august 8-14, 2024 montereycountynow.com LOCAL & INDEPENDENT covid alert on high 12 | Car Week rolls into town 32 | a passion for passionfish 42 A local man is bringing the story of his great-grandmother, the last full-blooded Mutsun woman, back to life. p. 20 By David Schmalz Bridge to the Past
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY AUGUST 8-14, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com 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
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4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY august 8-14, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com august 8-14, 2024 • ISSUE #1880 • Established in 1988 Gabriella Schlesinger-James (Canon EOS m50 Mark II) Two young people receive food—for themselves and their pets—from the Street Outreach Team at Community Human Services in Salinas. On July 31, the nonprofit opened a new brick-and-mortar navigation center for people ages 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness. Monterey County photo of the week Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: Seaside resident Anthony Mondragon is trying to establish a Monterey County home for his ancestral tribe— the Mutsun. Cover photo: Daniel Dreifuss 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. Subscribe to the newsletter: www.montereycountynow.com/subscribe Find us online: www.montereycountynow.com
www.montereycountynow.com AUGUST 8-14, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 To register, scan the QR code Learn more at SalinasValleyHealth.com/Maternity Having a baby is one of life’s most significant events. Salinas Valley Health offers nationally recognized maternity and patient-centered care from pre-natal screenings through delivery and beyond. Come meet some of our providers and learn about our: • Perinatal Diagnostic Center • Obstetric Emergency Department • Labor and Delivery • Mother/Baby Unit • Level III NICU • Lactation Services and Support For more information about this bilingual presentation (separate English and Spanish*), call Sonia Vallejo, Parent Engagement and Community Involvement Specialist, at the Gonzales Unified School District at 831-305-4549. Tuesday, August 13 5:00-6:00pm Gonzales High School 501 5th Street, Gonzales English presentation in Room 52* Spanish presentation in Room 51* Kenneth Jones, MD Maternity Services at Salinas Valley Health
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY AUGUST 8-14, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH Walk down any public street in America, and someone may offer you a flyer, postcard or sticker about any number of causes. Last September, activist and attorney Ed Frey was handing out flyers at the Oldtown Salinas Certified Farmers Market that encouraged readers to visit his website, voters-intervene.org, which urges all elected officials to appear monthly in public forums, among other things. “Our basic criticisms are that the People have no voice,” a letter to U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta reads. In a lawsuit filed in Monterey County Superior Court on July 25 against market organizers Joel Panzer, Maureen Wruck and Jerry Lami, Frey claims they grabbed the flyers from his hand and used physical force (chest bumping) to attempt to remove him from the public space. “I didn’t flinch too much. I just walked away and kept on passing out the flyers,” Frey says. “But I want them to be punished.” Panzer says people are directed to distribute materials in designated “free speech” areas at market entrances, unless they arrange a different location in advance. Good: A saga delayed by a lawsuit finally played out to its much-anticipated happy ending—and beginning. Friends of Laguna Seca assumed management of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and the surrounding recreational area, according to a statement issued by the organization on Aug. 1. The announcement completes an agreement between the nonprofit and the County of Monterey signed last July and originally intended to begin Jan. 1 of this year. “The Friends team has been squarely focused on reaching this important milestone and providing a smooth transition of operations,” CEO Lauri Eberhart said in a statement. While the county continues to own the property, the concession agreement gives management of Laguna Seca Recreation Area to FLS, with financial responsibility for all maintenance and upgrades to the facility. A&D Narigi will continue to handle day-today operations. GREAT: A recent $100,000 grant from Montage Health will boost Monterey Fire Department’s ability to save lives. The funds paid for two Lifepak 15 heart monitors and three Lucas Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) devices, which fire officials say will allow the department to increase its life support services from basic to advanced. The heart monitors will be placed on two trucks that serve Monterey and Pacific Grove, while the CPR devices will allow the department to provide coverage for all of the areas it services. In addition to basic diagnostic capabilities, such as monitoring blood pressure, oxygen saturation level and heart rate, the monitors are capable of advanced cardiac monitoring. The mechanical CPR devices are estimated to improve chances of survival by up to 47 percent versus manual CPR. Monterey Fire Department treats roughly 60 cardiac arrest patients each year. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY The total amount of funds provided to 23 people who qualified for the City of Monterey’s rental assistance program as of July 19. In March, the city council set aside $250,000 for the program to assist those struggling to pay their rent. Source: City of Monterey $91,140.41 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “[It] will certainly benefit not just our residents, but all of Monterey County.” -Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig, speaking about Kaiser Permanente announcing it will start serving Salinas and North County in 2025 (see story, montereycountynow.com). * Borrowers must be members of Bay Federal Credit Union and your business be eligible for Bay Federal membership. Qualification of membership is defined as the business headquarters is located within Santa Cruz, Monterey, or San Benito Counties. Must meet membership and account criteria, all loans subject to approval. Only commercial properties located within the state of California are eligible for financing. Rates and terms will vary based on collateral and credit. Programs, rates, terms, conditions, and services are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. 831.479.6000 • www.bayfed.com • 888.4BAYFED Federally Insured by NCUA | Equal Housing Lender 1524 N. Main Street | Salinas Now Offering Commercial Real Estate Loans No pre-payment penalties Purchase or refinance Loan amounts up to $5,000,000 Multi-family units, farm & agriculture, office space, warehouses and other properties Visit a branch today!
