january 9-15, 2025 montereycountynow.com LOCAL & INDEPENDENT Monterey Jazz does improv 8 | Biogassed up 11 | Dylan’s Back Pages 27 | Thai Game 32 First Place General Excellence • 2024 CA Journalism Awards • Friends of Laguna Seca takes control, looking to change the course of the county’s famed race track and recreation area. p. 16 By Dave Faries Shifting Gear
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY january 9-15, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com January 9-15, 2025 • ISSUE #1902 • Established in 1988 Michael Sheehan (Nikon D850, 600mm, 1/2500 @ F6.3) A red-shouldered hawk is full of energy as it takes flight into 2025 from a bare tree branch in Prunedale. Monterey County photo of the week Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: Ross Merrill, president of the nonprofit Friends of Laguna Seca, takes the keys to Laguna Seca Recreation Area during an Aug. 15, 2024 ceremony marking the start of the organization’s long-term concession agreement with Monterey County. Cover photo: Daniel Dreifuss etc. Copyright © 2025 by Milestone Communications Inc. 668 Williams Ave., Seaside, California 93955 (telephone 831-394-5656). All rights reserved. Monterey County Weekly, the Best of Monterey County and the Best of Monterey Bay are registered trademarks. No person, without prior permission from the publisher, may take more than one copy of each issue. Additional copies and back issues may be purchased for $1, plus postage. Mailed subscriptions: $300 yearly, prepaid. The Weekly is an adjudicated newspaper of Monterey County, court decree M21137. The Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Visit our website at http://www.montereycountynow. com. Audited by CVC. Founder & CEO Bradley Zeve bradley@montereycountynow.com (x103) Publisher Erik Cushman erik@montereycountynow.com (x125) Editorial editor Sara Rubin sara@montereycountynow.com (x120) associate editor Erik Chalhoub ec@montereycountynow.com (x135) features editor Dave Faries dfaries@montereycountynow.com (x110) Staff Writer Celia Jiménez celia@montereycountynow.com (x145) Staff Writer Pam Marino pam@montereycountynow.com (x106) Staff Writer Agata Pope¸da (x138) aga@montereycountynow.com staff writer Katie Rodriguez (California Local News Fellow) katie@montereycountynow.com (x102) Staff Writer David Schmalz david@montereycountynow.com (x104) Staff photographer Daniel Dreifuss daniel@montereycountynow.com (x140) Digital PRODUCER Sloan Campi sloan@montereycountynow.com (x105) contributors Nik Blaskovich, Rob Brezsny, Robert Daniels, Tonia Eaton, Paul Fried, Jesse Herwitz, Jacqueline Weixel, Paul Wilner Cartoons Rob Rogers, Tom Tomorrow Production Art Director/Production Manager Karen Loutzenheiser karen@montereycountynow.com (x108) Graphic Designer Kevin Jewell kevinj@montereycountynow.com (x114) Graphic Designer Alexis Estrada alexis@montereycountynow.com (x114) Graphic Designer Lani Headley lani@montereycountynow.com (x114) SALES senior Sales Executive Diane Glim diane@montereycountynow.com (x124) Senior Sales Executive George Kassal george@montereycountynow.com (x122) Senior Sales Executive Keith Bruecker keith@montereycountynow.com (x118) Classifieds business development director Keely Richter keely@montereycountynow.com (x123) Digital Director of Digital Media Kevin Smith kevin@montereycountynow.com (x119) Distribution Distribution AT Arts Co. atartsco@gmail.com Distribution Control Harry Neal Business/Front Office Office Manager Linda Maceira linda@montereycountynow.com (x101) Bookkeeping Rochelle Trawick 668 Williams Ave., Seaside, CA 93955 831-394-5656, (FAX) 831-394-2909 www.montereycountynow.com We’d love to hear from you. Send us your tips at tipline.montereycountynow.com. now [nou] adverb at the present time or moment Monterey County Now Local news, arts and entertainment, food and drink, calendar and daily newsletter. Subscribe to the newsletter: www.montereycountynow.com/subscribe Find us online: www.montereycountynow.com
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4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JANUARY 9-15, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH Journalists in the United States were arrested or detained by police at least 48 times in 2024, according to a new report by the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker. That’s more than the previous two years combined, and nearly 90 percent of those incidents stemmed from the Israel-Gaza war protests, data from the Freedom of the Press Foundation shows. (The foundation operates the tracker.) Any year with sustained national protests sees arrest numbers spike, the report stated, such as the 137 arrests in 2020 following nationwide unrest over the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Kirstin McCudden, managing editor of the tracker, said each arrest “has serious consequences for our free press,” as these journalists are “often unable to freely cover stories deemed important by the public.” Despite a contentious election year, a relatively small number of five arrests of journalists were related to the election nationwide. Good: The Haute Enchilada’s resident barn owls welcomed 2025 with a rare occurrence for this time of the year: an egg. Employees of the Moss Landing restaurant, which has a camera livestreaming the barn owls’ box, noticed the egg on New Year’s Eve, unusually early in the season. Typically, barn owls don’t lay their eggs until February or March. The egg marks the first clutch for the new owl pair, named TJ and Tina. In 2016, the Haute Enchilada partnered with Humane Wildlife Control Inc. to install the nesting box as a way to control rodents. One family of owls can consume an estimated 4,000 rodents annually, according to Humane Wildlife Control. Through a livestream viewable on YouTube and inside the restaurant, diners have followed along the lineage of the barn owls since the original denizens, Teco and Lotte, took up residence and raised numerous owlets until Lotte died in 2018. GREAT: Three years in the making, great news arrives for pediatric South County patients this week in the form of a new clinic opening on Jan. 14 at Mee Memorial campus in King City. While pediatrics are not new for these rural clinics, this is Mee’s first dedicated center, and is expected to shorten wait times for adult patients at other locations. The Children’s Health and Wellness Center will be staffed by one full-time pediatrician, one-and-a-half equivalent pediatric nurse practitioners, one licensed