12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY September 12-18, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com As the November election nears and campaigns for elected office heat up, voters in nearly every jurisdiction in Monterey County will also have ballot measures to think about. In Monterey, voters will decide on four ballot measures. Measure X would implement term limits of 12 years for those serving on the City Council (including mayor); if passed, those currently serving on the council would start from year zero. Also in Monterey is a common-sense rule, Measure W, that would allow those who are on the council that run for mayor and lose to continue serving for up to 40 days or until the seat is filled. Measure Y in Monterey would allow the city to lease city-owned properties for below-market rate to nonprofit, educational or government entities. The City of Monterey currently leases out 90 of its properties, about 11 percent of which are leased to nonprofits. Those include the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, which is currently leasing at market rate. (Some nonprofits lease from the city at below market rate due to leases entered into years ago.) Monterey’s Measure W would update clerical language in its city charter. In Pacific Grove, Measure Z would reduce the size of the City Council from seven to five members; Pacific Grove voters rejected a similar measure in 2022 by just 13 votes. In Seaside, Measure BB would increase a mayor’s term from two years to four. If passed, it wouldn’t take effect until the 2026 election. Seaside voters will also decide on Measure CC, which would ban so-called “safe and sane” fireworks in the city (fireworks that shoot into the sky are already illegal). Seaside Police Chief Nick Borges has long said that solving the fireworks issue is among the top priorities in his department, and the city has invested in high-tech drones to help spot exactly where the fireworks are being ignited. The sale of safe and sane fireworks helps raise funds for youth nonprofit organizations in the city, but many residents are vehemently opposed to any fireworks being allowed in the city. In 2020, after Fourth of July, the Seaside City Council passed an ordinance banning the sale or use of safe and sane fireworks in the city, but a signature-gathering campaign quickly had enough signatures to force the city to put a measure on the ballot that would overturn the ordinance. Because it was too late to put on the November 2020 ballot, the city would have had to hold a costly special election on the measure, so the council instead voted to repeal its ordinance. Seaside City Councilmember Alex Miller has long said fireworks is the issue he gets calls about more than anything—from those on both sides of the issue—and he initiated putting the decision to the voters. (Miller supports Measure CC.) Miller is clear-eyed that the ban won’t immediately solve the problem, but adds, “I don’t think you can allow fireworks and solve the fireworks problem.” Measuring Up Candidates aside, local voters have some notable ballot measures to consider. By David Schmalz If approved by voters, Measure BB in Seaside would lengthen the mayor’s term in office from two years to four. Mayor Ian Oglesby (right) is seeking re-election this November to another two-year term. NEWS “I don’t think you can allow fireworks and solve the problem.” DANIEL DREIFUSS www.cfmco.org • 831.375.9712 Donor Advised Funds • Charitable Estate Planning (CGAs, CRTs) • IRA Charitable Distributions • Family and Business Philanthropy Scholarships & More Marty Wolf is composing his legacy through the Martin R. Wolf Family Fund. Read his story: cfmco.org/Wolf Plan your giving Music. Arts. Youth. Environment. Education. Whatever your passion, we can help you design a giving plan to meet your goals. When you name the Community Foundation for Monterey County as your charitable beneficiary, you create a lasting legacy. 831.375.9712 | cfmco.org/MOCI | September 21-28 20% off all plantS, furniture, and garden decor Free local van delivery service over $350 del rey oakS 899 Rosita Rd, del Rey oaks 831-920-1231 SeaSide 1177 san Pablo ave, seaside 831-393-0400 40% off roSeS, fruit treeS, & SeaSonal itemS KL KL
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