november 21-27, 2024 montereycountynow.com LOCAL & INDEPENDENT pacific grove’s parklet future 12 | 10,000 maniacs on tour 36 | The last travel agent 42 First Place General Excellence • 2024 CA Journalism Awards • MST’s embattled SURF! project has been approved, but will it— and should it—ever get built? p. 20 By David Schmalz ticket to ride
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY november 21-27, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com november 21-27, 2024 • ISSUE #1895 • Established in 1988 Mike Sheehan (Nikon A900/27mm) When the storm clouds meet strawberry field prep near Marina, it looks like something out of the future. Monterey County photo of the week Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: An early rendering of MST’s SURF! project as proposed, with the busway aside the rail tracks. As approved by the California Coastal Commission, the busway will go over the tracks. Cover Photo: Courtesy of MST 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 NOVEMBER 21-27, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH The conspiracy theory website Infowars could become a parody of itself if a judge agrees on a sale. Satirical news outlet The Onion was announced as the winning bidder for the website on Nov. 14, with plans to parody conspiracy theorists and other social media actors. The sale is part of the bankruptcy proceedings for Infowars founder Alex Jones, who in late 2022 was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 billion to the families of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting for defamation. The bankruptcy trustee overseeing the sale received bids from The Onion and the Jonesbacked First United American Companies for the website, but ultimately chose the Onion’s bid, even though it was lower than the $3.5 million offered by the other bid, noting The Onion had a better deal for Jones’ creditors. Judge Christopher Lopez said he had questions about the sale process, and ordered a hearing for a date not yet set. On Monday, Nov. 18, First United American Companies asked the judge to disqualify the Onion’s bid, alleging fraud. Good: Firefighter training takes a lot of water—about 50,000 gallons per session, according to the Salinas Fire Department. Thanks to a recent purchase of a piece of equipment, the fire department will save a considerable number of gallons. The Pump Pod DRAFTS Unit, purchased by the fire department with the help of a $124,965 rebate by Cal Water, uses about 2,500 gallons per training, saving about two swimming pools’ worth of water every time training takes place. The equipment recirculates the water that would normally go down the drain. Cal Water estimates that the department will save more than 5.8 million gallons of water per year. “With the acquisition of this [DRAFTS unit]...Salinas Fire can reuse 2,500 gallons of water and still prepare our members for any pump operation they may encounter in the field,” Chris Knapp, Salinas Fire Division Chief/Fire Marshal, said in a press release. GREAT: More than a decade after the King City Courthouse closed, forcing South County residents in need of court services to travel between one to two hours round-trip to Salinas, things are slowly coming back. Monterey County Superior Court announced a slew of services—including family court filings, restraining orders, small claims and traffic filings—are now offered Tuesdays from 9am to 3:30pm at the King City office, 250 Franciscan Way. It will also offer traffic and child support services the second Tuesday and third Wednesday of each month, respectively. The courthouse, which formerly heard criminal cases, partially reopened in 2021 with limited services twice a month. “We are excited to be reopening the King City Courthouse to provide much-needed services to the residents of South Monterey County,” Presiding Judge Carrie M. Panetta said in a statement. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY The amount raised for local nonprofits by the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a record for the event. Through the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, the funds are distributed to almost 100 youth-focused organizations. In all, the event has raised $41 million. Source: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance $3,130,240 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Everyone in the control room let out a loud ‘Oooooh!’ at the same time.” -Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute Senior Scientist Steven Haddock, speaking about the newly discovered “mystery mollusc” captured glowing on camera for the first time (see story, montereycountynow. com).
www.montereycountynow.com NOVEMBER 21-27, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 Bringing care to our communities The Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic is dedicated to improving the health of our community by increasing access to care for those in medically underserved areas. Launched in January 2020, our mobile clinic has provided no cost medical services to more than 17,000 patients. For more information about our mobile clinic services, scan the QR code. WELCOME, CELINA MEDINA! Our new Mobile Clinic provider is a Family Nurse Practitioner. Celina was born and raised in Salinas. Free services include: Preventative, Primary and Acute Care Flu Vaccines Diabetes Care Health Screenings Resources to Manage Chronic Medical Problems UTI/STD Screenings Sports Physicals The state-of-the-art 40-foot vehicle features exam rooms and is staffed with bilingual clinical professionals and a community health advocate. Our mission is to provide preventive and primary care where it is needed. All services are currently free of charge.
