december 12-18, 2024 montereycountynow.com LOCAL & INDEPENDENT Condors soar back 12 | Beach Boys hits 40 | Local music lineup 42 | The year in restaurants 52 First Place General Excellence • 2024 CA Journalism Awards • Organically Grown Local Shopping guide Budget Friendly p. 30 Even as Big Ag has gotten into organic farming, total acreage remains surprisingly small. p. 24 By Katie Rodriguez
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4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY december 12-18, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com december 12-18, 2024 • ISSUE #1898 • Established in 1988 Steve Zmak (DJI Mavic 2 Pro with Hasselblad 28mm f/2.8 camera and lens) Pelicans add to the sunset magic, as seen from Sand Dollar Beach on the South Coast of Big Sur. Monterey County photo of the week Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: Tommy Pham, a farmer at Earthbound Farm, harvests organic kale on a sunny day in Carmel Valley. 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 12-18, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 Goals for 2024 8,500 donors $11,000,000 in donations How to donate 1. Visit www.mcgives.com 2. Choose your favorites 3. Click on donate button Totals as of 12/11/24 3,732 donors $7,920,441 in donations Major ParTners Monterey County Gives! is a special project of Monterey County Weekly in partnership with the Community Foundation for Monterey County and Monterey Peninsula Foundation 26 days 206 nonprofits PRINT | WEB | MOBILE INVESTING in IMPACT 831.375.9712 | cfmco.org Leverage Your Year-End Gift by December 31, 2024 Each donation to your choice of 206 participating nonprofits receives a partial match. Gifts of stock or IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions are welcome to benefit multiple nonprofits with one gift. montereycountygives.com MCGives! is a project of the CFMC, the Monterey County Weekly and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation. We are grateful to our donors and nonprofit partners for helping create healthy, safe, vibrant communities. Your Partner in Philanthropy Donor Advised Funds, Charitable Estate Planning (e.g. CGAs, CRTs), IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, Scholarships & More COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR MONTEREY COUNTY Support a Student at Rancho Cielo! With your generosity, we can continue to fund 100% of students’ academic and vocational education, preparing them for higher education and full-time employment. SCAN TO DONATE TODAY NOVEMBER 14 - DECEMBER 31 Rancho Cielo is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. Federal Tax ID #77-0555859
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 12-18, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH A reporter who lawfully obtained a police report about a former tech CEO’s arrest on suspicion of domestic violence faces a $25 million lawsuit as well as threats from the San Francisco City Attorney. After receiving the police report from the San Francisco Police Department, in 2023, Jack Poulson of Tech Inquiry published it, showing that Maury Blackman, who was then CEO of Premise Data, was arrested in 2021. Blackman wasn’t charged, so he had his record sealed. Citing California’s “anti-dissemination statute” in the penal code, which prohibits publishing information relating to a sealed arrest record, Blackman sued Poulson for $25 million, while San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu sent his own takedown demands to the reporter. On Nov. 22, the First Amendment Coalition sued Chiu and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, claiming they are using the statute to “chill journalists and publishers.” “By itself, the anti-dissemination statute threatens a host of protected speech on important public issues,” the coalition stated in the complaint. Good: Good news for those who enjoy the outdoors. Recently, the cities of King City and Marina held ribbon-cutting ceremonies to celebrate the official opening of Mills Ranch Central Park and Hilltop Park, respectively, giving residents in new housing developments parks that are closer to home. In King City, the park is located in Nino Homes’ under-construction Mills Ranch subdivision between Victoria Avenue and Boston Lane, complete with soccer fields, basketball and pickleball courts, a playground, barbecue and picnic areas. In Marina, the park is located at The Dunes neighborhood in the former Fort Ord at the corner of 4th Avenue and 9th Street. It has sitting areas, walking paths and a dog park; it’s focused on being in nature, offering a view of the Monterey Bay. Vegetation features native species locals planted in the area over the past three years. GREAT: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance brings the world’s finest cars to the Peninsula. The folks at International Historic Motoring Awards in turn brought representatives for the event to London recently to recognize the 2024 Concours as the Motoring Event of the Year. Concours chair Sandra Button accepted the award, praising the volunteers (it takes 1,200 of them), enthusiasts and especially the automobiles themselves for making the event special. “I’m here to represent the cars,” she told the gathering. “We can’t do this without them.” Indeed, two vehicles on show at this year’s Concours were also honored. A 1934 Bugatti Type 59, Best of Show at Pebble Beach, was named Car of the Year. A 1948 Talbot-Lago T26 received Restoration of the Year. So it was a great week three times over. The 2025 edition of Concours d’Elegance takes place on Aug. 17. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY The amount of cannabis sales tax revenue collected by the City of Seaside in the first quarter of the 2024-25 fiscal year, down about 77 percent from the $237,000 in revenue in the first quarter of the 2023-24 fiscal year. Source: City of Seaside $54,000 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Mr. Flores has shown a pattern of not listening to those who want to help him.” -Monterey County Superior Court Judge Andrew Liu, speaking about Leslie Flores of Monterey, who was sentenced on Dec. 4 to eight-plus years in prison for evading police and other charges (see story, montereycountynow.com). Two Portola Plaza | Monterey, CA 93940 (831) 649-4511 | Portolahotel.com BUFFET DINNER OPEN BAR LIVE MUSIC CHAMPAGNE TOAST For more information and hotel accommodations, visit portolahotel.com PURCHASE TICKETS NOW ON EVENTBRITE
