october 24-30, 2024 montereycountynow.com LOCAL & INDEPENDENT something spooky this halloween 33 | what’s for brunch? 42 | on tap at hops & fog 43 First Place General Excellence • 2024 CA Journalism Awards • On a Mission Two very different military veterans form a friendship around their shared vision to humanize immigrants. p. 18 By Pam Marino
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 24-30, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com october 24-30, 2024 • ISSUE #1891 • Established in 1988 Anne Vallone ( Canon EOS 80D) Gnarled branches make a good frame for a view of the rocky coast at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Monterey County photo of the week Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: Steve McCullough (left) poses with his newfound friend, Changiz Lahidji (right), the first Iranian Green Beret in the U.S. Army who served for 24 years, plus 12 years as a military contractor. The veterans want to find someone to film a documentary about Lahidji, as well as underscore the important contributions of immigrants to the U.S., including its military. 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 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
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 24-30, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 3
4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 24-30, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH The Associated Press’ election data is relied upon by thousands of newsrooms around the world, and for good reason: It accurately called 100 percent of the U.S. House, Senate, gubernatorial and presidential races in 2020. The notfor-profit news cooperative will have more than 5,000 people working on election night Nov. 5, marking a new record in its 178-history, according to Executive Editor Julie Pace in an interview with Axios. It will follow 7,000 elections across the country, making about 21,000 race updates per hour. Pace noted that the surge of mail-in ballots has made it difficult to determine the number of uncounted votes. Misinformation blooms in races that have not yet been called, she added. The AP also plans to increase its live video coverage, Pace said, including from more than 30 spots in battleground states. Its customer base for election data grew by 30 percent after the 2020 election, while the number of international newsrooms using the AP’s data is also increasing. Updates will be translated into 18 languages to reflect that. Good: Good news for teens in Salinas who want to have an impact. On Oct. 22, the Salinas City Council approved a pilot program for the Salinas Youth Council, which will run until July 2025. This follows a recommendation from high school students who completed internships this summer. A prior youth commission has been dormant for more than five years. The idea is to have one student representative from each Salinas high school work together to increase youth participation in city government. In South County, the cities of Gonzales, Soledad and Greenfield have active youth councils that have had positive impacts on their communities. In Gonzales, teens’ community involvement has resulted in change, including an underage drinking ordinance, a new counselor position to support students’ mental health, and advancing and getting involved with the Gonzales Community Center. GReat: On Oct. 15, the Monterey City Council approved an agreement with MidPen Housing to build an affordable housing project behind City Hall on 26,900 square feet of city-owned land where 41 of the 42 units will be available for individuals or families making between 30-percent to 60-percent of the region’s median income. The project will be a mix of studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments expected to range between $548-$1,730 per month. The project will be centered around a courtyard and have an estimated 31 parking spaces for the units, and will also include a public playground adjacent to the Vasquez Adobe, which houses offices for the city’s Recreation Department and will remain intact. The agreement calls for a 99-year ground lease—the city will retain ownership of the land—with MidPen paying rent of $1 per year. The city will be providing a $1.5 million loan for construction and financing. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY The amount Monterey Peninsula Unified School District received from the California Department of Education’s California Community Schools Partnership Program to implement community schools in Seaside over the next five years. Source: MPUSD Oct. 17 board meeting $8.7 million QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Every child deserves protection and people to advocate and seek justice for them.” -Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto, speaking about an arrest made Oct. 17 in the death of an infant nearly 30 years ago (see story, montereycountynow.com). PUMPKIN JOIN US FOR PANDEMONIUM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31 • 3:00 – 5:00 P.M. Highway 1 at Munras Avenue, Monterey 831.373.2705 shopdelmonte.com Highway 1 at Munras Avenue, Monterey 831.373.2705 shopdelmonte.com SHOPPING. DINING. FUN. ALL IN A BEAUTIFUL SETTING. Trick or Treat Children dressed in boo-tiful costumes are invited to trick-or-treat at participating merchants. Pumpkin Patch Free Entertainment Visit shopdelmonte.com for details.