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY November 21-27, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com 831 In Monterey County, artists and art exhibits can be found in the most surprising places, sometimes off the beaten path. Artwork can also be found in coffee shops, on streetside walls and in parks, often with a price tag inviting viewers to take a piece home. In the early afternoon on a Saturday, the community building at Hacienda Carmel on Carmel Valley Road is bright with natural light and the atmosphere is festive. People come in and out of the building, many of them residents, but also friends and guests of the residents. Inside, in the Casa Fiesta room, there is a party with wine and carrot cake and—most importantly—over 30 pieces of watercolor work by Virge Perelli-Minetti, who is about to turn 95. “I can’t believe I have that many,” she says, her eyes shining. There are about 40-50 guests in attendance, many of them longtime friends. A group of residents in this community, for people over age 55, founded Artists of Hacienda Carmel (AoHC), an arts club that provides the space for exhibits (four to five each year), studio space, classes (for example, in watercolor) and eight educational luncheons with, let’s say, an illustrator as a speaker, as well as field trips, painting sessions and more. Many artists find time to reach their full potential only later in life. The club is open to Hacienda artists only, but the public is welcomed to the AoHC gallery to see the exhibits. “[Perelli-Minetti] has been painting all her life,” says AoHA’s secretary and lunch lady, Donna Bessant. “I love lunch,” Bessant adds. She is the person who finds luncheon speakers and compensates them with lunch. The level of her energy is striking. During the exhibit reception, she is the one who keeps guard at the entrance table. Among artists who have presented their work in 2024 are Ralph Jacobs (his “Indian Girl” is striking for its beauty in colors), Jerry Park (with bluebird blue “Summer Diptich”) and floral pieces by Hanne Myers. All of the above mentioned pieces come from the exhibit Artistic Points of View, which recently ended. If there’s no art reception going on, it’s nice and quiet in Hacienda’s cafeteria, which surprises with a restaurant-quality menu and pleasant atmosphere of a place where people know and trust one another. Hacienda has been home to many artists, such as Sally Aberg and Jeffrey Becom, both involved with the Carmel Art Association, and AoHC’s general coordinator Myers, who agreed to talk on the behalf of the group. Founded more than 30 years ago, AoHC has emphasized painting and drawing, but also sculpture and mixed-media arts. The six-member council was founded in 2020 when the leadership was passed to Myers and her crew; a monthly newsletter is distributed by communications coordinator Eleanor Robinson. All of the council members are artists as well. Myers took over to continue the tradition that has been around for so long. There are 300 housing units at Hacienda Carmel, and about 40 residents belong to AoHC. There are other clubs reflecting diverse interested at Hacienda Carmel, but AoHC is a popular choice. The artist members show their works once a month. “It’s such a wonderful thing to have a hobby,” Myers says. But it’s more than passion. The AoHC artists sell their paintings too, typically during or after a reception. Often, these are group exhibits that surprise with a variety of subjects, styles and technical choices. Quite regularly, the group ventures off to nature, not hard to find along Carmel Valley Road; Hacienda Carmel is close to Palo Corona Regional Park and not that far from Garland Ranch. Currently, AoHC members are working on their 2025 program. Keep them in mind when you are planning your next gallery trip. You may end up with an inexpensive piece that will look amazing above your fireplace. The current exhibit featuring work by Virge PerelliMinetti will be on display until the end of the year. Home Gallery An arts club at Hacienda Carmel gives residents a place to explore their creativity. By Agata Pop˛eda Artists of Hacienda Carmel’s Donna Bessant (left) and Hanne Myers (right) posing at the Artistic Points of View exhibit that ended this fall. “It’s such a wonderful thing to have a hobby.” TALeS From THe AreA CoDe AGATA POPEDA LOCAL PEOPLE n LOCAL BANK
www.montereycountynow.com NOVEMBER 21-27, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 7 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! Let’s make sure no grandparent goes hungry or feels alone. We provide nutritious meals and compassionate connections to seniors who need it most. Your donation helps to nourish their bodies and spirits. Donate: montereycountygives.com/mows Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley, Inc.
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY november 21-27, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com news The Santa Lucia Mountains are deceptively rugged. Between Carmel Valley Road to the north and Highway 46 to the south, in San Luis Obispo County, there is just one east-west paved road that connects the coast to the Highway 101 corridor. That artery, Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, reopened on Friday, Nov. 15 for the first time since January 2021. The U.S. Forest Service first closed the road on the west side, at Highway 1, after the Dolan Fire left the area particularly susceptible to damage from the atmospheric rivers that followed, dumping rain and leading to erosion. As construction inched along, more weather was in store for the east side, which was closed in January 2023. Now, $12 million later, the road has reopened in full, although dirt roads maintained by the Forest Service in the vicinity— including South Coast Ridge Road and Plaskett Ridge Road—remain closed. The major improvements are mechanically stabilized earth walls, new and upsized culverts, and surface contouring to ensure water is directed off the road, Forest Service spokesperson Andrew Madsen says. “Hopefully this will harden the road to withstand inclement weather in the future,” he adds. And that matters, especially given that the reopening came just five days before an atmospheric river was in the forecast to hit the area on Nov. 20. As for a ranger station at the summit that was destroyed in the Dolan Fire in 2020, and left firefighters fighting for their lives, it remains an active hazmat site with ongoing cleanup. “We continue to explore options working with local partners on a suitable location to maintain our historic fire response in this area,” Madsen says. Road Repair For the first time in almost four years, Nacimiento-Fergusson Road is open to through-traffic. By Sara Rubin For years, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has