vocational nurse and six additional front and back office support staff; the clinic is accepting new patients. “The opening of this center is a significant milestone in our mission to build a healthier, stronger community,” CEO Rena Salamacha said in a statement. “It is more than just a building—it’s a testament to our commitment to ensuring that our children’s future remains a top priority.” GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY That’s how much the County of Monterey Health Department received from the California Office of Traffic Safety to fund a campaign about the dangers of driving while high on cannabis. Source: County of Monterey Health Department $206,065 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “In my nearly 20-year medical career, I have only seen one other case like this.” -Dr. Erica Locke, Salinas Valley Health emergency room physician, after three people were poisoned by death cap mushrooms purchased from a mobile vendor in Salinas (see story, montereycountynow.com). * Borrowers must be members of Bay Federal Credit Union and your business be eligible for Bay Federal membership. Qualification of membership is defined as the business headquarters is located within Santa Cruz, Monterey, or San Benito Counties. Must meet membership and account criteria, all loans subject to approval. Only commercial properties located within the state of California are eligible for financing. Rates and terms will vary based on collateral and credit. Programs, rates, terms, conditions, and services are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. 831.479.6000 • www.bayfed.com • 888.4BAYFED Federally Insured by NCUA | Equal Housing Lender 1524 N. Main Street | Salinas Now Offering Commercial Real Estate Loans No pre-payment penalties Purchase or refinance Loan amounts up to $5,000,000 Multi-family units, farm & agriculture, office space, warehouses and other properties Visit a branch today!
www.montereycountynow.com JANUARY 9-15, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 MONTEREY PENINSULA Col lege NEW YEAR. FRESH START. SPRING AHEAD! mpc.edu/findaclass Spring Classes Start January 27th ENROLL TODAY! *Early Spring Classes: Jan 6-25 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!
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JANUARY 9-15, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com 831 There were very few days when Ross Tarp Braasch wouldn’t drive up to the top of Pine Canyon Road south of Salinas, whether on two wheels or four, and take in the sweeping views of the San Benancio Canyon, with friends and family by his side. Tarp was proud to show anyone the ranch where he was raised, which, despite only being a few miles away from the hustle and bustle of Highway 68, is a peaceful slice of the Salinas Valley. On the night of April 16, 2022, Tarp, 25, and his friend Alex Martinez went up to the top of the hill, as he had done countless times before. This time, it was in a beat-up old Ford Fiesta with questionable brakes. Coming down the hill on a dirt road, Tarp used the car’s emergency brake to slow around a turn. The car slid, its back tire hitting a berm, causing it to flip multiple times down the hill and into a tree. In a documentary film posted on YouTube, Martinez recounted the crash, saying the two weren’t discovered until a couple of hours later. Tarp had succumbed to his injuries on the scene. In the months that followed, the mourning family decided it needed to keep Tarp’s memory alive—and in such a way to help keep young people safe. The result was #liveforross: A Fund for Safety Awareness and Education, a program through the Community Foundation for Monterey County that promotes safety and provides awards to students studying welding and agricultural mechanics. Toward the end of 2024, #liveforross was granted nonprofit status, and the family now plans to expand its reach. Following his death, stories of Tarp’s generosity emerged, and one thing was a constant: If it was mechanical, Tarp could fix it, using his immense welding skills. “He had a million people that he helped,” says his grandfather Brad Tarp. Since its founding, #liveforross has raised funds that have gone toward providing bicycle helmets to the Soledad Police Department, which handed them out to kids who often ride without them. It has also given away safety gear at the opening of the pump track in Marina, as well as the new skate park at Orchard Lane Park in Soledad. To honor Tarp’s love for welding, for the past two years, #liveforross has provided $500 scholarships to Monterey County students completing vocational education programs in welding or ag mechanics. The awards are redeemable at Barnes Welding Supply in Salinas, where students can purchase tools to continue in the industry. “Our goal is to build this program and acknowledge these students that make our lives better by their service,” says Rosemary Tarp, Tarp’s grandmother. Marc Kollerer, the industrial welding and fabrication teacher at Mission Trails ROP in Salinas, says he had 80 students in his class during the last school year. Nineteen applied for the #liveforross scholarship, and six were each awarded $500. He praised the accessibility of the scholarship application, which is about a page long with a few questions prompting students to describe their interests in the industry and their future plans. With college tuition ever-increasing, Kollerer says trade jobs such as welding have seen growing interest from high school students looking for an alternative to higher education. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be about 45,800 openings for welders annually through the next decade, due to the nation’s aging workforce and infrastructure. The $500 award might not be enough to buy a high-end welding machine, but that’s not the point. Instead, both the Tarps and Kollerer say the funds will give the students enough of a start to build their equipment, such as a welding hood and hand tools. And by giving out relatively small amounts of funds, it allows the nonprofit to reach more students. But community support is critical, the Tarps say, who are actively raising funds through various events and online at bit.ly/liveforross. “I really appreciate and value the Tarps’ energy and effort that they’ve put into this to remember Ross,” Kollerer says. “The tools they put in these kids’ hands is something they can use to go out and work right away.” Gear Up A tragic crash spurs a family to promote safety and support the next generation of workers. By Erik Chalhoub Brad and Rosemary Tarp stand next to their grandson Ross’ Ram truck, which he welded the bed onto. In honor of Ross, the Tarp family formed a nonprofit that, among other things, provides scholarships to high school welding students. “He had a million people that he helped.