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8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY AUGUST 8-14, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com 831 Cars may consist of pieces of manufactured steel, but they are emotional things—no, the machines don’t have feelings themselves, as much as some of their drivers wish they did. Rather, they evoke every emotion in the viewer that humans are capable of experiencing: joy (perhaps from the one you learned to drive in), envy (something too expensive to attain), disgust (Tesla Cybertruck), you name it. A nostalgic response is one of the most common. Who doesn’t remember the car they drove to their graduation, or from their wedding? Nile Estep, owner of Hacienda in Carmel Valley, says he and his team work to find ways to generate joy in the community through various gatherings. One of those ways will be on display during Car Week: Concours for a Cause. The inaugural event, after a small test run in 2023, will fill a few blocks of downtown Carmel on Aug. 13 with vintage cars, cultural experiences, live music and more. It’s a foregone conclusion that someone will find something that speaks to them. “Those are the moments we’re looking to create,” Estep says. “It’s not about ‘I have this expensive car,’ it’s about emotion. It’s about, how do we create positive emotion for all in the community.” On Ocean Avenue from Mission to Dolores streets, about 150 pre-1970 cars will line the road. The event will be organized by sections. German vehicles make up Deutschland Delights, where Alvarado Street Brewery will be serving lagers and Bavarian bites, with representation from the German Historical Society of San Jose. The American Made section is self-explanatory, and The Money Band will perform. Among the Italian cars in Little Italy will be pizza and gelato from Chef Rich Pèpe. The British Empire takes over Devendorf Park, featuring Beatles cover band The Sun Kings. “I really think it’s important that we lean into the nostalgic charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea and help create that ambiance,” Estep says. Estep adds the event will be a “people’s concours.” Attendees will receive wooden tokens that they can place in front of their favorite car in each section, and those that receive the most will win awards (the tokens are reusable, part of the event’s mission to be “as sustainable as possible,” Estep says. “We’re trying to minimize the footprint and maximize the fun.”). But at the center of the event is in the name itself: “for a cause.” Those who are showing their vehicles in the show can direct all proceeds from the entry fees to six organizations: Big Sur Food and Wine Festival, Carmel Cares, Carmel Valley Forum, Rancho Cielo, Sunset Cultural Center and Women Are Limitless. “My mom always told me what you get you give back tenfold,” Estep says. “The feeling you get when you give is sometimes better than the feeling you get when you receive. There’s a genuine joy that comes from it.” RPMs are not the only things that are being raised during Car Week—the charitable donations continue to flow in every year from the various events. More than 85,000 people are expected to descend into Monterey County over the nine days of events that start Aug. 9. Many of the events during the week benefit local charities, with between $3 million-$4 million in donations raised for more than 100 organizations in 2023, according to Rob O’Keefe, president and CEO of See Monterey. Since its beginnings in 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, considered the main attraction of Car Week, has raised more than $35 million for nonprofits. Last year, Rancho Cielo received $100,000 for its classic car restoration program, Janine Chicourrat, chair of the board, said at a Car Week media briefing on July 30. The program, launched in 2022 thanks to a grant from the Rotary Foundation, covers vehicles pre-1982. “The focus is to train local underserved communities in a trade that is highly specialized in a way to make a lucrative living,” she said. “It’s wonderful to have an automotive program in such a special space.” Concours for a Cause 10am-4pm Tuesday, Aug. 13. Ocean Avenue, Carmel. concoursforacause.com. Emotional Attachment The ‘people’s concours’ aims to give back to local charities, one vintage car at a time. By Erik Chalhoub George Anderson (from left), Nile Estep, Richard Gray and Michael Wong are organizers of Concours for a Cause, which returns on Aug. 13 in Carmel after a test run in 2023, benefiting local charities. “What you get you give back tenfold.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE DANIEL DREIFUSS The Chamber Connects At the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, we are connectors, providing our members with valuable introductions to new customers and referral sources. If you're looking for a platform to initiate important conversations and grow your business, we invite you to join our business association on the Monterey Peninsula! Join Today! • montereychamber.com • info@montereychamber.com • 831.648.5350