been burdened by overtourism. The 150 parking spaces inside the reserve fill up quickly, and many drivers are turned away, so visitors try to find a place to park on Highway 1. The amount of cars parked on the east side of Highway 1 across from the reserve became such a safety concern—pedestrians crossing a highway—that the County Board of Supervisors banned parking on the east side in 2018. That forced cars to park even further from the reserve entrance on the west side of the highway, sometimes with a mile or more hike just to get to a trailhead. For those with mobility issues, access is a challenge. Understanding these problems, a steering committee formed in 2018 among various stakeholders: State Parks, which owns the reserve; Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District; and three nonprofits—Big Sur Land Trust, Big Sur International Marathon Foundation and Point Lobos Foundation. Out of that committee emerged an idea: ParkIT!, a shuttle van that would circulate between at least three spots inside Point Lobos, Ishxenta State Park, Palo Corona Regional Park and Marathon Flats, a rectangular patch of dirt south of Rio Road and east of Highway 1, which is also owned by State Parks, and which serves as the staging area for the Big Sur International Marathon. The idea is to turn it into an overflow parking lot with minimal hardscaping. After years of work and refining the details, the group finally submitted an application Nov. 13 to the county for a coastal development permit to get the shuttle running. On Saturday, Nov. 23, Point Lobos Foundation is leading the second demo for the project. Shuttles for the tour will depart in the morning and afternoon from Palo Corona and head to Point Lobos and back. (As of Nov. 19, only one seat was available, in the afternoon.) Initially, when the shuttle launches, it will not make stops at Palo Corona or Ishxenta. The latter is closed to the public as State Parks officials continue discussions with tribes over use of the park, once home to an Indigenous village along San Jose Creek. If the county approves the permit, the biggest change the shuttle will usher in is a reservation system for Point Lobos, spreading out visitors throughout the day. ParkIT! Project Director Steffanie Gamecho, also executive director of Point Lobos Foundation, says initially there will be 900 reservations available for parking spots inside Point Lobos every day, and 567 at Marathon Flats. Reservations at the latter would also include a shuttle; a fee is yet to be determined. Those numbers are based on visitor use surveys, and assume an average of three passengers per car, with spots turning over twice daily. It’s a rate Gamecho says is intentionally conservative, and could increase with time “to ensure we have a well-oiled machine.” For the majority of days—save for holidays and the like—those attempting to park on the highway and walk in will be turned away at the kiosk, Gamecho says. That marks a major shift for accessing the reserve. The vision is either for the shuttle and reservation system to be managed by a concessionaire—Gamecho points to Muir Woods as a model—or if not, by State Parks. She expects the shuttle to be up and running in two years, “if everything goes really well.” MPRPD’s Savannah Pena (left), State Parks’ John Hiles (center) and ParkIT! Project Director Steffanie Gamecho (right) leading a ParkIT! shuttle demo tour last spring. Point Taken The wheels are turning to launch a shuttle and reservation system for access to Point Lobos. By David Schmalz Work on Nacimiento-Fergusson Road includes stabilized walls and surface contouring, meant to make the road more weather-proof for future storms. Initially there will be 900 reservations available. ParkIT! Courtesy US Forest Service
www.montereycountynow.com NOVEMBER 21-27, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY november 21-27, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com On Friday, Nov. 15, as the sun set on a crisp evening, farmworkers, teachers and members of Californians for Pesticide Reform assembled in front of CineLux Green Valley in Watsonville holding signs, gathering in protest about a controversial pesticide that remains in use on farms in Monterey County. The chemical is 1,3-dichloropropene, a cancer-causing fumigant that is used to eradicate pests in the soil. It’s also known as 1,3-D or Telone, manufactured by Dow Chemical. It’s a chemical that has been banned in 34 countries, yet remains the third most used pesticide in Monterey County, according to a 2021 report by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). “There is a simple, science-based solution,” said Angel Garcia, codirector of Californians for Pesticide Reform. “DPR, you need to limit exposure to 1,3-D to all people living in California because at the end of the day, it is imperative that science must drive our regulations and not racist politics.” On Nov. 14, DPR released a draft regulation proposing allowable levels that exceed those recommended by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to address the potential 40-year working lifetime cancer risk. The draft also includes guidelines that consider only certain groups, which farmworkers and local teachers argue make incorrect assumptions about who is exposed to this chemical and when. “It’s good that DPR is finally using the OEHHA findings for some. But why not all?” Jacob Sandoval, state director of California League of United Latin American Citizens, said in a press release. “Everybody should get the same health protective regulation that keeps 1,3-D levels below the 0.04 parts per billion per day standard set by OEHHA.” The chemical was banned for a period of time, about five years in 1990, following the state Air Resources Board citing high levels of the pesticide found in air quality readings taken in the Central Valley. DPR will hold in-person and virtual public hearings on the proposed regulations in January, including one in Salinas on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 5:45pm at the National Steinbeck Center. It plans to adopt a final draft in August 2025. “My parents work in the fields, my cousins and uncles. It’s sad to see how my community has been targeted,” CSUMB student Rocio Ortiz said at the protest. “Communities like Watsonville are sacrifice zones for corporate profits. We have to fight back against this attack on farmworker communities.” The glamour of flashy cars and high speeds in Fast & Furious don’t translate the same way in real life. A sideshow—or illegal street racing—can be exhilarating for some, but can also be dangerous. Sideshows can disrupt traffic; tricks can include having passengers hanging out of a vehicle or seated on the windows. On Saturday, Nov. 9, a sideshow in Prunedale took a tragic