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 24-30, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 Vote for leadership in Housing Policy: Council is developing 100% affordable housing while preserving the historic character of Monterey. Tyller and Gino support renters to retain our workforce, for homeless prevention, and to protect our local economy. Council developed a unique renter assistance program to protect residents from displacement. Let’s continue to move Monterey forward with inclusive policies that will help improve the quality of life for ALL residents. Paid for by the Democratic Women of Monterey County FPPC #1282023 *City of Monterey renters* Your vote is your power! 66% of Monterey residents are renters and have major voting power. Vote for these candidates that support renters and state propositions that protect renters TVLLER WILLIAMSON for MONTEREY MAYOR GINO GARCIA for MONTEREY CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 ERIC PALMER for MONTEREY CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT3 Paid for by the Democratic Women of Monterey County FPPC #1282023 CITY OF MONTEREY RENTERS— YOUR VOTE IS YOUR POWER! 66% of Monterey residents are renters and have major voting power. Vote for these candidates that support renters and state propositions that protect renters *City of Monterey renters* Your vote is your power! 66% of Monterey residents are renters and have major voting power. Vote for these candidates that support ren and state propositions that protect rente TVLLER WILLIAMSON for MONTEREY MAYOR GINO GARCIA for MONTEREY CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 ERIC PALM for MONTER CITY COUN DISTRICT Paid for by the Democratic Women of Monterey County FPPC #1282023 nterey renters* is your power! y residents are renters ajor voting power. dates that support renters ons that protect renters O GARCIA MONTEREY COUNCIL STRICT 4 ERIC PALMER for MONTEREY CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT3 c Women of Monterey County FPPC #1282023 *City of Monterey renters* Your vote is your power! 66% of Monterey residents are renters and have major voting power. Vote for these candidates that support renters and state propositions that protect renters TVLLER WILLIAMSON for MONTEREY MAYOR GINO GARCIA for MONTEREY CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 ERIC PALMER for MONTEREY CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT3 Paid for by the Democratic Women of Monterey County FPPC #1282023 *City of Monterey rent Your vote is your pow 66% of Monterey residents are re and have major voting powe Vote for these candidates that sup and state propositions that prot TVLLER WILLIAMSON for MONTEREY MAYOR GINO GARCIA for MONTEREY CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4 Paid for by the Democratic Women of Monterey County FPP *City of Mon Your vote 66% of Monterey and have ma Vote for these candid and state propositio TVLLER WILLIAMSON for MONTEREY MAYOR GINO for M CITY DI Paid for by the Democra
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 24-30, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com 831 Finding a place to live, enrolling in school, securing a job or questioning sexual identity are just some of the many challenges teens and young adults may experience as they navigate life. It can be especially hard for those in foster care, who are experiencing homelessness or don’t have family support. For the past decade, The Epicenter has been a helping hand for youth, giving them hope and empowering them to find themselves and reach their goals. The Epicenter is a youth-run nonprofit that began in Salinas, with the help of Monterey County Child Welfare Services and Voice Our Independent Choices for Emancipation Support (a youth-led program for transition-age foster youth). On Oct. 8, Salinas City Council recognized The Epicenter’s work. “Your continued commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ and the community are a testament to your mission of empowerment, equity and liberation for all,” Councilmember Jesus Valenzuela said. The nonprofit is a drop-in center that connects teens and young adults, ages 14-24, with resources. Its pillars are housing, education, employment, and health and wellness. To create this web of resources, The Epicenter’s headquarters offers in-person and online services. Programs include a youth council and Monterey County Friday Night Live, a drug and alcohol prevention program. It also operates a free closet with clothes, hygiene products and shoes. “It went from being a shelf to now [a] walk-in space within our garage where people can come in and really have the feel of a boutique,” says Sam Gomez, The Epicenter’s deputy director. The organization also partners with local barbers and hairstylists to offer free haircuts a few times a year. Once a month, The Epicenter opens its doors on a Saturday to provide a warm meal and fun activities as a way to release stress. One of the organization’s superpowers is that staff are also young people from the community—they look like the clients seeking services. They have similar backgrounds and life stories, making it easier to connect and relate. “A lot of our team members are actually youth and young adults with lived experiences,” Gomez says. The Epicenter now serves more than 500 young people per year and offers programming at schools in Salinas, Soledad, Gonzales and the Peninsula, with a goal to expand to King City and North County. The team works with other organizations including Monterey County Behavioral Health and Department of Social Services, as well as school districts. Gomez has been part of the nonprofit for nine years, after starting as a participant in their early 20s. “It was actually one of the first places where I felt welcomed in the community and like I had a space to be myself,” Gomez told the City Council after the commendation. Gomez helped start The Epicenter’s LGBTQ+ program in 2015. Gomez, who uses they/them pronouns, didn’t have the support of their own family. “It really impacted me a lot. It was hard on my mental health. It was hard not to have that support,” Gomez says. Danielle Gomez (no relation), 21, is a youth navigator who began working in September. She was in foster care and has experienced homelessness most of her life. “I’ve always wanted to help the youth, because growing up, that’s what I needed, and never had that person,” she says. “When you come in here, you feel at home. You feel welcome. If you need to talk to someone, there’s always support.” Sam Gomez has worn different hats with the organization, from youth volunteer to program coordinator and now deputy director. They say receiving help and working at The Epicenter was a game-changing experience. “There was a point in my life where I didn’t have hope for the future. I didn’t see myself growing and thriving,” Gomez says, adding their growth within the organization is “a testament to the work that we do with our young people.” The Epicenter is located at 737 South Main St., Salinas. 998-7291, epicentermonterey.org. Rising Up For a decade, a local organization has helped teens and young adults reach their potential. By Celia Jiménez Through various programs, the team at The Epicenter works to support young people in their life journey. The organization was honored by the Salinas City Council on Oct. 8. “When you come in here, you feel at home.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE CELIA JIMÉNEZ
