12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 16-22, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com The idea for a “senior dog haven” came about 25 years ago, nearly 10 years before Peace of Mind Dog Rescue was founded. The nonprofit was born in 2009 with the mission of helping older folks who can no longer care for their dogs by finding new homes for the animals. Over the last few years, POMDR co-founder Carie Broecker, driven by two donors (one of whom has since died), got serious about realizing this senior dog haven dream project. She hired a land-use attorney to search for potential locations to host up to 20 senior dogs in a home-like setting. Specifically, they were looking for a property that fit the bill: It needed proper zoning, accessibility to POMDR’s network of volunteers and foster parents, and a large courtyard. In May, they found their spot at 8 El Caminito Road in Carmel Valley, a mixed-use building which was once Magic Circle Theatre. Shortly thereafter, neighbors began to push back, writing to County of Monterey officials citing concerns over noise, traffic, parking and wastewater. “Somehow people found out about the project before the planners sent out a letter,” Broecker says. “It was a little surprising that people started to get upset about it before they had all of the information, before we had a chance to have the public hearing.” The building, currently in escrow, is set to close pending county approval on the remaining permits. Broecker says they have since conducted an acoustic study and traffic report, and submitted water reports. She has gone door-to-door with county supervisors to explain their plans to the neighbors and update them on the process—she says some have been understanding, others firm in concerns about potential noise. No hearing date has been set for the project since the application is still in progress, according to Kayla Nelson with the Monterey County Planning Department. One challenge has been describing a concept that is new to most people. Many imagine the space as a kennel, where the dogs will be kept in cages. Broecker explains that the space will be cage-free, and more of a sanctuary, with staff and volunteers present around the clock ensuring the animals’ needs are met. “Typically, dogs bark because they haven’t exercised enough, they haven’t had enrichment—things that keep them happy,” she says. “We have a lot of resources to make sure that isn’t an issue.” For the first time, the region’s provider of Medi-Cal, California’s version of Medicaid, is launching a plan for its members who also qualify for Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older or disabled adults over age 21. TotalCare, a new HMO from the Central California Alliance for Health, began enrollment on Oct. 15 for coverage that starts on Jan. 1. The enrollment period ends Dec. 7. TotalCare is a Medicare Advantage plan, a dual-eligible special needs plan known as D-SNP, offering coordinated care for members. Someone enrolled in both programs will have access to an interdisciplinary care team that will help members navigate the health care system, says Scott Crawford, the Alliance’s Medicare Program executive director. “We see this offering as a natural part of our mission to provide high-quality care to our members,” Crawford says. The goal is to improve clinical outcomes and the quality of life for members with complex needs. The Alliance provides Medi-Cal benefits in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Merced and Mariposa counties to more than 440,000 members, about 173,000 in Monterey County, or around half of all residents. Crawford says about 16,000 of those residents are now eligible for TotalCare. It’s open to those enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, as well as have Medi-Cal through the Alliance. There are no plan premiums, no co-pays, other than low co-pays for some prescription drugs, Crawford says. Other benefits include vision, access to an exercise program and a flexible spending card for over-the-counter health items, among others. Members will have a single ID card and one phone number to call for assistance. “By bringing Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits under one umbrella we can help coordinate care seamlessly and provide additional support to those who need it most,” CEO Michael Schrader said in a written statement. Sniffed Out Carmel Valley residents push back on Peace of Mind Dog Rescue’s plan to house dogs. By Katie Rodriguez NEWS LOCAL UPDATE Monterey City Councilmember Gino Garcia holds a community meeting for residents of District 4. Topics include the Monterey Regional Airport, Car Week, the Casanova Oak Knoll parking program and more. 6pm Thursday, Oct. 16. Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center, 735 Ramona Ave., Monterey. Free. (831) 646-3799, monterey.gov. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Monterey County Works and the California Department of Rehabilitation present the Community Resource Fair. Employers, training providers and local organizations will be on hand to support individuals with disabilities, job seekers and families in accessing resources and employment opportunities. 1-4pm Saturday, Oct. 18. Northridge Mall, 796 Northridge Drive, Salinas. Free. (831) 796-3331, montereycountyworks.com. PARK PROCESS The City of Soledad is envisioning a future park at the intersection of Gabilan Drive and Toledo Street. A workshop provides an opportunity for the public to share input. 5-5:30pm (youth forum), 5:30-6:30pm (general public) Tuesday, Oct. 21. Soledad Community Center, 560 Walker Drive, Soledad. Free. (831) 2235250, cityofsoledad.com. ON THE DAIS Marina City Council holds its regular meeting to discuss city business. Public comment is accepted. 6:30pm Tuesday, Oct. 21. Council Chambers, 211 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. Free. (831) 884-1278, cityofmarina. org. GROUND VIEW Monterey Regional Airport hosts an open house. The public will have the opportunity to see the airport’s Metamorphosis project and ask questions. 4:30-6:30pm Wednesday, Oct. 22. Monterey Regional Airport, 200 Fred Kane Drive, Monterey. Free. RSVP for a construction tour by Oct. 17. montereyairport.com, receptionist@montereyairport.com. ROAD WORK Learn about upcoming work for the Highway 101 South of Salinas project. Caltrans and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County will share information and answer questions. 6-7:30pm Wednesday, Oct. 22. Chualar School Gymnasium, 24285 Lincoln St., Chualar. Free. (805) 441-3792, bit.ly/ 101SouthofSalinas. One and Done A new HMO is launched, offering coordinated care for those on Medicare and Medi-Cal. By Pam Marino POMDR takes in senior dogs (over the age of 6) as those are the dogs that take longer to get adopted and are most at risk of being euthanized in shelters. E-MAIL: toolbox@montereycountynow.com TOOLBOX “It was a little surprising that people started to get upset.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
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