turn; 18-year-old Adrian Puga was shot and later died at the hospital. Sheriff’s deputies continue looking for clues to find the killer, requesting videos and photos from people who were at the scene. It is a misdemeanor to organize, participate in or watch illegal car racing, which may be an obstacle to gathering documentation from the event, although the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office reports they are receiving information. Sideshow participants can face fines of up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail, vehicle impoundment and driver’s license suspensions. According to the Salinas Police Department, sideshows happen at least twice a month in the city, ranging from 50 to 200 cars, while California Highway Patrol has reported 233 incidents between Prunedale and Soledad since January. Zachary Dunagan of Salinas PD says sideshows are more common in summer, and aren’t easy to track since they happen at different times and locations and are often over within an hour. “They’re quick, efficient—that’s what makes it the hardest [to enforce],” he says. Many happen in empty parking lots, where drivers race or do donuts. Parking lots are also a popular place for local car clubs to gather; sideshows have affected their meetups because attendees get confused with the racers, says Victor Cervantes, president of Street Life Lowrider car club. Illegal race gatherings have been a more prevalent issue in larger cities, prompting CHP last year to start a campaign called “Street Racing & Sideshows—Thrills That Kill” to educate the community about traffic safety. In September, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several laws to aid crackdowns. Clear the Air Community orgs push back against lax draft regulations about the fumigant 1,3-D. By Katie Rodriguez news Air Traffic Control The Salinas Airport Commission meets to receive updates on the Salinas Municipal Airport’s operations. 6pm Thursday, Nov. 21. City Council Rotunda, 200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas. Free. cityofsalinas.org. Future Workforce The City of Greenfield invites those ages 18-24 to apply for an internship. The four-month program places participants in various governmental departments. Application period closes on Monday, Nov. 25. 674-5591, ci.greenfield. ca.us/523/Internship-Program. In Development The Monterey Planning Commission meets to consider proposed development projects. Public comment, as always, is welcome. 4pm Tuesday, Nov. 26. Colton Hall, 580 Pacific St., Monterey. Free. 646-3885, monterey.gov. Be a Part of History Monterey State Historic Park needs wayfinders (direction givers) for its annual Christmas in the Adobes event taking place Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14. All volunteers will be given a free meal and a ticket to the event for the night that they don’t work. Interested individuals should contact Richard Fletcher at 718-7695 or richard.fletcher@parks.ca.gov. Climate Action The County of Monterey is developing a Community Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to provide a framework for mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change. Those who live and work in the county are invited to be a part of the process. Survey ongoing at qrco.de/ccaap-survey. Virtual community meeting 6-8pm Wednesday, Dec. 4. climate@countyofmonterey.gov. Funding Blocks The unincorporated Monterey County area and cities of Marina, Gonzales, Greenfield and Sand City are seeking proposals for projects to be funded with HUD Community Development Block Grants for 20252026. Projects include affordable housing, public facilities and economic development. Comments accepted through Dec. 16, and applications are due Jan. 17. A workshop will be held 9-10am Monday, Dec. 16, County of Monterey Government Center, 1441 Schilling Place, second floor, Salinas. bit. ly/3UQie9i. Deadly Race Sideshows have long been a problem for law enforcement; one in Prunedale turns deadly. By Celia Jiménez Angel Garcia, codirector of Californians For Pesticide Reform, speaks at a protest in Watsonville on Friday, Nov. 15. e-mail: toolbox@montereycountynow.com TOOLBOX “Science must drive our regulations and not racist politics.” Katie Rodriguez
www.montereycountynow.com NOVEMBER 21-27, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 Saturday, November 23 • 5–7p.m. Bring 3 cans of food for the Food Bank of Monterey County AND Enter to win 1 of 3 $100 Del Monte Shopping Center Merchant Gift Cards being given away that evening. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus as they magically light our Holiday Tree, located near Macy’s Live Holiday Entertainment • Cookies and Hot Cocoa HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING 'tis the season of joy Highway 1 at Munras Avenue, Monterey 831.373.2705 shopdelmonte.com Federally Insured by NCUA | Equal Housing Lender 831.479.6000 or toll-free at 888.4BAYFED, ext. 8304 www.bayfed.com/HomeLoans *6.74% Introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is available on Home Equity Lines of Credit with up to 80% combined loan-to-value (CLTV) or less. The introductory APR will be fixed at 6.74% during the 12-month Introductory Period. After the 12-month Introductory Period, the APR is variable and is based upon an Index plus a margin. The Index is the “Prime Rate” as published in the “Money Rates” section of the online edition of the Wall Street Journal on the first day of the billing cycle. Eligible Lines of Credit loan amounts up to $400,000. As of November 8, 2024, the variable APR for Home Equity Lines of Credit ranged from 8.25% APR to 9.75% APR, depending on your credit score (the lowest APR disclosed includes any applicable rate discounts). The maximum APR during the term of the plan is 18.00%. The maximum loan amount is $400,000. An estimate of the fees imposed for opening the plan are $750 to $2500. However, these fees will be waived and/or paid by the Credit Union provided that our security interest in your home is maintained for at least 36 consecutive months from the date the HELOC account is opened. Otherwise, you must reimburse the Credit Union for these waived and/or paid fees. During the Draw Period, you may convert the variable interest rate and repayment schedule on a portion of your outstanding balance to a fixed rate and repayment schedule (subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Home Equity Line of Credit Agreement). Each time you fix a portion of your loan balance, you will be assessed a charge of $50.00. Only three (3) fixed-rate options may exist at any one time. Offer is available for new applications submitted through December 31, 2024. Loans are subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Interest rates and programs terms are subject to change without notice. Property insurance is required. Other restrictions may apply. Bay Federal Credit Union membership required at the time of closing. For more information, visit any Bay Federal Credit Union branch or call a Bay Federal Home Loan Consultant at 831.479.6000 or toll-free at 888.4BAYFED, ext. 8304. 1524 N. Main Street | Salinas Apply Today! Renovate your home, not your wallet. 12-Month Introductory Rate of 6.74%APR* with HELOC Flex