www.montereycountynow.com AUGUST 8-14, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 Welcomes pacificvalleybank.com as Vice President/Branch Manager HELEN DUNSTON (831) 771-4319 Please join us in welcoming Helen Dunston to the Pacific Valley Bank team. I am proud to be back in my hometown and working for a locally owned and managed community bank. My passion for community involvement and serving my clients makes Pacific Valley Bank a perfect fit! - Helen Dunston www.cfmco.org • 831.375.9712 Design your giving plan. We can help. Donor Advised Funds • Charitable Estate Planning • Charitable Gift Annuities and Charitable Remainder Trusts • IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions • Scholarships & More 831.375.9712 | cfmco.org/Donors | “The Community Foundation is a wonderful guide on our philanthropic journey.” – Giff and Pam Lehman Lehman Family Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County LONG LIVE THE SCENIC ROUTE. Big Sur SEEMONTEREY.COM Wherever your path takes you in Monterey County, please follow all guidelines and travel responsibly. Download the See Monterey App to make the most of your trip. Photo credit: Willow and Ben Photography & Monterey Touring Vehicles
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY august 8-14, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com news One of the most recognizable buildings in downtown Salinas is the Fox Theater, a historic Art Deco-style building, decorated with gold fixtures inside and painted red and beige on the Main Street exterior. The 1921 theater has been part of the neighborhood for over 100 years, and since 1930 has been part of the Fox franchise. It’s a popular venue for private events like weddings and quinceañeras, and also books public events like concerts and comedy. It also serves as a recording studio. In recent years, the business emphasis has been on renting out the venue for private events. “It’s hard to make money doing concerts but I don’t just do concerts,” says Anthony Lane Cotroneo, owner and manager of the Fox Theater. That business model and the building are now for sale. On Aug. 1 the property was listed on the market with an asking price of $4.5 million. The business side alone was on the market for a year prior, and the building has now been added. “There are a lot of people interested, but they want the building and so I finally decided yes, I will sell the real estate and the business together,” Cotroneo says. Any existing reservations and bookings, he adds, will carry over to a new owner. Cotroneo, the former proprietor of Planet Gemini in Monterey, acquired the Fox after a bidding war in 2006. He was forced to shut down for a period of about fourand-a-half months in 2018 over code violations of earthquake safety and fire sprinklers. Present-day downtown Salinas has also undergone a renovation, adding housing, restaurants and venues that offer live music performances. Lights Up Fox Theater, an entertainment venue in Downtown Salinas, is for sale. By Celia Jiménez A new wing and parking garage are in the works for nonprofit Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, after both internal projections and an independently performed assessment by a consultant within the last year showed the hospital will need to add 24 to 40 new beds by 2030 to meet a growing demand, says Montage Health President and CEO Steven Packer. “What we’ve seen over the last number of years is the hospital is busier and busier and the hospital is in overflow,” Packer says, adding that the last time they added beds was in 2007. And although more and more procedures are done on an outpatient basis, reducing the need for beds, he says it’s “somewhat the case, but that’s more than offset by procedures that people are choosing to do here locally,” that were once only available in hospitals to the north. “We’re driven by our community’s need and the community has demonstrated they don’t want to drive up to San Jose or the Bay Area” for procedures like hip replacements and heart surgeries, among others, he says. As it is now, some emergency department patients wait for hours to be admitted. Parking for patients, visitors and staff has also been a long-time challenge. Where the new wing will be constructed is still being decided between a couple of locations on the hospital property on Highway 68 in Monterey. Packer estimates the new beds will increase capacity by 10 to 15 percent. He says he is confident they have enough water credits to meet the need. The proposed three-tiered parking garage will sit atop the lower area of the current ground parking lot, more than doubling the current number of spaces from 471 to approximately 1,000. That project will be completed ahead of construction of the new wing. Inpatient hospital planning can take up to six years, due to the number of code requirements, regulatory agencies and entitlement processes administrators must navigate, Packer says, so they are starting the planning now. Earlier this year, CHOMP hired international architectural firm HDR to create preliminary schematic drawings of the wing. There is no set budget as of yet, and they won’t have an estimate until there are more details about the size and scope of the project, Packer says. They expect to use a combination of savings, loans and philanthropy to pay for it. Packer shared the expansion plans with an audience at the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce breakfast on July 30, as well as plans to reduce overall spending by Montage Health by 5 percent over the next 24 months through “increased