JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2026 MONTEREYCOUNTYNOW.COM LOCAL & INDEPENDENT MYSTERY BEHIND THE BRUSH 5 | LAST CALL AT SADE’S 11 | DOC’S FOLLIES 27 | CHOPPED UP 34 FIRST PLACE GENERAL EXCELLENCE • 2025 CA JOURNALISM AWARDS • Years of cutbacks by corporate owners have decimated the daily newspapers in Monterey County. Where does local journalism stand in 2026? p. 14 By Erik Chalhoub STOPPING THE PRESSES PLUS, Spanish-language news media is on the brink. p. 18 By Celia Jiménez
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2026 • ISSUE #1957 • ESTABLISHED IN 1988 Steve Zmak (Canon 5D Mark III and 24-105mm f/4 lens, 640 ISO, 1/1500 sec., f/11) A heat wave and the reopening of Highway 1 to through-traffic made for conditions that felt like a summer vacation at Sand Dollar Beach in Big Sur. MONTEREY COUNTY PHOTO OF THE WEEK Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: Every Wednesday evening, a truckload of freshly printed copies of the Monterey County Weekly arrives in Seaside from a San Francisco printing facility for Thursday distribution. Cover photo: Daniel Dreifuss etc. Copyright © 2026 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) SENIOR STAFF WRITER Pam Marino pam@montereycountynow.com (x106) STAFF WRITER Celia Jiménez celia@montereycountynow.com (x145) STAFF WRITER Agata Pope¸da aga@montereycountynow.com (x138) STAFF WRITER Katie Rodriguez (California Local News Fellow) katie@montereycountynow.com (x102) STAFF WRITER Aric Sleeper aric@montereycountynow.com (x127) 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, Jesse Herwitz, Luz Rimban, 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 Annie Cobb annie@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. NEWS • ARTS • ENTERTAINMENT • FOOD • DRINK • CALENDAR Subscribe to the newsletter @ montereycountynow.com/subscribe READ MORE NOW ONLINE NEWSLETTER Go to montereycountynow.com LOCAL NEWS EVERYDAY AT MONTEREY COUNTY NOW
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4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH After Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents shot and killed another U.S. citizen in Minnesota on Jan. 29, a staggering amount of lies, half-truths and contradicting information permeated social media. For reporters on the ground, it’s a daily battle to find and share the facts. The Minnesota Star Tribune has positioned itself as a hub for information on the immigration enforcement operation in the state, with Editor and Senior Vice President Kathleen Hennessey telling news website Semafor that about 50 of the paper’s 200 journalists are covering the story daily. “There’s lots of rumor and chatter and confusion, and there’s also just bad and incomplete reporting, that’s flying around lots of outlets,” she said. “You cannot be an informed person and just sort of scroll through social media, it’s distorting and it doesn’t add clarity. Ultimately, that’s what journalism is for. You need to shed some light and bring true understanding.” The paper has made its live blog available without a paywall, while also offering a new family plan subscription. Hennessey said the web traffic and subscriptions to the Star Tribune have risen in recent weeks. “We feel needed and a real sense of purpose and that’s energizing,” she said. Good: Monterey Regional Airport is surrounded by land considered to be in a high and moderate wildfire hazard zone, according to Cal Fire. It may be winter, but in California, fire season is yearlong, and it takes a constant effort to reduce the risk in areas prone to ignition. The airport, along with Cal Fire and the Monterey and Seaside fire departments, embarked on a week-long vegetation trimming project on Jan. 26. On the north side of the airport, crews are working to clear overgrown vegetation and underbrush, while also thinning trees and removing dead or downed vegetation, which is fuel for wildfires. The work also includes creating a fuel break along emergency access roads. Those living in the area will likely hear noise from the workers, but no roads will be impacted. GREAT: Sendero, a transitional housing development for unhoused residents who lived along the Salinas River in Soledad, is up and running. Thirteen residents moved in on Jan. 22 at the shelter located at 990 Los Coches Drive, a city-owned property. Sendero has 14 modular units with kitchens, a laundry area and is ADA-compliant. It’s also close to public transportation and a shopping center. The units are from AMEG, a California-based company that specializes in modular structures and tiny homes. Sendero is funded by Encampment Resolution Funding, a state grant to combat homelessness. In 2024, the County of Monterey received $11.2 million from the state to address homelessness in King City and Soledad. The transitional housing program will end in June 2027. