october 3-9, 2024 montereycountynow.com LOCAL & INDEPENDENT in the pumpkin patch 6 | double-dipping for suhsd superintendents? 10 | something sweet 38 Take a Ride into the Wild West with the Monterey County® Best Of History Series, Part 4 of 4 A surveyor documented the real-life Wild West of Monterey County in 1861. p. 18
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 3-9, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com october 3-9, 2024 • ISSUE #1888 • Established in 1988 John King (Canon 5D MK IV/Sigma Sport 150600mm lens) The Patriot Jet Team, based in Contra Costa County, flew their L-39 Albatros jets in a tribute over a dramatic (and very loud) explosion at the California International Airshow in Salinas on Sunday, Sept. 29. Monterey County photo of the week Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: There’s an idealized nostalgia for the Wild West in popular culture, something that began even while it was happening. Weekly readers also idealize their favorites in the Best Of Monterey County®, found in the glossy insert. (And surveyor William H. Brewer documented a less idealized version of Monterey County in the 1860s.) Cover illustration: Alexis Estrada 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 Katie Rodriguez (California Local News Fellow) katie@montereycountynow.com (x102) Staff Writer David Schmalz david@montereycountynow.com (x104) Staff photographer Daniel Dreifuss daniel@montereycountynow.com (x140) Digital PRODUCER Sloan Campi sloan@montereycountynow.com (x105) contributors Nik Blaskovich, Rob Brezsny, Robert Daniels, Tonia Eaton, Paul Fried, 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 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
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4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 3-9, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH National Media Literacy Week was already on our calendar for Oct. 21-25, but now it’s official. On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution proclaiming those dates as National Media Literacy Week in Monterey County. “Media literacy can promote civic engagement and social justice by empowering individuals to use media to raise awareness and advocate for change,” the resolution states. There is a dark side acknowledged as well, part of the motivation behind declaring this occasion: “Misinformation and disinformation pose a significant challenge, and potential harm.” But that’s where the benefit of trusted media—and the ability of the public to discern credible sources from misinformation and disinformation—comes in: “Media literacy training is essential to a healthy society.” Events for the week will be organized by the Monterey County Media Literacy Coalition, of which the Weekly is a member, along with the Monterey County Office of Education, Monterey County Free Libraries, UC Santa Cruz History & Civics Project and more. GOOD: Since the Pajaro River levee was built in 1949, floodwaters have breached and devastated the town of Pajaro and surrounding areas multiple times, most recently in 2023, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate. Talks to rebuild the levee have remained just that over the decades, until now. On Wednesday, Oct. 2, officials celebrated the groundbreaking of the Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project, which is expected to provide 100-year flood risk reduction to the area by constructing levees and improvements along the lower Pajaro River and its tributaries. The first section being built is in Watsonville, along Corralitos Creek, where there are currently no levees. In late 2023, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Pajaro Regional Flood Risk Management Agency signed a cost-sharing agreement for the $599 million project. GREAT: That Hartnell College goes above and beyond in serving Latino students is already well known locally. Now, the college’s efforts are recognized nationally, one of 17 colleges to be awarded the “Seal of Excelencia” on Oct. 1 by the Washington, D.C.-based group Excelencia in Education. The recognition is for institutions that go above and beyond to serve Latino students—and can demonstrate that their efforts are working. In the 2023-24 school year, 83 percent of Hartnell’s 12,000 students were Latino. And those students are succeeding: In the 2022-23 school year, Latino students had a 74-percent course success rate. Hartnell was recognized for its efforts to serve the student community’s needs, including by offering bilingual services; the Mi Casa program to support undocumented students; and creating campuses in mostly Latino communities such as Castroville and Soledad. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY That’s how many employees will lose their jobs at Monterey Mushrooms by December. The mushroom producer announced it is shutting down its 275-acre Royal Oaks facility due to aging infrastructure and rising costs. Source: Monterey Mushrooms 605 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “There is a real Elfland. Only part of it survived.” -Jen Ghastin, a Salinas teacher who recently published a novel set in a wooded refuge at UC Santa Cruz (see story, montereycountynow. com). ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ Baccarat FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • Gega-003846, Gega-Gega-003703, Gega-000889 Gega-000891 Gega-002838 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play CHILDREN VETS PETS ENVIRONMENT MAKE OUR CITY SAFER! PREVENT • Prevent high exposure to noise from fireworks • Prevent wildfires and fires to homes and buildings • Prevent harm to the environment Vote YES on Measure CC Safe and Sane Fireworks ARE contributing to illegal fireworks Save Tax Dollars in Police and Fire overtime MEASURE CC C-CITY SAFETY C-CARE FOR CITIZENS Paid for by the Seaside Committee Against Fireworks FPPC#1473769
