8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 19-25, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com What could Monterey County look like if it became a friendlier, more accessible place for seniors and people living with disabilities? Considering that a newly released action plan advocates for more housing, better communication, more health care specialists, improved transportation and access to outdoor spaces, among others, it would look like a better place for all residents, says Teresa Sullivan, facilitator of the Local Aging and Disability Action Plan for the Alliance on Aging. Two years ago, Alliance on Aging received a $200,000 grant from the California Department of Aging to create the LADAP, modeled after the California Master Plan for Aging created by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2019. The Alliance decided to focus on rural areas of the county plus the greater Salinas area, where access to services for seniors and those living with disabilities was more limited. Working with 37 organizations and 15 community members as an advisory group, the Alliance held 45 meetings collecting information, and conducted a community survey. That was followed by eight community forums in various locations called “Solutions Summits,” where over 230 people shared their ideas, Sullivan reported to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, June 17. Of those, over 190 were Latino and nearly all were over age 60. The result was the action plan, which is now being implemented by working groups that were formed out of the advisory council. The main goals include: increasing civic participation; improving communication; disaster preparedness; creating more access to health specialists; ensuring that programs like Meals on Wheels and other mobile programs continue; promoting the building of accessory dwelling units; increasing social activities; and improving transportation. Supervisor Wendy Root Askew asked Sullivan if they had considered making changes to the plan if “the rug is pulled out from underneath” nonprofits and agencies in the county that rely on federal funds to provide services, in light of Trump Administration policies. “Our goal is to stay focused on the plan,” Sullivan responded. Even if resources go away, they will hopefully come back in the future. “I’m the ultimate optimist, and we have to keep positive and we have to have this plan.” Finding a childcare provider can be challenging in Monterey County for various reasons, including affordability, lack of providers and long waiting lists. “When the process is too burdensome, potential caregivers may become discouraged and walk away,” Marina City Councilmember Jenny McAdams says. “Updating our local policies is a small but meaningful way for the city to show support, appreciation for caregivers, and understanding of the challenges facing working families.” She was inspired to look at the issue after attending the Cal Cities Community Services Policy Committee meeting in January. She requested the council consider an ordinance to make it easier for childcare and adult care providers to start a commercial or in-home childcare business in the city. The proposed ordinance includes expanding the zones where these types of businesses can operate and enables them to move into existing commercial spaces, including offices and retail. It would also remove a 300-foot radius restriction between childcare centers. Council voted unanimously on June 3 to move forward with the ordinance. It is scheduled to return to council for a vote on Tuesday, June 24. It would align with Senate Bill 234, also known as Keeping Kids Close to Home Act, which became effective in 2020. The law facilitates childcare businesses in residential zones. California has a childcare crisis. According to kidsdata.org, a program of the nonprofit Population Reference Bureau, only 17 percent of kids ages 0-12 in Monterey and San Benito counties have access to licensed childcare. That’s below the statewide average of 25 percent. The lack of childcare may cause tragic consequences. In May, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office arrested Maria and Johanna Marquez for involuntary manslaughter after a 3-month-old died under their care. They were allegedly operating an unlicensed daycare, with up to 30 children, in their home in Royal Oaks. Aging Plan An action plan for seniors seeks to make the county better for all. By Pam Marino NEWS BOOSTING BUSINESS El Pajaro Community Development Corporation launches in-person services in Soledad. Weekly sessions include business advising, bilingual training workshops, access to business financing and more. 9:30am-1pm Thursdays beginning June 19. Soledad Gateway Center, 502 Front St., Soledad. Free. 722-1224, elpajarocdc.org. BEAUTIFY THE BEACH Surfrider Foundation hosts monthly beach cleanups. This month’s cleanup takes place on International Surfing Day. Yoga begins at 9am, beach cleanup at 10am Saturday, June 21. Del Monte Beach, Municipal Wharf 2, Monterey. Free. Register at bit.ly/ BeachCleanupJune21. (408) 489-1806, monterey.surfrider.org. READY TO DEFEND Monterey Peninsula residents are invited to Carmel Prepares, an event hosted by the Carmel Community Emergency Response Team and Carmel Police Department focused on defensible space, home hardening and fire extinguisher training. Attendees will receive guidance from Monterey Fire, Cal Fire, Carmel Police and others. 10-11am Saturday, June 21. Sunset Center, Carpenter Hall, San Carlos and 9th, Carmel. Free. 620-2000, ci.carmel. ca.us/carmel-prepares. PUBLIC FACING Monterey County Board of Supervisors meets and accepts public comment. Let your representatives know what is working and what needs improvement. 9am Tuesday, June 24. Board of Supervisors chambers, 168 West Alisal St., Salinas. Free. countyofmonterey. gov. PLANNING PROCESS Monterey County Planning Commission meets to consider various projects, including a plan to remove 53 oak trees on a Salinas property and a proposal to construct a single-family home in Royal Oaks. 9am Wednesday, June 25. Board of Supervisors chambers, 168 W. Alisal St., Salinas. Free. countyofmonterey. gov. FIXING FELINES SPCA Monterey County offers free spay and neuter surgeries for feral cats. Services include the cat’s spay or neuter surgery, rabies vaccinations, FVRCP vaccines and ear tipping. Walk-ins available 7-8am MondayFriday. SPCA Monterey County, 1002 Highway 68, Salinas. Free; appointments also available for a $25 deposit. 373-2631, spcamc.org/feral. Kid Care Marina considers changing its municipal code to promote more childcare options. By Celia Jiménez Seniors gather for a nutrition class at The Hub in Salinas, a program of the Alliance on Aging. A new action plan calls for more learning and social opportunities for seniors. E-MAIL: toolbox@montereycountynow.com TOOLBOX “We have to keep positive and we have to have this plan.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
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