APRIL 10-16, 2025 MONTEREYCOUNTYNOW.COM LOCAL & INDEPENDENT SALINAS BACKPEDALS ON RENT CONTROL 10 | SECOND (CITY) TO NONE 34 | BLOODY MARY MIX-IT-UP 43 FIRST PLACE GENERAL EXCELLENCE • 2024 CA JOURNALISM AWARDS • One of the biggest biking events in the world is here. For some, preparing for the Sea Otter Classic never ends. p. 20 THE LONG GRIND Life Time Sea Otter Classic 2025
INSIDER SQUID SAYS: SUPPORT LOCAL & INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM Join your neighbors and become an INSIDER HOW TO JOIN Go online at insider.montereycountynow.com Or by mail: 668 Williams Ave., Seaside, CA 93955 Your contribution level: $500 $150 $50 $20 $15 $10 Other $_ ______ Contribution schedule: Monthly (dollar match special) Annual One-time Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_ ______________________________________________________________________ City, State_ ____________________________________________________________________ Email_ __________________________________ Phone________________________________ May we include your name in public acknowledgements? Yes How would you like your name to appear?__________________________________________ No, I would prefer to be anonymous Payment: Credit card number_ ____________________________________________________________ Expiration date __________________________CVV code_ _____________________________ Name/Billing address (if different from above)_ _____________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ In the media landscape of today, the Weekly and NOW rely on reader support to fulfill our mission. We’re thrilled that 3,641 readers have already supported us with financial contributions. Thank you. These are your friends and neighbors, and you can join them by scanning the QR code below. This is a group that has earned the moniker Weekly Insiders. We’d like you to consider joining them and help us grow this community. If you become a Weekly Insider before the end of April, your first month’s contribution will be matched, dollar for dollar. But wait, there’s more: If you join before the end of April at the $15-per-month level (or above!) we’ll send you a stylish “Totally Locally” Squid reusable shopping bag with our sincere appreciation. Please help us reach our goal of 400 new Insiders in April DOLLAR MATCH SPECIAL Sign up as a monthly supporter by April 30 and your first month’s donation will be matched dollar for dollar. 2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 10-16, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com
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4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 10-16, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com APRIL 10-16, 2025 • ISSUE #1915 • ESTABLISHED IN 1988 Kevin Jewell iPhone SE2) After a busy day, the avian-themed paddle boats (and a few dragons) at Lake El Estero in Monterey take a rest. MONTEREY COUNTY PHOTO OF THE WEEK Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: Riders compete on the downhill course at the 2023 Life Time Sea Otter Classic. Such races are among the full slate of events scheduled for this year’s event, taking place April 10-13 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Fort Ord National Monument. 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. Subscribe to the newsletter @ montereycountynow.com/subscribe Go to montereycountynow.com We Deliver… NEWS • ARTS • ENTERTAINMENT FOOD • DRINK • CALENDAR Local news everyday
www.montereycountynow.com APRIL 10-16, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 Thinking about changing your healthcare plan? If you are considering a change in insurance coverage, make sure you are fully informed about costs, trade-offs and limitations. Consistently earning awards and recognition for high quality. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Salinas Valley Health accepts: Aetna Anthem Blue Cross Aspire Blue Shield of California Central California Alliance for Health Cigna Coastal Health Administrators Community Health Plan First Health Health Net Health Smart/InterPlan: Humana Choice Care MultiPlan Pacific Health Alliance Private Healthcare Systems, Inc. Three Rivers Provider Network TriCare TriWest UnitedHealthcare • Some plans may limit access to emergency care, urgent care and maternity services. • Some plans restrict which hospitals you can visit, impacting how far you may have to travel. • Some plans restrict access to physicians, limiting which providers will be covered on your plan. Scan the QR code to search for locations and services. Our team at Salinas Valley Health provides exceptional and compassionate healthcare. Our multifaceted healthcare system includes more than 300 board-certified physicians with expertise in a broad range of specialties. With a network of 46 locations in the tri-county area, our patients have access to emergency care, acute care, routine services, imaging and specialty care right here close to home.
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 10-16, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH President Donald Trump’s attacks on the media are happening at a near-daily clip, but are Americans hearing about it? According to a new survey by Pew Research Center, about 36 percent of Americans reported hearing “a lot” about the administration’s relationship with the media. But a similar survey from Pew in March 2017, during the initial months of Trump’s first term, found 72 percent heard “a lot” about the relationship. The 2025 study was based on a survey of 5,123 adults, with nearly a fifth saying they’ve heard “nothing at all.” More people, however, are tuning into political news, according to the study, which found that 71 percent are following the news, compared to 66 percent during the first year of the Joe Biden administration. “People across party lines and across age groups are paying attention to political news,” Pew’s senior researcher Elisa Shearer said. “They might be getting it in different ways. There might be a slight decline over a long period of time in how much people say they’re paying attention. But people are still tuning in.” Good: Coastal Kids Home Care begins its 20th year with a newly expanded headquarters. Thanks to a $250,000 donation from Silicon Valley billionaire couple Valeta and T.J. Rodgers, the Rodgers Center for Children’s Health in Salinas now has two more counseling rooms and an expanded physical and occupational therapy room. Coastal Kids provides in-home pediatric health services for children dealing with an injury or short-term illness, chronic conditions or developmental delays, and those needing end-of-life care. It currently serves children from King City to Mountain View, and plans to expand its range so it can reach patients within a four-hour radius. “We are proud to support the important work of Coastal Kids,” T.J. Rodgers said in a press release. “The care they provide is truly a lifeline to families facing daunting challenges who often have no other place to turn.” GREAT: It’s a great week five years deferred for the Monterey Peninsula Gospel Community Choir, which is preparing to travel to Europe after a 2020 pandemic cancellation. About 55 members of the group leave on April 25 for Amsterdam and Stockholm for the Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Global, during which they will perform for other gospel groups as well as join a global group of 2,000 voices or more. “It’s great to see people embracing a genre that was born here in the U.S.,” says Director John Nash, Jr. “It’s a huge honor to be asked to sing.” Great news for local fans arrives on Saturday, April 12 from 5-6:30pm (doors open at 4:30pm) in the form of a bon voyage concert; it’s a chance to hear these uplifting voices at Carmel Presbyterian Church, located at Junipero Street and Ocean Avenue in Carmel. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY The total number of calls for service to the Monterey Police Department in 2024. By comparison, Seaside Police had the second-most calls for service on the Monterey Peninsula at 36,199 that same year. Source: Monterey Police Department 45,328 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Even if it’s my 15 minutes of fame, I am going to celebrate that as much as possible.” -Jesús Ruvalcaba of Salinas, who pitched his Paper Tacos business on Shark Tank (see story, montereycountynow.com).