productivity” and reducing costs. He says details of how that will be accomplished will be shared at a later date. In the last year, CHOMP and the county’s other hospitals have been called out for being some of the most expensive in the state during meetings of the state’s Health Care Advisory Board, part of the Office of Health Care Affordability, created in 2022. The board will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 28 in Seaside. Montage officials announced on Aug. 6 that they are inviting board members for a tour of CHOMP, “with an opportunity for face-to-face conversation about the hospital’s initiatives to contain costs and expand access in the county.” A Moxi robot makes its rounds at CHOMP delivering medications and other items so staff can focus on patient care, part of an effort to increase efficiency. Growth Spurt CHOMP is set to expand in the next few years with a new wing and parking garage. By Pam Marino Fox Theater is an easily recognizable feature of Main Street in Salinas. The strip has undergone renovation projects over recent years. “The hospital is busier and busier.” Daniel Dreifuss Daniel Dreifuss
www.montereycountynow.com AUGUST 8-14, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 Balance loss Eyesight changes Face drooping Arm or leg weakness Speech difficulty Time to call 911 T B E F AS
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY august 8-14, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com For years the City of Marina has contemplated a bond measure to upgrade its aging facilities. This includes a new city hall, as well as police and fire stations. On July 23, Marina City Council reviewed four options that ranged from $20-$60 million. An estimated $16 million would go toward building a new fire station, providing faster response times. A new fire and police station and community center, plus renovation of the civic center on Hillcrest Avenue, is expected to cost more than $60 million. Marina’s City Hall is in double-wide trailers—it was supposed to be temporary, but nearly five decades later is still up and running. City Manager Layne Long has voiced that instead of upgrading old facilities, it would be more cost-effective to build new ones. After a lengthy discussion and public comments, the council voted 3-1, with Mayor Bruce Delgado opposing, to direct city staff to draft language for a $50 million bond measure for the November ballot. If approved, a median-income family would pay $272 annually. “I hope the public will support this,” Councilmember Kathy Biala said during the July meeting. However, the measure faces several challenges. According to surveys conducted by the city’s consultant, only 51 percent of voters would be in favor. Currently, the measure needs 67 percent to pass (this, however, would change if statewide voters pass Prop. 5 in November, reducing the threshold from 67 to 55 percent for housing and infrastructure measures). “I think that most would agree it’s unrealistic. I wanted to try for something smaller, like a $20 million bond for a fire station,” Delgado says, noting many residents favored a fire station. John Sanders, who has lived in the city for over four decades, says the city didn’t engage residents in the process nor was enough information provided, such as a breakdown of repairs needed in city hall or the fire department, to make an informed decision. Councilmember Brian McCarthy says it is important to include the measure in the presidential election and let voters decide. “It would be negligent not to put it on the ballot at this point,” he says, noting the city has spent over two years working on this measure and many residents have shown interest. “They deserve an opportunity to weigh in at the ballot box.” The measure requires one more council vote of approval to make the Nov. 5 ballot, with a deadline of Aug. 9; council was set to vote on Wednesday, Aug. 7, after the Weekly’s deadline. For weeks this summer, the number of cases of Covid-19 in California’s large metropolitan areas were quickly increasing, as well as across the country, driven by a group of highly contagious variants dubbed FLiRT. While anecdotal evidence in Monterey County pointed to more cases, it seemed to be lagging behind other regions. Now it appears to be catching up. On Monday, Aug. 5, the Monterey County Health Department convened a phone call with hospital officials and other providers to confirm that the level of Covid transmission is considered “high,” based on higher numbers of people seeking care for respiratory illnesses at hospitals and clinics and higher levels of the virus being detected at two coastal wastewater treatment plants. (The state no longer requires the reporting of Covid cases.) Officials also track deaths—there were just under 10 reported in July, about the same as the summer surge in 2023, says MCHD epidemiologist Kristy Michie. There have been outbreaks in local senior facilities, which is serious since people who are elderly or with chronic conditions are more at risk for hospitalization and death. Data from Monterey One Water’s regional treatment plant north of Marina shows a marked increase of detectable virus beginning in mid-July. Influent tests at the Carmel Area Wastewater District south of Carmel show a slight jump in mid-June, which then lowered, but has been steadily