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 24-30, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 7 Monterey County Democrats Democratic Women of Monterey County Monterey County New Progressives Public Water Now Monterey County Weekly AREA 3 (Monterey, Del Rey Oaks, and East Garrison) Dedicated to Collaboration and Innovation KEY ISSUES: • Student Access and Success • Bond Oversight • Faculty and Staff Pay and Benefits • Good Governance Chelsea’s experience spans higher education, law enforcement, and public service more information at www.chelsealenowska.com Endorsed by: @chelseaformpc Paid for by Lenowska for Monterey Peninsula College 2024 | FPPC# 1473071
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 24-30, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com news Rising tides and crashing waves last winter battered the timber staircases that carry people down steep bluffs to the white sands of Carmel Beach. Two sets of stairs were badly damaged— between 9th and 10th avenues and 10th and 13th avenues—and remain boarded up nine months later, much to the frustration of some residents who question why it’s taking so long for the city to fix them. “We’ve definitely been working on it but it’s not as simple as putting a few more screws in it,” Assistant City Manager Brandon Swanson says. The city is facing a dilemma in part due to the challenge of sea level rise and increased storm activity, he says. It’s in the middle of a lengthy coastal engineering study expected to make recommendations on protecting Carmel’s coastline with possible seawalls and revetments. They may also include adapting the staircases—the existing 11 sets of stairs built decades ago were never designed to withstand today’s storms, Swanson says. “Otherwise, they wouldn’t have failed.” The stringers of the shuttered stairs—the long pieces of wood that run down the sides of the stairs holding the treads together—are cracked. Swanson is awaiting bids from contractors who recently investigated the damage. The question becomes: Does the city spend money now on what may be costly repairs, or wait until the study is finished and see what the recommendations may bring? The study could take over a year to complete. If the repair cost is low, it may be worth repairing them immediately. If the cost is in the hundreds of thousands, the Carmel City Council may opt to wait. The numbers, Swanson says, will drive which path the city takes. Stair Master Two sets of Carmel beach stairs battered by winter storms remain closed nine months later. By Pam Marino On June 20, the County Board of Supervisors approved a $2 billion budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Just three months later, looking ahead to a projected $20 million deficit for 2025-26, the supervisors voted on Oct. 15 to implement a hiring freeze. The pause applies only to the vacant positions—both new and existing—within the 3,594.7 authorized roles funded by the general fund across 22 departments. Budget figures, dependent on the economy via sales and property taxes, have been strained; compounded by the expiration of one-time federal funds given to the county to sustain critical jobs during the pandemic. Wage studies also led to increases in employee salaries and benefits to ensure jobs remained competitive. In late August, the County and SEIU 521 announced a 12-percent pay increase over three years, the largest increase for county employees in 20 years. These increases are not set to take effect until the next fiscal year. “In some instances, we’ve been able to spend more than what we had,” says Assistant County Administrative Officer Ezequiel Vega Rios. “Now we have to adjust to that new reality of not having as much revenue. Although the local revenue has increased from what we were receiving three years ago, it hasn’t increased significantly or at the same pace that expenditures have grown.” The implications of a hiring freeze can vary across departments, particularly those where a majority of the costs go to personnel. In the Sheriff’s Office, the hiring process can be lengthy—not only must candidates meet many credentials, but it can also take up to six months before a trained individual is on the job. The District Attorney’s Office is actively recruiting. “We have 40 active prosecutors right now and we’re down 20 percent. I have the minimal amount of prosecutors to cover my court obligations. That’s huge,” says Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni. “I have two retired annuitants. They’re not permanent county employees, so once their hours are completed, they can’t work anymore. If there’s a hiring freeze, I can’t replace them either.” Oftentimes, departments collaborate to provide services, especially in emergencies. The Department of Emergency Services is a key example where their ability to respond is influenced by other departments, like public health and social services. “Every element of our office touches at least one other office. So when we talk about budget impacts, they might not always be direct to our department, but that means there’s one less body to build a very necessary seat in our overall response to a disaster,” says Department of Emergency Management Director Kelsey Scanlon. On Nov. 12 the County Board of Supervisors plans to issue guidelines for assessing which positions are deemed critical. Doing so, according to the County Administrative Office, will help prevent layoffs in the future. Instead of determining which roles are critical and which to cut, Pacioni argues that there should be an exemption for specified core services. “I definitely think that I have an argument to fill these attorney positions,” she says, “but also that the positions aren’t permanently cut, which is what they’re talking about doing.” DA Jeannine Pacioni is recruiting for 12 attorney vacancies in her office. “This is sort of like taking a sledgehammer instead of a surgical, strategic approach,” she said. Reality Check Three months into the fiscal year, County of Monterey implements a hiring freeze. By Katie Rodriguez Two sets of stairs at Carmel Beach remain boarded up with plywood after storms last winter cracked the lumber holding the stairs together. The city is investigating the cost of repairs. “If there’s a hiring freeze, I can’t replace them.” Daniel Dreifuss Daniel Dreifuss