www.montereycountynow.com DECEMBER 12-18, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 7 Balance loss Eyesight changes Face drooping Arm or leg weakness Speech difficulty Time to call 911 T B E F AS
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 12-18, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com 831 Here’s a newspaper in Monterey County you’ve probably never read. York School, a private school and nonprofit, has a voluntary one- or two-yearlong class that prepares students for the world of journalism. The students there—about 20 of them—work on the school paper, The York Oracle, which was first published a year ago. All this under the leadership of Humanities Department Chair Candi Deschamps. “She is not demanding at all and she likes controversy,” says one of the students, Jayden Isabella, who is considering becoming a sports photojournalist. “We pitch to her and she will only make your idea better.” He and a few other students think seriously about working in media. Some ask more questions than others. Some are less journalism-curious, or simply shy, though it’s impressive how engaged many of the students are when it comes to this journalism class. They call themselves “a club.” “This is not like math or English,” says another student. The class is voluntary and can be selected from among many other options at York School, letting students hone their biggest talents. To date, two issues of The York Oracle have been published—the second in May 2024. Right now the group is wrapping up the third issue that should be available this month. Some students have already started writing their pieces. One can get a copy of the paper via York School, and it might be worth your attention. The second issue was devoted to such subjects as a school play (a review of Ride the Cyclone, produced by York’s Art Department), as well as highlights and interviews of favorite teachers. Fortunately, in the York community, sources support the media team and don’t say “no comment.” Readers can also find reviews of sports events (such as the boy’s volleyball team’s successes) or a detailed history of the school. The club says the second issue was easier to put together than the first, because of the gained experience. Until now school-centered, the students want to open up the paper to the community and cover local issues, a bit of a more ambitious form of journalism that would force the students to learn basic reporting skills. Sofia Teresa Mejia Contreras, for example, wrote a culture piece about the Barbie movie, and its influence on her generation of women. Ava Hoffmeister is writing about the Black student union at York. “I look forward to another year and another issue,” she says. She is also known for her funny horoscopes for the paper. Deschamps is the editor, who tries to make her students work with journalistic integrity. “We avoid anonymous sources,” she says. She notes the new issue has more serious and potentially touchy subjects, such as an article on the school’s budget. She also presses her students to build a big picture and not focus on only one angle. Asked for the minuses of working in the media, the young journalists are not unaware. “It takes a lot of initiative,” admits one student. They also realize that “nobody is in the middle anymore,” meaning the political preferences of their potential readers. They know about the state of journalism in the 21st century and about the disappearance of local media nationwide, which is contributing to a crisis of distrust in newspapers. That said, students at York School consume media themselves, from sources beyond social media. Many of them mention local radio stations; others prefer NPR or The New York Times. They are curious about the journalism experience and the first question they ask is: Did you want to be a journalist your whole life? If you can, try to get a copy of the new issue. While right now the club doesn’t print many copies, demand can change that. Archival issues are available online at york.org. Let’s see the world through these young people’s minds. After all, they will be the ones who will be informing us about issues and events in the coming decades. New News York School is preparing the future of journalism through a new student-led publication. By Agata Pop˛eda The student staff at York School’s newspaper, The York Oracle, is led by Humanities Department Chair Candi Deschamps (third from right). The third issue is expected to be published this month. “This is not like math or English.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE AGATA POPEDA SHOP. EAT. STAY. LOCAL Find local businesses at montereychamber.com/list SHOP SMALL shop local this holiday season!
www.montereycountynow.com DECEMBER 12-18, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 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!
