december 5-11, 2024 montereycountynow.com LOCAL & INDEPENDENT Angels among us 8 | meet Salinas’ new top cop 12 | The nutcracker endures 38 First Place General Excellence • 2024 CA Journalism Awards • Schools are expanding what an education means to include career readiness and technical skills. p. 22 By Celia Jiménez Learning for Life Local Shopping guide Utilitarian p. 28
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY December 5-11, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State Monterey Bay welcomes adults aged 50+ to explore their intellectual interests and connect with new friends through a variety of engaging programs. Enjoy learning for the pure pleasure of it, with no exams or grades. Join us for both in-person and online courses. For more information, visit csumb.edu/OLLI. OLLI@CSUMB Donate: MONTEREYCOUNTYGIVES.COM/JOURNALISM Contributions to the Fund For Independent Journalism in Monterey County are Tax-Deductible. Reader revenue and philanthropy are two trends in media business today that have helped news organizations continue to perform this vital work. Goal for MC Gives! is to raise $60,000. That money will be invested to fund increased investigative reporting and media literacy in 2025. Your support is vital. Thank you. SUppORT ThE fUNd fOR INdEpENdENT JOURNALISM IN MONTEREY COUNTY dEMOCRACY dEpENdS ON INdEpENdENT JOURNALISM Producing local journalism requires new resources.
www.montereycountynow.com DECEMBER 5-11, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 3 Salinas Valley Health Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery | 212 San Jose Street, Ste. 301, Salinas | 831-759-3289 QUALITY HEALTHCARE DELIVERED LOCALLY FOR EVERYONE EXPERTS IN CARDIAC SURGERY SalinasValleyHealth.com/heart Dr. Vincent DeFilippi and Dr. Andreas Sakopoulos are two of our outstanding providers who were key in Salinas Valley Health earning the highest rating, 3 of 3 stars, from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Achieved by fewer than 10% of like hospitals nationwide, this recognition demonstrates our commitment to the highest quality of care, delivered locally, for everyone. Vincent DeFilippi, MD Andreas Sakopoulos, MD Vincent DeFilippi, MD, FACS Fellowship New York Presbyterian Hospital - Weill Cornell New York, NY Stanford University School of Medicine Clinical Professor Palo Alto, CA Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY Residency University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine Chicago, IL Medical Education Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons New York, NY Andreas Sakopoulos, MD, FACS Fellowship University of Toronto Congenital Cardiac Surgery Toronto, ON Indiana University Transplant Immunology Indianapolis, IN Loma Linda University Cardiothoracic Surgery Loma Linda, CA Residency Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN Medical Education University of Pisa School of Medicine and Surgery Pisa, Italy
4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY december 5-11, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com december 5-11, 2024 • ISSUE #1897 • Established in 1988 Jerry Loomis (Sony 7Riii with a Sony 200600mm lens) Winter wonderland as experienced at George Washington Park in Pacific Grove—American robins are feeding on Pyracantha berries again this year. Monterey County photo of the week Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: Seaside High School students work on hands-on projects during their robotics class, part of a growing emphasis on career and technical education. One activity includes putting together and programming a music box circuit. 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. The fuTure is up To you To donate: mcgives.com/journalism Democracy depends on independent journalism. Producing that journalism requires new resources. reader revenue and philanthropy are current models to assist news organizations. your support is vital.
www.montereycountynow.com DECEMBER 5-11, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER HWY 1 @ RIO RD, CARMEL, CA 93923 831.625.4106 THECROSSROADSCARMEL.COM Holly Jolly CC Coast Weekly Holiday Ad 24_Week 2.indd 1 11/26/24 3:18 PM
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY December 5-11, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH The all-important algorithms that determine what you see and when you see it on social media is largely kept under wraps and constantly being tweaked by the tech companies that control them. A new study suggests that X may have modified its algorithm to boost posts by its owner Elon Musk around the time he endorsed Donald Trump for president in July. According to the study by Queensland University of Technology, Musk’s posts received 138-percent more views and 238-percent more “retweets” since July 13, the day he posted his support for Trump. Other conservative-leaning accounts on X saw boosts in engagement, but Musk’s numbers “outpaced the general engagement trends observed across the platform,” the report found. The authors of the report noted, however, that since X ended free access to its data in 2023, the report was limited by the “relatively small amount of data” it could access. The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post also recently noted potential right-wing bias on the platform since the richest man in the world purchased it. GOOD: Every evening the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program, or I-HELP, transports people who need a safe place to sleep for the night from pick-up points in Monterey to participating churches around the Peninsula, helping 