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 3-9, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 “Eric is a fresh, inspiring voice, with nearly two decades of leadership in community engagement and public service. His experience, values and deep passion for Monterey - combined with the unique perspective of a working parent - are exactly what we need on City Council. Eric will be a champion for ALL residents, and I’m proud to endorse him in this pivotal election.” www.ericpalmer.vote Paid for by Eric Palmer for Monterey City Council 2024 FPPC# 1467510 Monterey County Supervisor Wendy Root Askew To my patients, After 37 years of practicing obstetrics and gynecology, I’ve made the bittersweet decision to close my medical practice November 1, 2024. It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve you, assist in the miracle of childbirth, and provide care for women’s health on the Monterey Peninsula. Beginning my career at Chomp in 1987 I could not have imagined the profound experiences, challenges, and joy that would come with my profession. From welcoming new lives into the world to supporting patients through their medical journeys, I have cherished every moment. I will carry these memories with deep gratitude and fondness forever. As I step away from my practice, I leave you in the capable hands of Dr. John Fejes M.D. I am confident that he and his staff will continue to provide the same level of care that I have strived to offer. I want to extend my deepest thanks to you for trusting me with your medical care. The relationships we have built over the years have been some of the most rewarding aspects of my career. To my colleagues and the incredible staff with whom I have had the pleasure of working, thank you for your support, dedication, and collaboration. I will miss the camaraderie and friendships we shared. Sincerely, Richard Alexander M.D. From our Farm To Your FamilY Fresh, locally grown, certified organic produce. Join our CSA now, and get your customized share of the harvest delivered each week. We deliver every Thursday to: Carmel/Carmel Valley: Hidden Valley Nursery Pacific Grove: Happy Girl Kitchen South Salinas, North Monterey, Watsonville: At the farm! Watsonville LiveEarthFarm.net
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 3-9, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com 831 Tom Borchard looks over a sea of red bins filled to the brim with pumpkins, squash and gourds of all colors, neatly arranged by variety, on his Salinas property. “Each one of these you see, I brought in myself,” he says. As he explains the process—the seeds were planted in mid-March and grown in a hothouse before being transferred to the field, about a three-month undertaking—a young girl timidly walks by a large goose in a pen, telling Borchard she is scared of the bird. “Elmer!” Borchard calls to the goose, who honks in reply, almost as if to say it’s not his fault the girl got scared. Borchard Farms’ unique decadeslong tradition of pumpkin patchmeets-corn maze-meets-bird exhibit continues this year, complete with facepainting and a newly established snack shack. Borchard estimates there are easily 100,000 pumpkins, squash and gourds of all sizes on the property—in bins, stacked on a pyramid of hay, lining the pathways and even hanging from trees. Nearly all are grown on about 30 acres of the Salinas property, with a few varieties of smaller pumpkins, which thrive in hotter conditions, grown elsewhere. There are about 25 different varieties of jack-o’-lantern-style orange pumpkins. Borchard says he orders the seeds from catalogs, and always tries new ones every year. Customers are also drawn to a variety of different squash, including Cinderella, fairytale and porcelain doll. Near the entrance to the farm sit rows of Atlantic giants, the aptly named pumpkins Borchard estimates are roughly 500 pounds. Such pumpkins are important to the history of the farm. In 1956, Borchard’s family moved from Newbury Park in Southern California to Salinas when his father, a cattle rancher, traded his property. For a time, the Salinas property was used for cattle, but with artichokes booming in nearby Castroville, the Borchards decided to switch over. They eventually settled on growing broccoli, romaine lettuce and brussels sprouts, which continue today. While delivering produce to a market in Milpitas, Borchard noticed a giant pumpkin sticking out of a bin in a warehouse. He talked to his cousin, who was working for a seed company, about it. He sent Borchard some seeds for giant pumpkins to try them out. Borchard says he planted a few of the seeds on a hill and didn’t do much with them. What came out of them, however, was a 150-pound pumpkin, and he’s been hooked ever since. “Ever since I saw that giant pumpkin at that warehouse that day, I’ve been a pumpkin nut,” he says. Borchard won the Half Moon Bay pumpkin competition six times, and began earning a name as a successful pumpkin grower. About 25 years ago, his wife Katherine encouraged him to open up their property to the public with a pumpkin patch. “I went along with it, and here we are,” he says. Borchard stopped competing once the pumpkins started getting more than 2,500 pounds, noting that he had enough to keep him busy with the commercial farm and the patch. He says he’s satisfied with giant pumpkins that weigh anywhere between 300-500 pounds (purchasing most of the seeds from Nova Scotia); anything over that and they become too unwieldy. The seasonal pumpkin patch and farm remains a family-run business that draws customers from across California. On a Friday afternoon, Brendan Beirne says he drove up from Los Angeles for his annual trip to Borchard Farms to “grab my usuals.” “They are the only guys that really do Atlantic giants, prizewinners and the big massive pumpkins,” he says. Many businesses, including restaurants in Big Sur, also come to Borchard Farms to have their logos carved into pumpkins as they grow, which they use for displays during the fall season. Borchard says the pumpkin operation keeps him active, and he rejects the notion of retirement—“If I turned into a couch potato, I probably wouldn’t be here very long,” he says. He’s now in his favorite time of the year. “Even though it’s hard work, I love going out there and doing it,” he says. Borchard Farms, 142 Rodgers Road, Salinas. Open daily 11am-8pm through Oct. 31. 595-2426, borchardfarms.com. Gourd Times Borchard Farms continues its family tradition of bringing pumpkins to the masses. By Erik Chalhoub Tom Borchard (left) and his son Mark are among the members of the Borchard family who keep the farm running. The Salinas pumpkin patch has countless gourds to choose from of all shapes, sizes and colors. “Ever since I saw that giant, I’ve been a pumpkin nut.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE DANIEL DREIFUSS EXPO BUSINESS monterey bay 2024 Connecting businesses throughout Monterey County THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM • EMBASSY SUITES - MONTEREY BAY REGISTER NOW AT MONTEREYCHAMBER.COM PRESENTING SPONSOR