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 24-30, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 Repeal The Cannabis Fire Tax The Cannabis Fire Tax has become an unfair burden on a new industry that is struggling with over-taxation. Over half our local cannabis cultivators have already closed because of high taxes and low prices. The Fire Tax must end so the industry can continue providing many good jobs, revenue for the County and economic benefits for the community. When cannabis businesses fail, they pay no taxes to the County and workers lose their jobs. The Fire District is primarily funded by Property Taxes and cannabis properties also pay high property taxes. The Fire Tax is very costly and is raised every year for inflation. Green plants growing in a greenhouse are at low risk of fire. Please vote YES on Measure DD to repeal the Fire Tax and save Monterey County businesses and jobs. Support local farmers and vote YES on Measure DD! PAID FOR BY RIVERVIEW FARMS ELECT REBECCA LINDOR Monterey Peninsula Water Management District • Division 3 Director (Monterey) I support MPWMD’s current eminent domain lawsuit to buy out Cal Am. My opponent is on record opposing the buyout.* Cal Am’s thirst for profits has given us some of the most expensive water in the nation. The only way to bring the cost down is through public ownership. Almost 85% of the water systems in California are publicly owned. EDUCATION I studied at the New York Institute of Technology and CSUMB where I obtained my California State Certification as a Paralegal, with emphasis in Criminal and Civil Law. I currently manage a law office in Monterey. ENDORSEMENTS “I STRONGLY endorse Rebecca Lindor to succeed me as MPWMD’s Division 3 Director. I know Rebecca and after years of seeing her in action, her leadership and commitment to public ownership makes her the right person for the job.” —Marc Eisenhart, current MPWMD Division 3 Director ❑✓ Public Water Now ❑✓ Monterey County Democrats ❑✓ Monterey County New Progressives ❑✓ Democratic Women of Monterey County ❑✓ Monterey County Weekly www.rebeccalindor.com, FPPC# 1476459 * https://www.montereychamber.com/about/committees/government-affairs-committee/
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 24-30, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com long-empty train tracks west of Highway 1 offer a spectacular view of the dunes and the Monterey Bay. Since 2021, people who signed up for handcar rides have enjoyed it while feeling the breeze. Museum Handcar Technology, known as Handcar Tours, began operations in 2021 on 3.5 miles of train track in Marina, stretching from Del Monte Boulevard to Fort Ord Dunes State Park. The future of this attraction is in jeopardy since it runs on the route of the SURF! busway project, approved in September by the California Coastal Commission. The Transportation Agency for Monterey County leases the track to the City of Marina, which subleases it to the handcar operator. That twoyear lease is set to end on Oct. 31 and TAMC plans not to renew it. “The terms of the lease agreement from its inception have been conditional due to the construction of the SURF! project,” TAMC spokesperson Theresa Wright says. Since the lease is set to expire, Marina officials gave Handcar Tours 30 days to vacate. But Marina City Manager Layne Long is asking TAMC for month-to-month extensions. “This little handcar has brought thousands of tourists to our city as well as the Monterey region,” Long wrote in an Oct. 9 letter to TAMC. He added the lease generates revenue for TAMC— more than $170,000 since 2022. On Wednesday, Oct. 23 (after the Weekly’s deadline), the TAMC board of directors was set to discuss the lease agreement in closed session. Todd and Mason Clark, owners of Handcar Tours, are working on alternatives with Marina and TAMC officials to relocate operations and move the route 2.3 miles north. (Wright says TAMC is open to moving the route to another segment of track.) If a month-to-month lease is approved, handcar tours would continue to operate at its existing site for now while working on the alternative route, rather than closing down. Marina Mayor Bruce Delgado notes the SURF! project is complex and it still requires permits before breaking ground. While that settles, “We could be having something beautiful happening in Marina,” he says. “They could be making enough money to hopefully move north.” Delgado says preparing the new handcar route could cost up to $1 million. The proposed new route would require permitting from various agencies, improving the tracks and installing railroad lights. Flock Safety, a manufacturer and operator of various types of surveillance systems, has been used across the country as a way to help identify stolen vehicles and missing people. However, concerns around privacy, aesthetics, and the number and location of the cameras prompted a group to discuss their use and benefits in Carmel-by-the-Sea. With the contract with Flock set to renew in March, the main questions an ad hoc committee aims to answer before the next City Council meeting are: How many cameras are needed, and where should they be placed? The committee will host its final meeting to address questions and concerns surrounding the use of Flock cameras in the onesquare-mile city on Oct. 24. “We are a target here. We have high-end shops, we’re in an affluent community,” said Carmel Police Chief Paul Tomasi during a meeting in June. “These cameras are a tool for us. It makes our jobs a little bit easier to keep you safe.” In 2018, the Carmel City Council authorized the installation of six license plate reader cameras at the city’s entrances and exits. In April 2023, community members raised concerns about the approval of a