150 to 175 people each year. Their two buses have seen better days—each has more than 370,000 miles on the odometer. Recently the door flew off of one of the buses and the I-HELP board knew they had to replace it, says I-HELP Board Chair Tom Chapman. They found a used passenger van from a Salinas couple for $12,000. One week later another nonprofit, Interfaith Outreach of Carmel, offered to cover the cost of the van and its branding. The group’s members are excited for the “new” van, but still need to replace the other bus. It’s their Big Idea in this year’s Monterey County Gives! GREAT: Good news for Salinas residents and soccer lovers in Monterey County: The Salinas Regional Sports Authority is celebrating the completion of Phase 2A at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex. In this phase, unused land was transformed into soccer fields and recreational areas, including a new entrance/ exit on Constitution Boulevard. “Our focus is on creating spaces that enhance the well-being of our community,” said Jonathan De Anda, SRSA’s general manager. The SRSC is also launching the She Kicks Classic Soccer Tournament in partnership with North Salinas High School. “This tournament is a celebration of our community’s future,” said Ana Gutierrez, tournament director. “It’s about showcasing the incredible talent of our young women while strengthening connections through competition.” The celebration and kickoff game is on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10am. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY That’s how many hours per day were restored to the Spreckels Post Office after advocacy from Rep. Jimmy Panetta. In September, the post office reduced its retail service hours from 9am to 2pm, prompting a petition from Spreckels residents that noted the change “has caused significant disruption to the lives of many in our community.” As of Dec. 2, the weekday hours have returned to 10am to 4:30pm. Source: Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s office 1.5 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “One day I want barbecue, one day I want New Orleans.” -Valentina Rapisarda of Bon Ton L’Roy’s Lighthouse Smokehouse, speaking about the Monterey spot’s varied offerings (see story, page 46). (831) 649-4511 | Portolahotel.com Experience the magic of the Holiday Season at Portola Hotel & Spa Calendar of Events SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN Dec 8 | 8:30AM to 11:30AM Breakfast with Santa at Jacks Monterey THE MEAN GREEN ONE IS BACK! Dec 21 & 24 | 6PM to 8PM Meet & greet at your leisure at Jacks Monterey Reservations recommended CHRISTMAS EVE Dec 24 | 4PM to 10PM Cioppino Dinner Special at Jacks Monterey Reservations recommended CHRISTMAS DAY Dec 25 | 2PM to 7PM Christmas Dinner Buffet | De Anza Ballroom Full menu available online Reservations required LIVE PERFORMANCES Dec 6 | 5PM to 6PM York High School Choir in the hotel lobby Dec 9 | 5PM to 6PM Marina High School String Orchestra in the hotel lobby Dec 10 | 5:30PM to 6:30PM Monterey High School Vocal Arts ensemble in the hotel lobby Dec 12 | 5PM to 6PM Monterey High School Instrumental Group “Tons of Jazz” in the hotel lobby Dec 13 | 5PM to 5:30PM San Carlos School Children’s Choir in the hotel lobby Dec 20 | 5PM to 8PM Evergreen Duo with Lisa Marie Bohn and Scott Slaughter at Jacks Monterey Dec 21 | 5PM to 8PM Evergreen Duo with Lisa Marie Bohn and Scott Slaughter at Jacks Monterey Dec 24 | 5PM to 8PM Peninsula Harmony Company Trio Carolers KP at Jacks Monterey
www.montereycountynow.com December 5-11, 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!
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY December 5-11, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com 831 In an old Army storage building at Presidio Park in Monterey, Library and Museums Director Brian Edwards is picking through a stack of near-life-sized angels painted on plywood. They are leaning up against one side of the garage-like interior lined with dozens of faux evergreen wreaths with fading red bows. These are some of the iconic Monterey angels from 1956, the first year the city began hanging the celestial beings on light poles around town during the holidays. “Look at the bottoms, see how it’s all broken off, look at the mounts, how much peeling is on here,” Edwards says, his hands protected by work gloves, pointing out the cracked wood and peeling paint of the dozen or so angels in the stack, the result of weather and excessive wear and tear from years of standing watch over the city. Several feet away from artist Erica Franke’s original angels is a stack of 12 bright, shiny new angels waiting for their debut this holiday season. The angels’ designs aren’t new, per se; they are digital copies of some of the original wooden angels. “With these heavier winters, the storms, I was really concerned, because these things are really susceptible to damage,” Edwards says. “They’re just plywood sheets with paint on them and the paint is just falling off.” He selected a dozen angels out of the city’s collection of about 92 in storage, and took high-resolution photos of each. SignWorks in Sand City took the images and transferred them onto aluminum composite panels, lightweight and weather-resistant. Each reproduced angel cost $1,000—Edwards set aside the money in his budget for the task. The new angels will be installed on tall light poles along roadways like Fremont Street with some wooden angels placed in more protected areas. More angels in the collection than in the past will get to see the light of day this year with