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8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 3-9, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com news Roosters were back on the agenda at the Monterey County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday, Oct. 1. “Monterey County has one of the loosest regulations in the state on this matter,” Supervisor Glenn Church said at the meeting. The rooster ordinance passed in 2015 as a way to prevent illegal cockfighting and set humane standards for housing the animals, requiring people living in unincorporated areas of the county with more than five roosters to have a permit or receive an exemption. But the language in the ordinance is ambiguous, thereby making it difficult to enforce. “A few months ago, someone in Aromas had about 200-250 roosters. It was addressed, but it point[ed] to a larger problem,” Church says. Church requested the county revisit its ordinance following the introduction of a state assembly bill. The bill states that owning more than 25 roosters is a violation unless the owner can prove they aren’t used for cockfighting. Locally, this falls on county agencies, making enforcement labor-intensive. Complicating matters further, Monterey County allows up to 499 roosters in certain zones. While citations can be issued for failing to obtain a permit, fines haven’t been effective, and the ordinance doesn’t allow for the removal of birds. “We’d like to review the ordinance and streamline it based on what we’ve seen over the last few years,” says Cindy Burgham, Animal Services Administrator at the Monterey County Health Department. “We also want to hold property owners accountable by having them prove no illegal activities are taking place.” Rooster Rules County Supervisors seek changes to help with enforcement of rooster ordinance. By Katie Rodriguez A now-vacant 94-year-old hospital building and a row of 12 occupied cottage apartments within unincorporated Carmel just off Highway 1 could become the site of Monterey County’s first “builder’s remedy” housing development, with construction of at least 127 units of very low-, low- and moderate-income apartments and townhomes. While that might be good news for the County of Monterey—it would chip away at a state requirement to plan for over 3,300 new housing units between 2023 and 2031, nearly 2,200 in the very low to moderate categories—neighboring residents are not happy at the prospect, and fear that the Los Angeles developer, Jeff Damavandi of Carmel Assisted Living LLC, could take advantage of a density bonus to construct up to 180 units. Residents are getting organized to oppose the plan known as the Carmel Vista Project, located on Valley Way, but there may not be a way to stop it under the builder’s remedy law, from the Housing Accountability Act of 1990. The law makes it easier for developers to get housing projects built when a city or county fails to secure a state-certified housing plan, known as a housing element. The County of Monterey missed two deadlines in the past year to submit a housing element to the state—it finally submitted one on Aug. 19, but it’s months away from certification. Damavandi’s company submitted an initial builder’s remedy application in March, which appeared to propose 52 total units. In April an attorney for the company indicated 82 units in a letter to the county, while the application showed a possible density bonus of 78 units, which could allow up to 180 units. Of the 82 proposed, 20 were designated as extremely low-income, 16 as low-income and 32 as moderate-income. More recent plans show 127 units, with 60 apartments going inside the hospital building that was the original site of the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, as well as adjacent existing buildings, and 67 units within new townhomes and apartments on adjacent parcels. At least three of the townhome buildings would replace the existing cottages that back up to Highway 1. It’s not clear how many are proposed for each income category. The Monterey architect who developed the plans for Damavandi, Eric Miller, did not return calls for comment, nor did Damavandi. County records show $28,000 in permit fees were paid to the Department of Housing and Community Development in June. Damavandi has until approximately the end of December to submit a final application in order to be considered under builder’s remedy. While the builder’s remedy could make it easier for a developer to obtain approval, there’s still a process to follow, says County HCD Director Craig Spencer. The law allows the county to deny the project should there be specific findings that meet objective written health and safety standards. “It is somewhat important to note they have at least communicated to us that they are reusing the hospital building, not demolishing it,” Spencer adds. County records show the project would require a local coastal program amendment to the Carmel Area Land Use Plan for rezoning of some parcels involved. The proposed project would include adding apartments to the old hospital, seen at top left. Townhomes would line Valley Way, bottom of photo, and Highway 1, right. Popping Up A developer takes advantage of the builder’s remedy law to plan 127 units outside of Carmel. By Pam Marino The County’s rooster ordinance is in need of a tune-up, the Board of Supervisors decided on Oct. 1. The goal will be to eradicate cockfighting in unincorporated Monterey County. The law makes it easier for developers to get housing built. Daniel Dreifuss Hitchcock Road Animal Services staff