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY december 12-18, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com news A lecture hall, Sunday school, dance studio, Boy Scout headquarters, gym and tent storage during the winter between summer Methodist camp sessions in the late 1800s. Pacific Grove’s Chautauqua Hall has served many purposes over 143 years since it was constructed in 1881. It’s been renovated a few times, but it’s long overdue for a revamp. “Our goal is to make it desirable for weddings, anniversaries and events,” says Jean Anton of Friends of Chautauqua Hall, under the umbrella of the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove. The historic post and beam building with a truss roof could make for a charming event space. The goal is to raise $1 million over two years. Currently, the space hosts small gatherings such as a dance club on Saturday nights and Jazzercise classes during the day. The city of Pacific Grove acquired the hall in 1922 and is responsible for ongoing maintenance, but large projects have necessitated private donations. The last major renovation project was financed with donations in 2005. Now the Society wants to make changes that will make it more usable for events, like a fresh coat of paint, remodeled bathrooms and other improvements. They’d also like to hire an acoustical engineer, since the high ceiling hampers sound quality, says Steve Honegger, president of the society and a former P.G. councilmember. (Donations are being accepted online through the Heritage Society website, pacificgroveheritage. org/chautauqua-hall-project-2024, or by check.) In addition to the fundraising efforts, they are applying to have the hall added to the National Registry of Historic Places—it made the state’s list in 1970. Glow Up Pagrovians band together to raise funds to return the shine to historic Chautauqua Hall. By Pam Marino As of Monday, Dec. 9, when the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District’s board came out of closed session just before 11pm, General Manager Rafael Payan has been put on administrative leave. He will remain on leave until the board meets again Jan. 6. The announcement out of the closed session meeting—which went on for about three hours, following an emotionally charged public meeting of nearly three hours—was regarding an evaluation of Payan’s performance as general manager. “The board has unanimously voted to give notice of intent to terminate the contract of… Payan for performance reasons,” the announcement stated. “The board voted unanimously to put…Payan on administrative leave effective immediately.” The board named its administrative services manager, Shuran Parker, as interim general manager. Personnel matters are generally discussed by public agencies in closed doors, out of the public eye. But before the board deliberated privately, the matter was discussed publicly, per Payan’s request. Repeatedly, through the course of the public testimony, board members emphasized that Payan didn’t cooperate with the district’s counsel during a recent investigation into a complaint made by a district employee about Payan’s conduct. Neither the findings of the investigation, its allegations or the identity of the complaining party are a matter of public record, but what was put on record, through words spoken during the meeting, was that the allegations in a district employee’s complaint about Payan were substantiated. Board members repeatedly said Payan did not cooperate with attorneys—both the district’s and outside counsel—over the course of the investigation. Defending himself, Payan, who was allowed to speak at length during the meeting, said repeatedly that there was a “chasm” between the public’s perception of his performance compared to the board’s assessment of his performance which, they ultimately made clear, was not high. Payan said, “I have been discriminated against all my life…I know what this feels like.” He added, “There are very few days in the year that I have an entire day off…I don’t understand what the urgency is.” Payan—who did not respond to comment for this story—implied there might be a racial aspect to the board’s disciplinary action against him, though he provided no evidence that was the case. Kelly Sorenson, who’s served on the board for 12 years and who is resigning this month when his current term ends (he did not run for reelection), seemed to sum up the board’s sentiments when he said, “I thought [Payan] was a great hire at the time, but I’ve lost trust in him.” At the end of the meeting’s open session, the board unanimously voted to dock Payan one week of pay, effective immediately. Aside from that one week, he will still get paid during his administrative leave. It was a sad final chapter to Payan’s time with the district, where he’s served as general manager for 11 years. His tenure has been marked by events that include acquisition of a portion of the Rancho Cañada golf course, which is now part of Palo Corona Regional Park. The district later came under fire for allowing part of the course to be bulldozed for a cross country track. Rafael Payan’s (far right) contract was set to end April 5, 2025. Per that contract, he earns $221,857 annually, plus benefits. Open Wounds Monterey Regional Park District’s general manager is fired after an unusually public kerfuffle. By David Schmalz Steve Honegger and Jean Anton stand in front of historic Chautauqua Hall. They are two of the volunteers who are working to raise $1 million to renovate the 143-year-old structure. “I’ve lost trust in him.” Daniel Dreifuss Daniel Dreifuss