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY That’s how many inmates the Monterey County Jail released into custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2025. In 2017, prior to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office restricting ICE access in the jail, that number was 213. Source: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office 21 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “They’re not going to back down and they’re gonna fight for our country.” -Victoria Rossman of Carmel Valley, a former resident of Minnesota, reflecting on people protesting ICE activity in the state (see story, montereycountynow.com/newsletter). Couples Sweetheart Special 80 mins - $435 or 110 mins - $500 Couples Warm Honey Bubble Bath Soak, Then enjoy Two Signature spa services. Choose a 50 or 80 minute Couples Massages Or Facials offered in Separate Rooms. Singles Chocolate Raspberry Dream Facial 50 mins - $230 or 80 mins - $265 Singles’ Raspberry Enzyme Chocolate Mask. The treatment is finished with a Luxurious Chocolate Cherry Serum, Leaving your skin radiant & irresistibly soft. Gifts Certificates can be purchased on-line at spaontheplaza.com and printed from home, and there is no expiration date. Each booking includes a gift Roses, Split of Champagne & a Box of Chocolates To Book Email or Call Us Reserve@spaontheplaza.com Voted Best Skin Care in 2025 for the 14th time and Best Spa 7 Times ValentineS’s pecials Specials STEAM ROOMS - POOL - JACUZZI - FITNESS CLUB MEMBERSHIPS - WELLNESS CENTER - FREE PARKING 201 ALVARADO ST. DOWNTOWN MONTEREY • 831-647-9000 SPAONTHEPLAZA.COM “I brought my Subaru to Hartzel on advice of a friend and I was so pleased with the service & attention I got from them. Not only finished on time, but under the estimate I was given. Very rare these days. So pleased with the whole experience & great peace of mind knowing it was done correctly. Highly recommend this guy.” —David F., Seaside 2/14/19 510 California Avenue | Sand City | 394.6002 hartzelautomotive.com EXPERT SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT. Subaru Mazda Lexus Infiniti Saab vintage MG SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT SERVICE ONLINE TODAY
www.montereycountynow.com JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 831 The woman dressed in blue, with long flowing hair, an artist’s palette in one hand and a brush in the other, suddenly appeared in the Serra Shrine niche in Carmel Woods last August—a mysterious goddess on canvas that no one seemed to know about or who the artist was. The 4-by-6-foot painting was an unauthorized addition to the empty niche, where a Jo Mora statue of Father Junipero Serra once stood. The Serra statue was removed from the 103-year-old shrine in 2020 for safe keeping, after depictions of the priest elsewhere in the state were being vandalized, amid other symbols of racism and colonialism across the country facing similar fates. When “Delinea” appeared in the niche, it was a surprise to members of the Carmel Woods Neighborhood Association, who are responsible for its care. After several days, the painting was removed. The mystery behind the painting is now solved, but the mystery surrounding the artist continues. Delinea was created by a local artist calling himself Calamus The Mighty on Instagram. The Weekly messaged Calamus and an email-only conversation began. The artist refuses to pull back the curtain on exactly who he is. After Calamus left another “surprise painting” depicting a woman named Fortuna at the Devendorf Park restrooms in Carmel in early January, only to have it removed, he agreed to an interview over email. “I feel an irresistible calling to put paintings in certain spaces, usually empty spots where it looks like artwork belongs or is missing,” says Calamus, a Carmel native from a family of creatives who learned painting from his grandmother and went on to become a professional illustrator. “Since I started making art for public spaces, I have been noticing more environmental details wherever I go. It grounds me,” he says. In his job, he says he constantly thinks about whether people will like his art enough so he can advance in his career. “Most of the time, it has to seem like it will ‘sell,’” he says. Calamus started asking himself what would happen if he painted something, “and selling was out of the equation? If I could paint exactly whatever I felt like?” The series of mystery paintings of women began, dubbed “The Art Protectors.” Besides Delinea and Fortuna in Carmel, Calamus has created Miranda, Quill and Laurel, left in public spaces in New Jersey. Quill and Laurel were slim, tall paintings created to stand on either side of a neo-gothic stone arch— he says he is inspired by gothic architecture, like that found in cathedrals. Miranda was left in a spot down the street. All have been removed. “The first time my paintings went missing, it hit me a lot harder than I thought it would. My heart sank,” Calamus says. “But that’s part of this process: making art knowing it will be lost. It’s freeing, in a way. I like the idea that the paintings might be hidden safely somewhere, waiting to pop up years later.” He’s currently working on a painting for a bridge in Pennsylvania. Calamus references Banksy on his Instagram account, a street artist famous for his satirical, distinctive stenciled graffiti whose identity remains unconfirmed. The reference came after someone referred to Calamus as “Banksy-by-the-Sea,” in a nod to Carmel. “I wasn’t thinking about Banksy at all when I placed my first unauthorized painting, but ever since that name came up I’ve been