www.montereycountynow.com APRIL 10-16, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 7 Photo by Kevin Lohman Photography Preserving the lands, waters, and wildlife of Elkhorn Slough elkhornslough.org/forever One of California’s last great coastal wetlands, Elkhorn Slough is still under threat. Learn more about how you can preserve and restore Elkhorn Slough for generations to come. Elkhorn Forever
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 10-16, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com 831 “Let’s take a detour and pay our respects to Comanche.” Pedaling an e-bike, Jeff Lindenthal stretches his arm to his left, signaling a turn to Trail 14 from the intersection of Jerry Smith Corridor and Watkins Gate Road that leads to the gravesite of the former Fort Ord’s last ceremonial horse. The detour is no more than a few minutes of winding through a single-track trail, still slightly soggy from the rains of the previous week on this mid-March morning. Comanche’s grave is marked by a picket fence, with a framed photo of her and Sgt. Allan MacDonald from 1983, along with her four horseshoes nailed to a post under a sign that spells out her name. The grave is near the former parade fields, and adjacent to a long concrete trough where war horses got their drinks. It was probably her favorite spot on the former Army base. Dotted throughout the ground are recently bloomed yellow flowers, surrounding the grave and a bench that bears MacDonald’s name almost like a ground cover. Lindenthal pulls out his phone and opens the Seek app, and as he hovers it over the plants, their name is revealed: Footsteps of spring. It was the last day of winter, and signs of spring were everywhere on Fort Ord National Monument: vernal pools are building up along the trails, while other native plants are beginning to bloom, one of which prompted Lindenthal to stop his bike on a downhill portion of a trail to identify the brilliant red warrior’s plume popping up along an embankment. Lindenthal and his wife, Melissa Smedley, are leading this Weekly reporter on a tour of Fort Ord National Monument by e-bike. The Corral de Tierra couple are the owners of VineCycle, offering regular tours of the former Fort Ord as well as vineyards in Paso Robles. The two-hour tour, which is permitted by the Bureau of Land Management and County of Monterey, covers about 12 miles of terrain. There are some hills and sharp turns, but they are easily gobbled up by the capabilities of the Specialized Tero hardtail mountain e-bike. E-bikes in particular make biking Fort Ord accessible to all—whether they are in good biking shape or not. One steep hill on Hennekens Ranch Road, for example, was effortless in sixth gear, thanks to the highest level of assist on the bike (known as a Class 1 e-bike, the electric motor assists pedaling up to 20mph). Lindenthal and Smedley started VineCycle in 2021, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, where outdoor activities offered a safe escape for people holed up indoors to prevent the spread of the disease. The husband-and-wife duo are “bike people,” Smedley says, noting that they met each other while on a bike tour. Their interest in history, agriculture and the natural environment, coupled with their love of bikes, were the perfect combination for a business. “Bikes have always been part of our life,” she says. “There’s never a bad day out here in Fort Ord.” Smedley notes the tours are tailored to the group. If the group isn’t interested in the military history (which has plenty of stories to share, such as when Jimi Hendrix completed his Army training at Fort Ord), the guides will shift to describing the vast diversity of flora and fauna on the 28,000-acre property (Smedley is particularly fond of the ramalina, a lichen that hangs from the oak trees). On their tours, Lindenthal and Smedley come across many people, especially locals, who say they have never visited the national monument, despite living in the area their whole lives. The tour guides use their knowledge of the area to introduce people to the incredible natural resource that is right in their backyard. “Bikes have a way of bringing out the best in people,” Lindenthal says. “The opportunity to share the joy of cycling in an incredible open space, and also share stories, is really rewarding and worthwhile.” VineCycle guided e-bike tours of Fort Ord National Monument are available on a regular basis. For information, visit vinecycletours.com or call 901-6931. Scenic Cycling An e-bike tour of the former Fort Ord brings the military and natural history of the area to life. By Erik Chalhoub Jeff Lindenthal (in the lead) and Melissa Smedley (at the rear) lead a tour of Fort Ord National Monument. The owners of VineCycle love to introduce the monument to locals and visitors alike. “There’s never a bad day out here in Fort Ord.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE DANIEL DREIFUSS Call today to get your message into this annual glossy magazine celebrating our delicious county. FOOD AND DRINK IN MONTEREY COUNTY THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BEST OF MONTEREY BAY® Eat+Drink Published by Best of Monterey Bay® Eat+Drink 2024-2025 | FREE cover_E+D_24.indd 1 4/19/24 11:49 AM ADVERTISING DEADLINE: April 14 PUBLICATION DATE: May 2 FOR MORE INFO: 831-394-5656 sales@montereycountynow.com
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10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 10-16, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com NEWS When a political party loses a major national election, they go into the so-called wilderness, a place to recalibrate and assess what went right, and more importantly, what went wrong. The hope is to emerge with a better understanding of the electorate and how to reach them, correct for the missteps and come up with a plan to win the next one. On a local level, that dynamic has less salience— about two-thirds of county voters swing Democratic and one-third swing Republican. But nonetheless, the Monterey County Democratic Central Committee has pulled up its stakes at its office at 1238 Fremont Blvd. in Seaside. Taped inside the front door is now a paper sign for “The People’s Center for Progressive Change,” and a phone number for the Monterey area chapter of the Progressive Democrats of America. Ian Oglesby, the central committee president, says the board decided in