two-year contract with Flock Safety to install an additional 24 cameras and new software systems, ultimately halting the program’s implementation. Residents were particularly concerned about the number of proposed cameras, which would exceed those in larger nearby communities like Pacific Grove (with 12 cameras), and Hollister, with 15 cameras and a population of 42,000. Others believe the additional cameras could strengthen the regional defense system, ease the monitoring burden on local police, and send a message to thieves that they won’t get away with stealing. The upcoming meeting will be held both virtually and in person at Carmel City Hall at 1pm on Thursday, Oct. 24. “We’d like to come back to you with answers, and then we want to propose a plan moving forward,” Tomasi said. “What do we want to do?” Track Time Handcar tours in Marina will end, unless the city inks a new lease for train tracks. By Celia Jiménez news Road Work Caltrans hosts a public meeting on the Highway 101 South of Salinas project, which would relocate two interchanges at Highway 101 at Grant and Main streets in Chualar and at Abbott Street. Left-turn maneuvers along the highway would also be removed. 5-7pm Thursday, Oct. 24. Chualar Elementary School Gymnasium, 24285 Lincoln St., Chualar. Free. bit.ly/ 101southofsalinas. Tri-County Update Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church joins San Benito County Supervisor Kollin Kosmicki and Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez for a tri-county town hall meeting. 5:30-7pm Thursday, Oct. 24. Aromas Grange, 400 Rose Ave., Aromas. Free. 755-5022, district2@countyofmonterey. gov. Roundabout Review County of Monterey officials host a meeting to present information on the proposed Carmel Valley Road and Laureles Grade roundabout project. 5:30-6:30pm Thursday, Oct. 24. Carmel Valley Community Youth Center, 25 Ford Road, Carmel Valley, and via Zoom at bit.ly/3YngmqM (password: 899653). Free. 796-3009, sanchezj9@ countyofmonterey.gov. From Harm to Hope Social service providers, advocates, therapists, law enforcement and attorneys speak about the intersection of gun violence, mass shootings and domestic violence. The conference is presented by the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council of Monterey County. 8:30am-4pm Friday, Oct. 25. Sherwood Hall, 940 North Main St., Salinas. $60. bit.ly/48bXIWc, 385-8364. Helping Hands Volunteers are invited to take part in seven projects at Fort Ord National Monument to celebrate Make a Difference Day. Projects include controlling invasive weeds, hardening a trail and more. Free lunch is provided. 9-11:30am Saturday, Oct. 26. Various locations, Fort Ord National Monument. Free. 582-2212, signup.com/go/ THnzKRV. Health Boost The City of Salinas accepts applications for Prevention and Wellness grants. A total of $300,000, with a maximum award of $60,000, is available to projects that focus on health and safety. Applications due Oct. 28 by 5pm. Submit proposals to vickys@ci.salinas. ca.us. Ad Hoc Flock A committee meets to discuss final questions surrounding Flock cameras in Carmel. By Katie Rodriguez Before opening for visitors in 2021, Museum Handcar Technology enlisted volunteers to clean up a 3.5-mile stretch of train tracks. They’ve now been asked to vacate by Oct. 31. e-mail: toolbox@montereycountynow.com TOOLBOX “This little handcar has brought thousands of tourists.” Daniel Dreifuss
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 24-30, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 “Eric Palmer will be a champion for ALL residents.” Monterey County Supervisor Wendy Root Askew Paid for by Eric Palmer for Monterey City Council 2024 FPPC # 1467510 We need to elect local leaders who keep future generations in mind. We need to leave them a Monterey that is climate resilient, fiscally stable, affordable and safe. Our current residents and future generations need quality jobs and affordable housing. Our Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and our historic resources and landmarks need to be protected at all costs. I want future generations to still experience a Monterey with a small town charm with unique historic districts and thriving small businesses. We need strong schools that have the support of their neighborhoods and elected officials. We have to protect vulnerable residents and families from displacement. Thank you for your vote! www.spcamc.org/reactive Tired of your dog barking and lunging on leash? Want to walk amongst the living again? Reactive Rover Intensive Training Course 8 weeks, starting Oct 26, 1-2 pm Start the road to recovery with personalized coaching and support There is hope! For 37 years Breakthrough has helped men like you create the lives they want. Workshops Starting Nov 5th. Learn More at our Free Introductory Sessions offered weekly through October Visit www.breakthroughformen.org or email enrollment@breakthroughformen.org
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 24-30, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com The City of Seaside has seen a tumultuous year in its City Hall, with resignations and firings at nearly every top position, from city manager to directors of the city’s finance, public works and human resources departments. Last summer, the City Council hired former city manager Craig Malin to come in on a part-time basis—flying in from Wisconsin on Wednesday nights—to spend two days a week trying to right the ship, which remains a work in progress. Publicly, the city’s elected leaders have maintained a “nothing to see here” posture, and as the issues are personnel-related, they remain mostly obscure. It is against this backdrop that Seaside residents will be voting on who to lead the city going forward, as three positions on the City Council— mayor and two council seats—are on the ballot this Nov. 5. All of those positions are held by incumbents running for re-election—Mayor Ian Oglesby and councilmembers Dave Pacheco and Alexis Garcia-Arrazola—against a number of challengers. Karla Lobo and Dennis Volk are running for mayor, and Shanda LeBeouf and Diana Ingersoll are vying for council seats. No candidates are campaigning on wholesale change, and many use the word “forward” when describing the direction they’d like to see the city move. Mitigating the housing crisis and transparency come up repeatedly in discussions about what moving the city forward means. All of the candidates are either Seaside natives or have lived there most of their lives, and if