studying his work more closely,” he says, adding that his own work is not graffiti “and leaves without a trace.” In his social media posts, Calamus references his “shadow self,” the one he kept hidden until he began creating his surprise paintings. “I used to think I needed to hide my shadow self but the truth is it is giving me life,” he said. Yet by remaining anonymous, isn’t he still hiding? “I haven’t thought about it like that before, but you’re right. I am still hiding, or at least masking my personal identity. But in the past I was not showing my ‘shadow art’ to anyone; it was completely hidden. Its significance was a mystery, even to myself,” he says. “Gradually, its current form revealed itself to me and to others, and that was a great feeling. I guess I want these shadow-muses to be visible, while I hide behind them— sometimes literally.” Guerilla Artist A mysterious painter creates unauthorized art for public display, only to see it disappear. By Pam Marino “I feel an irresistible calling.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE CALAMUS “Fortuna,” a painting by the artist Calamus, appeared in early January at Carmel’s Devendorf Park restrooms. It’s the second “surprise painting” the artist has left out locally. Although he makes art for the public, he declines to make himself fully public. San Carlos School in the Diocese of Monterey, mindful of its primary mission to be a witness to the love of Christ for all, admits students of any race, color, national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the school. San Carlos School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and/or ethnic origin, age or gender in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. While San Carlos School does not discriminate against students with special needs, a full range of services may not be available. Likewise, San Carlos School does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of gender, age, disability, race, color, and national and/or ethnic origin. It is the policy of San Carlos School to promote equal opportunity in any and all employment decisions. San Carlos School reserves the right to be the sole judge of merit, competence and qualifications, and can favor Catholic applicants and coworkers in all employment decisions, especially in those positions that have direct bearing upon pastoral activity of the Church. Notice of Non-Discrimination Policy Please email development@sancarlosschool.org for reservations. Wednesday, January 29th, 8am, On Campus FOUNDED IN 1898
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com NEWS Chautauqua Hall in Pacific Grove has been well used and loved from its days as a gathering spot and winter storage for the P.G. Methodist Retreat since 1881 all the way to today. It was named a California Historical Landmark over 50 years ago and, as of Jan. 12, made the National Register of Historic Places. The hall joins six other structures within the city on the National Register: Asilomar Conference Grounds; Point Pinos Lighthouse; Centrella Hotel; Gosby House Inn; Trimmer Hill, a Queen Anne style house previously home to P.G.’s first mayor, Oliver Smith Trimmer; and the F.L. Buck House, now a hotel named The Charles Pacific Grove. The city acquired the hall in 1922 and over the years has relied on fundraising for large renovation projects, which is why in 2024 the Friends of Chautauqua Hall was formed, under the umbrella of the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove. The building is in need of multiple repairs and updates to make it usable for modern events. Some of the improvements needed include paint and a renovated kitchen and bathrooms. The Friends began a fundraising campaign while the city simultaneously applied to have the hall added to the National Register. Recently the volunteer group announced they had raised $700,000, toward a goal of $1 million. On Jan. 21, the P.G. City Council voted 6-0 in favor of contracting with Hunter Porter Eldridge Architecture to draw up plans, not to exceed $176,600. The council also approved a funding agreement with the Heritage Society whereby the city will pay contractors and then be reimbursed by the nonprofit. Historic Designation Chautauqua Hall earns national recognition as plans to renovate move forward. By Pam Marino While the state’s proposed funding for K-12 education has reached record levels for the upcoming school year, $125.5 billion for schools and community colleges, many school districts are projecting red balances in the near future. One-time funding, declining enrollment and increased costs are putting a strain on their budgets. “We’re losing revenue year after year,” says Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh, noting the district loses 50-70 students every year, and the district is funded by the state based on attendance. Keeping the same level of services and personnel would put MPUSD below the requirement of having 3 percent of its expenditures in reserves, as required by the state, within the next three or four years. To prevent this, Diffenbaugh proposed a first draft of a plan for $4 million cuts on Tuesday, Jan. 27 to the MPUSD board. It calls for the elimination or reduction of 42 fulltime positions, including cutting 