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY November 21-27, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com Four years ago, Liz and Kelvin Jacobs of Wild Fish restaurant in Pacific Grove were leaders in the early days of the pandemic, investing $50,000 in construction of a sturdy parklet with wind protection and heaters for chilly days, built atop parking spaces in front of their Lighthouse Avenue restaurant. With the addition of a jazz quartet on weekends, the restaurant became a popular Peninsula dining destination. Now Wild Fish and its two neighbors, Rudolfo’s and Victorian Corner, are in the lead again, but not of their own accord, and in the case of the Jacobs, against their will. Their parklets are slated to be torn down on Monday, Nov. 25, to be replaced by an extended sidewalk—from 16 to 25 feet wide—with black metal fencing to contain outdoor dining areas, at a cost to the city of more than $333,000. It’s the first project of its type in P.G., with a plan to eventually replace other parklets in town with extended sidewalks and fencing in front of restaurants. Restaurant owners will be required to pay for a city permit and would be responsible for outfitting their space with amenities like umbrellas, awnings, wind protection and heaters. (Parklets currently require an annual encroachment permit.) The sidewalk extension project began on Nov. 11, with a sidewalk curb extension, or bulb-out, on the southeast corner of Lighthouse and Fountain, in front of Lighthouse Cinema. A matching bulb-out will be installed on the southwest corner after the parklets are dismantled. According to a city staff analysis, corner bulb-outs create a shorter distance for pedestrians to cross and create better visibility for drivers and pedestrians. The move to replace parklets with sidewalk outdoor dining came out of an initial drive by some town leaders to eliminate parklets, despite overwhelming public support. Opponents cited loss of downtown parking spaces, traffic and pedestrian safety, aesthetics, ADA access, and other issues. Onerous regulations recommended by the P.G. Planning Commission were met with public outcry and rejected by the P.G. City Council in 2022. In 2023, a P.G. City Council parklets subcommittee charged with reviewing guidelines and design standards for all parklets instead took a hard turn in the name of “safety first,” according to a report to council. Subcommittee members Luke Coletti, Debby Beck and Lori McDonnell recommended eliminating the three parklets at Lighthouse and Fountain and replacing them with sidewalk dining areas. The council voted 5-2 in favor of the plan. (The council was scheduled to decide on draft design guidelines on Nov. 20, after the Weekly’s deadline.) The Jacobses are planning to “go out with a bang,” inviting musicians who have played at Wild Fish in the past to bring their instruments and musician friends for a party and jam session from 6:30-9:30pm on Saturday, Nov. 23. “Pacific Grove is a great place for live music now, which wasn’t the case before the pandemic,” Liz Jacobs says. The couple will pack up their parklet on Sunday, Nov. 24. Time’s Up Pacific Grove moves quickly to replace three parklets with sidewalk dining. By Pam Marino “It’s a tribute to the amazing flowering of culture and vibrancy...that we’ve had in Pacific Grove because of this opportunity that the parklets gave us,” says Liz Jacobs of Wild Fish. NEWS The Jacobses are planning to “go out with a bang.” DANIEL DREIFUSS Our 65+ Bay Area locations let us peek at a lot more boos. In-person or virtual visits at Pediatrics – Monterey genpeds.stanfordchildrens.org WARNING: For more information, please call: 1-800-523-3157 11-24 Crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and other petroleum products can expose you to chemicals including toluene and benzene, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. These exposures can occur in and around oil fields, refineries, chemical plants, transport and storage operations, such as pipelines, marine terminals, tank trucks, and other facilities and equipment. For more information go to: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/petroleum. The foregoing warning is provided pursuant to Proposition 65. This law requires the Governor of California to publish a list of chemicals “known to the State to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.” This list is compiled in accordance with a procedure established by the Proposition, and can be obtained from the California Environmental Protection Agency. Proposition 65 requires that clear and reasonable warnings be given to persons exposed to the listed chemicals in certain situations. VALERO Refining and Marketing Company, Ultramar Inc., and their affiliates and subsidiaries AERA ENERGY LLC PBF Energy Western Region LLC its affiliates and subsidiaries EXXON MOBIL CORPORATION its affiliates and subsidiaries PHILLIPS 66, including its divisions and subsidiaries (and under the trademarks 76) SHELL OIL PRODUCTS US Tesoro Refining & Marketing Company LLC (a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corporation) and its affiliates (and under the trademarks ARCO, Shell, Thrifty, Exxon, and Mobil)
www.montereycountynow.com November 21-27, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 After 13 years of planning and building, the Hester Marsh Restoration Project had its unofficial “ribbon-cutting” moment over the weekend of Nov. 15-17. Project researchers, managers and volunteers gathered at the marsh on the edge of Elkhorn Slough to observe how the newly completed marsh interacted with water seeping in with the King Tides. The key question: Were the final plans for the marsh designed at the correct elevation? If the marsh was built to plan, observers should see the water at high tide cover the marsh’s surface—only slightly. And at 9:35am on Friday, Nov. 15, that is exactly what they observe. “We are building this marsh for the future,” says Monique Fountain, director of Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve’s Tidal Wetland Program. “If you want to have a beautiful, healthy, lush, green marsh right now, you build it lower. If you want a marsh for the future, you build it a little bit higher. And that’s what we did.” The 147-acre restoration project is designed to evolve over time, with its higher elevation ensuring