www.montereycountynow.com DECEMBER 12-18, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 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 december 12-18, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com The year 2024 is shaping up to be the best year for California condors since the critically endangered species clawed back from the brink in the 1980s. In 1982 there were just 22 California condors in the world, which were subsequently captured and put into a captive breeding and release program. The species’ recovery, led in part by local nonprofit Ventana Wildlife Society, has been slowed by a vexing problem: lead bullets. When condors feed on carcasses shot by lead bullets, the lead builds up in the condors’ bodies over time, eventually killing them. In order to mitigate that threat, VWS has long given out free copper bullets to hunters—the presence of copper doesn’t harm the birds—and Joe Burnett, VWS’ senior biologist, feels like those efforts are finally bearing fruit, as the Central Coast flock has once again surged to over 100 birds in the wild. There are now 110, and there’s been only one death in the flock so far in 2024, compared to 11 in 2023. It also marks a spectacular bounceback from 2020 when, just as the Central Coast’s flock exceeded 100 condors, the Dolan Fire in Big Sur took the lives of 12 of them, and in that same year 14 condors died due to lead poisoning. As to whether that’s luck, or the beginning of a new trend, Burnett says, “We’re cautiously optimistic. The cool part is, if this would continue, the recovery [of the flock] would happen much faster.” Burnett also hopes the trend is at least in part due to an increasing recognition by hunters that condors are amazing wild creatures to have in one’s midst, and hunters, like hikers, spend their time in the wild. “[Condors] humble you,” Burnett says. “How can you not rally around a big, flying bird? What shouts America more than that?” Burnett says the best way to assess the resilience of the flock is to do the math: In the past year, nine condor chicks fledged in the wild, and only one bird was lost—a net gain, absent any releases from breeding programs, of eight birds. “If they keep producing eight to 10 a year, that’s the light at the end of the tunnel,” Burnett says. “That’s recovery.” He adds, “We knew the lead ammunition switch was going to take a long time. We were in it for the long game… If it takes 20 years to get everyone to switch, that’s less than half the life of a condor.” Despite a majority of Marina voters supporting Measure U, a $50 million bond measure to upgrade outdated facilities, the approval fell short of the two-thirds approval needed to pass, and now the city needs to consider alternatives to fulfill staff and resident needs. “We can no longer say we will wait for the next bond measure,” City Councilmember Kathy Biala says. She notes firefighter response times are high (eight minutes) and City Hall offices in portables have leaky roofs, with tarps and sandbags used as a temporary measure. “During the last closed session, there were huge termites flying around the room and I was thinking, ‘This is the last straw,’” Biala adds. “The needs are dire.” The city needs space to reflect its recent growth; the police and fire departments currently share a building. Over several years, city council has discussed bringing a bond measure to voters to fund those facilities needs. In 2022, the council decided to postpone it because they wanted more community input, and it was a difficult time for many people dealing with inflation and financial uncertainty after the pandemic. This year, the council moved forward (on a 3-1 vote, with Mayor Bruce Delgado opposing) with Measure U. (Delgado advocated for a smaller $20 million bond to fund a new fire station.) The results were better than expected; 60 percent of voters supported the measure, but it fell short of the two-thirds requirement. There were hopes California’s Proposition 5 would pass, lowering the threshold to 55 percent, but the state initiative also failed. “While we didn’t meet the required threshold, the message was clear: Our community values investing in our aging facilities and public safety,” Councilmember Jenny McAdams says. The City Council is expected to start up a discussion about Plan B ideas for funding when they meet on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Flying High 2024 marks the best year in decades for the Central Coast flock of California condors. By David Schmalz news Looking Ahead The Pacific Grove Planning Commission meets to discuss its work plan for the upcoming year. 6pm Thursday, Dec. 12. City Hall, 300 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. Free. 6483181, cityofpacificgrove.org. Plan for Aging The Alliance on Aging invites the public to participate in the Solutions Summit, which is focused on shaping the future of aging and disability services under California’s Master Plan on Aging. 11am-2pm Saturday, Dec. 14. Castroville Japanese School, 11199 Geil St., Castroville. Free; RSVP ahead. 655-7562, allianceonaging.org. 