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 3-9, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 Witten, an attorney and Carmel High parent, serves on nonprofit boards, including as board emeritus of CASA of Monterey County, and on the boards of Sun Street Centers and Protect Monterey Bay. As Managing Partner at Hudson Martin, she brings expertise in financial management and strategic planning. JeannetteWitten.vote TRUSTEE AREA 3 JEANNETTE WITTEN THREE CANDIDATES ONE UNIFIED SLATE RITA PATEL TRUSTEE AREA 1 Patel, a CUSD Board Member (20112019), was PTA President and VP (20062011) while her four children attended CUSD. She also held executive roles with Make-A-Wish, the Carmel Public Library Foundation, and led the Monterey School Boards Association (2015-2019). ElectRitaPatel.com AT-LARGE MONICA TAVAKOLI Tavakoli, an attorney and parent of two CUSD students, serves on the PTO board. With expertise in engineering, law, and business, she brings strong analytical skills and a talent for simplifying complex issues, making her a valuable community advocate. VoteMonicaTavakoli.com Paid for by Friends of Witten for CUSD Board 2024 FPPC 1474605, Friends of Tavakoli for CUSD Board 2024 FPPC 1475593, & Patel for CUSD Board 2024 FPPC Pending ONE VISION Vote for All Students & Families Transform Together 2024 NOV 5 Witten, an attorney and Carmel High parent, serves on nonprofit boards, including as board emeritus of CASA of Monterey County, and on the boards of Sun Street Centers and Protect Monterey Bay. As Managing Partner at Hudson Martin, she brings expertise in financial management and strategic planning. JeannetteWitten.vote TRUSTEE AREA 3 JEANNETTE WITTEN UNIFIED SLATE RITA PATEL TRUSTEE AREA 1 Patel, a CUSD Board Member (20112019), was PTA President and VP (20062011) while her four children attended CUSD. She also held executive roles with Make-A-Wish, the Carmel Public Library Foundation, and led the Monterey School Boards Association (2015-2019). ElectRitaPatel.com AT-LARGE MONICA TAVAKOLI Tavakoli, an attorney and parent of two CUSD students, serves on the PTO board. With expertise in engineering, law, and business, she brings strong analytical skills and a talent for simplifying complex issues, making her a valuable community advocate. VoteMonicaTavakoli.com Paid for by Friends of Witten for CUSD Board 2024 FPPC 1474605, Friends of Tavakoli for CUSD Board 2024 FPPC 1475593, & Patel for CUSD Board 2024 FPPC Pending VISION Vote for All Students & Families Transform Together 2024 NOV 5 PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES ALL YEAR LONG! THE CITY OF MONTEREY FOR MORE INFO + REGISTRATION MONTEREY.GOV/REC (831) 646-3866 SCAN ME! play! MONTEREY PRESCHOOL ADULT & SENIOR PROGRAMS ADULT SPORTS LEAGUES GYMNASTICS YOUTH DANCE CLASSES SCHOOL BREAK & SUMMER CAMPS YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUES & CAMPS AND MUCH MORE! JOIN US FOR FREE CONSERVATION WEBINARS Thursday, October 10 Compost: Building the Soil Sponge 6 p.m.–7 p.m. Tuesday, October 22 Landscape Myth Busters 6 p.m.–7 p.m. Join us for free, interactive workshops in October, presented by Green Gardens Group via Zoom. The Monterey Peninsula is a leader in water conservation. Thank you for your commitment to being water wise! Learn more at: montereywaterinfo.org/events
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 3-9, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com At any home game of Monterey Bay F.C. at Cardinale Stadium, fans fill the bleachers. There is one fan no one can miss: Dan Devlin, known as Superfan Dan. He stands out with a colorful hat and rainbow cape and fires up the crowd with his portable drum and leads chants of “Let’s go Union,” or the call and response “MB!” “FC!” He also leads a parade of the youngest fans around the stadium, part of the experience for many of the children who attend games. For the past few weeks, the spirit at the stadium has been duller. On one hand, the team is facing the worst outcome since its inception, with seven wins, nine draws and 14 losses so far in its third season. The losing streak prompted changes on the coaching staff; MBFC parted ways with head coach Frank Yallop and hired Jordan Stewart in August to replace him. Despite the changes, the team’s performance has not improved. That dampened the moods of some fans, but so has Devlin’s presence. While he has still attended home games, he was missing his colorful costume and drum at two. He wore regular clothing and stayed in the stands until Sept. 28, when he was back, but in a more muted form. This odd behavior has sparked controversy among fans wondering why he wasn’t energizing the spirit at the stadium. Some have been showing up to games wearing T-shirts with the slogan “I stand with Superfan Dan.” Some regulars are even starting to wonder if it will be worth it to buy season tickets for next year. Devlin declines to speak about the circumstances that led him to the sidelines, and MBFC officials are vague in their explanations. On Sept. 26, MBFC released a statement calling it a misunderstanding. “Superfan Dan has always had the support of the club,” it read. According to MBFC, no one from the club has shared negative remarks about Devlin and his fandom, and MBFC leaders have talked to him. The team claims a third party “made terrible, untrue and unsubstantiated claims from the club towards Superfan Dan,” a spokesperson writes via email. “The club fully supports and enjoys the Superfan Dan parade and the excitement that it brings to our young fans each home match,” MBFC adds. MBFC’s regular season ends on Oct. 26. Their next game takes place on Oct. 4 against Phoenix Rising FC in Arizona. Just one home game, against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, remains on the calendar for this season, on Saturday, Oct. 19. On Sept. 24, the board of Salinas Union High School District unanimously approved contracts for two top administrators. There’s Zandra Jo Galván, the newly hired superintendent, who brings 31 years of experience in education, most recently eight years as the superintendent of Greenfield Union School District. There’s also Dan Burns, the newly retired SUHSD superintendent, who will continue in a leadership role on “special assignment.” “This [special] assignment will support the elimination of multiple outside consultants, saving a district over $300,000 each year,” Board President Tracy Filice said during the meeting. In these two roles combined, the district will spend $615,172. Burns will continue with his current salary, $307,172 annually for three years, while Galván will earn $308,000 per year, also on a three-year contract. These salaries raised questions at Salinas Valley Federation of Teachers. The union is now beginning negotiations, and President Kati Bassler indicated in a letter to members that it will be a talking point. “Yes, you have read that correctly—$615,000 in salary for two people to do the work of one,” she wrote. Burns announced last spring he would step down, citing a health issue. During his eight-year tenure, Burns oversaw the construction and opening of Rancho San Juan High School, built wellness centers on campuses across the district and faced several race-related controversies that brought the district national media attention after a video showed students stomping on or posing with a mutilated Black doll. In his new role, Burns will help with the leadership transition, represent the district at state meetings and advise the district on staff and facilities needs. Galván’s position includes making recommendations to the board on personnel matters, and dayto-day management. “I can’t wait to listen and learn from our Spanishspeaking community as well as our English-speaking communities and agencies,” Galván said to the board. Fan Club Monterey Bay F.C.’s Superfan Dan is on the bench, infuriating regulars. By Celia Jiménez news Marine Matters Candidates running for Congress, State Senate and State Assembly will respond to questions about marine science and policy at the Ocean Candidates Forum. 