4.6 school psychologists and nine mental health professionals. The board is scheduled to vote on the proposed staffing reductions on Feb. 24. According to the Monterey County Office of Education, out of the 24 school districts in Monterey County, only four—Carmel Unified, Salinas City Elementary, South Monterey County Joint Union High and Washington Union School District— are not facing a deficit in the 20252026 school year. (WUSD’s net positive is just $12,333.) The three districts with the highest projected deficits are Alisal Union ($40.5 million), Salinas Union High ($29.8 million) and MPUSD ($13.7 million). To address the shortfalls, leaders are making tough decisions. Salinas City Elementary School District decided to pause inter-district transfers, meaning they no longer release students in their jurisdiction to attend school in other districts, unless it is required by education code (for reasons such as victims of bullying or maximum capacity). Last year, Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s board approved cutting 160 positions, including teachers, counselors and special education assistants. Washington Union’s board decided to shrink the number of students, meaning its funding model shifts from state reimbursement to property taxes (joining the only two local districts, Carmel and Pacific Grove Unified, that are funded by property taxes). To get there, the district is phasing out its interdistrict transfer program, which accounts for 44 percent of its enrollment, or 327 students. The end result will mean more money per child at WUSD. During the 2023-24 school year the district spent $11,300 per pupil, the lowest in the county; with the new funding method its spending would be similar to districts in South County, about $15,600. “It’s a very difficult decision. Obviously it has huge impacts to our school community, but if we’re going to be able to sustain this district financially over the long term it was a necessary step,” WUSD Superintendent Gina Uccelli says. Interdistrict transfer students who are currently enrolled will be able to remain at Washington Union through the highest grade available at their current school, meaning third, fifth or eighth grade. San Benancio Middle Schools students arrive for the school day. Washington Union includes three schools serving K-8 students along the Highway 68 corridor. Math Problem Faced with declining student enrollment, school districts confront growing deficits. By Celia Jiménez Plans for the 145-year-old Chautauqua Hall include renting it out for weddings and other events, but first it needs an updated kitchen and bathrooms, among other improvements. “It’s a very difficult decision.” DANIEL DREIFUSS DANIEL DREIFUSS
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A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX PACIFIC GROVE ANIMAL HOSPITAL Thank You So Much for Voting Us BEST VETERINARIAN Dr. Brynie Kaplan Dau, MS, DVM SURGERY • DERMATOLOGY • FELINE AND CANINE MEDICINE PREVENTATIVE CARE • REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, PRP (PLATELET-RICH PLASMA) • LASER THERAPY • EXOTICS AND MUCH MORE – CONTINUITY OF CARE – NOW SEEING URGENT CARE+CASES and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX PACIFIC GROVE ANIMAL HOSPITAL Thank You So Much for Voting Us Dr. Brynie Kaplan Dau, MS, DVM SURGERY • DERMATOLOGY • FELINE AND CANINE MEDICINE PREVENTATIVE CARE • REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, PRP (PLATELET-RICH PLASMA) • LASER THERAPY • EXOTICS AND MUCH MORE – CONTINUITY OF CARE – We are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’24 ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX We are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’24 ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX We are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’24 ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX PACIFIC GROVE ANIMAL HOSPITAL Thank You So Much for Voting Us BEST VETERINARIAN Dr. Brynie Kaplan Dau, MS, DVM SURGERY • DERMATOLOGY • FELINE AND CANINE MEDICINE PREVENTATIVE CARE • REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, PRP (PLATELET-RICH PLASMA) • LASER THERAPY • EXOTICS AND MUCH MORE – CONTINUITY OF CARE – NOW SEEING URGENT CARE+CASES PACIFIC GROVE ANIMAL HOSPITAL Thank You So Much for Voting Us BEST VETERINARIAN Dr. Brynie Kaplan Dau, MS, DVM Five Years In A Row! SURGERY • DERMATOLOGY • FELINE AND CANINE MEDICINE • PREVENTATIVE CARE REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, PRP (PLATELET-RICH PLASMA) • LASER THERAPY • EXOTICS AND MUCH MORE – CONTINUITY OF CARE ’25 ’24 YEARS OF BUILDING STRONG ES AND PEACEFUL COMMUNITIES BUILDING STRONG FAMILIES FOR A PEACEFUL COMMUNITY s For Peace empowers parents, rs, and youth ages 5–17 through dence-based programs. Families ore skills of bonding, boundaries, onitoring—the foundation for cation, connection, and success. we’re creating a stronger, safer Monterey County. eace.org THE POWER OF SAYING “I LOVE YOU” EVERY DAY Peace begins at home—with love, consistency, and communication. Partners For Peace helps families turn those words into action through evidence-based education and mentoring. Our programs strengthen families through healthy routines, online