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. Housing Plan The City of Pacific Grove released the second draft of its Housing Element, which outlines a plan for future housing development in the city. Public comment is accepted. Comment period runs through 5pm Monday, Dec. 16. cityofpacificgrove. org/housingelement. Coffee with a Cop Hang out with Monterey police officers and ask questions in a casual environment. 9-11am Wednesday, Dec. 18. Plumes Coffee, 400 Alvarado St., Monterey. Free. 646-3830, montereypolice.org. Chipping Away Fire Adapted Big Sur launches the Big Sur Chipping Program with a panel discussion. Funded by a Cal Fire grant, the program provides cost-sharing wood chipping services to Big Sur residents. 6-7:30pm Thursday, Dec. 19. Big Sur Grange, 47090 Highway 1, Big Sur. Free. Email questions in advance to info@chipbigsur.com. chipbigsur.com. Safe Streets The City of Monterey is developing a local road safety plan and wants to hear from residents. The goal is to find ways to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Survey is ongoing at surveymonkey. com/r/DZWT3QQ. haveyoursaymonterey.org/local-road-safety-plan. Plan B Without funds from a failed bond measure, Marina looks to alternatives for facilities upgrades. By Celia Jiménez The Central Coast flock of California condors—a critically endangered species, and the largest birds in North America—is showing new signs of resilience. e-mail: toolbox@montereycountynow.com TOOLBOX “How can you not rally around a big, flying bird?” VWS/Meredith Evans
www.montereycountynow.com DECEMBER 12-18, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 Winter rains will arrive soon. Turn off your irrigation and let the weather do the watering. MPWMD.NET Prevention•Education•Treatment•Recovery Preventing alcohol and drug addiction by offering education, prevention, treatment and recovery to individuals and families regardless of income level. DON’T BE A STATISTIC THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! Every day, about 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes - that’s one person every 39 minutes. STOP YOURSELF. STOP A FRIEND. #DriveSoberOrGetPulledOver Support youth prevention services! www.SunStreetCenters.org (831) 649-4511 | Portolahotel.com AT PORTOLA HOTEL & SPA Christmas Dinner Buffet ADULTS $89.95 SENIORS $79.95 (65 or older) CHILDREN $39.95 (ages 6-12) Kids under 5 eat free 20% gratuity and tax will be added to all checks Reserve your table today! (831) 649-7892 or BrianHein@portolahotel.com WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2024 | 2PM TO 7PM Holiday Displays | Carving Station Traditional Fare | Desserts
14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY December 12-18, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com It’s possibly one of the most democratic tasks any citizen can partake in besides voting—direct participation in drawing the boundaries of future voting districts. Residents of Pacific Grove now face that task as the city creates six districts for the first time. The small city is under pressure of legal action by the League of United Latin American Citizens District 12 under the California Voting Rights Act. The P.G. City Council must approve a map by mid-March to avoid a lawsuit. LULAC first approached the city in 2022 demanding the city switch from at-large to by-district voting. Pending court decisions stemming from other cities resisting districting put the challenge to P.G. on hold. The legal dust settled in 2023, making it clear no jurisdiction could reject districting once challenged. In August, LULAC made another formal request and P.G. City Attorney Brian Pierik told councilmembers it would be unwise and costly to challenge LULAC in court. In September, the council voted in favor of moving toward creating by-district voting. At the time, how many districts P.G. would need was in question, since Measure Z—reducing the number of councilmembers from six to four—was on the Nov. 5 ballot. Measure Z lost, leaving the city to create six districts. (The mayor will continue to be elected at-large.) P.G. has no geographic concentrations of Latinos or other ethnic and racial groups but under the California Voting Rights Act, a jurisdiction can be challenged on whether voters who are not in a protected class will vote in a bloc to defeat preferred candidates of a protected class. To get to six districts there is a process, said Jeff Tilton, a senior consultant with the National Demographics Corporation, at the first required public hearing held on Nov. 20. The city must follow both federal and state laws to divide the city into districts. Residents are encouraged to participate, including through drawing their own draft maps. “Folks can start drawing maps today. We take napkins,” Tilton said. “We try to decipher it.” Not every suggested map is viable under the law, however. Districts must contain roughly equal populations, with up to a 10-percent deviation across districts. The law requires the use of 2020 Census numbers, which in P.G.’s case is 15,125 residents, or approximately 2,521 people per district. The districts drawn must avoid dividing neighborhoods or “communities of interest,” such as socioeconomic areas of the city, and must have identifiable boundaries. Residents may submit paper maps now, using a downloadable map or an online mapping tool available through the city’s website at bit.ly/ PGDistrictMaps. A public workshop at 6pm on Jan. 8 at City Hall will explain how to draft maps. “The big meat-and-potatoes will be to assist people on the mapping tools,” Tilton said. By law, there must be four public hearings. The