plans to place some outside around Custom House Plaza as well as Colton Hall. In recent years the city has only installed around 14 angels as more and more have become damaged. There are three generations of angels—1956, 1973 and 1999—and angels from each era will hang inside Stanton Center in the lobby, with another set inside Colton Hall. “I want everybody to see the three generations and the progressions of them,” Edwards says. They should be up in time for the Downtown Monterey Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 6. The angel tradition began in 1956, when Franke was commissioned to create 88 angels for the city at a price of $12 per angel. They were all the same style, with a Native American look, influenced by the art of New Mexico, Edwards says. The angels proved controversial. Some people objected to the angels’ dark skin tone. One commentator in Game and Gossip argued that Christmas is a European holiday, thus angels should be white with golden hair. In addition, some complained the angels’ facial expressions were too mournful. Different attempts to replace the angels or change their expressions in the first 15 years or so failed. The city commissioned Franke to make 40 more angels in 1973. They were about a foot larger than the original angels, on very thin plywood. The angels were lighter-skinned with blonde hair. In 1999 Franke (now Haba) created more featuring tan or olive skin complexions combined with blond hair and blue eyes. Edwards believes switching to reproductions will save money in the long run. The wooden angels have to be restored about every 10 years, but the aluminum reproductions will last longer and if something happens to one, they have a digital image and can easily replace it. To raise money for future restoration efforts—and to satisfy the many people who have asked how they can have an angel of their own—Edwards used the digital images to create tree ornaments depicting two designs, available for sale inside the Colton Hall Museum gift shop for $20 each. Downtown Monterey Tree Lighting takes place 5-6pm Friday, Dec. 6 on the Colton Hall lawn, 570 Pacific St., Monterey. The Colton Hall Museum is open 10am-4pm Thursday-Sunday. 646-3799, monterey.gov. Angels On High Monterey’s iconic angels are restored to keep a nearly 70-year tradition alive. By Pam Marino Plywood angels have been displayed around Monterey every year since 1956. “Each one is unique, I see them as art,” says Library and Museums Director Brian Edwards. “Each one has its own personality.” “I want everybody to see the three generations.” TALeS FrOm THe AreA cODe DANIEL DREIFUSS GIVE THE GIFT OF GOOD HEALTH! Our Local Impact: Our Big Idea expands FOOD IS MEDICINE in Monterey County through nutrition programs and farmers’ markets providing local, sustainably grown fruits and vegetables to families in need. Please Donate Today! 213 Farmers Markets hosted annually 2,750+ Families served weekly (avg.) $2.2M in Healthy Food Incentives provided over the past 10 years (includes: Fresh Rx, Market Match, Edible Education, and Farms Together Produce Boxes) Nov. 14 - Dec. 31, 2024 montereycountygives.com/harvest
www.montereycountynow.com December 5-11, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 World Affairs Council of the Monterey Bay Area December Event U.S. Foreign Policy in Transition: Persistent Problems & Pop-Up Challenges Tuesday, December 17 Dr. Thomas Fingar Former Deputy Director of National Intelligence Now a Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University Foreign policy was not a major focus of the 2024 presidential campaign but developments beyond our borders do not take time out while the new American administration appoints officials and establishes priorities. Dozens of transition papers were prepared by the Biden administration and incoming officials will receive help from the professional bureaucracy, but coping with legacy problems, unanticipated developments, and efforts by other countries to shape administration policy will pose daunting challenges for the new foreign policy team. Tom Fingar, will describe the process and illustrate the kinds of problems the new administration will face. www.wacmb.org or call (831) 643-1855 11:30am Registration • 12pm Luncheon • 12:45 Speaker Presentation Reservations Required • Deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 10 $45 for members • $55 for guests WACMB will accept auditors to this event Hilton Garden Inn, Aguajito Road, Monterey Visit our website www.wacmb.org for information and reservations CHRISTMAS MENU $140.00 PER TICKET (TICKET FEEDS TWO PEOPLE) MIXED ENDIVE SALAD with Spiced Walnuts, Red Wine Poached Pear, Danish Blue Cheese & Dijon Vinaigrette (GF, VEGETARIAN, CONTAINS NUTS) BALSAMIC ROASTED BRUSSEL SPROUTS with Figs, Hazelnuts & Bakers Bacon (GF, CONTAINS NUTS) SCALLOPED POTATOES with Pumpkin & White Cheddar (CONTAINS DAIRY, GF) CARROTS & WINTER SQUASH with Honey, Chile & Ginger (GF) BRAISED BEEF with Rosemary, Orange & Red Wine topped with Pickled Fennel (GF, DF) POTATO ROLLS with Maple-Chile Butter (CONTAINS GLUTEN, DAIRY) To place your order visit www.elroysfinefoods.com or scan this QR CODE! Prime Rib Roasts, Spiral Cut Hams, Tenderloin Roasts and other festive meats available for pre-order! Please call or visit our Meat Department to place your order now. @ELROYSFINEFOODS WWW.ELROYSFINEFOODS.COM 15 SOLEDAD DRIVE (831) 373-3737 MONTEREY, CA 93940 Bless The Little Baby Cheeses Christmas Dinner From Elroy’s LIMITED QUANTITIES, SO PLEASE ORDER SOON! Christmas Meal pick ups are available on both Monday 12/23 and Tuesday 12/24.