safety, and school success. We also offer caring support and resources for families of LGBTQ+ youth. Through our intervention programs, we provide realworld solutions to prevent gang involvement, truancy, violence, and substance use—building safer, more connected communities. montereycountygives.com/partners #P4PMC Thank You Monterey County Weekly readers! With your help we raised $64,965 This will build strong families for a peaceful community. casaofmonterey.org CASA volunteers are parents, professionals, retirees—people who once felt too busy. Then they realized the moments were already there: a ride home, a day-o visit, an evening check-in. CASA becomes part of your life’s routine. You’re more ready than you think—become a CASA volunteer. Find out how you can impact the life of a child in foster care and juvenile justice systems. I’m a Entrepreneur and a CASA Paula A., Carmel
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com Following a more than yearlong pause in the project, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors considered options for the upgrade or relocation of Seaside’s aging County Department of Social Services building on Tuesday, Jan. 27. In 2022, county officials began working toward the development of a new building that would become a nexus point for numerous services, including a modernized Seaside branch library and a family justice center. The existing 1.7-acre site at 1281 Broadway contains the current 11,000-square-foot social services building, and also includes the 4,500-squarefoot building occupied by Casa de Noche Buena, an emergency shelter for women and families with children, which underwent a major renovation in 2019. A 10-year deed restriction was recorded with the County in 2020 “for continued use of the site for the shelter operations.” After considering a four-story, 64,000-square-foot building, which had a cost estimate exceeding $110 million—and would call for the relocation of the shelter due to required parking— the supervisors directed staff to pause the project in November 2024 and look into lower-cost options that would not displace the shelter from the campus. In August 2025, seven lower-cost development options were presented to the county’s capital improvement committee, which decided that the options should be considered by the Board of Supervisors at a future date. That future date arrived on Jan. 27, when the board considered the options, which included renovation, demolishing the current building to make way for a new one or relocating the services to a new location, with one option proposing to move social services to a 75,500-square-foot facility on Highway 68, outside of Seaside. Seaside City Manager Greg McDanel asked that the services remain at 1281 Broadway. In a letter, he wrote, “We view this site as a cornerstone of the Broadway corridor and a tangible example of effective CityCounty partnership in service delivery, downtown revitalization, and community well-being.” Following robust discussion about managing the cost, supervisors voted 3-2 to pursue the option favored by McDanel, which calls to demolish the existing facility and build a three-story, 46,500-square-foot building with underground parking. Of the seven concepts, ranging from $16.7 million to $75.1 million in estimated cost, this was the highest-cost proposal. Tens of thousands of California American Water Company customers in the Monterey area could face a rate hike of 16.1 percent beginning Jan. 1, 2027. On July 1, 2025, the company filed an application with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), requesting to increase rates to fund a range of system improvements. Cal Am is seeking authorization to increase revenues for water service statewide by $63.1 million, or 17.2 percent in 2027; $22.1 million, or 5.1 percent in 2028; and $26 million, or 5.8 percent in 2029. The proposed increases would be spread across systems in 11 counties across the state that Cal Am serves. For the Central Division, which includes the Monterey System (serving most of the Monterey peninsula) and eight smaller satellite systems, Cal Am is requesting an increase in revenue of $25.6 million, or 24.4 percent from 2027-2029. Rate increases in 2028 and 2029 will be significantly lower, around 3-4 percent. Monterey resident Jody Schisel spoke up at a public participation hearing that drew roughly 50 people to a standing-room-only meeting in Sand City on Tuesday, Jan. 13: “As a person who is recently retired on a fixed income, I can assure you my Social Security and my small pension is not going to exceed 22 percent over the next three years, so I will be running a deficit.” The sentiment was echoed by dozens of residents for the next hour. The CPUC has hosted public hearings throughout the month, with the final hearing on Jan. 28. Josh Stratton, external affairs manager for Cal Am, said the company’s application includes “approximately $72 million for new and recurring infrastructure projects in the Central Division here in Monterey.” Cited projects include replacing six miles of water mains per year, rehabilitating three water storage tanks per year, and replacing aging tanks, among other things. Evidentiary hearings, during which an administrative law judge will develop a proposed decision, are scheduled for April. Big Build County supes move forward with revamp of Seaside’s Social Services campus. By Aric Sleeper NEWS PEOPLE POWER We The People teach-in offers workshops ranging from legal observer training to how to become more engaged in local elections. The event is organized by Indivisible Monterey and Watsonville Law Center. 