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE DANIEL DREIFUSS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS! FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2025 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM • HYATT REGENCY $85/MEMBERS • $100/PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS KEYNOTE SPEAKER: SECRETARY PANETTA GET TICKETS! 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www.montereycountynow.com JANUARY 9-15, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 7 In honor of our 30th anniversary, we’re launching ‘30 in 30’—recruiting 30 volunteers in 30 days. Sign up for an Info-Session to learn more. casaofmonterey.org 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 1187 8th Street, Monterey 2 beds, 2 baths • $959,000 • www.1187Eighth.com 9500 Center Street #5, Carmel 1 bed, 1 bath • $580,000 • www.9500CenterStreet5.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
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY january 9-15, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com news Effective on Jan. 1, trash service rates for properties serviced by Waste Management in Monterey County increased by 2.96 percent. Two public agencies oversee the contracting of waste hauling services for different regions: ReGen Monterey (the Monterey Regional Waste Management District), serving the western portion of the county, and Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority (SVSWA), also known as Salinas Valley Recycles, which manages the eastern region. Waste hauling contractors, of which there are many, under these agencies include Waste Management, Monterey City Disposal Service, GreenWaste Recovery, Republic Services of Salinas and Tri Cities Disposal. The rate increases vary slightly depending on location and bin size. For example, residents in Monterey County West (MRWMD’s area) will see an increase to $47.92 per month; monthly rates for residents in Monterey County East (SVSWA’s area) will be $48.21. These rates include garbage, recycling and organic carts for residential customers. In compliance with California Senate Bill 1383, municipalities across the state are mandated to collect organic waste to reduce methane emissions. This organic waste management, while implemented in 2022, has been slow to take hold and is included in most service rates. The service rate adjustments, which were approved in November by authorities like the County Board of Supervisors and the City of Monterey, reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index, as published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accounting for rising costs in labor, fuel and landfill fees. TrashFlation Trash service for residents across the county increases monthly fees. By Katie Rodriguez Improvisation is at the heart of jazz, something the leaders of the Monterey Jazz Festival have had to practice over the past month, guiding the 67-year-old organization through major changes that bring a new managing director, a new name—Monterey Jazz—and the loss of its artistic director, Darin Atwater, who served in the position for just one festival last September. “We wish Darin all the best and support him in his artistic career,” Monterey Jazz board president Ken Gordon says of Atwater’s departure, described as a personnel matter. What led to the split is unknown; the Weekly was unable to reach Atwater for comment. Atwater was selected in 2023 to replace artistic director Tim Jackson, who retired after 33 years in the role. The sudden departure came a few months into booking acts for the 68th festival, scheduled for Sept. 26-28. That required quickly finding someone to take over the task in the interim. The board turned to Bruce Labadie, the festival and artistic director for San Jose Jazz, with over 40 years of experience in performing arts management and festival production. “We’re on the track for 2025 and without a doubt everything is looking good,” Gordon says. It is unclear if and when the board will begin a search for a permanent artistic director. “We’re taking this opportunity to explore our options and see what best positions Monterey Jazz moving forward,” Gordon says. About two weeks before word got out about Atwater, Monterey Jazz announced that Colleen Bailey was transitioning from her role as executive director after 10 years to lead special projects. Bailey accepted a job as president and CEO of the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce to be closer to her home in Salinas. She was replaced by Bobbie Young, formerly the director of operations for 10 years. (Young’s new title is managing director.) Bailey says the special project she’s currently focusing on is finding a year-round location for Monterey Jazz where people can come visit to learn more about the historic festival, as well as enjoy performances. Gordon says such a center has been a goal of the organization for many years. “When people come to Monterey they ask, ‘Where is the Monterey Jazz Festival?’” he says. A representative of Green Valley Corporation confirms they are in early negotiations for a possible lease in the former Osio Theater in Monterey, but it’s too soon to comment more specifically. In addition to establishing a yearround center, the board is looking at other opportunities to increase the organization’s revenue streams beyond the four-day festival, Gordon says. “To do what we do on four days of revenue a year, it’s hard to run an education program,” he says. “We’ve got to find other streams.” While the public’s focus may be on those four days—a historic legacy passed down since 1958 by co-founders Jimmy Lyons and Ralph J. Gleason, resulting in the longest continuously running jazz festival in the world—the organization has long had a focus on jazz education throughout the year. Monterey Jazz is the umbrella that encompasses the festival, education programs and other efforts, Young says. “It does help us to determine for our community that Monterey Jazz isn’t just those four days,” she says. Darin Atwater, shown at the 2024 Monterey Jazz Festival, was the first African American to hold the position of artistic director. He’s out after one year. Jazz Break Monterey’s world-famous festival gets a new name and leader, but loses its artistic director. By Pam Marino Waste Management (known as WM), handles trash collection in some parts of unincorporated Monterey County including Castroville, Carmel Valley, the Highway 68 corridor and Big Sur. “Monterey Jazz isn’t just those four days.” Daniel Dreifuss Daniel Dreifuss