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY december 5-11, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com news The Salinas-based arts nonprofit Artists Ink took a step back from First Friday, putting the monthly event on hold as of September. The tradition in downtown Salinas will be back, Artists Ink pledges—for now, they are developing a vision of what new, improved First Fridays should look like, what was missing and what didn’t work. One issue was lack of light during early winter evenings. As a first step, the organization is asking the artist community for input. A town hall is designed to hear from local artists and ask how to make First Friday more artist-centered. “During the summer it was great, but this time of year it gets harder and fewer people show up,” Artists Ink’s marketing director and event coordinator, Alejandro Casanova, says. “That was a concern from attendees, and artists as well. Instead of doing what we think is right, we want to ask artists: What do you want?” Some local First Fridays specialize in something other than art, like Sand City’s successful night market, which is driven by music. Artists Ink wants to put the emphasis on visual arts. The town hall will also serve as an update on what’s going on at Artists Ink. For example, every six weeks the nonprofit updates its calendar with its Cepanoa programs for teens, four to six weeks per session; they continue to work with Santa Rita Union School District, bringing art to schools. The group is determined for First Friday to come back. “There is nothing else like this,” Casanova says. “We are here to pick up the pieces.” Artist Town Hall takes place 6-7:30pm Friday, Dec. 6. Artists Ink, 1 Midtown Lane, Salinas. RSVP; 287-0407, artistsink.org. Art Opening First Friday in Salinas will be back—first, organizers are asking artists what they need. By Agata Pop˛eda In February of 2020, Monterey One Water’s advanced wastewater recycling project, Pure Water Monterey, became operational after seven years of planning, delivering 3,500 acre-feet of water annually to the Monterey Peninsula’s Cal Am service area. That is more than a third of the region’s annual water demand, reducing dependence on the historically overpumped Carmel River. In 2023, an expansion of that project broke ground that will add another 2,250 acre-feet of recycled water to the annual portfolio; it’s expected to come online in fall 2025. With that date approaching, Dave Stoldt, general manager of the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, has been making the rounds to various city councils apprising them of the proposed allocations each municipality will initially get out of the 2,250 acre-feet of water from the expansion of Pure Water Monterey. The district’s methodology relies on state-mandated housing requirements in each jurisdiction, as well as population growth, based on numbers from the Association of Monterey Bay Governments. This all comes as the region tries to claw its way out of the existing housing crisis, and while there’s still a state-imposed cease-and-desist order in place in the Cal Am service area that precludes setting new water meters. (The district is going to advocate in the coming year for the State Water Board to lift that order, but that remains a wild card.) Meanwhile, the allocations from Pure Water Monterey matter greatly. “You can talk to any jurisdiction,” Stoldt says, “and they’ll say they need it all.” How much they in fact need will be adjusted if and when they proceed with projects that would use that water. While the district plans to ultimately allocate water to jurisdictions based on need—their rate of the uptake of the new water supply—it will initially allocate one-third of the water it thinks each jurisdiction might require to meet its housing goals. MPWMD proposes initially allocating 141 acre-feet to Monterey, for example, and 72 acre-feet to unincorporated areas. (An exception is Del Rey Oaks, which will get nearly 50 percent of its allocation right away —6 acre-feet—after receiving zero in the first allocation pre-expansion.) As long as the cease-and-desist order remains in place, that water can only be used to intensify water use on existing water meters—in Del Rey Oaks, for example, a resident could build an accessory dwelling unit, which is currently not possible for lack of water credits. But the meter is there to do so, when water is available. The demand for water in MPWMD’s jurisdiction, from Oct. 1, 2023 to Sept 30. 2024, was 8,972 acrefeet, the lowest in nearly 50 years. When the PWM expansion comes online next year, the annual supply portfolio will exceed 12,000 acre-feet for the year. Depending on uptake, adjustments can be made, and numbers allocated to each jurisdiction can go up. The MPWMD board is scheduled to consider whether to approve the proposed allocations on Monday, Dec. 16. Stoldt is also optimistic the new supply will persuade the State Water Board to lift the cease-and-desist order. “We want them to be ready to act,” he says. “The water is there.” The expansion of Monterey One Water’s recycled water project, Pure Water Monterey, will add 2,250 acre-feet to the Pensinula’s water supply by late 2025. New Drip As expanded Pure Water Monterey comes online next year, the water is being divvied up. By David Schmalz Alejandro Casanova and Emily MoralesOrtiz of Artists Ink, which is working to bring back First Fridays in Salinas. The nonprofit has two pending grant applications to help cover costs. “Talk to any jurisdiction, and they’ll say they need it all.” Daniel Dreifuss Daniel Dreifuss
www.montereycountynow.com December 5-11, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 Highway 1 at Munras Avenue, Monterey 831.373.2705 shopdelmonte.com SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. PRIZES • ENTERTAINMENT GIFT IDEAS • TREATS HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE 'tis the season of joy JOIN US FOR OUR DR. BRYNIE KAPLAN DAU, MS, DVM COMPASSIONATE CARE WITH EXCEPTIONAL MEDICINE. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com VOTED MONTEREY COUNTY’S BEST VETERINARIAN FOUR YEARS IN A ROW! ’23 ’24 ’22 ’21 SURGERY DERMATOLOGY FELINE & CANINE MEDICINE PET BOARDING PREVENTATIVE CARE REGENERATIVE MEDICINE PRP (PLATELET-RICH PLASMA) LASER THERAPY EXOTICS AND MUCH MORE DONATE NOW montereycountygives.com/chs Donate to Community Human Services HELP END HOMELESSNESS • OUTREACH • SHELTER • HOUSING