January not to extend its lease at the property, and that it’s “taking a break” from having a physical location and is “really trying to make sure we’re dispersing our advocacy throughout the county.” That’s already started, he says—the board’s last meeting was held in Salinas— and the plan is to also reach into South and North County so that the party is “getting close to all of our constituents.” Alan Haffa, president of the local Progressives’ chapter, says the group hopes to stay for at least a year so that there can continue to be a place for Democrats to gather. “That function is really important, and given what’s going on in the country right now, it feels more important,” Haffa says. “People are experiencing a lot of fear and uncertainty.” Signs of Change The Monterey County Democrats vacated their office in Seaside, and Progressives moved in. By David Schmalz Last year, Salinas became the first city in Monterey County to pass a rent stabilization ordinance. “Today is a historic moment for our city, and it’s a positive change driven by the community,” then-Councilmember Anthony Rocha said on Sept. 24. But the effort could be short-lived. Rocha was ousted in the November election. A slate of five councilmembers who voiced opposition to the policy, setting a 2.75-percent annual cap on rent increases, were elected. On March 25, the council showed interest in bringing rent stabilization and the city’s rental registry, established in 2022, back for discussion. Jose Luis Barajas led the way followed by Margaret D’Arrigo, Aurelio Salazar Jr. and Gloria De La Rosa. Councilmember Andrew Sandoval, who voted in favor of the ordinance, says it’s unfortunate fellow council members want to quash it: “It’ll be a setback. People are already struggling to pay rent.” He believes the policy should be in place for at least a year to collect data and check if rent stabilization is working or not. Barajas says waiting isn’t an option when there is housing scarcity, voicing concerns that the ordinance could stall new construction and drive owners to sell rental units. “We don’t have to wait for it to become a bigger problem in order to actually do something about it,” he says. According to a report to Salinas City Council last year by Oaklandbased consultant Economic & Planning Systems Inc., “moderate rent stabilization policies with exemptions for new construction find little to no effect on new housing supply.” Barajas says the city should follow state law, which caps annual rent increases at 10 percent, and it should shift its focus and resources to making sure landlords are following it. Salinas’ rent stabilization ordinance took effect on Jan. 1, impacting nearly 19 percent of units currently on the market—it applies only to multi-family residences built before Feb. 1, 1995, per the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, passed by California voters that year. Renters and landlords have continued to come forward to speak for and against the policy. Three points of contention for landlords are the 2.75-percent increase cap; relocation assistance of three months’ of rent for just-cause evictions; and a rental registry that requires landlords to register units with the city to create a local database to track housing stock. (According to Lisa Brinton, community development director, only about 30 percent have registered as of March 25. The deadline to register a rental without penalty fees was March 31.) “I strongly urge for the full repeal of the rental registry and rent stabilization ordinance. This policy does not create affordability, it creates barriers,” Mike Handley, owner of Town ‘N Country Realty, told council on March 25. Nidia Soto is an organizer with Building Healthy Communities, a nonprofit that helped organize residents to advocate for the ordinance. She said in Spanish the ordinance has benefited several families in the city and it has improved their mental health and financial stability noting they “aren’t always worried they will get high rent increases.” The council is set to discuss the issue on Tuesday, April 22. Options range from keeping it in place, to modifying it, to repealing it entirely. Salinas City Councilmember Jose Luis Barajas in front of a Madeira Avenue apartment building he says the owner intends to sell because of rent control. Rent or Own Salinas City Council revisits a rent stabilization ordinance passed last year, eyeing a repeal. By Celia Jiménez There’s now a dark gray circle on the building where the “Center for Change” sign was previously affixed. A paper sign in the door now reads “The People’s Center for Progressive Change.” “It’ll be a setback. People are already struggling.” CELIA JIMÉNEZ DAVID SCHMALZ
www.montereycountynow.com APRIL 10-16, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 Mistress of Ceremonies, Erin Clark News Anchor, KSBW Action News 8 JOIN US! $75 per person Sponsorships Available Purchase tickets online by May 2, 2025: give.cfmco.org/WomensFund2025 Questions? 831.375.9712 • events@cfmco.org 18th Annual WOMEN’S FUND LUNCHEON Friday, May 16, 2025 11:00 a.m. Networking Reception • 12-1:30 p.m. Program Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel And Spa Strength. Resiliency. Hope. TICKETS: The Women’s Fund invests in women and girls now for a better future for us all. A conversation with artist and author René Romero Schuler Don’t miss this inspiring and uplifting event. Proceeds benefit grants and scholarships for local women and girls. HEATABLE EATABLES! ELROY’S PRESENTS @ELROYSFINEFOODS WWW.ELROYSFINEFOODS.COM 15 SOLEDAD DRIVE (831) 373-3737 MONTEREY, CA 93940 ALOHA APRIL A HAWAIIAN FEAST! TICKET=$140 EACH (1 TICKET SERVES TWO PEOPLE) To place your order visit www.elroysfinefoods.com or scan this QR CODE! Quantities are limited, so order soon! From Elroy’s Fine Foods Executive Chef & Culinary Director David Hardie A pre-ordered, fully prepared meal to heat & eat at home. Offered on the last Thursday of every month. GLOBALLY INSPIRED & LOCALLY SOURCED TUNA POKE raw tuna diced and seasoned with soy, macadamia, and Monterey Bay Seaweeds ogo (GF, DF, CONTAINS FISH, NUTS, SOY, SEEDS) SAIMIN noodle soup with kimchi broth, egg, ham & vegetables (DF, CONTAINS FISH, SHELLFISH, GLUTEN, SOY) HONOLULU MACARONI SALAD creamy & tangy with a little bit of heat (DF, CONTAINS GLUTEN, SOY, EGG) SWEET & SOUR VEGETABLES mixed vegetables & pineapple in a sweet & sour sauce (GF, DF, VEGAN, CONTAINS SOY) KALUA PORK seasoned with soy and slow roasted in banana leaves served with white rice (GF, DF, CONTAINS SOY) HULI HULI CHICKEN grilled & basted with a tropical bbq sauce (GF, DF, CONTAINS SOY) PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE vanilla cake topped with caramelized pineapple (VEGETARIAN, CONTAINS GLUTEN, DAIRY, EGG) All items will also be available à la carte for purchase at the Prepared Foods counter on Thursday, 4/24 until sold out! *ORDER BY: THURSDAY, APRIL 17TH PICK UP: THURSDAY, APRIL 24TH NEXT MONTH: JAMAICAN MAY CRAZY! *