www.montereycountynow.com JANUARY 9-15, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 Bene t Shop Ribbon Cutting Ceremony! Lor Lore Tuesday, January 14 4 - 7 pm, cutting at 4:30 pm Join us for our grand opening, and enjoy refreshments and snacks with the community. 223 Grand Ave, Suite 1 Paci c Grove 831-718-9122 | www.POMDR.org Lilly online adoption questionnaire. Things to love: approx. 12 years old - 23 lbs - female - Lhasa Apso mix long walks, friendly humans, and canine companions of all sizes. A laid-back lady, she enjoys couch snoozes and cuddles but thrives in a feline-free home. Polite and adaptable, Lilly will bring joy and charm to her forever family. If you’d like sponsor our next ad, give us a call. 831-718-9122 | www.PeaceOfMindDogRescue.org Ad Sponsored by Arnold Shapiro & Karen MacKain JOB FAIR Saturday, January 11th, 2025 9a.m. – 12p.m. 2790 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach (Next to Pacific Grove Gate) Interviews on the spot These opportunities are for the period of January 27 – February 2, with most shifts January 30 – February 2. Hiring for all areas Bussers, cashiers, cooks, housekeepers, servers, shuttle drivers, stewards, and many more. Please come prepared to provide proof of employment eligibility. Questions: (831) 649-7657 AT&T Pebble Beach PRO-AM Temporary Special Event
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY january 9-15, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com As Inauguration Day approaches and Donald Trump, a president-elect who focused his campaign in part on mass deportations and border security, will take the oath of office, local government—in partnership with the Mexican consulate, business leaders and nonprofit organizations—is getting to work. Convening through a newly formed ad hoc committee on immigrant rights, the group is mobilizing to provide information and resources to the undocumented community in Monterey County. “When this issue is talked about on the national scale, they’re talked about as if these are just people somewhere else. But when local residents start seeing this could be our neighbors, our coworkers, friends or your family members, the perception from the public on this issue will change dramatically,” says County Supervisor Luis Alejo, who serves on the committee. The committee was approved in December and has so far met twice, with about 60 people in attendance. The County has assembled a website (comry.us/knowyourights) with resources and information about constitutional and immigration rights in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Mixteco and Triqui (both Mexican Indigenous languages). It also has a downloadable and printable “red card,” a short Spanish/ English guide that people can hand to an immigration agent, and guidance about asserting Fourth Amendment rights (to review a warrant) and Fifth Amendment rights (to due process and to decline to answer questions). The county so far spent $1,500 to print 20,000 red cards. Anayeli Rodriguez is a leader with nonprofit COPA (Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action) and Lideres Campesinas. She says it’s great the county has disseminated information in multiple languages, but the Mixteco speaker highlights more needs to be done to help the Indigenous community: “I know a lot of them don’t know how to read. Many don’t speak either English or Spanish [so] it’s more difficult to access information,” she says. Rodriguez says residents are afraid agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could conduct raids near schools or workplaces, or government offices where families of mixed immigration status may enroll in programs like Medi-Cal or CalFresh; registrants may worry that becoming a so-called “public charge” could later impact their ability to obtain legal status. “We know that any effort targeting undocumented immigrants is going to have a chilling effect across our county, and could be detrimental in many different ways,” Alejo says. About 11 million immigrants from the over 60 million foreign-born population in the country lack legal status, representing 23 percent of the immigrant population. Monterey County has the highest proportion of immigrants of any county in the state, with nearly 22 percent, according to an ad hoc committee report. As of 2013, the most recent date when such estimates were released, 62,000 immigrants in Monterey and San Benito counties were believed to be undocumented. Monterey County’s two largest industries, agriculture and hospitality, depend on immigrant labor. On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the County Board of Supervisors will consider approving a welcoming resolution to reflect its support for a large immigrant community. California has been a sanctuary state since 2018, meaning local law enforcement can’t inquire about people’s immigration status nor hold undocumented immigrants on the basis of their immigration status. “When it comes to immigration, it’s a touchy subject, depending on how you look at the issue,” Sheriff Tina Nieto says. “But here at the Sheriff’s Office, we want our community to feel safe. We want anybody that’s part of our community, no matter what their status is, to be able to call us.” Nieto notes her office follows the Truth Act, under which local law enforcement agencies do share information with ICE about people convicted for serious crimes such as homicide, rape, or sales and transportation of drugs. “[If] you’re in our jail for that conviction, you’re not safe to our community,” Nieto says. At the state and international levels, government agencies are also gearing up for a crackdown. California Attorney General Rob Bonta released guidelines for public institutions to protect immigrants’ rights including courts, shelters and schools. “My office will continue to use the full force of the law and every tool at our disposal to protect the rights of California’s immigrants. We cannot let the Trump deportation machine create a culture of fear and mistrust that prevents immigrants from accessing vital public services,” Bonta said in a statement. This month, the Mexican government will launch an app, “Botón de Alerta,” where Mexican immigrants can receive aid 24/7 and inform the nearest consulate and relatives if they are detained by ICE. Alejo says future board actions could include requesting funding for an ad campaign on radio, TV and social media. “Our focus should be on reassuring our immigrants that our county is welcoming to them, that we’re going to do everything possible to deploy resources to enhance their lives,” Alejo says. Open Door County rolls out resources for immigrants, and prepares a welcoming resolution. By Celia Jiménez news Land Language Marina City Council meets to discuss land use alternatives outlined in the proposed General Plan update. 