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY december 5-11, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com Nearly a year after its previous police chief resigned, the Salinas Police Department has a new chief. Two interim chiefs later, Carlos Acosta’s first day on the job was Nov. 29. The 51-year-old is a longtime San Jose police officer who was in charge of the bureau of investigations. He is the third Salinas police chief in less than four years, filling a role left vacant by Roberto Filice, who resigned in January to take over as assistant general manager of public safety and police chief at East Bay Regional Park District. Acosta was hired after Salinas conducted a second round of searching for the next chief. The first search came under fire after residents and former police officers said there was a lack of transparency in the process. René Mendez was hired as city manager in March, and one of his first priorities was hiring a new chief. Despite members of the community expressing interest in having the next chief be local, he selected a chief from San Jose. “I selected Chief Acosta because of his demonstrated leadership and values that are centered around service to his community,” Mendez said during a swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Dec. 2. Acosta said his priorities include creating partnerships with the community, building Salinas PD’s workforce and investing in training and development for police officers. Like police departments across the country, Salinas PD is struggling with retaining officers, who routinely leave for nearby agencies that offer better pay. Currently the city has 133 sworn police officers and 31 vacancies. “We have staffing concerns, but the community is the most important thing. As long as we build partnerships, we can start that foundation of what we can do collectively together to really create vibrancy, safety and a more prosperous city and community here in Salinas,” Acosta says. Cmdr. Brian Johnson says the department welcomes the stability of having a chief after a year of interim leadership. “I think Chief Acosta will help retain people, and we’ll be able to build on that,” Johnson adds. This year, Salinas PD has removed over 200 firearms from the streets. Homicides decreased last year from 11 in 2022 to six in 2023. Acosta’s monthly salary is $20,385, plus benefits. When Monterey was dropped from the Pecos League baseball schedule following the 2023 season, both city officials and Andrew Dunn, owner of the independent minor league, expressed interest in the team’s return. Now, with the final touches being put on a new contract, it seems possible that the Amberjacks will be back at Sollecito Ballpark in 2025. Although an agreement has yet to be signed, Dunn has released a provisional summer schedule that runs from May 22 to July 27. According to the schedule, the Amberjacks would play their first home game on Sunday, May 25 against San Rafael. Before this can happen, a contract between the league and the City must be completed. City officials plan to bring it before the Parks & Recreation Commission at a Feb. 12 meeting. If it meets with approval, Monterey City Council would have the final say, likely in March. “We are currently finalizing our contract,” reports Nat Rojanasathira, Monterey’s assistant city manager. While the contract covers details such as staffing, security, maintenance, sign- age and insurance—“it’s a long list,” Rojanasathira says—the main sticking points in negotiations have been concession sales and the home schedule. Both were problems that led Dunn to dissolve the team. According to Rojanasathira, the city has an existing lease with El Estero Snack Bar, adjacent to the ballpark, that limits the types of food and drinks another lessee can sell. Scheduling is a different headache. Sollecito Ballpark is operated by the parks department, hosting recreational leagues and youth camps. “It is heavily used,” Rojanasathira says. “The schedule has to balance public use.” As outlined on the Pecos League website, the 2025 schedule—if played—would see the Amberjacks at home on Saturdays and Sundays, with one Friday night contest. All weekday games would be on the road, a schedule similar to previous years. The Monterey Amberjacks were one of the original Pacific Division squads when the Texasbased league expanded in 2017. Top Cop Carlos Acosta is sworn in as Salinas’ new police chief, promising partnership. By Celia Jiménez news Recreation Review Monterey County Parks Commission meets to hear updates on various matters, including the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, the parks master plan and more. 3pm Thursday, Dec. 5. County Government Center, board chambers, 168 W. Alisal St., Salinas. Free. 7554895, countyofmonterey.gov. Public Eye Seaside City Council meets to discuss city business. Public comment is accepted. 5pm Thursday, Dec. 5. Council Chambers, 440 Harcourt Ave., Seaside. Free. 899-6707, ci.seaside.ca.us. Desal Discussion The State Lands Commission hosts an environmental justice outreach and engagement meeting on Cal Am’s proposal to construct four new subsurface slant wells and convert an existing test well into a fifth subsurface slant well. The commission is processing an application from Cal Am for its desalination project. 11am-1pm (environmental impacts and general comments); 3-6pm (environmental justice impacts) Friday, Dec. 6. Marina City Council Chambers, 211 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. Free. (916) 5741888, slc.ca.gov. Sprucing Up Friends of Seaside Parks Association organizes weekly work days to clean up and maintain parks throughout the city. 10am-noon Saturday, Dec. 7. Highland Otis Park, between Highland and Mendocino streets; and Martin Park, between Lowell and Luxton streets, Seaside. Free. friendsofseasideparks. org. Planning Matters Monterey County Planning Commission meets to consider developments, including the construction of two single-family homes in Carmel and a storage facility and mixed-use building in Castroville. Public comment is accepted. 9am Wednesday, Dec. 11. County Government Center, board chambers, 168 W. Alisal St., Salinas. Free. 7555146, countyofmonterey.gov. Get Involved Pacific Grove seeks applications to fill vacancies on various leadership roles, including the planning commission, recreation board, economic development commission and more. Applications are due Dec. 15. 6483181, cityofpacificgrove.org. Community Giving This year, 206 nonprofits are part of Monterey County Gives! Read about their Big Ideas and donate to help their efforts. Donations accepted through midnight on Dec. 31 at mcgives.com. On Deck After a year’s absence, the Monterey Amberjacks are looking to again take the field. By Dave Faries Salinas Police Chief Carlos Acosta, a longtime San Jose officer, started his new job on Friday, Nov. 29. He addressed the public and the press at a swearing-in on Dec. 2. e-mail: toolbox@montereycountynow.com TOOLBOX “The community is the most important thing.” Daniel Dreifuss