there’s a unifying theme in their respective messages, it’s this: Seaside’s government should look after residents first, and try to ensure that its residents can remain so. That might be tougher when the biggest housing project the city’s seen in years—formerly known as Ascent but since rebranded as Seagrove— hits the market come March 1. The 106-unit project, which the council approved in 2019, will have 16 affordable units, but the other 90—a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as some townhomes, won’t likely be affordable to the vast majority of renters in the city. The lowest starting rent for a one-bedroom apartment, according to Rene Ruiz, a regional manager with Apartment Management Consultants LLC, which manages the property, will be $3,796 per month. If someone were to only spend one-third of their income on rent, that would require an annual salary of $150,000. In the mayor’s race, Oglesby is leaning on his years of experience and leadership in the community. Volk runs Mal’s Market, a corner store on Noche Buena Street that is a fixture in the city’s fabric, whether or not Fox News is playing on the store’s TV, as it often is. Lobo, meanwhile, sees herself as a disruptor. She’s unhappy that Seaside is, in her view, a “laughing stock” to some locals, and thinks the council should have a more adversarial role with city staff. Up in the Sea Seaside voters are faced with candidates aware of the city’s challenges, if not how to fix them. By David Schmalz Seaside City Councilmember Dave Pacheco was the city’s recreation coordinator for decades, and has been a strident advocate for Cutino Park, which hosts the city’s only soccer field. NEWS The lowest starting rent will be $3,796 per month. DANIEL DREIFUSS Do you want to go InSIDE PRISon anD lEaRn wItH tHE InCaRCERatED? Members from the public engage in weekly discussions with inmates, sharing life stories related to empathy-building topics. Anyone over 18 is welcome to join! Offered Mondays from 4pm-6pm over 8-week cycles at CTF Soledad Prison - a voluntary commitment is required. Contact Program Director – Megan McDrew for more information and to sign up. Space is very limited! Professor Megan McDrew mmcdrew@transformativejusticecenter.org TransformativeJusticeCenter.org JEAN RASCH EXPERIENCE AND PARTNERSHIP COUNT www.jeanrasch.com Paid for by the Committee to Elect Jean Rasch Council District 3 2024 FPPC #1468148 VOTE FOR JEAN RASCH MONTEREY CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3 Proud to be Endorsed By Monterey County Weekly Alan Haffa, City of Monterey Councilmember Ed Smith, City of Monterey Councilmember Clyde Roberson, former mayor, City of Monterey Nancy Selfridge, former City of Monterey Councilmember Libby Downey, MPC Trustee, former City of Monterey Councilmember George Riley, MPWMD Trustee...and many more.
www.montereycountynow.com october 24-30, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 Lower Presidio Park in Monterey is arguably the most historic place in all of California, as it was long inhabited by Indigenous people and was among the first places Spanish colonizers set foot in the 1600s and 1700s. It’s also the place where the first non-native person was buried in Alta California, a freed Black slave named Alexo Niño, who died on a ship, San Antonio, en route to Monterey from San Diego in 1770 as part of Junipero Serra’s missionary expedition—Serra was also on the ship. But like many historic locations in Monterey, Lower Presidio Park remains largely obscure, literally—it has some of the best views in the area code, but because it’s on U.S. Armyowned property, access is limited, and easy to miss from the road. While no one disputes the 25-plusacres that make up the park are a regional if not national treasure, there is tension in how it should be managed going forward, and how much, if anything, the City of Monterey’s taxpayers should spend on it. That question was brought to the Monterey City Council Oct. 1, though it wasn’t a question the council was asked to answer—rather, the council heard a presentation about not only the site’s historic significance, but also the state of play with the city’s lease. The city’s involvement with the property, which the Army has owned since 1847, came in the 1980s when the Army was proposing to sell 123 acres of the Presidio, including Huckleberry Hill, to private developers. ThenCongressman Leon Panetta got Congress to reject that proposal. In 1984, the city also rezoned the property to preclude private development, and in 1996 the city entered into a 50-year lease with the Army to “celebrate the rich history of this place since 1602.” Since then, the city has provided maintenance and stewardship of the park’s historical assets, which costs the city about $80,000 annually. Reportedly, the city has also invested about $1 million over time to maintain the property. The park’s hillside, adjacent to Lighthouse Avenue north of the tunnel by Fisherman’s Wharf, harbors countless archaeological resources that today are being unearthed by ground squirrels. Once or twice a year, City Manager Hans Uslar says, the dirt that falls on the sidewalk by the road is collected in the presence of archaeological and Indigenous monitors. The Army, in 2021, asked the city to up its investment in the site by stabilizing the hillside—although it’s not evident the hillside has moved—with a retaining wall the city estimates will cost $1.5 million, and per a city report, would “involve robust consultation” with local tribes. Whether it’s worth it for the city to pay that, or have a nonprofit take it on, or, advocate for the site to be designated as a federal national monument or historic site is the open question that the council, per Uslar’s recommendation, will be answering early next year. “It’s a very spiritual area and we have to acknowledge that,” Uslar says. “At the end of the day, this is the heart and soul of California.” Sacred Ground Monterey’s Lower Presidio Park is owned by the Army but run by the city. Is that sustainable? By David Schmalz Lower Presidio Park in Monterey offers sweeping views of Monterey Bay, as well as historic artifacts. It’s on U.S. Army land and managed by the city per a 50-year lease that took effect 28 years ago. NEWS “This is the heart and soul of California.