6pm Thursday, Jan. 9. Council Chambers, 211 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. Free. 884-1278, cityofmarina.org. Healthy Together Monterey Sports Center and Montage Health present a wellness event geared toward families. Activities include blood pressure screenings, mental health resources, healthy nutrition information, an “Ask a Trainer” table and more. Noon-3pm Saturday, Jan. 11. Monterey Sports Center, 580 Pacific St., Monterey. Free. 646-3730, monterey. gov/sportscenter. Public Service Salinas City Council meets and, as always, accepts public comment. Tell your elected officials what they are doing well and what you think they can do better. 4pm Tuesday, Jan. 14. Salinas Rotunda, 200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas. Free. 7587381, cityofsalinas.org. Balancing the Budget King City Council meets to consider mid-year budget adjustments. Public comment is accepted. 6pm Tuesday, Jan. 14. Council Chamber, 212 S. Vanderhurst Ave., King City. Free. 385-3281, kingcity. com. Education Matters The Salinas Union High School District Board of Trustees meets to discuss school business and accepts public comment. 6:30pm Tuesday, Jan. 14. SUHSD District Office, 431 West Alisal St., Salinas. Free. salinasuhsd.org. Find a Job Monterey County Works is hosting a job fair to connect local employers with job seekers. Attendees are encouraged to bring their résumés and dress to impress. 1-4pm Wednesday, Jan. 15. Career Center, 344 Salinas St., Salinas. Free. Register at montereycountyworks.com/ january-15-2025-job-fair. Plans Change Public comments are now being accepted on an amendment to the City of Seaside’s Community Development Block Grant action plan. The update includes reallocating $340,000 for a proposed reconstruction of the San Pablo bridge to a curb ramp improvement project. Public hearing scheduled for 5pm Thursday, Jan. 16. Seaside City Council Chamber, 440 Harcourt Ave., Seaside. Public review open through Jan. 21. Free. 899-6726, ci.seaside. ca.us/cdbg. “We’re building tremendous resources through the website the county has set up,” says Blanca Zarazúa, a Salinas-based immigration lawyer and ad hoc committee member. e-mail: toolbox@montereycountynow.com TOOLBOX “We cannot let the Trump deportation machine create a culture of fear.” Daniel Dreifuss
www.montereycountynow.com JANUARY 9-15, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 As the Monterey Peninsula becomes increasingly dependent on recycled water, the cost of water is going to rise, and already has. Although recycling water is cheaper than desalinating it, it’s still energy intensive. Add to that, energy from the grid can be unreliable—Monterey One Water, which treats wastewater and recycles some of it for potable use, lost power in 2022 for a total of 65.2 hours at its treatment plant in Marina, as the PG&E substation supplying energy to the plant experienced interruptions. While generators were able to keep things humming, it’s not an ideal scenario for the facility—wastewater is constantly flowing, and needs to be treated before being discharged out to sea. So in 2022, M1W created a Renewable Energy and Electrical Reliability Program, the first step of which was to provide a report to M1W’s board about how to solve that problem. The report was presented in April of last year, and among its recommendations, which the board agreed to, was to replace the treatment plant’s electrical infrastructure, which is more than 34 years old. Concurrently, M1W will also interconnect the electrical systems for various parts of the plant; right now, the three treatment plants on the campus don’t connect to each other. Combined, the estimated total cost of those two projects is just shy of $35 million. The agency is also moving forward with a project to upgrade its biogas gas infrastructure. Currently, biogas from anaerobic digesters accounts for about 90 percent of the wastewater treatment plant’s power. The plan is to increase that by producing more natural gas, and if the plan works, sell some of it back to PG&E and have the project pay for itself in less than a decade. Paul Sciuto, M1W’s general manager, says the state requires utilities to have some renewable natural gas in their system, and that it sells for six times the price of nonrenewable. “That’s where it becomes economically viable,” Sciuto says, adding that it’s also good for the environment as it keeps food waste out of landfills, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “It’s super exciting.” To do that, M1W is bringing food waste in from elsewhere. Ironically it’s not from its neighbor ReGen Monterey, whose composting operation is just hundreds of yards away from M1W’s treatment plants. Sciuto says ReGen wasn’t ready to commit to providing its food waste for the project, so M1W has partnered with a company called Anaertia, which has a nationwide network, to truck in the food waste. And aside from the emissions reduction the project is expected to bring, it also will have an immediate impact on the community once the biogas project is operational—the sale of the natural gas is expected to not only pay for the project in a decade or less, it should also help M1W stabilize its rates for customers. “With Pure Water [Monterey], it takes a lot of energy to filter water,” Sciuto says. “If we can reduce those costs, it helps customers in the long run.” Gassed Up Monterey One Water is upgrading its infrastructure so it can sell renewable natural gas. By David Schmalz Monterey One Water is partnering with a national company to bring in food waste to input into its biogas production facility, in turn powering its energy-intensive operation in Marina. NEWS “It becomes economicaly viable. It’s super exciting.” DANIEL DREIFUSS 2025 Orbea Rise LT & SL Open Tuesday ThrOugh saTurday In Downtown Santa Cruz – 585 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz See website or phone for details • 831-621-2309 • www.currentebikes.com EvERy BikE incLudES: • Free LiFetime tune-ups • proFessionaL assembLy • assistance with sizing & adjustments • discounts on accessories, racks, etc. • compLete post saLe service mention this ad For an additionaL $50 off any BIKE In stocK eLectric bicycLes Real Men, Real Life, Real Results We’ve been there, and we’ll be there for you. January Workshop Registration Open Now LIFE TOOLS FOR MEN For 37 years Breakthrough has been the premier workshop for men to create the lives they want. Visit www.breakthroughformen.org or email enrollment@breakthroughformen.org Thanks to Breakthrough I'm a better friend, better partner and better father. carmel plaza • carmel-by-the-sea khakisofcarmel • 831.625.8106 shop new arrivals selected sport coat reductions