increasing ever since. Michie advises people to stay home if they’re sick to protect vulnerable people in the community. People can go out in public after symptoms improve and have no fever for 24 hours as long as they wear a well-fitting mask for five days after. Wearing masks in crowded situations is a good idea, as well as improving ventilation or taking gatherings outdoors. Those at higher risk who did not get last fall’s Covid booster are encouraged to do so; it will not prevent them from receiving the updated booster this fall. New Build City of Marina considers a $50 million bond measure to upgrade its facilities. By Celia Jiménez news On the Ballot The deadline for candidates to file for the Nov. 5 election is fast approaching. Candidates have until 5pm Friday, Aug. 9. Nomination documents available 8am-5pm at Monterey County Elections, 1441 Schilling Place, Salinas. Appointments encouraged. 796-1499, candidateservices@countyofmonterey.gov. Into the Fire Monterey Vista Neighborhood Association invites the public to a presentation about wildfire danger. Presenters include representatives from Monterey Fire Department, Community Emergency Response Team, Connally Insurance and more. 6-8pm Monday, Aug. 12. American Legion Hall, 1100 Veterans Drive, Monterey. Free. montereyvistaneighborhood.org. Public Process Monterey County Board of Supervisors meets and accepts public comment. Tell your elected officials what they are doing well and what you think they can do better. 9am Tuesday, Aug. 13. Board of Supervisors’ Chambers, 168 W. Alisal St., Salinas; and livestreamed. Free. 755-5066, countyofmonterey.gov. Planning Ahead The Monterey County Planning Commission meets to discuss accessory dwelling unit regulations in the coastal zone. 9am Wednesday, Aug. 14. Board of Supervisors’ Chambers, 168 W. Alisal St., Salinas; and livestreamed. Free. 755-5025, countyofmonterey.gov. Sign Up The Seaside Planning Commission meets to consider various projects and accepts public comment. The agenda includes requests for new signs to be constructed at shopping centers on Del Monte and Fremont boulevards. 6pm Wednesday, Aug. 14. City Council Chambers, 440 Harcourt Ave., Seaside; and livestreamed. Free. 899-6707, ci. seaside.ca.us. Help Out Volunteers are needed to help support the Monterey County Fair in shifts running Aug. 18 through Sept. 3. Volunteers can contribute in areas such as setup, entry receiving and administrative support. Sign up at bit.ly/3WRESQc. Talking Groundwater Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency accepts applications for its six committees that discuss matters related to groundwater sustainability plans for the subbasins managed by the SVBGSA. Applications accepted through Aug. 20. bit.ly/4fw4Ik2. Gone Viral Monterey County’s risk for Covid-19 rises, following a big surge statewide and across the nation. By Pam Marino Mayor Bruce Delgado voted against the $50 million bond measure as proposed, and instead advocates for a smaller, $20 million measure for just a new fire station. e-mail: toolbox@montereycountynow.com TOOLBOX “I hope the public will support this.” Daniel Dreifuss
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14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY AUGUST 8-14, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com For Robert Mazurek, executive director of the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, two things stand out for him as career milestones. The first was helping to launch the Seafood Watch program at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in the early 2000s. The second milestone is happening right now: On July 26, CMSF was awarded $71.1 million of federal grant money to help the region adapt to climate change as part of NOAA’s Climate Resilience Regional Challenge, which launched in 2023 with $575 million— funded by the Biden administration’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act—to award to projects nationwide. CMSF’s proposal for Monterey Bay was the only one funded in California. “It’s huge,” Mazurek says. “It’s a really big deal for this community.” Under the program, regions became eligible to apply for grants to plan or implement climate resilience projects. From the outset, Mazurek says, CMSF had its eyes on the biggest fish it could land. “We pretty much said, ‘We want to go after this money, the community needs it, and we want to go after the whole $75 million.’” That started with a Zoom call, Mazurek says, that included more than 100 people from more than 20 organizations. Each organization then added to a shared spreadsheet listing the projects they’d like to take on. Mazurek then translated that into a proposal by asking: “What were the projects we could put together that would put the Monterey Bay area’s best foot forward?” While the $71.1 million is cause for celebration, Mazurek maintains clear eyes. “In order to truly make a region like Monterey Bay resilient to climate change, we’re talking billions of dollars,” he says. “We see the $71.1 million as almost a down payment on the rest of the work that needs to be done.” In Monterey County, that includes projects from Pajaro to Carmel Valley. Just over $2 million will go to CSU Monterey Bay for climate-related workforce development programs; the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency