www.montereycountynow.com DECEMBER 19-25, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 29 Judge Thomas Wills, the appointment was illegal because city officials failed to properly notify the public of the intended decision to appoint him. Tipton was the third person since the 2022 election to serve in the District 1 seat after two previous councilmembers resigned. In November, Belen Garcia was elected to fill the remaining two years of the term. OCT. 17 Pacifica Senior Living is found in violation after attempting to evict a 96-year-old woman from its facility Pacific Grove Senior Living. Pacifica officials said the woman, Jean Jacques, owed $109,000 in back rent and fees. Jacques had purchased a life contract in 2012 from the previous owner, with a promise to care for her after her savings were depleted until she died. The California Department of Social Services determined that Pacifica was required to honor the original contract. OCT. 25 A 27-year-old man named James Marshall, wielding what appeared to be an AK-style rifle in Carmel, is shot and killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Marshall, who had reportedly experienced mental health episodes before, was threatening suicide by cop, and was staying with his mother at the time. Police reported that they attempted to get Marshall to cooperate but he refused. His weapons turned out to be a BB gun and 3-foot crowbar, according to the District Attorney’s Office, which is investigating the shooting. OCT. 31 Reminiscent of the massive anchovy bloom in 2014 which made national headlines, tens of thousands of the bony fish appeared in Monterey Bay again this year, cutting through crystal clear waters, often ending up on shorelines and causing a noisy scene of seagull squawks and sea lion barks. People gathered en masse to observe the phenomenon, which, while not new, is still not fully understood by the scientific community. November NOV. 5 In a presidential election, Monterey County voter turnout is 69.3 percent. But most of what appears on voters’ ballots are local issues. In Salinas, voters signal they want major change, with three incumbents ousted; instead of a slate of left-leaning candidates and incumbents, five candidates running on a more moderate platform sweep the elections. All five, including Dennis Donohue—a former mayor—are financially backed by a coalition of business interests, including agribusiness and real estate. Collectively they raise at least $1.2 million in campaign funds. In Monterey, Mayor Tyller Williamson is reelected to a second term and Jean Rasch wins a seat on council by just 13 votes. In Pacific Grove, former councilmember Nick Smith is elected in a three-way race for mayor. Three councilmembers are elected, and one incumbent, Luke Coletti, is edged out. One of his allies on council, Debby Beck, follows up with her resignation. Voters decide against shrinking the size of the council from seven to five members. NOV. 20 Monterey finds itself in the middle of a national news story as reporters reveal that President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, was investigated for allegations of sexual assault in Monterey in 2017. After declining to provide any details to the press, City Attorney Christine Davi determines it is lawful to release a redacted copy of the police report. The graphic story is widely covered in media outlets all over the country. The Monterey County District Attorney declined to file charges. December DEC. 2 Carlos Acosta is sworn in as the new chief of police for Salinas, nearly a year after its last permanent chief, Roberto Filice, resigned. He is the third Salinas police chief in less than four years, following two interims since Filice left. Acosta’s annual salary is $244,620, plus benefits. DEC. 3 The Monterey County Board of Supervisors approves the creation of an immigrants’ rights committee to deal with the incoming Trump administration. Nearly one-third of residents are foreign-born, and immigrants are the backbone of Monterey County’s two largest industries, agriculture and hospitality, both of which are experiencing labor shortages. Trump campaigned on a promise to enact mass deportations, leaving local and industry leaders bracing for what is ahead. The committee will print and distribute know-your-rights materials, offer forums, collaborate with other counties and more. YEAR IN NEWS For more information visit: MCGives.com/tee At First Tee - Monterey County, we believe kids become a better version of themselves when they have the space to be who they are, surrounded by passionate people who guide them to see what they are capable of. We use the game of golf to create opportunities that enable the participants to live our core values: Honesty Respect Integrity Courtesy Sportsmanship Confidence Responsibility Perseverance Judgement We’re Building Game Changers. Your contributions through Monterey County Gives! helpd provide reliable transportation for our youth and coaches, ensuring that every child can participate in our life-changing programs.
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