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY january 9-15, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com Barn Raising Yay! As a long-time fan of the Big Red Barn, this is good news (“The Big Red Barn received long-awaited approval for a permit to host larger events,” Dec. 26-Jan. 1). Walter Wagner | Salinas Traffic problems on Highway 101 will get worse. Laura Conte | via social media We need a venue, but not the accidents—it’s going to be a problem when alcohol is served. There’s only one way to exit. Olga Montenegro | via social media We need more events in our area or things to do! Gia M. Santos | via social media Access For All This is a great story about a young man who is truly making improvements all over our area. More power to him! (“A young man in a wheelchair is seeking to improve accessibility for others through the courts,” Dec. 26-Jan. 1.) While he’s at it, there are some really worthwhile improvements to target in Seaside. I’m thinking about a missing sidewalk in front of Seaside High, at a very busy intersection on Fremont Boulevard, which forces students with disabilities and people with baby carriages into oncoming traffic on Monterey Road. Allan Groves | Seaside Mushroom Cloud I’ve discovered a failsafe method for making sure my mushrooms are safe to eat: I identify the safe ones by their cardboard containers and plastic wrap (“Officials warn of toxic mushrooms being sold by mobile vendor in Salinas,” posted Jan. 3). Jay Donato | Salinas The Health Department and Code Enforcement have been neglecting complaints of illegal vendors. This is exactly why there needs to be enforcement. In addition to a health hazard, it’s unfair to legitimate, permitted vendors. Adam Wachtel | via social media Lasting Legacy Though I’ve been involved with the Cherry for years, working as their poet in schools for the last several, until your story, I knew embarrassingly little about Mrs. Cherry (“One woman in particular embodied Carmel’s bohemian spirit—and left a nonprofit arts institute as her legacy,” Jan. 2-8). Thank you for illuminating me and all the Weekly’s readers. Patrice Vecchione | Del Rey Oaks Important and enlightening piece on Jeanne D’Orge and the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts by Agata Popeda. A complete list of the exhibits and productions in that little Carmel building over the decades would be staggering. I covered many play productions and poetry readings and other experimental work there as a writer for the Monterey Herald. My own play Fortune’s Way, or Notes on Art for Catholics (and Others) was done there under the direction of Conrad Selvig, who was—like D’Orge—known for daring and inspired work. Steve Hauk | Pacific Grove Resistance 2.0 Wow, thanks for printing a bold, no holds barred, telling it like it is piece! (“It’s time for the Democratic Party to abandon staid resistance to Trumpism and get ready to fight,” Jan. 2-8.) Bob Gotch | Carmel Monterey County Now should stick to state and local news. Bob Roach | Salinas An outrageous, aggressive and angry piece against President Donald Trump. Especially since he was fairly elected in our democracy! The same democracy that you claim to love and defend so much. Vince Tuminello | Pacific Grove The crucial thing is to understand the true nature of the current Democratic Party. Ever since the horrific Citizens United Supreme Court decision, most Democratic politicians became corporate Democrats, serving their corporate, super-rich donors, the same way traditional Republicans have. Almost the only politicians who are honest and actually represent the working class, i.e. the majority, are the true progressives, like Bernie Sanders, AOC, Ilhan Omar, Ro Khanna, etc. We know by the way that Bernie Sanders and the people were cheated out of the 2016 Democratic Primary, and thus, the presidency. The corporate Democrats would rather lose to Trump than let a progressive, like Bernie in the White House. The only way the working class can take back the Democratic Party, and save the country and planet, is by putting progressives in the highest positions of power. Let’s hope enough Americans wake up before it’s too late. John Thomas | Salinas Power Struggle The gentleman doth protest too much (“PG&E fails this community yet again, and nobody seems willing or able to change it,” Dec. 26-Jan. 1). I’ve found that when there is a power outage, I can use my mobile phone to go to the PG&E website and check the estimated resolution time. In my experience, problems have been resolved before the estimated time. The story is bombastic and exaggerates what happens when we lose power due to natural forces beyond our control. It also does not credit the PG&E workers who brave terrible weather conditions to fix issues caused by the weather. Anita Goyhenetche | Seaside Faces of Monterey County Great shots! (“The top portraits of 2024,” posted Dec. 28.) Audrey Pierson | via social media Excellent portraits. Eric Palmer | Monterey Correction The photo credit for the image of Jeanne D’Orge that appeared on the Jan. 2 cover omitted the photographer’s name (“One woman in particular embodied Carmel’s bohemian spirit—and left a nonprofit arts institute as her legacy,” Jan. 2-8). The photograph, titled “Portrait of Jeanne Cherry, 1962,” should have been credited to Wynn Bullock ©1962/2025 Bullock Family Photography LLC. Letters • CommentsOPINION Submit letters to the editor to letters@montereycountynow.com. Please keep your letter to 150 words or less; subject to editing for space. Please include your full name, contact information and city you live in.