will receive more than $10 million; $4.2 million for the Elkhorn Slough Foundation to adapt its marshes and nearby transportation corridors to sea level rise; nearly $5.8 million to the Resource Conservation District of Monterey County for reducing flood risk on the Salinas River and improving habitat, and elsewhere in the county, wildfire risk reduction through removal of eucalyptus trees and prescribed burns. Big Sur Land Trust scored $1.2 million for its Carmel River FREE project and another $1.3 million for forest restoration; Santa Lucia Conservancy will get $1 million for wildfire risk reduction. Mazurek says CMSF had one primary criteria for the projects in the grant: “We centered our projects in terms of risk reduction—fire and flood.” The grant also calls on CMSF to form a new entity: the Monterey Bay Climate Adaptation Action Network (MBCAAN), and the foundation is currently trying to hire someone to lead it. Mazurek is optimistic that will happen by Oct. 1, the start date of the grant’s five-year span. Rising Tides California Marine Sanctuary Foundation scores a transformative grant for the Monterey Bay area. By David Schmalz “This is an opportunity—because it has railroad on one side, a county road on the other—to do marsh restoration and protect the infrastructure,” says Monique Fountain of Elkhorn Slough Reserve. NEWS “We want to go after the whole $75 million.” DANIEL DREIFUSS Real Men, Real Life, Real Results “At its core Breakthrough is about being the best man you can be” - Breakthrough Graduate Now registering for Fall Workshops Change IS possible. Start your best life now. LIFE TOOLS FOR MEN For information or to attend a FREE introductory session email enrollment @breakthroughformen.org
www.montereycountynow.com AUGUST 8-14, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15
16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY August 8-14, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com Salinas City Council voted 6-0 to approve a new subdivision map on Tuesday, Aug. 6, and was met with applause. The project, part of the Central Area Specific Plan (CASP), is the first major subdivision to be approved in the city in some 25 years. Stonebridge Homes, the same developer behind Creekbridge, will subdivide 189 acres north of Boronda Road into 437 parcels. Of those, 10 will be for parks or open space. The other 427 are slated to become 1,674 units of housing; about one-third will be single-family homes while the majority will be condos and apartments; 335 units will be deed-restricted as affordable. “This is a long time in the making, 18 years’ worth of work to get to this stage,” said Hugh Walker, vice president of Stonebridge. He expects the new neighborhood to mitigate the housing crunch: “The more we can put supply out there, the more competitive it becomes—it’s pretty simple economics.” The subdivision is just one piece of CASP, a concept approved in 2020. Along with West Area Specific Plan (approved in 2019) and the East Area Specific Plan—now in the making, with a community open house scheduled for 6-7:30pm on Thursday, Aug. 15 at the Cesar Chavez Library—these North Salinas planning areas comprise an area intended for future growth. The subdivision map is a final bow on top of past planning and analysis. In a rare show of solidarity, the project received an endorsement not just from the developer and unanimous support from City Council, but also from environmental watchdogs like LandWatch and housing advocates. “This is what we’re about—housing for everybody,” said Xago Juarez of the Salinas Housing Justice Coalition. Back in 2020, Stonebridge agreed to build inclusionary units rather than pay in-lieu fees, and to exceed the city’s required construction timeline— it has committed to obtain one permit for affordable housing per every six market-rate units, instead of waiting until later in the development process. That timeline in particular earned praise. “I think this development is a real strong example of how you can bring the community into the decision-making process,” Councilmember Anthony Rocha said. As Salinas moves forward with plans for future growth to its north, officials are also continuing to look at applying urban planning principles to existing neighborhoods. On Wednesday, Aug. 7 (after the Weekly’s deadline) the Planning Commission was set to vote on the Alisal District Identity Master Plan, which establishes design guidelines based on the Alisal Vibrancy Plan, adopted in 2019, for a neighborhood that was annexed back in 1963. The plan covers things like streetscape improvements, public art and tree canopy. It calls for widening sidewalks to enable outdoor dining on commercial strips like East Market and East Alisal streets. It also calls for a program to help business owners improve signage and facades, something the plan argues would “help improve the perception of Alisal’s business corridors and revitalize the district.” Growing Up Salinas City Council approves a subdivision map with 1,674 new homes. By Sara Rubin Salinas’ Alisal Vibrancy Plan calls for streetscape improvements like the pedestrian crossing and greenery in the rendering for Williams Road in front of Cesar Chavez Library. NEWS “This is what we’re about—housing for everybody.” COURTESY CITY OF SALINAS Nestled along