5-8pm Thursday, Oct. 3. CSU Monterey Bay, Otter Student Union Ballroom, 3118 Inter-Garrison Road, Seaside. Free. RSVP at bit.ly/4dn8E4s. Shape the Future The City of Soledad hosts a workshop on its 2045 General Plan. The public is invited to assist in decisions about future growth. 5:30-7:30pm Thursday, Oct. 3. Soledad Community Center, 560 Walker Drive, Soledad. Free. soledadgeneralplan2045.com. Assisting Landlords Housing Resource Center of Monterey County hosts a workshop for landlords. The event covers how landlords can work with nonprofits to benefit both tenants and property owners. 6-7:30pm Thursday, Oct. 3. Pacific Grove Community Center, Lebeck Room, 515 Junipero Ave., Pacific Grove. Free. davidf@hrcmc.org. Promoting Peace The annual March for Peace remembers those who died due to violence. Following the march will be entertainment, food and resources. 1-4pm Saturday, Oct. 5. March begins at Vineyard Church, 1122 E. Alisal St., Salinas; ends at Closter Park, 401 Towt St., Salinas. Free. 758-7396, cityofsalinas.org. Careers in Ag CSU Monterey Bay, the GrowerShipper Foundation and Western Growers invite ag industry professionals and job seekers to a forum and job fair. 11:30am-4pm Monday, Oct. 7. CSUMB Otter Student Union, 3118 InterGarrison Road, Seaside. Free. csumb. edu/greatervision. Meet the Candidates Candidates for Pacific Grove mayor and city council take part in a forum moderated by students and the League of Women Voters. 6-8pm Tuesday, Oct. 8. Robert H. Down School Ottertorium, 485 Pine Ave., Pacific Grove. Free. my.lwv.org/california/monterey-county. Pros and Cons League of Women Voters of Monterey County presents a talk titled “California State Ballot Propositions Pro and Con.” Marilyn Maxner and Marianne Gawain present arguments for and against the 10 California state ballot propositions for the Nov. 5 election. 11:30am Wednesday, Oct. 9. Unitarian Universalist Church, 490 Aguajito Road, Carmel. $25/lunch; free/presentation. 236-1611, beverlygb@gmail. com. Double Pay Salinas Union High School District will spend over a half-million dollars on two leadership roles. By Celia Jiménez Dan Devlin, aka Superfan Dan, is a regular presence at MBFC home games. But for two of the past three games, he attended as a regular audience member, minus the cheer. e-mail: toolbox@montereycountynow.com TOOLBOX “Superfan Dan has always had the support of the club.” Daniel Dreifuss
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 3-9, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 Vote For Jean rasch DeMocrat For MontereY cItY coUncIL, DIstrIct 3 The Choice of Neighbors Proud to be Endorsed By Alan Haffa Clyde Roberson Libby Downey Melodie Chrislock Pat Venza Elizabeth Todd Nancy Selfridge Henry Mollett George Riley Curt Tipton Rebecca Perry Arlene L. Maki Haffa Ray & Jonina Meyers Leslie Finnegan Liz & Charley Chell Jayme Fields Kristin and Daniel Dotterrer Lee Whitney Marta Kraftzeck & Steve Pondick Jeannie Ferrara Jean Worthington Vicki Williams Lydia Kucharew Ellen & Craig Collord Darryl & Jane Sink Peter Charles Shirley & Tom Kiatta Julie Conrad & Tony Tollner Bruce Zanetta Patricia McDermott Therese Beauclair Nickie Bach Susan Nine & Mark Farina Tom Reeves Susan Ricketson Jeana & John Jett Hans & Elizabeth Jannasch Molly Erickson Arthur Simons Dianne Driessen Michele Altman Kathi Speller Annie Berlin & Frank Priscaro Charles Martin JoAnna Daum Bill Clancy Maureen Bianchini Lori Mazzuca Tom & Kimberly Arbuckle Tammy Jennings Hans & Annemarie Bleiker Richard Ruccello Steve & Nan Buck Charles & Lynne Denley Janet Dudley & Peter Griffin Nancy Runyon Lynn Lozier & Tom Goode Brook Knowles Ann Prego & Andrew Gonzalez Beverly Bean Linda J. Lee & Peter Lesnik Wayne Hirsh Joe Fogel & Caroline Elliott Laurie & Dave Voorhies Peter & Betty Nebb Demetrius Kastros Jeanne Colletto Vince Silva Celia & Tim Keefer Robin Domiter Diane & Bill Belanger Rick Aldinger “Jean brings wisdom to the table.” Alan Haffa “Jean has been a collaborative, positive member of the Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program and delivered projects benefiting our District 3 and the entire city.” Clyde Roberson To support Jean’s campaign visit www.jeanrasch.com Paid for by the Committee to Elect Jean Rasch Council District 3 2024 FPPC #1468148 Cornucopia Community Market offers quality nutritious and environmentally safe products, free of artificial additives and preservatives. Your Local Health Food Store Open MOn-Fri 9aM-7pM Sat & Sun 10aM-6pM 831-625-1454 26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd, Carmel (at the mouth of Carmel Valley) HAPPY Harvest Days! Your Source for Local and Organic Food for a Healthy Lifestyle • Natural, Organic Produce • Fresh Bakery and Deli • Olive Oil/Vinegar/Local Honey • Wine, Beer, Juice, Coffee and Tea Selections • Fresh, Organic Dairy Products • Healthy Snacks • Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements • All Natural Bath and Body Products