www.montereycountynow.com January 9-15, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 Every week, just after the Weekly team completes an edition of the paper, our editorial department meets to pitch stories for the next issue. Then the team goes forth to report and write and photograph. Often, along the way, we change our plans. Events unfold, news happens. Sometimes, we realize a story isn’t a story at all. That was the case with a tip we discussed just after the New Year, which every year for 32 years has been observed with First Night Monterey at venues throughout downtown Monterey. Streets close to traffic. We heard that police were out towing vehicles around 10:30am, although the signage on Alvarado Street said no parking from 1pm-1am—it looked like they were over two hours early. Staff writer David Schmalz started reporting, and made calls to Monterey City Hall. He heard back from Assistant City Manager Nat Rojanasathira and learned that four spaces were marked as no parking all day; police saw two vehicles parked in those spaces, and did their usual practice of attempting to contact the owners. In one case, they succeeded, and the car was moved. In the other case, they towed at 10:37am. Basic journalistic questions revealed it was a false claim, there was no scandal, and we had no story. But I was curious about the source of this non-story, and how something untrue made it as far as our news meeting. A simple search led me to a Dec. 31 Facebook post from a downtown business, The Whisky Club. It had a photo of the tow truck in action, and nearby signage. “We want to apologize for those visiting [downtown] Monterey today who were towed on Alvarado Street amidst the confusing signage,” the post read in part. “Parking enforcement was in full force ticketing and TOWING cars at 10am that were parked by signs that said no parking at 1pm [and] 3pm.” The original post didn’t get a ton of attention, 20 total reactions. “Thanks for sharing this, so frustrating,” one commenter wrote. Two days later, it was shared on the Facebook page Monterey Bay Crime/Emergency, where it quickly generated over 80 reactions. While it was eventually updated to include MPD’s explanation, people with parking ticket frustrations were ready to pounce. “Monterey trying to make a quick buck on parking tickets,” one person wrote. “The city of Monterey had better stop harassing us locals or we will start fighting back,” said another. One suggested someone should be fired: “If city managers need to be replaced we as a people can and will get it done.” I saw a prime example of how a seemingly innocuous piece of misinformation can spread, starting with a post that perhaps unintentionally confirms the poster’s own bias—in this case, preexisting frustration with parking. I asked Rojanasathira about it, and he saw it as a prime example of the small ways in which general distrust in government can be observed at the local level. Of course, these two things are linked, and both can be corrected with truth. Rojanasathira walked over to the Whisky Club to talk to owners Mitchel and LisAnne Sawhney, who were happy to hear from him and to share ideas for downtown. “It starts off with respecting each other, one constituent at a time,” Rojanasathira says. “We hope to change the hearts and minds of those who don’t trust us. Local government is where we can make a difference.” I went to the Whisky Club a few hours later, for an Old Fashioned and a conversation with the Sawhneys. They were appreciative of Rojanasathira’s explanation, but still frustrated. “They should’ve ticketed and left the car. It’s not a fun way to start the new year,” says LisAnne, who also has experience as a government official, having served on the Monterey Regional Airport board of directors. That her post was not factually true seems less relevant than that her feelings about it are true. She found the no-parking signs confusing, and thinks they went up too soon, about a week ahead: “It’s not hospitable, not friendly.” Mitchel is frustrated every Tuesday by street closures for the farmers market, which he says is bad for business; he now closes on Tuesdays. They may never agree, but a new, respectful conversation has been initiated between City Hall and these business owners, who I hope succeed long-term. But still, the post remains up, even though it isn’t true. Sara Rubin is the Weekly’s editor. Reach her at sara@montereycountynow.com. True Story How a piece of misinformation quickly gains a life of its own. By Sara Rubin Work It Out…Squid likes to set attainable New Year’s resolutions—wash well between the tentacles, stretch daily, pay the bills on time. Regular fitness routines make a lot of humans’ resolution lists (Squid gets what movement Squid needs by oozing around town). Here’s one thing that Squid is guessing was not on a fitness studio’s new year’s list: A lawsuit alleging breach of contract. But that’s what happened for Selina Sahba of Fusion Fitness P.G. LLC, which on Dec. 30 got sued in Monterey County Superior Court by landlord ROIC California for unpaid rent at the gym in the Country Club Gate shopping center in Pacific Grove. The landlord alleges that they and the tenant entered into a lease in February 2022—good timing for those with fitness-related new year’s resolutions—and later extended the $14,000-per-month lease to 2031. Only problem, according to ROIC’s claim: Fusion has failed to pay the rent, and as of Nov. 1, owes at least $120,090. Through the end of the lease, the gym will owe a whopping $1.13 million—that’s a lot of gym memberships and personal training sessions. Squid’s colleague did not hear back from Sahba, and the gym appears to be defunct. Meanwhile, Squid will