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 10-16, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com Three weeks after California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas released a letter requesting nominations, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors decided on three names to nominate for an open seat on one of the most powerful land-use agencies in the country: the California Coastal Commission. The supervisors unanimously nominated District 3 County Supervisor Chris Lopez, Santa Cruz County Supervisor (and current chair of the Coastal Commission) Justin Cummings and Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson to represent the Central Coast region, which includes San Mateo, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. The last opportunity to vie for this seat was roughly two years ago, in 2023, when Lopez nominated himself but lost the post to Cummings who was chosen by then-Speaker Anthony Rendon to finish the last two years of the current term. Cummings’ term is set to expire in May. Despite a few comments to the board on March 25 arguing the representative should be located on the coast, Lopez’s reasoning remains the same today as two years ago—that representation of inland communities is crucial in the development and regulation of the coastline. “The public comment that was made saying that only people from the coast should have a seat at the table is the very reason I put my name,” Lopez says. “I disagree with that assumption and I think that is harmful to California where we share resources, we share the coast.” Twelve voting members make up the Coastal Commission: six public members and six elected officials, who work in collaboration with coastal cities and counties to oversee and regulate the use of land and water along the state’s 1,100-mile coastline. Four commissioners are appointed each by the governor, the Senate Rules Committee and the Speaker of the Assembly. The last time Monterey County had a seat on the Commission was in 2009, when former Carmel Mayor Dave Potter lost his seat after 12 years. Since becoming speaker in June 2023, this is the first time Rivas has had the opportunity to appoint a commissioner from his home region. “The speaker could have just appointed someone, but he wanted to get other options,” County Supervisor Luis Alejo says. “You don’t have to be an elected official in a coastal district to serve on the Coastal Commission.” He adds that the first-ever Latina to serve on the Coastal Commission was Lily Cervantes, an attorney from Salinas: “There is precedent.” Pacifica Senior Living, the for-profit owner of two senior communities on the Monterey Peninsula, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of California last month with a long list of creditors waiting to be paid, including at least one local family and a Monterey contractor. What will happen to the two communities—The Park Lane in Monterey and Pacific Grove Senior Living in P.G., and the hundreds of senior citizens living there—should the bankruptcy go through is unknown. Pacifica has been the subject of numerous complaints at both facilities, as well as facilities it owns across California. It owns over 80 facilities nationally and is listed as the 12th largest operator in the U.S. by industry group Argentum. Pacifica filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on March 24, listing 70 creditors in multiple states with estimated liabilities of between $10 million and $50 million. In Chapter 7, a judge may appoint a bankruptcy trustee to gather and sell assets to pay off debts. The person or entity filing the bankruptcy case could ask the court to exempt some assets from being sold. Some of what Pacifica owes stems from court judgments worth millions of dollars, including cases where the company was found negligent for residents’ care. At the top of the creditor list is a family that recently won a $23 million judgement in the wrongful death of an 81-year-old resident at a Bakersfield facility. (Pacifica is currently being sued for damages in the alleged wrongful death of a Park Lane resident after a fall on the property in 2023.) Also on the creditor list is California Premier Restoration, located in Monterey. The company sued Pacifica last year for $3,600 in small claims court, stating Pacifica refused to pay them for mold remediation work. CPR was awarded $1,500. A meeting of creditors is scheduled to take place in U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday, April 29. Coast View County supervisors select nominees for a California Coastal Commission seat. By Katie Rodriguez NEWS SAFE SPACE Maria Alcantar has been through the worst: Her 6-year-old son, Azahel Cruz, was murdered in 2010. She is the featured speaker at this event marking Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Noon-1pm Friday, April 11. Monterey County Superior Courthouse courtyard, 142 W. Alisal St., Salinas. Free. 7555072, facebook.com/montereyda. LIFE READY The City of Soledad, which has been selected to participate in a workforce development program of the National Recreation and Park Association, hosts an interactive event for people ages 16-23 to provide training on life skills, such as financial literacy and résumé building. A job fair follows the sessions. 9:30am-1:30pm (sessions), 1:303:30pm (job fair) Saturday, April 12. Soledad Community Center, 560 Walker St., Soledad. Free. 223-5250, bit.ly/SoledadSurvivalGuide. TALKING IT THROUGH With the political divide destroying relationships, Braver Angels hosts a workshop to help families handle differences in a constructive way. 2-5pm Sunday, April 13. Oldemeyer Center, Blackhorse Room, 986 Hilby Ave., Seaside. Free. braverangels.org. MEET THE DOULA Expecting and new parents are invited to meet local birth and postpartum doulas to learn more. 2:30-3:30pm Sunday, April 13. Marina library, 190 Seaside Circle, Marina. Free. bit.ly/MeettheDoula. DESIGN DAY The City of Marina is embarking on a process to develop an inclusive playground for children of all abilities. A representative from Playgrounds by Leathers and Associates will be present at a kickoff event with food, games and prizes. 