www.montereycountynow.com december 5-11, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 Downtown Monterey 301 E. Franklin Street (831) 646-3730 BEST HEALTH CLUB 11 years in a row! 20% OFF ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS & NEW MONTHLY AUTOPAY SUBSCRIPTIONS PURCHASE ONLINE montereysportscenter.org TREAT YOURSELF & YOUR FAMILY TO THE GIFT OF FITNESS! offer valid November 29 - December 31 Use Discount Code: HOLIDAY2024 (FIRST MONTH ONLY) SCAN ME TO PURCHASE
14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY December 5-11, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com The ground is rapidly shifting underneath the foundation of Monterey County’s health care marketplace, bringing big changes in 2025. Montage Health announced on Dec. 2 that it will have a new president and CEO from Virginia beginning in spring. Two days later, on Dec. 4, Kaiser Permanente ceremoniously cut the ribbon on its new 24,000-square foot clinic in North Salinas. It will be fully staffed and ready to see new patients on Jan. 2. The county’s three biggest hospitals—Montage’s Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Salinas Valley Health and Natividad—are already facing increased scrutiny from California officials for being the highest priced in the state, if not the country. An investigation by the Office of Health Care Affordability is underway and the OHCA Board has expressed interest in imposing a 0.1-percent spending increase cap on all three hospitals. A discussion on the matter is expected on Dec. 16. In June, long-time president and CEO of Montage Health, Dr. Steven Packer, announced that he would be retiring in 2025, after 25 years at the helm, spurring a nationwide search. Montage’s Board of Trustees announced they hired Dr. Michael McDermott, CEO of Mary Washington Health in Fredericksburg, Virginia. McDermott is a diagnostic and interventional radiologist who rose up to lead the nonprofit regional system, beginning in 2015. He oversees two hospitals, four emergency departments and over 60 other outpatient clinics and specialty offices. When he arrives in Monterey a few months from now, McDermott will step into a smaller system with big challenges. One of those challenges, launched in response to the state scrutiny, is a “Community Affordability Initiative” already in motion to cut $50 million in costs by the end of 2026. Another challenge includes possible competition from Kaiser, a mega health care system with 12.5 million members nationwide—9.4 million in California alone—even though its new clinic is 30 miles and at least 30 minutes away from CHOMP. Kaiser’s nearest hospital services are at Watsonville Community Hospital—for now. Just two doors down from a Montage Wellness Center offering gym memberships, the new clinic in a shopping center on North Davis Road includes 20 patient care rooms, radiology and mammography, a lab and a pharmacy. It will have a staff of 97, with 10 rotating physicians, offering primary care, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, dermatology and more. “It’s a one-stop shop for medicine,” says Dr. Sergio Gonzales, the physician leader of the clinic, explaining Kaiser’s integrated care approach. “All your preventative needs can be taken care of here.” He notes that the Salinas and North County region “is a community in need of more attention,” especially when it comes to common diseases like diabetes and hypertension. About 80 percent of the staff speaks Spanish, and Kaiser has translation services for up to 250 languages, including indigenous languages from Mexico. New Blood Montage Health announces a new leader, just as Kaiser opens its doors in Monterey County. By Pam Marino Dr. Sergio Gonzales has come full circle, after doing his residency at Natividad, just miles from the Kaiser clinic he now leads. “It opened my eyes to the community and all the joy that comes with it,” he says. NEWS “It’s a one-stop shop for medicine.” DANIEL DREIFUSS Let’s make sure no grandparent goes hungry or feels alone. Donate: montereycountygives.com/mows
www.montereycountynow.com December 5-11, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15 Of the more than 200 youth centers that crooner and movie star Bing Crosby—and founder of the original Pebble Beach golf tournament—opened across the country to provide activities for pre-teens and teens, only one remains, the Carmel Youth Center. It was his very first center, launched 75 years ago in 1949 while he was living in Pebble Beach. In 2023, it nearly became the last one to shutter. In March of last year, an investigator from the California Department of Social Services showed up unannounced following a complaint that the center was providing child care without a license. The investigator told CYC’s leaders they could apply for a license, but it had to close in the meantime. “We were operating more like a recreation center prior,” says incoming CYC Board President Pam Neiman. The board hired a new executive director, Sherilyn Napoli, with extensive child care and education experience. Napoli guided them toward meeting state requirements—they achieved the license in June, offering summer day camps and an afterschool program once the school year began. “We’re trying to preserve [the center] for the next 75 years,” says Napoli, standing underneath a portrait of Crosby. Neiman adds: “And reimagine it.” Neiman and Napoli say CYC’s leadership is intent on taking the nonprofit to new heights as a service to the greater community. With so many parents who travel into the city every weekday to jobs in Carmel, providing programs for their children is a goal. Schoolchildren on holiday breaks and summer vacation need robust programs and the town’s teens need updated activities. Beyond summer day camps, the center is offering programs during school breaks, plus occasional nights out for parents. It’s programming that the center was known for in previous years. The new goal is to open an early learning program for ages 3-5. The license they applied for covers preschool-aged children as well. The challenge ahead is finding the funds to fix up the five-level facility built into a hillside behind the Carmel Police Station. It’s a maze, with