resilience to rising sea levels over the next 30 years. Currently dry except during extreme tides, the marsh is expected to accumulate sediment from tidal flows, gradually submerging while also slowing seawater’s movement into Elkhorn Slough. “Now we watch,” Fountain says. There is perhaps no better place in Monterey County to get a glimpse into the future of rising sea levels than Elkhorn Slough during king tides. The Slough has transformed significantly over the last half-century; wetland areas were diked and drained, exposed to increased tidal energy due to the construction of the Moss Landing Harbor mouth, and new infrastructure has altered the ecology. All of this has contributed to subsidence, or sinking, which has impacted the habitat and marshland further inland. A king tide event today almost entirely swallows the bridge at South Marsh Loop trail, and the railroad that cuts through the Slough will sit in shallow water. While it’s difficult to put an exact timeline on sea level rise over the long-term, the Ocean Protection Council’s updated “State of California Sea-Level Rise Guidance” report provides more certainty about the next 30 years and highlights the risks storms and rising seas pose to northern Monterey Bay’s shoreline. The Hester Marsh project’s success brings some good news. Not only will it help to mitigate the impacts of rising seas on inland habitats in the coming years, but it also provides a potential blueprint for a related project focused on adapting public infrastructure while restoring the surrounding ecosystems. “It’s taken 13 years to do this, now we’re ready to incorporate infrastructure, the railroad and the roadway,” Fountain says. While the implementation of the Hester Marsh restoration is complete, the next step will be to observe hydrological function, species success, vegetation rebuilding and more. “It’s a living laboratory, which is so cool,” Fountain says. “Now, we can see how the system responds.” Bog to the Future A marsh restoration project that aims to help mitigate sea level rise reaches a milestone. By Katie Rodriguez Drone shots capture the Hester Marsh restoration project during the extreme King Tides on Nov. 15 at Elkhorn Slough. The next King Tides (very high highs and low lows) will happen on Dec. 13-15. NEWS “It’s a living laboratory.” JOHN HASKINS - ELKHORN SLOUGH NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE thanksgiving AT THE PORTOLA HOTEL & SPA THURS | NOV 28, 2024 | 1 PM - 8 PM Join us for a festive Thanksgiving feast with family & friends in the De Anza Ballroom, accompanied by live piano music from David Conley. THANKSGIVING DISPLAYS California Cheeses, Cured Meats, Veggies, Shrimp, Local Baby Greens, Tortellini Salad, Beets with Feta TRADITIONAL FARE Stuffing, Whipped Potatoes, Yams, Squash, Green Beans, Fisherman’s Sustainable Catch CARVED TO ORDER Prime Rib, Free Range Turkey, Maple Glazed Ham DESSERTS Pecan & Pumpkin Pies, Cookies, Fruit Tarts & much more... menu highlights Adults $89.95 Seniors $79.95 (65 +) Children $39.95 (6-12) 20% gratuity and tax will be added Reservations required (831) 649-7892 or BrianHein@portolahotel.com pricing & reservations (831) 649-4511 | Portolahotel.com
14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY NOVEMBER 21-27, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com MC GIVES The success of UnChained can be measured several ways. Anecdotally, staff of the program point to testimony from participating youth, or to the fact that several alumni have returned to volunteer. There is also data. Since UnChained was founded in 2011, they have had a 92-percent adoption rate for dogs. There is another indication of success: “We get so many people asking for the program at their facility,” Executive Director Marlo Botello-Aepli says. The concept is remarkable in its simplicity. Dogs and children can have a restorative connection. The St. Louis Children’s Hospital uses therapy dogs to help patient recovery. A study by the National Institutes of Health showed interacting with an animal improved a child’s sense of responsibility. But what if it worked both ways? UnChained pairs dogs from shelters with at-risk youth who spend time training the animals and preparing them for adoption, under the supervision of experts. The youths absorb lessons such as setting and achieving goals, teamwork and empathy, while the dogs are freed from the trauma of a shelter and learn new behaviors. “Part of our curriculum is humane education,” Botello-Aepli explains. “What does it take to be responsible for a dog? Their goal is to make sure the dog has a second chance. Everybody deserves a second chance.” The nonprofit’s Big Idea is also simple: reach more children. In Monterey County, UnChained runs programs at Rancho Cielo Youth Campus and the Monterey County Youth Center. The organization plans to add an additional course at Juvenile Hall. Each eight-week session pairs teams of two children with a dog. The structure of the Canines Teaching Compassion program emphasizes teamwork, development of new skills, patience and a sense of responsibility. But, Botello-Aepli adds, there is also a sense of accomplishment and compassion. At graduation, when dogs are handed off to new owners or foster homes, “there is not a dry eye,” she says. Despite success, it remains a targeted program. The number of at-risk youth who have gone through UnChained is closing in on 400. Botello-Aepli would like to see that grow. “We’re the best-kept secret,” she says. “We have to change that.” COURTESY OF UNCHAINED UnChained Melody A program for at-risk youth—and for homeless dogs— looks to expand on its success. By Dave Faries Those who organize the UnChained program, as well as those who participate, say that it benefits both humans and animals. How to Donate Go to www.mcgives.com and click the Donate button. At First Tee - Monterey County, we know kids and teens can accomplish amazing things when they are supported and give the space to grow and learn. Our participants to agree to the commitment of Being a Game Changer - and to work each day to be the best version of themselves. We use the game of golf to create opportunities that enable the participants to continue: Pursuing Goals Growing through Challenge Collaborating with Others Building a Positive Self-Identity Using Good Judgement Code of Conduct We’re Building Game Changers. Your contributions through Monterey County Gives! helps provide reliable transportation for our youth and coaches, ensuring that every child can participate in our life-changing programs. For more information visit: MCGives.com/tee