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 3-9, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com The path to developing anything locally is littered with pitfalls and often unforeseen challenges, particularly if the proposed project is on the former Fort Ord. That being the case, sometimes plans change, as they did Sept. 19 when Seaside City Council approved an amendment to the plan for Campus Town, a proposed residential and commercial development, nearly a decade in the planning, on 123 acres in northern Seaside that promises to provide about 1,500 residential units, among other things. The amendment revises three pieces of the original plan, two of which are interconnected. The city is offering to extend its lease, indefinitely, to the Presidio of Monterey fire station—the station sits on city-owned land that was slated to become housing, and POM Fire was going to have to relocate. In turn, the city is offering the developer, KB Bakewell, a similar-sized parcel of city-owned land in exchange. Doing so, City Attorney Sheri Damon says, has two primary benefits. One is that the city’s new fire station, at the corner of Gigling Road and First Avenue, isn’t slated to open until sometime next year at the earliest, so keeping the POM station open will continue to provide seamless fire coverage for the existing military enclave until that happens. Another is that the Department of Defense, which leases the property from Seaside, was considering relocating the station further south to the shuttered Fort Ord chapel. Being able to remain in place indefinitely would allow DOD to not have to move forward anytime soon with the costly and time-consuming endeavor to relocate POM’s fire station. In turn, the city has also expressed interest in leasing the chapel from DOD to use as a cultural center that Damon envisions could be “an interpretive museum to reflect the diversity and military history in Seaside, and provide a home for our art collection,” which is currently housed at the Oldemeyer Center. As for the chapel itself, she says, “It is stunning inside.” Features include a stage. The other key amendment is that the plan originally envisioned residential uses for a small parcel that is owned by Monterey-Salinas Transit and is deed-restricted for transportation-related purposes. The amendment envisions that land will be acquired by the city from MST and turned into a “transit park” that will replace the plan’s original park site, which would then be slated for residential use. Exactly what a transit park would look like is somewhat undefined, but Damon envisions it could be a small multi-use field for things like soccer, a parking lot, e-bike charging stations and a bus stop. Such a use, she says, would be allowable under the property’s deed restrictions. Importantly, however, none of the envisioned agreements with DOD or MST have been finalized. MST General Manager Carl Sedoryk says his staff will be meeting with consultants in the next week to discuss the agency’s various properties on the former Fort Ord and come up with a vision of how to utilize them or, if they were to be sold, how to value them. Trading Places Changes to Seaside’s Campus Town plan mean Presidio of Monterey fire station can remain in place. By David Schmalz The City of Seaside had already extended a lease with the Presidio of Monterey for its fire station from 2023 to 2025. A new land swap in the works mean it can stay long-term. NEWS “[The chapel could] provide a home for our art collection.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 3-9, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 Pacific Grove is a beautiful place to live, but there are tensions that can make it challenging. Debates over the last several years have exposed fissures between those who want the small town to stay the same and those who want enough change to make P.G. more welcoming and livable, including for young families and workers. The P.G. City Council election on Nov. 5 could either mean change, or more of the same, depending on the candidates voters choose to become mayor and fill three council seats. How the town is governed could change significantly depending on how voters decide on Measure Z, which would shrink the council from seven members to five. The current council often splits 5-2, with the two incumbents in the council race, Luke Coletti and Chaps Poduri, on opposing sides. (Poduri and Councilmember Joe Amelio are the usual losing two.) Poduri was a yes on a skatepark and on a proposed roundabout at a five-way intersection on Sunset Drive, while Coletti was a no on both, although he said he was not against either concept in general. The two were also on opposing sides of the restaurant parklets debate, with Poduri supporting allowing parklets as they currently are and Coletti leading the way to replace them with sidewalk dining on the southwest corner of Lighthouse and Fountain avenues, resulting in a 4-2 vote in favor of sidewalks over parklets. (Councilmember Debby Beck recused herself.) Most of the other candidates on the ballot—Carmelita Garcia, Chilla Kartalov and Paul Walkingstick—have said they support sidewalk dining. Only Tina Rau objects to the piecemeal approach the council majority has taken, focusing on one corner instead of considering all parklet locations. (Rau ran for council in 2022, losing by a small margin.) All the council candidates either support a single retail cannabis store as approved by P.G. voters in 2022, or say they at least accept the voters’ decision. The three mayoral candidates—P.G. Mayor Pro Tempore Nick Smith, former councilmember Dan Miller and Dionne Ybarra—also support a cannabis store. Outgoing Mayor Bill Peake initially was set to run for a fourth time, then withdrew in July. Smith could have run for reelection as a councilmember, but instead chose to run for mayor. Both Miller and Ybarra have run unsuccessfully for mayor in the past, in 2016 and 2018, respectively. Smith and Ybarra take similar positions on a few issues, including supporting sidewalk dining and the roundabout. Miller also supports sidewalk dining but he is adamantly against the roundabout, having angrily argued against it at council meetings, including in July when the concept was passed 4-2 by the council. Miller contends it will cost upwards of $10 million and says there’s no need for it. (The city was initially awarded a $5 million grant by the Transportation Agency for Monterey County from voter-approved Measure X tax funds.) In the Grove Six candidates vie for three seats on the P.G. City Council while three battle to become mayor. By Pam Marino P.G. City Councilmember Luke Coletti, the highest vote-getter in 2020, is seeking a second term. His first term was marked by controversy among City Hall staff, with at least three complaints against him. NEWS The current council often splits 5-2. DANIEL DREIFUSS ’23 - ’24 Voted Best Restaurant in Monterey!