second is scheduled for 6pm Wednesday, Dec. 18. Two hearings are scheduled to consider draft maps on Feb. 5 and March 5. Adoption of a final map is set for March 19. Map Making Pacific Grove residents have the chance to determine the city’s future voting districts. By Pam Marino A map of P.G’s neighborhoods is a good starting point to create voting districts, consultant Jeff Tilton told the P.G. City Council on Nov. 20. The city must create six districts by mid-March. NEWS “Start drawing maps today. We take napkins.” CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE VISITS AND PHOTOS WITH SANTA Nov. 25 - Dec. 24 Santa’s Workshop ‘tis the season of joy DEL MONTE HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP Donations benefit local community civic groups. Santa’s Workshop GIFT WRAPPING AT LUSH Sustainable gift wrapping available. Near the Fountain Courtyard #JINGLE DELMONTE Follow us on IG and enter your holiday photo for a chance to win prizes. We have extended our shopping hours for the holiday, please check our website for hours each day at shopdelmonte.com 'tis the season of joy Highway 1 at Munras Avenue, Monterey 831.373.2705 shopdelmonte.com
www.montereycountynow.com DECEMBER 12-18, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15 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. *Take larger quantities—like leftover turkey fryer oil—to your local household hazardous waste collection facility Scrap the drain to protect critical infrastructure and the environment! ClogBusters.org TRASH* Cooking oil and grease GREEN CART Food scraps without a bag RECIPE FOR CLOG-FREE HOLIDAYS • Southern Monterey Bay Dischargers Group ReGen Monterey • 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.
16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY December 12-18, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com The plot thickens for MontereySalinas Transit’s SURF! project, which the California Coastal Commission approved Sept. 12, with a number of conditions. Because of those conditions, MST missed its Sept. 15 deadline with the Federal Transit Administration to secure the $35.5 million of federal funding it was expecting, as that funding was contingent on clearing all those conditions, something that was not possible. MST finally submitted all its permits to the FTA Nov. 15, two months too late. This came after MST, on Nov. 14, increased its ask from the FTA’s Capital Investment Grant program from $35.5 million—an ask MST made in July—to $46.17 million, in order to cover the costs of meeting the Coastal Commission’s conditions. But on Nov. 19, the FTA communicated to MST that only the original $22.17 million already approved would be available before a new administration takes office in Washington. “Of course, FTA staff would not just take our word regarding eligibility for additional funds but would need to conduct an independent evaluation utilizing MST supplied information,” MST General Manager Carl Sedoryk writes via email. He adds that MST was informed that any additional funding requests would require additional analysis and approval “that would need to go all the way to the office of the Secretary of Transportation.” MST opted to take the original $22 million, and use money from State Senate Bill 125 to fill the funding gap. SB 125, which was signed into law in 2023, calls for distributing more than $2.2 billion to various transportation agencies around the state. The board of the Transportation Agency for Monterey County voted last year to allocate 50 percent (or $26 million) of its SB 125 money to MST. On Nov. 25, MST’s board approved spending the entirety of that funding, plus another $2 million in capital reserves, to make up the shortfall for the SURF! project. MST’s updated budget for the project, as presented on Nov. 25, is now over $105 million, about a $13 million increase from its assessment this fall. With the SB 125 money, the project is now fully funded, at least in the current budget estimate. Meanwhile, SURF! is facing a federal lawsuit, filed on Nov. 30 by the owners of Museum of Handcar Technology, a small business that led handcar tours on the Monterey Branch rail line until their lease expired this fall. They sued TAMC and the City of Marina, alleging the company’s First Amendment rights had been violated when TAMC declined to renew its sublease. The company’s owner and founder, Todd Clark, is the person who brought to light that TAMC failed its obligations to the state to use the tracks for rail per its 2003 agreement when receiving over $9 million in Prop. 116 funds to buy the tracks. (TAMC’s board, on Dec. 4, approved paying $16.8 million back to the state for the cost of the Monterey Branch line.) Clark claims that his sublease was not renewed as a result of him speaking out about those funds. Time’s Up Monterey-Salinas Transit will be getting less federal money than expected for SURF! busway. By David Schmalz Todd Clark, whose handcar business had operated on the Monterey Branch rail tracks from 2022-24, sued the City of Marina and Transportation Agency for Monterey County, alleging retaliation. NEWS The $105 million project is now fully funded. DAVID SCHMALZ 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. For more information visit: MCGives.com/tee Your contributions through will help provide reliable transportation for our youth and coaches, ensuring that every child can participate in our life-changing programs.