www.montereycountynow.com NOVEMBER 21-27, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15 SUPPORT YOUTH PREVENTION SERVICES, Nov.14—Dec.31, 2024 MontereyCountyGives.com/SunStreet In 2022, opioid deaths in our County grew nearly 22%, largely linked to fentanyl. Our Monterey County Gives Big Idea will help mentor high school leaders from Monterey County who will craft community projects and social media campaigns to take down fentanyl overdoses and resist high-risk behavior around substance use. “It is important for teens to know about fentanyl because it is so new. Especially with a very small dose of it can kill you.” -Viriana Estrada, STEPS Program Leader DONATE TODAY TO SUPPORT STRATEGIES BY TEENS FOR TEENS
16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY november 21-27, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com Vote Count Thanks for the explanation on voter turnout—I’ll never understand those who complain who also can’t be bothered to vote (“One of the big disappointments of Election Day is low turnout,” Nov. 14-20). Christina Lund | Pacific Grove There are 262 million Americans of voting age. Sixty-eight million (26 percent) voted for Kamala, 73 million (28 percent) voted for Trump, 121 million (46 percent) did NOT vote. Those 46 percent who did not vote are fine with 28 percent making the final decision. But together Trump voters and non-voters do make up 74 percent of American voters. Trump does have a mandate and the Democrats in Congress have no way to stop him. Pain must be shared before 121 million Americans vote. But the chances of another presidential election in four years is iffy at best. Mark Lasnik | Monterey Health Matters I read with dismay that the Monterey County Health Department fired Dr. Cris Carrillo for his advocacy for his patients at the Alisal Health Center (“Natividad clinic doctors stage a halfday strike in the wake of the firing of one of their own,” Nov. 14-20). He was terminated in retaliation for his speech regarding changes that would reduce the quality of prenatal care for his patients, after recently forming a union. Thank you Dr. Carrillo for your dedication to your patients and your profession. I will be calling my supervisor to ask that they reinstate Dr. Carrillo and support prenatal care at our county clinics rather than retaliate against doctors for seeking to provide quality health care. If you are a health care professional, a union member, or think our health care system should take better care of patients, support Dr. Carrillo and call your supervisor too. Jason Johnston | Prunedale Paved Over I’m all for public transportation, but $90 million for four miles of bus-only lane? (“Coastal Commission approves MST SURF! busway in 7-1 vote,” posted Sept. 13.) Why not something similar to the Google buses in the Bay Area where employers furnish shuttles for their employees? These shuttles would get the workers much closer to their jobs, improve traffic and parking and be paid for by the businesses that profit off these workers. Heck, maybe it would even be viewed as a perk—a clean, comfortable, free ride to work every day. Jim Sommerville | Carmel Valley Hope for the Future I just finished reading the MCGives! insert, cover to cover! (“Join the band,” Nov. 14-20; montereycountygives. com, until Dec. 31.) After my growing concern for our country’s direction, my faith in humanity is restored! Thank you everyone! Karen Sheppard | via web Traffic Jams A story (“TAMC is adapting to expedite the commute to the Monterey Peninsula,” Nov. 14-20) deceives the public into thinking new construction in Marina is driving increased traffic and road changes in Toro Estates and on Highway 68. The issue with Toro Estates has existed for many years and the decision to block westbound turns from Torero Drive to 68 was put in place after years of complaints by residents of drivers cutting through the neighborhood. The increase this year happens to coincidentally tie to the Marina construction beginning at the same time that school restarted, which always increases morning traffic substantially after a summer of relatively quiet commutes. That problem, caused by years of inaction by TAMC to address the increasing traffic on 68, is not going to go away by closing Torero Drive, spending $500,000 on synchronized lights or reopening Imjin. It will only come if TAMC builds a real solution for traffic coming from Salinas to the Peninsula. Traffic is about finding efficient means of moving from Point A to Point B, as Doug Bilse states. But that will never happen if TAMC continues to use poor facts and assumptions when developing their plans. Glenn Woodson | via web AI signals are the way to go; not the “roundabouts” which frequently become bottlenecks. Ultimately, the most cost-effective answer is to make Highway 68 a freeway from the Salinas River to Monterey, as was intended when the Salinas River bridge was constructed. The land is already mostly set aside for such, and it would simplify the traffic tremendously. Walter Wagner | Salinas Input Lacking Nov. 20 was the deadline to give public input to the County of Monterey regarding the environmental impact of affordable housing. Few knew there was a public Zoom meeting on Nov. 7 (“Toolbox,” Nov. 7-13). I was the only commenter; six other citizens listened in, while seven county employees participated. The County of Monterey claims its CEQA goal is to enhance public participation in the planning process. My concerns? Of the 56 proposed sites, 16 are in Carmel Valley/Carmel with potential deforestation, habitat destruction, fire/flood hazards and traffic congestion. Six Salinas sites include Bolsa Knolls (flood zone) where agricultural land will be converted after decades of pesticides/ fumigants/added topsoil have been applied. The nine planning areas don’t include: South County, Pajaro or other areas most in need. Karen Cameron | Salinas Behind Bars Way past time (“The law catches up with a Monterey man who awaits sentencing on the heels of a long record,” Nov. 14-20). Ron Brenaman | via web Help offered Aww man, I wanted to sign up to volunteer but their website still shows as the event being canceled and the volunteer link goes to Parade of Lights 2025 (“The fight for the Holiday Parade of Lights 2024 in Salinas is not over,” posted Nov. 15). Julian Torres | via web 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 november 21-27, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 17 The House Ways and Means Committee met a year ago, on Nov. 15, 2023, for a hearing titled “From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus between Antisemitism, Taxexempt Universities, and Terror Financing.” Committee members and witnesses, including Hillel International President & CEO Adam Lehman and Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, revisited the still-fresh heartache of the gruesome Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, spoke about joining the first congressional delegation to Israel