14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 3-9, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com Campaign Cash I must take exception with your article (“Big business is spending big money on Salinas City Council elections,” Sept. 26-Oct. 2). Anyone who has attended Salinas City Council meetings over the past few years can attest to the chaos. One councilmember, Steve McShane, quit due to verbal harassment by fellow councilmembers. We have lost a city manager, a fire chief, a police chief and many other positions due to a very difficult council. I personally have three generations of my family who have lived and/or worked in Salinas. In 2023, Councilmember Carla Gonzalez yelled multiple expletives over a Ron DeSantis visit to Salinas. This is not the kind of leader I want representing our city. Councilmembers serve the public. I will donate to the challengers of this council because I want civility and respect for the community restored. Elections have consequences, and it takes money to win. Frank Saunders | Salinas Our current City Council has been unfairly smeared as “dysfunctional” by those steeped in the past, unaccustomed to challenge, and wedded to backslapping. Tilting resources toward the priorities of business has come at the expense and neglect of our neighborhoods. Just marvel at the revitalized and maintained downtown and compare that to the slum-ification of neighborhoods with deferred sidewalk and street repair, lack of fairly distributed code enforcement, and inadequate policing. Business should not purchase seats on the city council in a naked power grab in order to trample on the needs of the entire community. I’m supporting Chris Barrera for mayor. Peter Szalai | Salinas I think the current Salinas City Council doesn’t understand that the people of Salinas are tired of their dysfunctional behavior. That’s why we are overwhelmingly contributing to the other candidates. The current city council is rude to each other, rude to city staff, and rude to the public. We need to vote out people who can’t behave in a professional setting. Susan Marscellas | Salinas New Neighborhood We’ve got enough so-called “luxury” here (“Twenty years in the making, Marina’s Promenade development is finally coming to life,” posted Sept. 26). This is not and should not be a theme park for Silicon Valley wellheeled weekenders. Roger Kern | via social media OK so all this luxury housing—are these middle-class and rich people going to work the fields, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations when we run out of workers? Joanna Konczal | via social media How utterly insulting. I am Montereyan, born and raised, first-generation from parents who came from East Tennessee during the last of the Depression. They were carpenters and helped build Fort Ord. My father and his father-in-law were contractors who built many homes in Seaside. Yet, I cannot purchase any home anywhere on the Peninsula. So, bragging about condos in Marina, throwing a bone to us poor folks by allowing us to share the outdoor space is beyond insensitive. Be ashamed. Be very ashamed. Susan O’Donnell | Salinas Life and Death Thank you to Pam Marino for her article regarding suicide at the DLI (“The Defense Language Institute continues to experience suicides, despite prevention efforts,” Sept. 26-Oct. 2). Resilience is a fine word and a powerful skill, however the term that comes to my mind is “cognitive dissonance.” This occurs when powerful core values conflict with real-world situations. Students (and staff) at the DLI no doubt deal with this to a much higher degree than we outside “the fortress.” Not everyone is cut out to be a warrior. Consider what the goals and outcomes are for intelligence gathering. The details of what these warriors are asked to do are hidden from us, but the despair that leads to suicide is a very telling sign. Dhana Owens | Monterey Garden Grow Living in the neighborhood, this garden brings me SO much joy. How awful (“A misdemeanor vandalism charge is filed over the destruction of a community garden,” Sept. 19-25). Miranda Taylor | Seaside To the Beat The Monterey Jazz Festival draws many big names and is importantly a showcase for new talent (“Pianist blends genres while celebrating her home country of Japan,” Sept. 26-Oct. 2). Two years ago I had the pleasure of catching that little-known singer Samara Joy. In that vein, I hope this year you catch Yoku Mabuchi. I heard her recently in a small club. She is the real deal! Jim White | via email I love the store this year, with vinyl and better merch (“Trailblazing Artistic Director Darin Atwater brings the 67th Monterey Jazz Festival to a new crescendo,” Sept. 26-Oct. 2). More seating might be helpful. I do love Big Band and New Orleans. Please don’t veer into other genres. Fun, swingy, energetic…more brass, please! Welcome, and thanks for your hard work! Claire Fay | Carmel Water Rate When will public entities like the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District learn that they need to follow their own ordinances? (“Squid Fry: Water Way,” Sept. 19-25.) Despite numerous attempts to get them to do so, they chose to take a very creative approach. It took the courts to bring them back to reality. Unfortunately that hubris costs the taxpayers in legal fees. Now they need to begin returning the millions they collected from taxpayers illegally. Rick Heuer | Monterey Heuer is president of the plaintiff in this case, the Monterey Peninsula Taxpayers Association. Next Gen This is a beautiful painting (“Visuals: Averil Mabry,” Sept. 12-18). Hopefully, it will keep undisturbed for years to come. Good job!! Rod Raudstein | 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.
