York for continual corrupt practices, that a jury (twice) convicted him of sexual harassment and he owes E. Jean Carroll $83 million in damages, that he was convicted of 34 felonies for misreporting payments to his lawyer and a porn star to United We Stand Biden and Trump should both drop out. Our country is too important. By the Editorial Board Crying Fowl…Squid is something of a starfish connoisseur—they are just so colorful. Squid is thrilled when starfish decide to visit Squid’s lair, but makes sure that only four at a time are around at any given time. Any more, and Squid would have to get a hobbyist permit. That’s what Gonzalo Narez of Aromas tried to do, although not with starfish, but with equally colorful animals—roosters. Narez sought a permit as a “poultry hobbyist” through the Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner to keep five or more roosters on his property. A “poultry hobbyist,” per the county’s definition, is a member of an organization that promotes chicken breeding for show or sale. But the ag commissioner denied Narez’s request on May 13, stating that he wasn’t affiliated with an association “recognized as a legitimate poultry hobbyist organization.” Such organizations include 4-H and Future Farmers of America, according to the county’s extensive rooster-keeping ordinance— adopted in 2015 as a way to combat the rise of cockfighting—which includes rules such as maintaining a good temperature in the chickens’ homes and disposing of manure. Narez is now taking his case to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, July 9, where Squid expects a few feathers will be ruffled. Lost in Translation…Squid showed up ready with shrimp-flavored popcorn at a meeting of the Alisal Union School District’s board of trustees on June 26. The gym at Jesse G. Sanchez Elementary School was quite empty. That made it a little awkward for Squid to chomp loudly on Squid’s popcorn, but there were enough juicy morsels for Squid to sink Squid’s beak into from AUSD officials. Superintendent Jim Koenig shared an update on AUSD’s special education studies. Two things stood out: Over-identification of students compared to the state average, and a high number of untranslated individualized education programs (IEPs)—639 out of 895 special education students—meaning non-English-speaking parents probably wouldn’t know about the additional services their children with special needs require to succeed in school. Boardmember Guadalupe Gilpas Barrera said it’s been an ongoing issue. “We always have this problem with IEPs and translation for years and years and years, and nothing has worked. What are we going to do?” She also asked if the district was liable. That’s when AUSD’s legal counsel advised the board to stop talking: “This discussion in itself could be causing liability for us.” Just like that, it became a dead end for the board, just like it’s a dead end for as many as 639 families. editorial SQUID FRY THE MISSION OF MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY IS TO INSPIRE INDEPENDENT THINKING AND CONSCIOUS ACTION, ETC. This is much, much worse than malarkey. Send Squid a tip: squid@montereycountynow.com editorial continued on page 16
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==