following the attack. Part of what emerged was HR 6408, amending IRS Code to terminate the tax-exempt status of terrorist-supporting organizations. It passed 382-11 in the House in April, with bipartisan support. It would allow the Treasury Secretary to revoke the tax-exempt status of an organization believed to be materially supporting a designated terrorist group. The nonprofit would receive a 90-day notice, have an opportunity to make its case, and could later appeal to the IRS. Given that it is already illegal to provide material support to terrorist organizations, this all sounds like bureaucratese—so what’s the point? It would streamline things for an overburdened IRS. And as Kia Hamadanchy, senior policy counsel for the ACLU, says, “This gives the Treasury the ability to weaponize the tax code.” Hamadanchy wrote to the Senate back in May urging them to oppose the bill; it was never taken up there. The bill is now back in the House in a new form, HR 9495. The ACLU has been joined by dozens of groups including Freedom of the Press Foundation, Oxfam America, Planned Parenthood and the New Israel Fund urging the House to vote down the bill. “The potential for abuse is immense as the executive branch would be handed a tool it could use to curb free speech, censor nonprofit media outlets, target political opponents and punish disfavored groups across the political spectrum,” they wrote. The updated bill returned to the House on Nov. 12, diminished in popularity; a 256-145 vote, however, did not meet the two-thirds threshold required for passage. Now it’s back under a different procedure that requires just 50 percent to pass, with a vote expected as early as Thursday, Nov. 21. Panetta still supports the bill, even though many Democratic colleagues have defected. He’s one of just three Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee who voted yes on Nov. 12, compared to 11 who voted no. Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, also diverges; she voted yes back in April, and no in November. “While I strongly support efforts to combat terrorism financing, I have serious concerns,” Lofgren says by email. “As written, the bill risks undermining civil liberties, reducing transparency and diverting resources away from more effective counterterrorism strategies. We must be cautious not to overreach.” That is of utmost importance now that President-elect Donald Trump is preparing for another term. He has pledged revenge against opponents. A bill like this makes that especially convenient for nonprofits. “This is the first battle of many to try to make sure that executive power is not abused over the next four years,” Hamadanchy says. “There’s going to be a lot more of this.” Panetta dismisses the change of heart among his colleagues as political, now that the presidential election is over. He also says there is enough evidence—of ISIS, Hamas and Al Qaeda raising funds via charitable donations—to show a need for the legislation, and sufficient protections in place. “The incoming administration will test our political fortitude,” he says by email. “That is exactly why this policy has so many guardrails and appeals in place while clarifying existing legal authorities to protect our national security. “I realize that politics can play into the perception of legislation. However, I try my best to operate based on the merits of the policy, rather than the politics of fear.” Of course, politics are always at play. An analysis by Open Secrets shows Panetta’s largest donor this election was the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which gave $248,467. Sara Rubin is the Weekly’s editor. Reach her at sara@montereycountynow.com. Claw Back A bill that claims to be about stopping terrorism threatens free speech. By Sara Rubin Big Time…Fortunately for Squid, who abides by the rules and the food chain, when it comes to talking to the cops, Squid is usually the one doing the interviewing. (There’s that one exception with a headlight out on the old jalopy—fixed!) Squid was recently perusing Monterey Police Department data Search warrants served in 2023: 101. New cases last year: 219. Arrests made: 67. Presidential cabinet appointees investigated for alleged crimes by MPD: 1. Wait, what? Make that one Peter Hegseth, a Fox News personality, National Guard officer and President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense. News broke almost immediately that Hegseth was investigated in 2017 by Monterey PD for sexual assault. (No charges were filed.) Given that police reports in California are not public records, Squid was not able to ascertain much—the alleged assault took place at the Hyatt between midnight and 7am on Oct. 8, 2017, when national news outlets report Hegseth was in town for a Republican conference. A police report was made four days later; no weapons were involved, and reported injuries were contusions to the victim’s right thigh. Media outlets have since reported that Hegseth and the woman entered into a settlement and mutual nondisclosure agreement, which means we’re not likely to learn much more. When it comes time for confirmation hearings, however, Squid will be standing by with popcorn. Check’s in the Mail…In Squid’s lair, some things happen fast—the entire life cycle of some nudibranchs is just a few months—while others happen slowly. Say you’re waiting for a gray whale to deliver a piece of snail mail from Alaska or Mexico, you’ll have to wait an entire season. Apparently the humans at radio station KAZU, housed on the campus of CSU Monterey Bay, expect the mail to arrive reasonably efficiently. Especially for a nonprofit reliant on donations, it really matters. Kellsy Panno, KAZU’s director of membership and marketing, wrote to supporters on Nov. 12 to notify them of “a significant delay” in processing checks, and advise them of a change: The station has given up on CSUMB’s mailroom and instead got a post office box in Marina to avoid future delays. “Unfortunately, recent staffing reductions in the campus mailroom, which handles all mail for the university, have caused considerable delays in receiving our mail, including many donations,” Panno wrote. “If you’ve been wondering why your donation check hasn’t been deposited, we apologize sincerely.” A CSUMB spokesperson says they’ve added temporary mailroom staff. For all the students expecting a holiday card and maybe a treat in the mail, Squid hopes for the best—and invites them over to the lair for some shrimp-and-caramel-flavored popcorn. the local spin SQUID FRY THE MISSION OF MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY IS TO INSPIRE INDEPENDENT THINKING AND CONSCIOUS ACTION, ETC. “The potential for abuse is immense.” Send Squid a tip: squid@montereycountynow.com
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