www.montereycountynow.com october 3-9, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15 If you are registered to vote, by now you have likely received a voter guide prepared by the Monterey County Elections Department with a sample ballot. If in some races you are undecided or simply don’t care, you can still turn in your ballot and be recorded as having voted—leaving all the bubbles blank, or writing in Mickey Mouse for mayor, is its own form of participation. And voting is, in our system of governance, the most elemental form of participation. Local government is a participatory process—you can show up at every public meeting to listen in and, if you so choose, get up to the microphone to tell them what you think they are doing right or wrong. But the core responsibility of all of us voters is to elect the people we think will best reflect our priorities. Voter participation is persistently disappointing in the United States, and Monterey County is no exception. In the March primary, just 32.8 percent of registered voters in Monterey County cast a vote. Turnout was better in the 2022 general election, 49.3 percent. And the 2020 general election was even better, typical of presidential elections, but still just 80.2 percent of voters showed up. There is a subset of the population in whom I would expect a higher rate of turnout, and that is people who are seeking election. It seems hypocritical if you don’t regularly vote to ask others to cast their vote for you. Under the California Public Records Act, I requested and received from the Monterey County Elections Department a list of candidates for local office and whether they have voted in elections since the 2020 primary. (Of course their actual votes, via secret ballot, are not public information; whether or not they returned a ballot is.) There are 124 locally registered candidates who have had the opportunity to vote at least 671 times since then. In 102 instances, they did not return a ballot— meaning they missed voting 15.2 percent of the time. My unscientific analysis shows a few trends. Water board candidates are a participatory bunch who regularly vote. They outshine other candidates for special districts—school boards, health care districts, etc.—who turn out at a lower rate than city council candidates, missing 17.5 percent of opportunities to vote. School and college districts have a relatively poor showing. In Salinas City Elementary School District Area 2, Maria Bonilla-Giuriato missed five of the six last elections. (Her competitor, Jennifer Zanzot, missed two, attributed to the chaos of life: “I take voting seriously and hope others will too,” she says.) For the only contested seat on the Hartnell Community College board this year, Area 1, challenger Henry Sutton missed five of the past six elections; incumbent Alejandra González missed three. Sutton’s explanation probably resonates with many voters: He tunes into presidential elections. “I guess I should be paying attention more,” he says. “It’s just an honest mistake.” Candidates for Carmel Unified School District skipped voting 23 percent of the time. Monica Tavakoli and Molly Bozzo each missed two since 2020; Jeannette Witten, one; and Jason Remynse, three. It’s not just special districts, but candidates for city office too. In Carmel, records show council candidate Parker Logan missed three of the past five elections; Hans Buder missed two and Bob Delves missed one. Logan says he voted in person, and this data point adds to his “growing suspicion on fair election practices.” Others have explanations for the one-offs—medical issues, Covid, emergencies. But for some, it is a pattern. In Seaside, mayoral candidate Karla Lobo missed four of the past five elections. In Pacific Grove, mayoral candidate Dionne Ybarra missed four. “Voting is a personal decision,” Ybarra says. “I don’t use my vote as my only voice and action.” She cites the toxic political climate as a deterrent. It’s understandable that things can feel so toxic that it’s easier to sit it out. But I think the better remedy is putting in the effort. I commend those who are running for office—it’s a big commitment, a volunteer endeavor and hard work that subjects you to scrutiny. But I hope when asking others to vote for them, they will think about also doing the work to participate and cast a vote themselves, and set an example for the most straightforward form of participation. Sara Rubin is the Weekly’s editor. Reach her at sara@montereycountynow.com. Down Ballot Too many local candidates have a history of not voting. By Sara Rubin Fighting Words…While the national political landscape is currently awash in dangerous and false right-wing conspiracy theories, thankfully, our local elections are nonpartisan, and for the most part, remain quite civil. But that doesn’t mean things can’t get a bit testy, like they did in Monterey Sept. 23 at a forum for mayoral and city council candidates. The exchange was between District 3 City Council candidates Jean Rasch, a retired attorney who’s long been active in the Monterey Vista Neighborhood Association, and Eric Palmer, a communications professional (formerly for the City of Monterey) who serves on the city’s Architectural Review Committee. The exchange started when Rasch questioned how much time he had for the role of councilmember. “I’m retired, I’m ready to serve, it’s a full-time commitment,” she said, adding that Palmer had to leave a city-offered candidate orientation early to pick up his kids. Palmer said he was insulted by Rasch’s insinuation, adding that the perspective of families counts: “As someone who does messaging for a living,” he said, “that does not resonate with working-class people and working families.” When Squid has babies, it’s thousands at one time. It’s hard to find the time to ooze around to various local government events, binge-watch TV series and keep up with all the squidlets. To everyone running for (or serving in) any local office, especially those with added family responsibilities, Squid tips Squid’s hat to you for making the time. Poop Patrol…First thing’s first: Yes, everybody poops, including Squid, depositing something more like a string than a turd. And dogs poop too, often all over the neighborhood. The City of Marina recently posted a flier reminding humans to clean up after their pets: “Even if your dog is the cutest, best dog in the world, it is still your responsibility to pick up her or his poop,” the flier reads, before offering a QR code taking people to the municipal code section about pet waste (must be removed “promptly” from property other than your own). There are reasons beyond ick factor, as noted by the city flier: “Dog waste that enters the storm drains impacts water quality and human health and safety.” Among the city’s many dog parents is Mayor Bruce Delgado, human companion to Chihuahua mix Shelly and Aussie mix Luna. Squid hears from Delgado’s neighbors that his dogs are repeat offenders, roaming the neighborhood and leaving behind poop, as if they have not read up on the municipal code. Delgado says he’s surprised to learn it’s a repeat problem, but that tiny Shelly has escaped through the fence in the past: “She’s a Houdini of sorts.” Too bad there’s not a magic wand for cleaning up poop. the local spin SQUID FRY THE MISSION OF MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY IS TO INSPIRE INDEPENDENT THINKING AND CONSCIOUS ACTION, ETC. They missed voting 15.2 percent of the time. Send Squid a tip: squid@montereycountynow.com
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