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 24-30, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com End of an Era I can’t see how it could possibly go on without Steve’s involvement (“A major shakeup puts the future of Sand City’s signature event into question,” Oct. 10-16). Too many details for a new person to absorb without him. Sand City City Council truly bungled this by not following up with Steve. RIP West End Celebration. Koly McBride | Gonzales Steve is the bedrock of this event, like Mickey is to Disneyland! As a West End vendor for the last 10 years in the same spot ( #10), this makes me wary of 2025 participation. Cheryl Robinson | Prunedale Low Note Valentina Lisitsa has clearly made a very public choice to deride what she calls “European Ukrainians,” beginning in 2014 with the unlawful Russian invasion and annexation of Crimea. Her vicious tweets are infamous, and sound typically Russian in their imperial claims (“A Russian pianist who’s had international concerts canceled over her social media posts sees Carmel appearance scrubbed,” posted Oct. 11). Though she may have every right to express her views, words have consequences. Like the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and other groups, the Carmel Music Society does not owe her a performance. They made the right decision. Christina Lund | Pacific Grove My first thought was, There must be more to this story. My second thought was, Nope, that’s all there is. Somehow the whole saga collapses into a shrug. With all that in her public history, including her calling herself a slanderer, why would Carmel Music Society book her in the first place? And if there was a legitimate reason to drop her, why not admit it? It’s a mid-level faux pas, like spilling a drink on somebody in Carmel. Skip Seibel | Pacific Grove Four Way I supported Cary Swensen two years ago when she ran against a long-time incumbent (“Politics isn’t pretty—but it’s time for voters to make choices. Our endorsements in local, state and national elections,” Oct. 10-16). She won 42 percent of the vote, an impressive achievement. Once you meet Cary, one can appreciate her integrity and commitment. She is a member of Steinbeck Rotary and of Salinas LULAC. Serving as a member of the Measure G Oversight Committee gives her an inside view of Salinas’ revenue and expenditures. On the day the Salinas City Council interviewed 11 candidates for the interim District 3 appointment, Cary had the largest number of supporters give testimony why she was the right choice for the interim position. The group of supporters were a diverse group of residents of District 3. Laura Solorio | Salinas Empty Seat They brought this on themselves by ignoring the Brown Act. It should have been obvious, and it certainly was to the judge (“Greenfield City Council accepts a court decision deeming Drew Tipton’s appointment illegal,” Oct. 14-23). Walter Wagner | Salinas True Story My dirty secret is that I worked at Fox News for seven-and-a-half years in the research department (“Monterey County’s new Media Literacy Coalition brings attention to how to discern truth,” Oct. 17-23). When I hear people say that Fox makes up news or lies, I have to laugh because, as a researcher, I had to source absolutely everything and put the source in a database. If you make up news, you get sued. Of course, the news division, where I worked, is quite different from the editorial or commentary side, where there can be more gray area. I remember when AP announced it would start explaining the news rather than just providing it. I knew that was a slippery slope. The 24-hour news cycle changed things too, and the internet…well…We all have to be thoughtful as readers and not allow ourselves to buy into conspiracy theories, even if it’s tempting to believe the worst about someone you dislike. Truth must always be sought and defended. Claire Fay | Carmel I was both delighted and appreciative reading about Misinformation Day. I use methods other than what Ben Franklin prescribed in not believing anything you hear and half of what you see. I would love to see more adults become critical in their thinking when hearing, reading and seeing news. Unfortunately, manipulative media appeals to feelings. Deborah Smith-Wotring | Carmel Down the Line The charges are a perfectly timed political hit (“DA charges CUSD board member and candidate with felony election fraud for lying about her address,” posted Oct. 4). In her current at-large position, Anne-Marie Rosen could live anywhere within CUSD. She has two homes, approximately 1.5 miles apart, both in Carmel Valley and within CUSD. One is in District 4, which is where she has lived while serving as the at-large trustee. The other is in District 5 where she is running, and now lives. Both are partially rented to relatives, but they remain her homes, with her personal belongings and furnishings in both. These charges are a travesty of justice and potentially will cause Rosen to lose the election, a great loss to the community and youth that she advocates for tirelessly and not just a “yes man” on the current CUSD board. Alondra Valdez Klemek | Carmel Valley Out of this World I attended and it’s one of the best things that ever happened in Monterey, especially for my generation (“The first Worlds Away electronic dance music festival lands at the Monterey Fairgrounds with an epic day of dancing and DJs,” posted Oct. 14). Will it come back next year? I hope so. Johnny Perez | via email We need more of this vibe on the Peninsula. I’m advocating for more of this energy and experience. It’s horrible to have to travel two hours north for anything decent that can replicate this type of production. Liz Diaz | 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 24-30, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15 When the California Wildlife Conservation Board convenes in Sacramento next month, they’ll consider allocating for 25 projects across the state. There’s a request for $2 million for a fish screen replacement in Solano County, $420,000 for the acquisition of 84 acres to expand the Eel River Wildlife Area in Humboldt County and more. The day’s agenda also includes granting $1.4 million to the Western Rivers Conservancy and Esselen Tribe of Monterey County for the acquisition of 327 acres of land at Pico Blanco in Big Sur, and $6 million to the Big Sur Land Trust to construct a 67-acre habitat restoration area at Carr Lake in Salinas, where the nonprofit is transforming former agricultural land into Ensen Community Park. (The neighborhood park portion— with picnic areas, a dog park, basketball court and more—is already under construction.) This kind of breadth, in project type and geography, is a typical day for the Wildlife