6:30pm Monday, April 14. Community Center, 211 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. Free. 884-1278, cityofmarina.org. COASTAL CONVERSATION The County Housing and Community Development Department hosts a meeting to discuss a proposal to address potential climate change hazards within Moss Landing. The public is invited to share feedback. 6pm Tuesday, April 15. Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, 8272 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing or virtually at bit.ly/MLPlanZoom. Free. 7845731, countyofmonterey.gov. FIRE SAFE Hayward Lumber hosts a presentation on enhancing fire safety in homes and buildings. 11:30am-1:30pm Wednesday, April 16. Hayward Lumber, 1140 Sunset Drive, Pacific Grove. Free. 373-1326, haywardlumber.com. Debt Worth Pacifica Senior Living files for bankruptcy in the face of mounting bills and legal awards. By Pam Marino Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas has until May 18 to appoint a Central Coast representative to the California Coastal Commission, or ask for other nominees. E-MAIL: toolbox@montereycountynow.com TOOLBOX “We share the coast.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
www.montereycountynow.com APRIL 10-16, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 Mother’s Day SUNDAY, MAY 11th | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Celebrate Mom in style with an elegant Mother’s Day Buffet at Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa.Treat her to a decadent dining experience featuring a lavish selection of chef-curated dishes, fresh seafood, gourmet entrées, and delectable desserts. There will also be fun activities available such as create your own Mother’s Day Cards and a festive banner to take family photos in front of. $125 ADULTS $49 CHILDREN (Ages 6-13) Free for children under 6.Tax and service charge not included. Pricing for children adjusted upon arrival, kindly book for the total seats desired. RESERVATIONS (831) 645-4058 Bu et EASTER Join us for a delightful Easter celebration featuring exquisite coastal cuisine, thoughtfully prepared by Executive Chef Michael Rotondo. Enjoy festive drinks and fine wines available as enhancements to make the occasion even more special. The Easter Bunny will be there to spread joy, along with tasty treats. There will also be a kids' buffet, exciting egg hunts, and plenty of fun activities for the little ones. SUNDAY,APRIL 20th | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM RESERVATIONS $125 for adults| $49 for children (ages 6-13) Free for children under 6.Tax and service charge not included. Pricing for children adjusted upon arrival, kindly book for the total seats desired.
14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 10-16, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com How many years does it take to build a subdivision? A quarter-century after one large residential project on the Highway 68 corridor was approved, it’s back for another vote. Harper Canyon Realty LLC has been pursuing the project since 2001. It would divide a 344-acre parcel into two: one 164-acre area with 17 lots ranging in size from 5 to over 23 acres, and a separate 180-acre remainder parcel. On Tuesday, April 15, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors will consider whether the project now meets specific environmental requirements outlined by the Sixth District Court of Appeal in 2021. Following the board’s approval of the project in 2015, the County and the developer faced a series of lawsuits alleging the project did not adequately address concerns over the impacts of traffic, noise, biological and aesthetic impacts, and issues related to groundwater resources. The reports had stated the project was in the El Toro Groundwater Basin, which Monterey County Superior Court Judge Thomas Wills found does not exist. While the courts mostly sided with the County, they said that Harper had to redo its environmental impact report and provide more information about the project’s groundwater impacts, which started years of appeals and back-and-forths. In 2021, the Sixth District Court of Appeal found the County’s analysis of groundwater resources adequate, but set aside the project approval due to the failure to address wildlife corridors. Before any more work could be done, the court ordered that another environmental impact report be completed to adequately assess the impact on wildlife. The County hired Denise Duffy & Associates to prepare a supplemental EIR focusing on the impacts of the project on wildlife corridors, which was then released for public comment in March and April of 2024. According to a wildlife camera-trapping study conducted in November 2023, 21 species—including bobcats, foxes, coyotes and mountain lions—were found utilizing this corridor, as well as a number of animals that were near El Toro Creek. While the report states that impacts to wildlife can be mitigated, a variety of agencies and local environmental and community groups disagree. In a letter, Julia Vance from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife wrote, “It is unclear whether the mitigation measure described will be enforceable or sufficient in reducing impacts to a level that is less than significant.” Other letters submitted in response to the study include those from Pathways for Wildlife, the Meyer Community Group—a group of homeowners in the area—and the Big Sur Land Trust. Richard Rosenthal, an attorney for the Meyer Community Group, says, “This project is going to have a lot of difficulty building out without impacting the corridor.” Attorneys representing Harper Canyon Realty LLC did not respond to requests for comment by the Weekly’s deadline. Wild Ground After 24 years, a controversial Harper Canyon subdivision comes back for a vote. By Katie Rodriguez The Harper Canyon site is located along the Highway 68 corridor, off San Benancio Road, and is bordered to the east and south by Toro County Park. Less than a mile north is Fort Ord National Monument. NEWS “It is unclear whether the measures will be sufficient.” DENISE DUFFY & ASSOCIATES VIA COUNTY OF MONTEREY Monterey County Bank’s 12-month CD Offering Grow your savings with a secure 12-month Certificate of Deposit at 4% Interest Rate. 4% Interest Rate / 4.07% APY* Minimum Deposit: $100,000 Opening Your CD Is Easy! Visit any of our locations or call our branch managers for assistance: Carmel Valley: Nam Nguyen, Branch Manager Salinas: Diana McColl, Branch Manager Monterey: Karen Speed, Branch Manager Pacific Grove: Simi Johnson, Branch Manager montereycountybank.com *APY info: The annual percentage yield assumes interest will remain on deposit until maturity. A withdrawal will reduce earnings. Early Withdrawal Penalty: If your Account has not matured, any withdrawal of all or part of the funds from your Account may result in an early withdrawal penalty. Available to new funds only. Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of 2/18/2025. 2020 INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS AND INTERVIEWS TO BE HELD AT 2:00 PM AT THESE LOCATIONS THE SUPERIOR COURT URGES YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN IMPROVING YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT! Greenfield Tuesday May 12 Monterey Wednesday May 13 www.monterey.courts.ca.gov/grandjury (831) 775-5400 Extension 3014 Salinas Thursday May 14 Monterey Courthouse Wednesday, May 7 at 2:00 pm Salinas Courthouse Thursday, May 8 at 2:00 pm King City Courthouse Friday, May 9 at 10:30 am www.monterey.courts.ca.gov/general-information/grand-jury (831) 775-5400 Extension 3014 The 2025–2026 Civil Grand Jury Needs You! 2025 INFORMATIONAL SESSION AND INTERVIEWS TO BE HELD AT THESE LOCATIONS
www.montereycountynow.com APRIL 10-16, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15 In the fight against climate change, there is no silver bullet that can put the existential threat to rest. Rather, it will require a combination of countless, incremental projects and innovations that each chip away at our greenhouse gas emissions or fossil fuel dependence. Those projects are not always flashy. In the case of ReGen Monterey—the agency that manages the solid waste of the Monterey Peninsula—they can look as simple as a pipe sticking out of the ground with a hose attached to it, and then attached to that hose, an electronic control box powered by a small solar panel next to it. This little electronic control box measures the amounts and types of gases coming out of the landfill, and every three hours, can make automatic adjustments to the pipe’s valve to optimize the quantity and quality of the gas captured, which is then turned to energy. Absent the control box, manually adjusting the valves in all 100 wellheads takes two days. Last June, this little control box was installed on 18 of the 100 wellheads at ReGen’s landfill as part of a pilot project with LoCI Controls, a technology company that specializes in capturing methane and reducing emissions from landfills. The pilot project was supposed to last a year, but it proved so successful from the outset that in January, ReGen’s board approved spending $828,187 to automate the entire wellfield. David Ramirez, ReGen’s director of engineering, estimates that automating those 18 wells for seven months captured the equivalent emissions of taking over 2,000 cars off the road for a year. LoCI devices to automate the entire wellfield were installed in March. The annual emission capture with the upgrade is estimated to be equivalent to taking 13,000 vehicles off the road for a year. The upgrade is also going to provide ReGen with more, and better-quality gas to send to its power plant, which has 5-megawatt capacity. (ReGen uses 1 megawatt to power its operations and sells the rest as electricity to PG&E for over $1 million annually.) Better-quality gas means the four engines at ReGen’s power plant will require less maintenance, Ramirez says. Even still, about half of the methane ReGen captures is flared off and not turned into energy because the power plant is at capacity. Decisions facing the board going forward include whether to invest in upgrading the plant to allow for more capacity, as well as potentially building infrastructure to convert the methane into renewable natural gas that could then be sold to PG&E at a higher price than electricity. And already, a project is in the works to put in an electrical line to connect ReGen’s power plant to Monterey One Water’s adjacent advanced water purification facility. That’s expected to come online in August or September, Ramirez says, and will allow ReGen to sell energy directly to M1W—ReGen will get a higher sale price, and M1W will get a lower energy bill. “It’s a win-win,” says Zoe Shoats, ReGen’s communications director. Catch and Sell Recent upgrades at ReGen Monterey’s landfill will make it state-of-the-art in methane capture. By David Schmalz All of the wellheads at ReGen Monterey’s landfill wellfield got LoCI devices installed in March, and they became operational in April, meaning the entire gas capture system is now automated. NEWS It is equivalent to taking 13,000 vehicles off the road for a year. ERIC PALMER/REGEN MONTEREY Two Portola Plaza Monterey, CA 93940 (831) 649-4511 portolahotel.com EASTER BRUNCH and egg hunt SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 2025 10AM TO 2PM $89.95 Adults $74.95 Seniors (over 65) $29.95 Children 12 & under Under 5 free Prices exclude tax and gratuity 20% Service charge for all parties Meet the Easter Bunny from 10AM to 1PM Easter Egg Hunt at 10AM & 12PM Dave Conley on the Piano from 10AM to 3PM Traditional Breakfast Including Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bake, Eggs Benedict & more Displays Including Wild King Salmon, Ahi Tuna with Wakame, Cheese Tortellini, California Cheeses & Cured Meats & more Carving Station Maple Glazed Pit Ham Prime Rib with Creamed Horseradish Desserts Pastries, Scones & Carrot Muffins Strawberry Short Cake Apple Crisp Truffles, Petit Fours & Holiday Cookies Kids Macaroni & Cheese, Grilled Chicken Fingers, Ranch Dressing, Sun Chips, Apple Slices, Grapes & Baby Carrots