www.montereycountynow.com DECEMBER 12-18, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 17 700 Jewell Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950 MOWMP is a 501(c)(3) exempt organization. EIN 94-2157521 We know that it takes a village—a community coming together—to provide meals, connection, care, and compassion. Your donation does more than feed someone for a day; it helps us drive out hunger and isolation for our neighbors. Your generosity can make a profound impact on the lives of seniors, veterans, and disabled adults in our community. IT TAKES A VILLAGE DONATE TODAY MOWMP.ORG/DONATE 2977 Hayden Way, Marina 5 beds, 4 baths • $1,775,000 • www.2977HaydenWay.com 13829 Sherman Boulevard, East Garrison 4 beds, 2.5 baths • $1,200,000 • www.13829ShermanBlvd.com 1212 Funston Avenue, Pacific Grove 3 beds, 2 baths • $1,100,000 • www.1212FunstonAve.com 1187 8th Street, Monterey 2 beds, 2 baths • $959,000 • www.1187Eighth.com Interested in a property? Contact us to schedule a showing! 831.624.2300 MontereyCoastRealty.com CalDRE #01871677 Locally Owned. Globally Connected. View all available listings by scanning the code
18 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 12-18, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com MC GIVES Youth Orchestra Salinas (YOSAL) started in 2010, but its origin goes back to 1974 in Venezuela. That is when Dr. José Antonio Abreu gathered 11 children in a parking garage to teach them to play music. His concept became known as El Sistema (the system), with an underlying philosophy that empowering young people in disadvantaged communities to thrive in arts and culture can lead to positive social change. In Salinas, it’s about more than a youth orchestra—it is a community, says Diana Ramirez-Rosales of YOSAL. “There’s not a better tool than music to bring people together,” she says. Student musicians learn classical and Mexican regional music, and have access to a multitude of instruments— many of which would otherwise be cost-prohibitive. Over the past year, YOSAL worked with local artist/performer Amy Burkman to share the joy beyond the stage. Burkman painted four murals showing students playing instruments, displayed at Natividad hospital, downtown Salinas, Sherwood Hall and Northridge Mall. All have a QR code that leads to a mini-documentary Burkman also produced called SEEDS. It tells the story of YOSAL, showcasing the impact the nonprofit has had in the community. (SEEDS is viewable for free on YouTube.) Over 200 students from 15 schools are currently enrolled in YOSAL’s music programs, and 150 are on the waiting list. The nonprofit’s Big Idea for Monterey County Gives! is to expand its teaching fellowship program, which provides local college music students with the opportunity to develop their teaching skills, forming the next generation of local music teachers. It also helps shorten the waiting list because more teachers means more spots for students. Ramirez-Rosales says people can contribute in different ways, by donating cash or instruments, or by attending YOSAL concerts. The winter concert takes place on Friday, Dec. 13. “It’s not just learning to play an instrument and sound good and feel great on stage,” Ramirez-Rosales says. “but all of these values.” YOSAL’s winter concert takes place 7-9pm Friday, Dec. 13. Sherwood Hall, 940 N. Main St., Salinas. Free; reservations encouraged at yosal.org. COURTESY OF YOSAL High Note Youth Orchestra Salinas builds community through music, inspired by a movement to create social change. By Celia Jiménez Student musicians in Youth Orchestra Salinas (YOSAL) rehearse for their upcoming winter concert, set for Dec. 13. How to Donate Go to www.mcgives.com and click the Donate button.