activity rooms below that became more like storage spaces, but could be turned into inviting spaces to serve each age group, from pre-schoolers to teens. The top level on 4th Avenue, between Junipero and Torres streets, features a spectacular view of Carmel Bay and Point Lobos. The aging building, with stairs at each level, is in need of updates, particularly to meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. “We’re trying to do it in chunks,” Napoli says. Each chunk will take fundraising to bring in enough money to make improvements and add accessibility. The latest plan is to remodel the kitchen into a culinary teaching space. They are hoping to raise enough money through Monterey County Gives! for the kitchen remodel, along with funds for general operating costs. The current goal is $300,000 by the end of the year. On the Upswing The Carmel Youth Center is forging a new path after a crisis interrupted programming. By Pam Marino The Carmel Youth Center, shut down last year for not have a state license, is back open and offering school break camps (like the one shown above on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11), as well as afterschool care. NEWS “We’re trying to preserve [the center] for the next 75 years.” CARMEL YOUTH CENTER
16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 5-11, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com MC GIVES The Carmel Public Library opened in 1928, in the era when Carmel was establishing its bohemian reputation. It was a year after the Carmel Art Association was established, and two years before Sunset Center was built, as a school. The main branch, Harrison Memorial Library, was named after California Supreme Court Justice Ralph C. Harrison, who was a member of The Bohemian Club in San Francisco. The library is supported by an ambitious nonprofit, the Carmel Public Library Foundation, which fosters knowledge of the library’s collections, archives and treasures. The mission of the foundation is “to keep the library open, relevant and thriving and to ensure free library service in perpetuity by providing funding for 100 percent of the books, materials, programs, equipment and services.” There’s more to it than materials. The foundation hosts regular evening lectures as part of the Henry Meade Williams Local History Lecture Series. Every season comes with an absolute cherry-on-top of a long list of splendid guests, often literary stars. This spring it will be Susan Orlean, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of The Orchid Thief. These events are not only literary in nature; they are deeply rooted in local history, from music to architecture to personalities. Vince Emery has lectured on Jack London, Upton Sinclair, Mary Austin, Robinson Jeffers, George Sterling and Sinclair Lewis, using the writers’ own words, handwritten manuscripts and other items from the library collection to illustrate the surprising stories of these authors. Many of the artifacts came from the Carmel Public Library’s own collection, in the Henry Meade Williams Local History Room. The foundation’s Big Idea for Monterey County Gives! is to bolster this effort of preserving cultural artifacts, historical documents and local histories, “building a bridge to future generations.” “Libraries have always been more than just places to borrow books,” Foundation President Marci Meaux wrote. “They are hubs of lifelong learning, centers of exploration, and gateways to opportunity. Our library serves everyone in our community, from toddlers learning their ABCs to adults seeking lifelong learning opportunities and everything in between.” COURTESY OF CARMEL PUBLIC LIBRARAY FOUNDATION Beyond Books The Carmel Public Library Foundation supports an extensive collection of historic artifacts. By Agata Pop˛eda A children’s program at Harrison Memorial Library in the 1940s. This photo now belongs to the Carmel Public Library Foundation’s archives, documenting its own history. How to Donate Go to www.mcgives.com and click the Donate button. Valley Health Associates provides Outpatient Substance Use Treatment for Adults and Youth, pioneering a transformative "whole-person, whole-family, whole-community" approach to substance use treatment. (831) 424-6655 valleyhealthsalinas@gmail.com www.valleyhealthassociates.com Join us in supporting holistic healing that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. Internships are always available. Contact Valley Health Associates for more information. Low cost vaccination clinic for dogs & cats. Microchipping. Prescription flea/tick medication. Open Sat 2:30pm-4:30pm • Sun 11am-1pm Victor Hi Pro Plus 40 LB - $49.99 (regular price: $64.99) Victor Hi Pro Plus 50 LB - $57.99 (regular price: $76.99) Eagle Mountain 40 LB - $29.99 (regular price: $39.99) 101 W. Laurel Dr, Salinas • (831) 443-6161 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm Sun 10am-5pm $5 OFF Any purchase of $25 or more $20 OFF Any purchase of $100 or more DOG FOOD SALE! Quality feed & pet supplies • DIY dog & cat vaccines • Premium hay at great prices SALE PRICES CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS OR COUPONS. OFFER VALID WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. $10 OFF Any purchase of $50 or more CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS. LIMIT 1 COUPON PER CUSTOMER. NOT VALID ON HAY SHAVINGS, PETLOCK, ADVANTAGE/ADVANTIX, OR SERESTO COLLARS. MUST PRESENT ENTIRE PHYSICAL COUPON AT TIME OF PURCHASE. SALE PRICES CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS OR COUPONS. OFFER VALID WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. 101 W. Laurel Dr, Salinas • (831) 443-6161 Mon –Sat 9 am- 6 pm Sun 10 am-5 pm Quality feed & pet supplies • DIY dog & cat vaccines • Premium hay at great prices Low cost vaccination clinic for dogs & cats. Microchipping. Prescription flea/tick medication. Open Sat 2:30pm-4:30pm • Sun 11am-1pm Any purchase of $25 or more $10 OFF Any purchase of $50 or more Any purchase of $100 or more CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS. LIMIT 1 COUPON PER CUSTOMER. NOT VALID ON HAY SHAVINGS, PETLOCK, ADVANTAGE/ADVANTIX, OR SERESTO COLLARS. MUST PRESENT ENTIRE PHYSICAL COUPON AT TIME OF PURCHASE. Victor Hi Pro Plus 40 LB - $49.99 (regular price: $64.99) Victor Hi Pro Plus 50 LB - $57.99 (regular price: $76.99) Eagle Mountain 40 LB - $29.99 (regular price: $39.99)