16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 10-16, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com PEOPLE POWER Wow, it’s a virtue signaling party (“Thousands of demonstrators voice their opposition to Trump in Monterey; hundreds protest in Salinas,” posted April 5). I bet that really made a difference. Justin Wilcomb | via social media Worthless. Anno Buich | via social media It doesn’t say anything to any of us except the amount of hypocrites around. Absolutely ridiculous. Kelly Lynn Clark | via social media POWER STRUGGLE This is disgusting (“Six pardoned Jan. 6 insurrectionists speak to an audience of about 30 in Salinas,” posted April 4). They assaulted our Capitol and attempted a coup on our government. It was wrong for them to be pardoned and it’s wrong to give them a platform and encourage the lies that led them to act on Jan. 6, 2021. Kris Hamlet-Esler | Salinas My father was a sheriff’s deputy from Salinas. My uncle, chief of police of Pacific Grove. My great grandfather, a New York cop. Any one of them would be appalled at the indecency of celebrating criminals who assaulted police officers. Pat McAnaney | via social media Thank God everyday for our wonderful President Trump and his decision to free the innocent people. Cheryl Brott | King City Shame on the people who hosted this event (“Third venue cancels event featuring six pardoned Jan. 6 insurrectionists,” posted April 3). People committed felonies and were pardoned. This is appalling. Arlene Allan | via social media Wow. So much for supporting free thinking and freedom of speech. Shame on you, Monterey County Weekly. Alice Wik-Crosby | Monterey I take great comfort in the fact that the Presidio of Monterey Garrison Commander did not let this happen on Presidio property (“Association of Monterey Bay Conservatives event hosting Jan. 6 insurrectionists is canceled again,” posted April 1). A leader with less courage and integrity could have easily dragged their feet and allowed the event to be held, but he caught wind of the event, acted decisively, and did the right thing. I hope that military leaders across the services use his actions as an example of how to support and defend the Constitution. Michael Nevares | via social media At least three venues ended up doing the right thing and not giving these violent insurrectionists a platform to spread their BS. Celia Madison | Monterey Insurrectionists are not welcome here. Go back to jail. Phil Candreva | via social media FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE I was happy to read this wonderfully thorough article detailing the history of this precious local resource and the efforts that have gone into preserving its history for future generations to enjoy (“The historic lighthouse at Point Sur is without its main feature, despite volunteer efforts to return the powerful lens,” April 3-9). A big thank you to Katie Rodriguez for this extremely interesting and thoughtful article. I learned a lot from your research! And another big thank you to all those volunteers who continue to share their time and expertise so that the rest of us can continue to enjoy this valuable piece of local history. Derek Dean | Monterey Wonderfully detailed and written story. You have the skills of a professional historian! Raymond Hames | Lincoln, Nebraska I thoroughly enjoyed the article on the history of the Point Sur Lighthouse and the current efforts to return the lens to the lighthouse. As a former volunteer at the Maritime Museum of Monterey, I wanted to add some history and background to the conservatorship of the lens by the museum. When the U.S. Coast Guard removed the lens from service in the 1960s, it was unceremoniously placed outside of the lighthouse on the ground where it was subject to weather and vandalism. In the early 1970s a team of Monterey History and Art Association volunteers rescued the lens from the sure destruction of neglect, bringing it to Monterey where it could be properly restored and displayed. Over a period of months a small team painstakingly took the lens apart, piece by piece, wrapping the pieces in newspaper and trucking them down the hill via wheelbarrow. It was cleaned, re-assembled and placed on display. Mark Carbonaro | Monterey SETTING SAIL I just saw it at Moss Landing Harbor and couldn’t believe it. So cool! (“After more than a decade, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute’s latest research vessel is here,” posted April 3.) Brandon Burke | via social media CARE IS THERE I cannot express how truly grateful I am for this article (“CARE Court launches in Monterey County to extend help to those with a serious mental illness,” April 3-9). The timing is nothing short of miraculous. I was beginning to take on a sense of hopelessness for getting my loved one help. Emma Dames | Seaside NEXT MOVE I hosted many chess clubs during my teaching years (“A game that blends strategy and competition—chess—is on the rise among youth in Monterey County,” April 3-9). It develops one’s ability to look forward into logical thinking, which carries over into mathematics and science. Thanks for letting us know about these tournaments. Walter Wagner | Salinas DINNER BELL There is a lot of streetside dining in Livermore. It is a town where we feel safe, there are many restaurants to choose from, and I’d say it is a real draw for people to come (“More sidewalk dining in Pacific Grove? The council is set to consider its options,” posted April 2). Judy Klein | Linden, Calif. 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 APRIL 10-16, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 17 To the 30 or so people who gathered on Thursday night, April 3, at the Portuguese Hall in Salinas, it seemed inevitable that they would feel like they were under siege. The group, convened by the Association of Monterey Bay Conservatives, had invited a group of six men, all sentenced to prison time for their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection and then pardoned by President Donald Trump, billed as “political hostages.” Three venues had already canceled. By the time the day of the event arrived, organizers announced a plan that seemed designed to scramble protesters: Meet in a parking lot to get the event address in person. “The misinformation surrounding the event has spiraled out of control, creating chaos and misunderstanding,” organizer Karen Reissman wrote in an emailed statement. “We are determined to create a platform for these men to share their stories.” The alleged misinformation was unspecified, but I did want to hear their stories—even if, under any other presidential administration that was less nakedly motivated by quid pro