12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com In December 2023, the County of Monterey and all 12 cities faced a deadline to turn in their updated housing plans to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for certification. Only Salinas made it. Since then, all but two—the County and Pacific Grove—have successfully been certified. As the stragglers head toward the finish line, instead of cheers, leaders are facing angry residents bristling against change. It’s a frustrating situation for all concerned. The eight-year plans, called housing elements, run from 2023-2031. This latest round comes with requirements to plan for more housing units, plus reforms to make it easier to gain approvals. The County is required to add at least 3,326 to its element, Pacific Grove 1,125. The County faced a well-organized campaign by Save Tarpy Flats, a residents group opposed to development of parcels along Olmstead Road off of Highway 68 in Monterey. At a Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct. 28, residents demanded those parcels be taken out of the element. Supervisor Kate Daniels, who represents District 5 where Tarpy Flats is located, told residents that their efforts were misplaced. The area was already approved for housing in the county’s 2010 general plan and because the county missed the state’s deadline they are subject to Builder’s Remedy, which streamlines approval for projects with affordable housing—a project for 100 market-rate units under the remedy is already in play. At this point the residents’ only option is to purchase the land for conservation, she said. At a Pacific Grove Planning Commission meeting on Nov. 13, some residents from a neighborhood near Sinex and Grove Acre avenues that is proposed for higher density, yelled at commissioners, demanding the City reject the state’s requirements. A few spoke in favor, recognizing the need for housing. Commissioners acknowledged residents’ anger, but said to balk now delays state certification, putting them at further risk of Builder’s Remedy projects, as well as state penalties. The P.G. commissioners voted 5-0 to recommend the updated housing element to the City Council, which will discuss it on Wednesday, Dec. 3. The County has more work ahead. A draft housing element update and environmental impact report are to be released soon for public review. County planners estimate bringing the update to the Planning Commission in mid- to late February. The Leapfrog Hospital Survey is touted as “the nation’s gold standard” in evaluating hospitals and surgery centers, using grades, much like in school. An “A” means a hospital is meeting safety standards and preventing harm to patients, an “F” indicates failure. In Monterey County, the three largest hospitals have routinely received As and Bs, until recently, when Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula saw its score drop to a C. CHOMP received As in 2021 and 2022, then Bs between the spring of 2023 and spring 2025. (Scores are released in spring and fall.) Salinas Valley Health and Natividad, both in Salinas, have consistently been scoring As over the past several years. The Peninsula hospital’s overall score this fall was 110.77 out of a possible 120 points. The average hospital score is 117.60. According to the report card, CHOMP performed “worse than average” on surgery-related issues and “effective leadership to prevent errors.” It rated better than average on nursing care and handling of medicines. Leaders of CHOMP’s parent company, Montage Health, characterized the drop as a failure in documentation and data submitted to Leapfrog as far back as 2021. “It does not reflect the safety or quality of the care that we provided to our patients,” said Mindy Maschmeyer, director of communications for Montage Health. “We have actively addressed the issues identified through enhanced processes, re-submitted documentation, and additional training. “We fully expect to see this score improve in spring when our efforts will be captured in the next report.” Earlier this year, Montage officials confirmed that the California Department of Public Health was investigating two isolated “surgical safety incidents” that took place since 2024. Montage officials said they were taking corrective action across the entire hospital system to prevent future problems and meet and exceed state regulations. Last Gasp Acrimony arises as the last two state-mandated housing plans approach completion. By Pam Marino NEWS WELCOME HOME SPCA Monterey County hosts a free adoption event. All adoption fees for shelter pets have been paid for by donors. 11am-5pm Friday, Nov. 28. SPCA Monterey County, 1002 Highway 68, Salinas. Free. (831) 373-2631, spcamc.org. REMOVAL REVIEW Boston-based attorney Claire Maguire represents individuals who have been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She speaks about the practice of deporting people to countries they have no ties to, known as “third-country removal.” 2pm Sunday, Nov. 30. Aromas Grange, 400 Rose Ave., Aromas. Free. aromasgrange.org. ON THE DAIS Monterey City Council meets and accepts public comment. Tell your elected officials what they are doing well and what you think they can do better. 4pm Tuesday, Dec. 2. Colton Hall, 580 Pacific St., Monterey. Free. (831) 6463799, monterey.gov. PUBLIC’S BUSINESS Marina City Council holds its regular meeting to discuss city business. Items on the agenda include designating City Hall as a no-parking area between 1-6am and modifying its coastal plan to address sea level rise. As always, public comment is accepted. 6:30pm Tuesday, Dec. 2. Council Chambers, 211 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. Free. (831) 884-1278, cityofmarina. org. PUBLIC PROCESS Pacific Grove City Council meets to go over regular city business and accept public comment. The council will consider zoning amendments to the city’s general plan. 6pm Wednesday, Dec. 3. City Hall, 300 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. Free. (831) 648-3181, cityofpacificgrove.org. FOR THE COMMUNITY City of Salinas officials are considering a community center at Northgate Park. Residents are invited to share feedback, including choosing which design option they prefer. Survey is ongoing at bit.ly/ D5RecCenter2. FIRE FEEDBACK Soledad Fire Department is gathering public input on what its priorities should be. Survey is ongoing at tinyurl.com/ SoledadFireSurvey. Down Grade CHOMP leaders have more work to do after seeing a national safety rating grade drop. By Pam Marino Monterey County Supervisor Kate Daniels told residents on Oct. 28 they need to redirect efforts to save Tarpy Flats toward purchasing the property for conservation. E-MAIL: toolbox@montereycountynow.com TOOLBOX To balk now delays state certification. DANIEL DREIFUSS
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