www.montereycountynow.com DECEMBER 12-18, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 19 Donate to Community Human Services HELP END HOMELESSNESS • OUTREACH • SHELTER • HOUSING DONATE NOW montereycountygives.com/chs
20 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY december 12-18, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com Whose Country? Thank you for the great reporting. I so appreciate the Weekly. The tone and the focus of how you’ve written this article is so important it fosters a culture of kindness and inclusion (“Organized resistance to Presidentelect Trump’s second term starts taking shape,” posted Dec. 5). Elizabeth Murray | Monterey I’d like to comment on former Rep. Sam Farr’s recent letter (“Letters to the Editor,” Dec. 5-11). Stating that because most Americans do not carry proof of citizenship with them puts all at risk of deportation is so very odd. It insults our intelligence, assumes we have no idea of how our government knows who are citizens and not, and could be viewed as an illogical scare tactic. I would expect better from such a respected and esteemed former Congressman. Christine Williams | Carmel Valley Several years ago we Floridians were required to provide a birth certificate at the time anyone applied for a driver’s license. That also included those of us who applied for a renewal. Not only does my license prove I am a citizen but is scanned whenever we vote. Terry Crace | DeBary, Florida Having open borders is not sustainable economically, and letting migrants come across our borders unvetted is not safe for our communities (“County Board of Supervisors will consider creating a committee to focus on immigrants’ rights,” Nov. 28-Dec. 4). Furthermore, California has had a housing crisis going on 20 years. And now after four years and 15 million migrants, the housing shortage is affecting every state. Dwight Richardson | Salinas I just read your piece in the newsletter, and I see faint glimmers of hope that our state and county leaders are already thinking ahead and preparing for the potential (well, let’s be honest—likely) negative repercussions of a second Trump presidency. Thank you and the rest of the staff at the Monterey County Weekly for your coverage of issues that matter to all of us. I’m sure you will come under attack, as well, considering Trump’s disdain for a free press. I will be happy to continue my financial support of the Weekly. Keep up the great work! Karinne Gordon | via email Money Talks I was really disappointed with the results in Salinas (“Big spending led candidates to victory in Salinas’ $1.2 million election,” Dec. 5-11). As someone who leans left it makes me feel dejected seeing the fundraising disparity. How the hell are popular ideals that benefit the people supposed to take root when businesses can just outspend your candidate? The rent stabilization ordinance would probably not have passed with the new City Council who is much more business friendly. We shouldn’t give up though, there has to be a way to get elected in this city without sucking up to capital interests. Julian Torres | Salinas A PAC called “Protect Salinas”—protect Salinas from what? What a ridiculous name given that the majority of Salinas residents, 53 percent, are renters and that the very reason that money poured into ousting the City Council was because they actually were protecting them. What a contrast in election results between Monterey and Salinas, two city councils that were bold enough to understand that renters are more than just money makers for businesses and rental property owners. Esther Malkin | Monterey Note: Malkin is a founder of Monterey County Renters United. Gone Surfing The SURF! busway aims to connect Monterey County communities (“Monterey-Salinas Transit’s SURF! project is hurtling ahead at great expense. Is it worth it?” Nov. 21-27). However, its long-term viability is questionable given the rapid advancements in autonomous vehicle technology. Tesla plans to produce the Cybercab, a fully autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals, by 2026. In a situation with inexpensive, self-driving cars that can be summoned via smartphone apps, dedicated busways might not seem as useful. Spending a large sum on infrastructure that becomes obsolete in five to 10 years may prove short-sighted. The SURF! project has good intentions, but perhaps Monterey County should reconsider. For $68.5 million, the community could fund a significant number of Uber or Lyft rides for those in need. Of course, you couldn’t buy $68.5 million in Uber/Lyft credit with this money because these federal/state/county funding streams must be spent on large-scale projects. We need to do better than just accepting that spending public money badly is better than not spending it. Paul Weyant | Pacific Grove That was an excellent article on MST’s rapid transit machinations. Well written and well researched. Al Washburn | Monterey On Mission I was a longtime subscribed reader of the Weekly and Monterey County during my many years in Pacific Grove. I moved in 2022 to the East Bay. Nevertheless, I have been receiving the newsletter without interruption. I have been deeply grateful for the extended reading enjoyment. In light of that, I will be pleased to make a donation, if very modest, to the Monterey County Gives! campaign, as you suggest, directly to the Fund for Independent Journalism (“It’s Giving Tuesday. Please join in,” posted Dec. 3). The frightful menace posed by the incoming administration to the well-being of communities and their wealth of good hard-working dedicated people calls for all of us to join our efforts and voices in support of all that is most precious in our Commons. Adele Negro | El Cerrito Color Coded LOL, all I have to do is label the white T-shirt that I spilled coffee on “Mocha Mousse” and I am wearing the new color of the year...at no cost! (“Staff Picks: Pantone announced its color of the year,” posted Dec. 5.) Peter Hiller | Carmel 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.
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