Readers Poll 2024

Editors’ Picks Editors’ Picks the heat on over a sustained period. By the time landlords organized, the idea of an ordinance—with enhanced tenant protections and a 2.75-percent cap on annual rent increases—was already moving along, bolstered by recommendations from a third-party economic consulting firm. Whether or not you agree with the ordinance, it is unambiguous proof of a successful grassroots organizing effort that began in quiet conversations by community groups, became a set of talking points in public meetings and then transferred into public policy. BEST SCHEDULING CHANGE THAT AT FIRST WAS THOUGHT TO BE A BAD IDEA Moving The Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey To June Since IndyCar returned to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the event served as the season finale, crowning the champion. That made for gripping drama—except for the time Alex Palou wrapped up the title early—confetti showers and a good chance of getting caught in champagne spray. For 2024, however, IndyCar moved the party from the iconic turns of Laguna Seca to the drab oval outside of Nashville, perhaps figuring that the country music capital could throw a bigger post-race do. Probably. What it meant for Laguna Seca was not mid-season doldrums, but bigger crowds. With school out and vacations scheduled, the June event drew some 40,000 fans, well above the numbers that traveled here for the September finales. So Laguna Seca took the checkered flag. BEST WAY TO EAT YOUR VEGETABLES Brighter Bites info@brighterbites.org, brighterbites.org/ locations/salinas Here’s a wild and sad fact about nutrition right here in the Salad Bowl of the World: 1 in 10 Monterey County residents are food-insecure, meaning they struggle to afford enough food to eat. The irony was not lost on the leadership team of the nonprofit Brighter Bites, launched in Texas in 2012, with the goal of getting more fresh produce onto the plates of children to improve nutrition and ultimately transform our eating behavior; much of the organization’s produce came from the Salinas Valley. So it only made sense that in 2021, Brighter Bites expanded to include a Salinas outpost, which this year is distributing fresh produce for free in 15 local schools and pre-K programs. Since launching, they’ve given out over 2 million pounds of fruits and vegetables to 14,875 kids and families. BEST TOUR OF PLACES WHERE VAQUEROS, COWBOYS, OUTLAWS AND LAWMEN ACTUALLY WALKED...OR RODE South County Walking Tours (831) 594-3740, karenjernigan2007@ gmail.com, savha.org From places that no longer exist except in photographs to historic structures that are still standing, people today can get a sense of King City’s past, the people who lived there and the city’s surroundings. Karen and John Jernigan, along with the San Antonio Valley Historical Association, organize different tours so people can learn about South County’s history and beyond. Tours include walking through King City’s downtown, learning about bridges in Monterey County and cementery tours. It’s an opportunity to learn about everything from threshers to hitching posts. BEST BAR FOR FOLKS WANTING A DARK, MOODY BAR PLUS A STUNNING SUNSET Bud’s at La Playa Camino Real and 8th, Carmel (831) 293-6100, budscarmel.com Sometimes you want to sit in a dark bar and drink whiskey (or a classic cocktail) while listening to a tinny piano. Sometimes you want to sip a cocktail in front of a jaw-dropping sunset. At Bud’s at La Playa in Carmel, you don’t have to choose. In the dark bar, you’ll be treated to genial bartenders, good bar bites, music on a reel-toreel player or from a live musician in the corner. On the patio there’s fresh air and a constantly perfect view of Carmel Beach. Enjoy the best of both worlds. 124 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 montereycountynow.com/bestof Hardware Store Celebrating 45 Years! Take $5 Off $25 or more regular item with this coupon - exp. 11.30.24 Your Hometown Pacific Grove Hardware 229 Forest Avenue • 646-9144 •Locally Owned and Operated Open Mon-Sun 8am-5pm for your Home & Garden needs Excellent & Knowledgeable Customer Service Tool Rentals Paint Matching Knife Sharpening Key Duplication Free Local Delivery Thank You for voting us Best Hardware Store! 2009– 2024 1992– 2024 FEDERICO’S DRIVE-IN SHOE SERVICE Celebrating our 85th year • Winner of 29 national awards for workmanship 542 Abrego • Downtown Monterey • 649-3322 Open Monday–Friday 8am–5:30pm THANK YOU Monterey County Weekly Readers for voting us Best Shoe Repair 32 years in a row! 20% OFF All Shoe Repair With this coupon • Not valid with any other offers • Expires 11/30/24 CLEANING AND DYING MOST COLORS ~ LEATHER OR FABRIC LADIES’ HANDBAGS ~ SUEDE SHOES BRING YOUR OLD SHOES BACK TO LIFE REPAIRS WHILE YOU WAIT ~ FREE PARKING ~ DRIVE-THRU WINDOW LUGGAGE REPAIR

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