1-5pm Saturday, Jan. 31. Monterey Peninsula College, 980 Fremont St., Monterey. Free. Register at bit.ly/ WeThePeopleCCJan31. DWELLING DIVE Marina City Council meets to discuss an accessory dwelling unit ordinance, among other city business. Public comment is accepted. 6:30pm Tuesday, Feb. 3. City Hall, 211 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. Free. (831) 8841278, cityofmarina.org. WORKPLACE SAFETY Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol use in the workplace in this workshop geared toward managers. It is presented by ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay and Salinas, in partnership with the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. 8:30-10am Wednesday, Feb. 4. Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, 353 Camino El Estero, Monterey. $75. (831) 324-0772, arcpointlabs.com/monterey-bay. COLLEGE COMMITMENT National College Resources Foundation presents the HBCU College Expo. Learn about historically Black colleges and how to apply for admission and scholarships. 4-7pm Wednesday, Feb. 4. Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave., Seaside. Free. (877) 427-4100, bit.ly/ HBCUMPUSD2026. ELECTION SEASON The Declaration of Intention filing period for judicial seats in the June 2026 election is now open. Judicial candidates must pay their non-refundable filing fee and/or submit in-lieu petitions at the time they file. Filing period ends 5pm Wednesday, Feb. 4. (831) 796-1499, countyofmonterey.gov/elections. ARMS OUT Vitalant hosts a blood drive. Donate blood for a chance to win a $500 gift card. 1-5pm Thursday, Feb. 5. Hilltop Park Center, 871 Jessie St., Monterey. Free. Make an appointment at vitalant.org or (877) 258-4825. CITIZEN WATCHDOG Pacific Grove Unified School District accepts applications for its Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee. Applicants must live within PGUSD boundaries. Apply online at bit.ly/ PGUSDBondCommittee. (831) 6466530. Rate Hike Cal Am proposes double-digits rate increase to begin in 2027, citing infrastructure needs. By Katie Rodriguez The current 11,000-square-foot building was built in 1975 and houses staff of 60 to 70 employees, who serve about 34,000 individual case members monthly. E-MAIL: publiccitizen@montereycountynow.com PUBLIC CITIZEN “We view this site as a cornerstone of the Broadway corridor.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
www.montereycountynow.com JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com Despite funding chaos on the national level, local libraries are standing strong. The Monterey County Free Libraries system, with 16 branches, is expecting a tight budget in the next fiscal year, but is still managing to deal with rapid changes transforming the library experience across the U.S. Not only is MCFL managing, it is growing. This year, ground will be broken for two branches set to open in 2027, in East Garrison (a first) and in Bradley (which has been without a library since 2017). A $5.2 million budget for the latter was approved last year. Earlier this month, the Gonzales branch moved to the city’s new community center complex, leaving behind its past as part of a shopping center. Meanwhile, the Pajaro branch in the historic Vallejo Mansion continues to undergo renovation, anticipated to be completed in late 2026. In the meantime, the area is served by a bookmobile twice a week. Changes are also happening inside the libraries, responding to community needs. Monterey County Free Libraries Director Hillary Theyer talks about reducing physical book collections. “We want less physical items,” Theyer explains. “We want to have space and time for other things.” Those other things include open, interactive spaces for gatherings and homework, for example, and more toys and arts and crafts opportunities, as well as resources during emergencies. The libraries carefully monitor users’ behavior, trying to be smart with money while the cost of everything is rising. Demand for e-books and audiobooks goes up every year and turns out to be pricey due to licensing each title. Equipment reductions include stationary computers, but not in all branches because in Gonzales, for example, most of the computers are always in use. “Library users come with their own devices,” Theyer says. “What they want from us is a wireless connection and the ability to print.” Another change is less circulation between the library branches, now that the book collections are smaller and more curated, although library card holders can still order books to pick up at any branch within the system. MCFL is currently asking the community to share feedback. “We want to know more about not only how and why our communities use our libraries, but to hear from community members directly about their own library experiences,” said Chris Ricker, assistant director at MCFL. The