the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, California, Candy World stands out not just as a local gem, but as a beacon of sweetness that attracts visitors from around the globe. What makes Candy World the best candy shop in the world is a blend of its unique location, exceptional variety, commitment to quality, captivating display, and an atmosphere that evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder. Candy World’s location on the Fisherman’s Wharf adds a distinct charm to its allure. The Wharf itself is steeped in history and brimming with vibrant life, offering stunning ocean views, the fresh scent of the sea, and a bustling atmosphere filled with the sounds of seabirds and the chatter of delighted tourists. This picturesque setting enhances the candy-shopping experience, transforming it into a magical outing. The proximity to the ocean not only provides a serene backdrop but also makes each visit an adventure, as customers can combine their candy shopping with other Wharf attractions like whale watching tours, seafood dining, and souvenir hunting. One of the hallmarks of Candy World is its unparalleled variety. The shop boasts an extensive selection of sweets, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. From classic American favorites like gummy bears, saltwater taffy, and chocolate fudge to international delights such as European chocolates and Japanese candies, there is something to tantalize every palate. Candy World’s shelves are a vibrant mosaic of colors and textures, ensuring that each visit reveals something new and delightful. The presentation of the candy in Candy World is a visual treat in itself. The store uses charming wooden barrels to display a wide array of candies, creating a rustic yet inviting atmosphere. These barrels are filled to the brim with colorful treats, making the candy easily accessible and adding to the nostalgic feel of the store. The sight of these barrels, overflowing with vibrant candies, instantly transports visitors back to the golden age of candy shops, enhancing the overall experience. The tactile joy of scooping candy from these barrels adds an interactive element that delights customers of all ages. Walking into Candy World is like stepping into a time machine. The shop’s décor and ambiance are designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of old-fashioned candy stores. Vintage candy jars, whimsical displays, and the delightful aroma of fresh candy create an enchanting atmosphere that appeals to both the young and the young at heart. This sense of nostalgia is a powerful draw, allowing adults to relive cherished childhood memories while creating new ones with their own families. Candy World’s impact extends beyond being a mere candy shop as it is an integral part of the Monterey community. Overall, Candy World in Monterey on Fisherman’s Wharf is more than just a candy shop; it is a magical destination that captures the essence of joy and wonder. Its unique location, exceptional variety, commitment to quality, captivating display, nostalgic ambiance, and community involvement make it the best candy shop in the world. A visit to Candy World is not just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the senses and a journey into a world where sweetness and happiness go hand in hand... Emma Hall From A Candy World Customer CANDY WORLD FIshErMAN’s WhArF #1, MONTErEy Steinbeck Plaza • 685 cannery row, Monterey 700 CANNEry rOW, MONTErEy 200 AlVArAdO MAll, dOWNTOWN MONTErEy 550 wave St.,(on the rec trail) Monterey
www.montereycountynow.com AUGUST 8-14, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 17 PRECISION RESPONSIVE EXCELLENCE Business Law • Intellectual Property • Estates and Trusts 26515 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Suite 200, Carmel | 831.375.3151 | hudsonmartin.com JEANNETTE WITTEN voted BEST ATTORNEY in Monterey County 2012– 2023 Est 1908 Generously donated by: Lexus Monterey Peninsula & Jeffrey Cappo Providing youth of all backgrounds an opportunity for a brighter future. Delivering a targeted curriculum of golf and character development, life skills, academic support, higher education, mentorship & career development. Enter the Benefit Drawing to Win a 2024 Lexus RX500 2.4L 4-Cyl Turbo Hybrid Tickets $100 Only 1,100 tickets will be sold. Drawing on September 7, 2024, at First Tee’s Boots, Bottles and BBQ Fundraiser. Tickets must be purchased by August 30, 2024. Need not be present to win. Email Sconner@FirstTeeMontereyCounty.org Scan the QR Code to fill out the form Call 831.800.3458 x107 WIN ME Taxes and registration paid by First Tee Building Game Changers Chances are, we are just a few blocks away. 65+ Bay Area locations, including Pediatrics – Monterey genpeds.stanfordchildrens.org