www.montereycountynow.com DECEMBER 5-11, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 17 Your Communmity Awaits… 8th & Lincoln, Carmel | 620-1588 JOIN THE CARMEL FOUNDATION and Make the Most of Every Day JOIN NOW FOR MEMBERSHIP THROUGH 2025 and Don’t Miss Out on Special Celebrations! HOLIDAY GATHERINGS • Enjoy our festive Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings prepared by Foundation Chefs. • Ring in the New Year with a Greenwich Mean Time Celebration featuring live music, hors d’oeuvres, and champagne. (Sign-up by Monday, December 16, 12 pm) GIFT GIVING • Share the joy by giving the gift of membership to someone special Come for the events, stay for the community! Scan the QR code to join The Carmel Foundation, a welcoming membership community for those 55 and better www.montereycountygives.com/carmelfoundation Support the Carmel Foundation’s Meal Programs
18 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY december 5-11, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com Check your Status We’re all undocumented (“County Board of Supervisors will consider creating a committee to focus on immigrants’ rights,” Nov. 28-Dec. 4). What’s in your wallet? Nothing that shows you’re an American citizen. Unless you walk around with your passport (that most people don’t have) or your birth certificate (that most people can’t find) you have no ID proving you’re a citizen. In this country, we have no national ID card that everyone carries showing we are citizens. Under Trump, will we now need one? I would like to watch the congressional debate on that proposal. Before you get excited about deporting all the undocumented be careful, it might include you. Check your ID. Sam Farr | Carmel I would like to suggest coverage of how local people can support their at-risk neighbors as Trump’s deportation nightmare approaches. I am a landlord with tenants who are vulnerable, and I’m trying to find out if I have any power to protect them. Susan Raycraft | Lockwood Open Road Sure is easy to close these roads and trails but it seems to take forever to reopen them (“For the first time in almost four years, Nacimiento-Fergusson Road is open to through-traffic,” Nov. 21-27). Take a look at the Garrapata Creek Redwood Canyon upper trail. Will it ever really reopen? Perhaps more funding is needed for the State Parks and National Forest systems, and maybe a youth service program could move trail closure openings ahead in the Ventana and elsewhere. John Heyl | Seaside Voting Plan Thank you for highlighting the important issue of districting in Seaside (“Redistricting can improve the diversity of local government, but not always,” Nov. 28-Dec. 4). This process offers an opportunity to address the city’s diverse needs by ensuring equitable representation across neighborhoods. Seaside’s communities face distinct challenges, from affordable housing shortages in some areas to infrastructure needs and youth engagement in others. A district-based approach allows for a focus on specific neighborhoods, addressing their unique priorities more effectively. For example, neighborhoods with aging infrastructure could benefit from targeted investment, while others may require improved public safety initiatives or expanded access to green spaces. Thank you for your thoughtful coverage of a topic that impacts every family in Seaside. Karla Lobo | Seaside Art for All Thank you for this article on how vital the arts are for our community, providing outlets for creativity and stress relief (“Nonprofits fill a gap for offering arts and culture in local schools and beyond. They rely on philanthropic support,” Nov. 14-20). I want to clarify one quote by Jeff Hinderscheid, executive director of Sol Treasures: “The Arts Council is in bad shape now.” He was referring to the California Arts Council, not the Arts Council for Monterey County, due to the reduction of $5 million in state funding for two years. The Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) is financially stable but we have seen a large reduction in funding due to some school districts not utilizing their Prop. 28 funds at this time. As we did during the pandemic, we will continue to adapt and create new sustainable programs for our community. Jacquie Atchison | via email Note: Atchison is executive director of Arts4MC. Dining Out(Side) We specifically eat at places with outdoor dining since our pup is often with us. I love that they’re not going away (“Pacific Grove moves quickly to replace three parklets with sidewalk dining,” Nov. 21-27). And sincerely wish we had more outdoor dining options in our county. Adriana Jimenez | Salinas Outdoor dining sounds great. Just don’t forget the outdoor heaters. Deborah Gonçalves | via social media Off the Rails I appreciate the effort that went into this article (“Monterey-Salinas Transit’s SURF! project is hurtling ahead at great expense. Is it worth it?” Nov. 21-27). David Schmalz caught part of the picture by riding the bus. Why is this road being built through sensitive habitat when only 13 people are on the bus during rush hour and at best traffic delays the bus by 10 minutes? The real story here is real estate development. Within a half-mile of each of the three bus stops developers will enjoy unlimited housing density, parking requirements eliminated and building height restrictions are extinguished. I received an email on Nov. 15 from the Federal Transit Administration letting me know the project has not met the requirements for funding. The agency does not know if the project will be recommended for funding next year. Our opposition at the Museum of Handcar Technology has led to the ouster of our handcar tour business in Marina (“Handcar tours in Marina will end, unless the city inks a new lease for train tracks,” Oct. 24-30). The political system of Monterey County is too powerful for a small family business such as ours to overcome. Todd Clark | Santa Clarita Note: Clark is proprietor of the Museum of Handcar Technology, which was evicted from the tracks in Marina and packed up to close over Thanksgiving weekend. Worth 1,000 Words Absolutely HATE your “cartoons” which are ALWAYS incendiary and printed to show your utter contempt for the more than 50 percent who voted in a way you didn’t like. Sara Rubin’s comments rank second in that same class. No neutral zone for Monterey County Weekly. No giving the news without adding a lot of contempt for anyone/everyone whose vote doesn’t agree with your opinion of what is right. Could you at least try and tone it down? Most of the rest of your news is of interest. Your biased opinions are not. Cherie Colon | Marina 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.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==