survey, available in English and Spanish at bit.ly/ MCFLsurvey, is open until Jan. 31. In November, the California Attorney General secured a decision from the U.S. District Court granting a permanent injunction blocking the dismantling of several federal agencies “responsible for, among other things, funding museums and libraries.” That allowed libraries to resume certain programs and services, such as the California Revealed program that digitizes local history, or daily access to The New York Times via the California State Library. “There’s hope,” Theyer says. Branching Out 2026 is shaping up to be a good year for Monterey County Free Libraries. By Agata Popęda Monterey County Free Libraries Director Hillary Theyer says changing preferences are leading to fewer books and physical objects. “We are buying less print and we get rid of any device we can let go.” NEWS “We want less physical items. We want space for other things.” DANIEL DREIFUSS 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 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 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 26 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 *Early Spring Classes: Jan 5-24 831-230-0910 1730 The Mall | Seaside SullivansAutoService.com $30 OFF WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIAL *Most cars/ light trucks. See shop for details. Cannot combine with any other offers. Limited time only.
www.montereycountynow.com JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 For a city fixated on preserving the character of its past, it is ironic that a neighborhood dive bar nearing its 100th year will be pushed out. Sade’s Cocktails was packed with familiar patrons and new faces alike for its last days open. Many locals planned to come every night until closing on Jan. 30. One night, the parents of owner Parker Logan stopped by. Another night, one of the bartenders shared how he got married at Sade’s a few years ago. Each night, every seat was filled as strangers and regulars swapped stories and speculated about the bar’s future. “It’s a little surreal,” Logan says. “People are coming for their last night, or their last string of nights.” About nine months ago, word came down that Sade’s Cocktails would be closing, at least at its current location. Landlords Maria Martinez and Lizete Fiallo decided not to renew the lease. Among the wine bars, boutiques and nice restaurants in what has evolved over the years into a bustling tourist town, Sade’s stands out for its ability to bring strangers together over an honest cocktail or a couple of beers. It no longer matches the surrounding aesthetic—and that’s precisely why people love it. “We’re here to have a drink and have a good time. It’s not about ordering some bougie cocktail,” Logan says. “It’s about sitting down, sharing travel stories or playing a friendly game of dice.” After news of the closure spread, Logan launched a GoFundMe to support relocation efforts, raising $15,100 as of press time. Inspired by a visit to Carmel in 2000, Martinez and Fiallo purchased the property (housing Sade’s, Demetra, Xandra Swimwear and an apartment) in 2018 but manage it from afar. Lease discussions have been contentious; according to Logan, the rent he pays—$271 per square foot—is above the average commercial rate. Martinez says Logan has been a good tenant but notes significant interest in the space, adding that they envision something “more consistent with the vibe of the rest of Carmel.” She also shares she has never been inside the bar. “We don’t want to rush getting something done quickly,” Martinez says, speaking to what will come next. “We want to settle things.” Sade’s Cocktails has moved once before, in 1994 from the location that now houses PortaBella, located on Ocean Avenue. Since then, the city has created only three use permits for late-night bars that serve alcohol only: Sade’s, A.W. Shucks and Barmel. In recent months, A.W. Shucks’ permit has come under scrutiny amid questions about whether it operates as a bar or a restaurant, and whether its permit accurately reflects its business. Barmel’s future is also in jeopardy following recent disputes with the landlords. For now, Logan is considering other locations. “I feel like I have an obligation to make this place survive,” Logan says. “It is that important to this city. I’m not going to let it go away.” Last Call Nearing 100 years, Carmel’s historic cocktail bar Sade’s is slated for closure. By Katie Rodriguez The property owners declined to renew a lease for Sade’s, a Carmel dive bar. The bar’s last day in operation will be Friday, Jan. 30; the lease ends on Jan. 31. NEWS “We’re here to have a drink and have a good time.