18 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY august 8-14, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com Peace Talks Thank you for your excellent column (“Seventy-nine years after the bomb, the U.S. still clings to nuclear weapons,” Aug. 1-7). Unfortunately, the U.S. continues to insist that nuclear weapons keep us safe. The Department of Defense has completed an internal investigation of the new Sentinel ICBM program which is to replace the aging, land-based Minuteman III ICBM nuclear missiles, and declared the replacement to be “essential to national security.” The replacement Sentinel missile project is estimated to cost about $140 billion, but what’s worse is the fact that, according to over 700 scientists and the Union of Concerned Scientists, as well as former Secretary of Defense William Perry and other experts, our security is lessened by landbased missiles. Dismantling and not replacing the land ICBMs makes the world safer, and saves us billions of dollars. The immense lobbying power of the nuclear weapons industrial complex is sending us all down an insanely dangerous path. Our luck can’t hold forever. The Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is the way to universal security. Lynn Hamilton | Monterey Thank you for the thoughtful article on the use of nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I’m glad you’re among the many voices of sanity committed to keeping alive the memory of this horrible chapter in U.S. history. Pat McNeill | Monterey Kurt Vonnegut was a master of detailing the horrors of war. In his historical fiction novel Slaughterhouse 5 he details the firebombing of Dresden where some 30,000 people died in the flames. Numerous young girls sought to escape the flames at the slaughterhouse. Days later they were found boiled alive by the arriving American soldiers, giving rise to the book title. The firebombing of Tokyo was equally bad. I have spoken with former German soldiers and a former Japanese WWII pilot, and they all stated they were glad the U.S. won the war. I have spoken with former American soldiers who detailed the 100,000 body bags being prepared for the coming invasion of the Japanese main islands, only to have the shipment canceled following the Japanese surrender. There are many to blame for the start of that war, but we have entered an uneasy existence since other countries have entered the nuclear arena, which will take centuries to leave. Walter Wagner | Salinas home free The Supreme Court ruling 6-3 in Grants Pass v. Johnson made sleeping on public property illegal, and Gov. Newsom is encouraging cities to enforce “sweeps” as they are called—such an offensive term (“Gov. Newsom’s order to clear encampments means more work ahead for local governments,” Aug. 1-7). We “sweep” dirt into a dustbin and dispose of it in the trash. Is that how we think of the homeless members of our community? As dirt to be thrown in the trash? Moving homeless individuals from place to place not only does not solve the problem, it compounds the trauma experienced as a once-safe place is dismantled and personal belongings, medication and identification are often lost. Clearing encampments is a fruitless endeavor. People sleep outside because they have nowhere else to go. There is a lack of affordable housing on the Monterey Peninsula. There are not enough shelter beds to get 2,500 people off the streets. The ruling and Newsom’s actions are a monstrous step backward. Homelessness is not a crime. Homelessness is a result of poverty. Weaponizing poverty is not the answer. It’s time we find our humanity and have compassion for the most vulnerable among us. Housing is a human right and these human beings—our neighbors, our community members—deserve better. Staci Alziebler-Perkins | via email Note: Alziebler-Perkins is executive director of Gathering for Women. Stop the Hate I was profoundly moved by your article on hate speech which managed to encapsulate the problems of antisemitism and other discriminatory challenges in a concise and informative way (“Federal investigation finds repeated acts of antisemitism created a ‘hostile environment’ in Carmel Unified,” Aug. 1-7). I taught for 53 years in local schools, and believe me when I tell you I witnessed a great deal of prejudice during those years. I felt deeply saddened by my own ability to help or “cure” the situation, though I did try to the best of my ability. The Weekly is an outstanding newspaper, and usually the news is presented in a deep and thorough way, not always evident in other newspapers. Olivia Morgan | Monterey Safer Streets Government doing what government should be doing (“Improvements on Front Street in Soledad are underway,” posted Aug. 2). Cliff Pilcher | via social media Flash Back I am doing the happy dance at Mr. Malin’s return to Seaside as interim city manager (“Squid Fry: Mail It In,” July 25-31). His tenure here from 2015 to 2021 was stellar, and he has familiarity with all of our development projects coming to fruition. As a bonus, he loves books and libraries and is a really nice person. Sandra Weaver | Seaside Ready for Takeoff I bought a house in a neighborhood full of trees. The birds wake me up every morning. Who do I complain to? (“Complaints about flight noise around the Monterey Regional Airport have inspired activism,” July 25-31.) Phil Candreva | via social media For the last 18 years I have lived about a half-mile from the airport. On a scale of 1 to 10, this problem is a 1. The Monterey Peninsula lives on tourism; airplane noise is a small price to pay. Jeffery Olms | via social media Sing Song I really need to get out there and sing! (“Karaoke occurs throughout Monterey County almost every night of the week. A creative and supportive community keeps the culture alive,” July 25-31.) Steve Lisowski | via social media 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.
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