quo deals, these men would be in prison, some for years. So along with Weekly Staff Writer Pam Marino, I tried to attend but we didn’t get past an enraged greeter at check-in. She called over one of three private security guards, yelling: “They are invading a private function!” The irony was, I think, unintended. I later watched a video of the event, and I learned there was an entirely different world inside, built on a false narrative. The group of Jan. 6 insurrectionists are remorseless, and proud of what they did. “If I had to do it all over again, I would,” said James McGrew. (McGrew pleaded guilty to assaulting law enforcement officers based on a series of confrontations, according to the DOJ: “He was part of a crowd that overwhelmed law enforcement officers attempting to prevent rioters from advancing further on the restricted grounds. He proceeded to an area outside the Upper West Terrace doors to the Capitol Building. He filmed the scene, shouting ‘let’s go’ approximately 14 times, and ‘we took this thing.’” He was sentenced to sixand-a-half years in prison, and served a little under four.) It’s not surprising that people charged with a crime claim their innocence. But the event revealed the degree to which Jan. 6 insurrectionists and their supporters continue striving to create an alternative reality—one in which the 2020 election really was stolen, in which Capitol police led them into a trap and in which they were righteous, not attempting to undermine the institutions that make our country great. The presenters said they hoped to form a network—and some writing books, hosting podcasts and fundraising. (They’ve been kicked off of platforms like GoFundMe, so started using GiveSendGo.) According to the DOJ, Edward Badalian wrote on Telegram: “If they’re guilty of treason they should be executed…Biden is definitely guilty of treason.” Badalian told the Association of Monterey Bay Conservatives: “I’m really glad to see that you guys are out here getting involved in grassroots politics. These kinds of meetings, this is how we take back California.” Those comments left me feeling shaken; whatever your politics, certain institutional norms (like the peaceful transfer of power) are what hold our society together. Outside, a group of about 25 protesters was angry, hurling insults as attendees entered or left the venue. One protester, Maria-Elena Cordero of Salinas, was different— she was less interested in confrontation than bridging the gap. “I was hoping to have a conversation with one of them,” she told me. “I would like to engage in civil discourse and ask serious questions. I don’t want to interrupt or swear at them, I want to talk, so I can understand what moved them to do what they did. My real goal is civil discourse. If we don’t have that, we are never going to get anywhere.” The trouble, of course, is that the speakers on the inside are not interested in conversation. They blame “cancel culture” when venue organizers realize the event violates their regulations. They prohibit media from attending. It’s asymmetrical, with liars claiming misinformation. I don’t see how to have a conversation across that gulf. Sara Rubin is the Weekly’s editor. Reach her at sara@montereycountynow.com. Echo Chambers A local group gives Jan. 6 insurrectionists a platform—for those who agree. By Sara Rubin IN A PICKLE…It’s that time of the year again when Squid oozes onto land to try Squid’s tentacles at some outdoor sports, since the season for catching crabs is wrapping up. Squid is intrigued by pickleball, not because of Squid’s age, but Squid’s eight arms give Squid an advantage—an unfair one at that if you ask Squid’s competition. Neighbors of Chamisal Tennis & Fitness Club in Corral De Tierra are also bemoaning what they perceive as unfair. The sports club plans to convert two tennis courts into eight pickleball courts, while adding three more pickleball courts with the potential to convert another tennis court into pickleball. The Monterey County Zoning Administrator is set to consider the proposal on Thursday, April 10. Pickleball’s distinctive “pop” sound when the ball hits the paddle has some neighbors up in arms, saying it impacts—you guessed it—the “rural character” of the community. In a letter to county officials, neighbor Holger Kappler wrote, “the tranquility and peaceful surroundings [are] being destroyed by this expansion.” A noise study commissioned by the county found that noise from pickleball at the club is at most 61 decibels—generally considered to be as loud as a normal conversation. Sperm whales are known to frequent Squid’s deep sea home, so Squid knew not to expect the quiet of a library when Squid moved into Squid’s lair. Perhaps Chamisal’s neighbors should have realized the same—the term “fitness club” says all you need to know. PAY PALS…Squid knows times are tough out there for a lot of people. Jobs are being lost, wealth is evaporating and global financial markets are in turmoil. Sure, Squid saw it coming and stocked up with a year’s supply of shrimp-flavored popcorn, but eventually it will run out and Squid will have to spend at least twice as much to buy it. So in these chaotic times, it’s nice to have the power to give oneself a raise, which the Marina City Council did in February when it voted to increase compensation for councilmembers from $200 per month to $2,000, and for mayor, from $250 to $2,500. It was the first raise the council had in 35 years. Did Squid expect the Seaside City Council to take that lying down? Squid did not—if Squid knows anything about Seaside, it’s that the city is not to be outdone by Marina. And sure enough, on March 20, Seaside’s council voted unanimously to increase the monthly compensations for councilmembers (including mayor) from $400 to $2,400. Take that, Marina! Squid understands the recent push to better compensate local elected officials—they, like Squid’s colleagues, put in a lot of hours. But Squid hopes that compensation isn’t just for face time, but for homework. Do the reading, ask smart questions, make good policy—you know, those things you were elected for. THE LOCAL SPIN SQUID FRY THE MISSION OF MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY IS TO INSPIRE INDEPENDENT THINKING AND CONSCIOUS ACTION, ETC. They are remorseless, and proud of what they did. SEND SQUID A TIP: squid@montereycountynow.com
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