Conservation Board, says Executive Jennifer Norris. “We spend a lot, and we do a lot everywhere,” she says. A lot is perhaps an understatement. As of August, it had a general fund balance of $110.6 million, and a total fund balance of $369.5 million, including money earmarked for things like water quality projects or habitat conservation. Proposition 4, on the ballot this Nov. 5, would generate some $1.2 billion more for WCB. “It would support a lot of projects, without question,” Norris says. In the past five years, the WCB has spent $68.6 million on projects in Monterey County, including $24 million granted in 2023 to The Wildlands Conservancy for the acquisition of Rana Creek Ranch in Carmel Valley from former Apple chairman and CEO Mike Markkula. But mostly it comes in smaller amounts for smaller-scale projects—at Fort Ord Dunes State Park, Elkhorn Slough and on the Carmel River. It adds up to 28,852 acres in permanent protection locally since 2019. “These types of projects sometimes take years, waiting for the money to show up at the right time,” Norris says. “These projects are expensive. We often fill that last gap, sometimes $5 million, sometimes $8 million, sometimes $30 million.” These kinds of funds help groups like Big Sur Land Trust complete dream projects. “Land is really expensive,” says BSLT Executive Director Jeannette Tuitele-Lewis. “It is very difficult to raise the kind of money we would need to be able to conserve all of these magnificent areas with just private dollars. We depend on the state’s investment to help preserve lands.” Now, the decision-makers behind those state investments want to hear from you. As WCB prepares to update its five-year strategic plan, they are holding five workshops throughout California, including in Monterey on Oct. 30. “We want to hear from people about the types of places that are important,” Norris says. The overall mission—providing dollars that help lock in deals to protect habitat, boost climate resiliency, protect open spaces and public access to nature—has perhaps never been more critical. A report released earlier this month by World Wide Fund for Nature shows wildlife populations decreased by a “catastrophic” 73 percent globally between 1970 and 2020, based on tracking over 5,000 vertebrate species. “A number of tipping points are highly likely if current trends are left to continue, with potentially catastrophic consequences,” the report states. (WWF Chief Scientist Rebecca Shaw, who lives in Carmel Valley, edited the report and served on the steering committee.) In the face of such staggering loss, can we find solace in a 67-acre parcel in Salinas? Norris says yes—and in fact, that’s part of what makes Carr Lake worthy. “It’s exciting because it’s in the middle of an urban area but it’s very significant,” she says. “We are learning more and more how important it is to have functional ecosystems everywhere.” “Everywhere” can include expansive wilderness, but also our cities. What it includes for the next five years will be in part up to the direction the public shares at WCB’s workshops, helping direct tens of millions of dollars to projects that will give nature a fighting chance. Wildlife Conservation Board’s open house takes place 3:30-6:30pm Wednesday, Oct. 30 at Japanese American Citizens League, 424 Adams St., Monterey. Sara Rubin is the Weekly’s editor. Reach her at sara@montereycountynow.com. Land Grants A state agency that funds major land acquisitions swings through town. By Sara Rubin Model Behavior…Squid’s a big believer in due process and everyone getting a fair shake, but as a deadline-driven cephalopod, Squid also believes in expediency. So Squid perked up when Squid saw, on Monterey City Council’s Oct. 15 meeting agenda, more than 600 pages of documents related to an employee appealing his termination. Jerod Balthrop, a now-former electrician with the City of Monterey who was fired in November 2023, decided to make his situation public for reasons Squid can’t quite figure out—Squid’s colleague was unable to reach him—but the result was a public hearing that lasted more than two hours, and a subsequent closed session meeting that lasted nearly as long and wrapped just before midnight. In his duties as an electrician for the city, Balthrop was working at the Presidio of Monterey—the city’s “Monterey Model” is to provide services to the military to lower costs for maintaining their facilities so that they don’t suffer the same fate as the former Fort Ord—and according to the extensive documentation, he entered the Presidio’s Subway restaurant through the back door entrance. There, he was told by a female employee that Presidio authorities said he had to enter through the front door. Seems like a fair and reasonable ask, but instead of being reasonable, Balthrop said to the employee, according to the hundreds of pages of documents, that the Presidio’s manager in question can “suck it” while also motioning toward his crotch. The council upheld the termination, but it does call into question the alleged efficiency of the “Monterey Model.” How many hours and dollars does it take to fire an employee? More than Squid can count. Signs of the Times…Squid’s counting skills may be limited as noted above, but with two tentacles, Squid has no problem counting to two. Squid also has no problem consulting the sign ordinances that set forth requirements for campaign signs that sprout up like mushrooms at this time of year. In the City of Monterey, temporary signs (like political campaign signs) may be no more than 16 square feet per sign, and no more than 80 cumulative square feet per property. As Squid oozes around town, Squid has seen lots of signs for Brian Perez, a candidate for Monterey City Council District 4, that are at the maximum size limit. There are also signs that exceed the limit—until you look a little closer. They are two separate signs, each the max size, placed right next to each other with a sliver of daylight in between, but clearly meant to be read as one with text that runs across both. It’s like a diptych in a museum, only this is not fine art, it’s campaign signage. While it might comply with the letter of the law, it surely doesn’t align with the spirit of the law. the local spin SQUID FRY THE MISSION OF MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY IS TO INSPIRE INDEPENDENT THINKING AND CONSCIOUS ACTION, ETC. “We depend on the state to help preserve lands.” Send Squid a tip: squid@montereycountynow.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==