quietly go back to a gentle stretching routine and do Squid’s best to keep Squid’s resolutions for 2025, including paying those pesky bills. Same Difference…Squid understands that brand identity is important. After all, Squid has a reputation for snarkiness to maintain— and a logo to match. But Squid also knows that brand loyalty can really last. For example, Monterey County Weekly recently added Monterey County Now, the name of its digital side, as its overall brand identity; however, some longtime readers still refer to the paper as Coast Weekly, a long-past name. So when Squid learned that Monterey Bay F.C. had launched a rebrand “following several years of deliberation,” Squid expected something big. The club is just entering its fourth season. But it took Squid a few minutes to realize that the brand was indeed different. The crest retains the same shape and colors. The biggest changes Squid noticed was that the team nickname—The Union—has been dropped from the crest, and the club now identifies as Monterey Bay FC, sans periods. A press release from MBFC suggests there was a trademark issue with the old brand. That it could be solved by deleting a couple of punctuation marks must have come as a relief to club executives. Indeed, MBFC President Mike DiGiulio was quoted as being “extremely excited” about a look that “will help us further our brand as a whole.” Squid isn’t sure whether fans will pick up on the difference or not—did anyone ever even notice two tiny dots, and will anyone miss them? the local spin SQUID FRY THE MISSION OF MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY IS TO INSPIRE INDEPENDENT THINKING AND CONSCIOUS ACTION, ETC. It was a false claim, there was no scandal. Send Squid a tip: squid@montereycountynow.com
14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JANUARY 9-15, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com Long Live the Legacy A former colleague and friend reflects on the continued relevance of Jimmy Carter’s impact. By Jim Copeland FORUM The last time I spent time with former president Jimmy Carter was 2019 in Nashville, for the occasion of President and Rosalynn Carter’s 36th Habitat for Humanity work project. With the onset of the Covid pandemic a few months later, it would be their final Habitat work project. In Nashville, the Carters and 1,000 volunteers built 21 new homes. President Carter, then 95, arrived with a black eye, the result of a fall which required 14 stitches. Undeterred, he traveled the same afternoon and participated in opening ceremonies for the build. I saw Carter’s exceptional work ethic many times over the years. My introduction to the Carter political operation took place in 1976 when I coordinated the Carter-Mondale general election campaign in Northern California. The enthusiasm in the campaign was incredible. Hundreds of volunteers walked precincts; thousands gathered to view a debate against Gerald Ford. In 1977 I joined the Carter Administration at the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, then moved to the White House Congressional Liaison office in 1978, where I had a firsthand view of the president’s legislative efforts on Capitol Hill. Though not widely recognized at the time, Carter’s legislative success scorecard was amazing—it has not been equaled since. One of my jobs was preparation of a weekly legislative report for the president, a summary of the prior week’s activity as well as a look ahead to the coming week. In those reports, we documented the successes and the failures. Wins far outnumbered losses. Congressional Quarterly reported 76.6 percent of Carter’s initiatives were passed by Congress. The victories included establishing two Cabinet-level departments, Energy and Education, and reform of the civil service system. Many industries, including airlines, trucking and railroads, were deregulated. With passage of Alaska Lands legislation in 1980, Carter achieved the largest expansion of protected lands in history, doubling the size of the National Park system. As staff, we worked long hours and only later did we understand that in our desire to implement the president’s agenda, we spent too little time touting his accomplishments. Carter was also not inclined to take time to talk about his achievements. The end result: We did not tell our story well. Biographies written in recent years by Jonathan Alter, Stuart Eizenstat and Kai Bird have done much to fill in gaps in public awareness of his record. With time, the reassessment has continued and Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29 at age 100, is being recognized not only for his post-presidential work with the Carter Center and beyond, but as a hugely consequential president. I am thankful to have been afforded the opportunity to work for and know him. Jim Copeland served as Deputy Assistant for Congressional Liaison in the Carter White House. He served on the board of Habitat for Humanity International, at Carter’s suggestion, from 19982006. He lived in Carmel Valley from 2011-23. OPINION His legislative success scorecard was amazing. ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES Stop By To Shop And Find Your Vintage Treasure OVER 100 DEALERS 21,000 SQUARE FEET The Largest Antiques and Collectibles Mall on the Central Coast 471 WAVE STREET MONTEREY (831) 655-0264 P M canneryrowantiquemall.com Open Daily 11am-6pm ’24 Voted Monterey County's Best Antique Shop ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ Baccarat FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • Gega-003846, Gega-Gega-003703, Gega-000889 Gega-000891 Gega-002838 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play
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