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com LIFE LOST This article states that the cops administered medical care but they didn’t (“Monterey County District Attorney releases bodycam footage in Marina officer-involved shooting,” posted Jan. 22). It’s clear in the video they had no intentions of providing medical care. Maybe if they release a video that’s not blurred out this article could be true. But at this point, without proper facts, this article as a whole lost its credibility and validity. They didn’t protect and serve during this routine traffic stop. The [police] risked his life by having a bias based on his past, they did not de-escalate the situation, and in the end a life was wrongly taken. RIP Ronald Chyron Tinsley. Alexis Merriweather | San Jose That was the opposite of a de-escalation. It was a simple traffic stop. Diana Lopez | Seaside PEOPLE POWER The criminal regime of the Islamic Republic has brutally killed close to 20,000 protesters in a matter of 48 hours. Yet, the international community has failed to take action against the regime. Despite the UN resolution of “Responsibility to Protect,” no effective action has been taken (aside from rhetoric) to respond to these crimes against humanity (“The overwhelming protests in Iran reflect desperation for change, despite an uncertain future,” Jan. 22-28). People of Iran deserve a democratic, secular government that can replace these monsters currently occupying their country. But first, it is the moral mandate of the global political community to help Iranians overthrow an illegitimate government that has looted and destroyed all the resources of Iran, in order to wage war against Israel for the past 46 years. Iranians are suffering from lack of electricity, water, clear air and from malnutrition. It is time for the Islamic Republic embassies to be closed across the world, and military action be taken against a regime that is killing its own people. The world is watching and history will judge. Shahnaz Otanian | Salinas Thank you, Agata Popęda, for the story on the situation in Iran (“A Marina woman reflects on the uprising in her home country of Iran,” posted Jan. 21). Please keep your contacts back in Poland and in the Baltics fresh. We’re likely to need them as the world’s governing arrangements collapse. Allan Groves | Seaside I write this because of something I witnessed in the terrible days after Oct. 7. Many Jews felt isolated and abandoned by much of the world. And yet, Iranian expatriates across the West showed up anyway. At solidarity gatherings, the pre-revolution Iranian flag appeared again and again. In some places, it felt as though the only non-Jews consistently standing with Jews in the street were Iranians. That solidarity was not only symbolic. Inside Iran itself, many people have courageously refused to participate in the regime’s anti-Israel spectacles—refusing to step on Israeli flags laid out at mosques and universities. Today, many of those same people are paying an unbearable price simply for demanding basic dignity. That moral confusion feels painfully familiar now. Too often, fear of political misinterpretation leads to endless “contextualizing,” while the victims themselves disappear from view. Silence becomes a form of abandonment. I am not asking for a partisan position or advocating military action. I am asking something more basic: whether we, as a community, can offer a clear moral gesture of solidarity—acknowledging the suffering of Iranian civilians. After Oct. 7, many Jews learned what it feels like when the world struggles to find its voice. Many Iranians feel that same abandonment today. I hope we can live in a world where solidarity is remembered—and returned. Magnus Torén | Big Sur RHYME TIME Art is medicine! (“Monterey County’s new poet laureate, Marie Butcher, wants to engage the community,” Jan. 15-21.) Michelle Magdalena Maddox | Pacific Grove The arts are vitally essential, especially during difficult times. Jacquie Atchison | via social media Note: Atchison is executive director of the Arts Council for Monterey County, which oversees the poet laureate program. START THE PRESSES The show was hilarious. Can’t recommend it enough (“Brian Steen-Larsen and Hunter Powers take it to the next level with Gutenberg! The Musical!,” Jan. 22-28). Jesse Juarez III | Salinas My family loved it. Vince Artalejo | Salinas CALL TO ACTION I attended the Carmel Library Foundation presentation on “Journalism, Truth and the Free Press” (“Local papers are at the core of functional journalism,” posted Jan. 26). The dominant theme was that presenting the truth through serious journalism was critically important to the public. Challenges to truth are widespread and destructive. During Q&A, most audience comments wanted more fact checking, more pushback against misinformation, disinformation, distortion and outright lies. At no time was there a single comment about the purpose of truth and the reason to have an informed public. My question: What is the purpose of truth? Is it simply to spread information and expect usefulness by an informed public? Is it to show a record of events, the first draft of history? What is truth expected to produce? What was missing was the purpose of being informed. To me, the objective must be action. Action means engagement beyond normal patterns. It means putting knowledge, emotions and energy into producing outcomes. It means actively supporting values. It means using your voice in public. It means participation. It means taking the time and making the effort. Without a clear sense of acting on what you know and believe in, being informed is limited to table talk. George Riley | Monterey 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.
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