MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 MONTEREYCOUNTYNOW.COM LOCAL & INDEPENDENT PUPPY LOVE 8 | HORSE RACE 10 | CAN SOLAR LIGHTS SOLVE COPPER THEFT? 15 | ART OF CROCHET 36 FIRST PLACE GENERAL EXCELLENCE • 2025 CA JOURNALISM AWARDS • Influential fine art photographers forged a path in Monterey County, developing a tradition. A revival is underway today. p. 20 By Agata Popęda PHOTO FINISH
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 4,041 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 MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com 032626
www.montereycountynow.com MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 3 (831) 755-4111 natividad.com CELEBRATE National Doctors’ Day and Natividad Providers We are grateful to our dedicated medical staff and the compassionate, excellent care you provide to our patients and community. Thank you to the 400+ physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurse anesthetists, psychologists and more who make up our team of providers at Natividad.
4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 • ISSUE #1965 • ESTABLISHED IN 1988 Kevin Miller (iPhone SE ) A 2-year-old was delighted to stumble upon this family of kelp creatures on Marina Dunes State Beach. It is believed that they mysteriously disappeared at high tide. MONTEREY COUNTY PHOTO OF THE WEEK Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: Wynn Bullock’s 1958 photograph, “Child on Forest Road,” will be displayed at the MPC Art Gallery as part of PhotoCarmel 2026, alongside works by later generations of MPC photography students. Cover art: Wynn Bullock 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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6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH A federal judge ruled March 20 that the Pentagon’s attempt to restrict reporters’ access to its operations was unconstitutional. In October, the Department of Defense issued new rules for reporters, which required them to only report on information that has been unclassified or get their credentials to the Pentagon revoked. Dozens of reporters walked out of the Pentagon, while mostly conservative outlets agreed to the rules. In December, the New York Times filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon, saying the rules violated freedom of speech. Judge Paul Friedman agreed. “Those who drafted the First Amendment believed that the nation’s security requires a free press and an informed people and that such security is endangered by governmental suppression of political speech,” Friedman wrote in his ruling. “That principle has preserved the nation’s security for almost 250 years. It must not be abandoned now.” In response to the ruling, the Pentagon announced that it is removing media offices entirely from the building. Good: Getting a head start on college can help students prepare for the rigorous process of obtaining their degrees. While many high schools offer dual enrollment programs, some go above and beyond. Marina High School and Seaside High School were among the 32 schools across the state that were honored with the California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award. The two Monterey County schools partner with Monterey Peninsula College to offer college courses for high school students. Awardees had to demonstrate their programs integrated college and district plans seamlessly, while making sure they were equitable among students. “Dual enrollment programs give students a chance to explore their interests, discover what inspires them, and begin their college journey early at no cost before they even graduate from high school,” State Superintendent Tony Thurmond said. GREAT: It’s a great week for people formerly homeless in King City, as 45-unit Casa de Esperanza is set to welcome its first residents to the former motel at 1130 Broadway St. After seven months of renovations made possible by partnerships at the city, county and state levels, the studio-apartment complex is expected to be ready by April 3, offering permanent supportive services to residents, according to Zulieka Boykin, executive director and CEO of the Housing Authority of the County of Monterey in a report to the HACM Board of Commissioners. HACM held a grand opening on March 19, despite ongoing construction—surprise issues under parking lot asphalt required fixing, leading to a delay. Mayor Mike LeBarre said Casa de Esperanza will fundamentally change the city’s homelessness situation. The city purchased the hotel for $4.4 million in 2025 and sold it to HACM for $1. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY The number of veterans served by the County of Monterey Office of Military & Veterans Affairs in 2025. The office helps connect veterans, survivors and families to benefits and compensation they are entitled to. Last year, the efforts brought in $21.5 million to those eligible in Monterey and San Benito counties. Source: County of Monterey Office of Military & Veterans Affairs 3,358 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I expected to get a laugh at that.” —Developer Patrick Orosco, who got derisive laughter from a large crowd when he pitched his 90-unit project on the Carmel Valley airfield property (see story, montereycountynow. com/news). 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 6 at 2:00 pm Salinas Courthouse Thursday, May 7 at 2:00 pm King City Courthouse Friday, May 8 at 10:30 am www.monterey.courts.ca.gov/general-information/grand-jury (831) 775-5400 Extension 3014 The 2026–2027 Civil Grand Jury Needs You! 2026 INFORMATIONAL SESSION AND INTERVIEWS TO BE HELD AT THESE LOCATIONS Insured by NCUA 1The dividend rate and Annual Percentage Yield (APY) are accurate as of 03/03/2026. There is no minimum balance required to earn the stated APY. The minimum opening deposit for the 7-month certificate is $500. The APY is based on an assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal, or transfer reduces earnings and there may be penalties for early withdrawal. Call 1-877-GOLDEN 1 (1-877-465-3361) for current rates. We reserve the right to change or discontinue this program at any time. Rates and term are subject to change without notice. 0226-MTW 3.60% APY1 for 7 months Visit a branch, call 1-877-465-3361 or scan to learn more Limited time offer Earn more with a Term Savings Certificate
www.montereycountynow.com MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 7 559 PACIFIC STREET MONTEREY, CA 93940 MONTEREYART.ORG SATURDAY, APRIL 11TH 11 AM–4 PM SAVE THE DATE FOR MONTEREY MUSEUM OF ART’S 4TH ANNUAL Free and open to all, this vibrant arts festival transforms downtown Monterey into a bustling hub of art and creativity. 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. ’24 Four years in a row! 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 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 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. ’24 Four years in a row! 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 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 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. ’24 Four years in a row! 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 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 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. ’24 Four years in a row! 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 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 We are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. • 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 and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. ’24 Four years in a row! 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 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 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 ’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. Four years in a row! 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 ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice 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 – NOW SEEING URGENT CARE CASES 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. ’24 Four years in a row! 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 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 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 We are honored ’24 Four years in a row! We are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. ’24 Four years in a row! 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. Four years in a row! 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 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 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
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com 831 Mercy, a young pit bull mix, came to Hitchcock Road Animal Services in Salinas last fall with eight puppies, just 2 days old, in tow. Mercy was emaciated, her ribs sticking out from beneath her skin. She could barely keep up nursing eight hungry mouths. Leah Gast, Hitchcock’s foster coordinator, put out the word to foster volunteers that a temporary home was needed for Mercy and her pups until they were old enough to be put up for adoption at 6 weeks. Michele Casey at The Bridge Recovery Center in Monterey responded right away. Casey and her husband, Pastor Mike Casey, founded The Bridge Restoration Ministry in 2006, starting with a men’s residential program in Pacific Grove. They added a separate women’s program in 2014 and last year the nonprofit acquired a 7-acre facility in the woods off Josselyn Canyon Road in Monterey for the men’s program. Last fall they partnered with the shelter in Salinas to bring foster dogs and cats to the campus, to be cared for by rehab residents who volunteer for the responsibility. The Bridge’s foster program didn’t start right away. It was three barn cats brought in to keep the rodent population under control, adopted from 10 Lives Rescue and Sanctuary located in San Andreas, that sparked the idea of taking in foster dogs and cats. Casey asked men in the program who wanted to help take care of the barn cats, and Jordan Hall stepped up immediately. They remind him of his own cat at home he misses so much. “It’s been great having the cats,” Hall says. “If I’m having a bad time, I can go out and visit them.” “I could see how beneficial it was,” Casey says. Knowing the need for foster volunteers, she began thinking about introducing more animals to the campus. “It made me wonder if we could really foster as a group,” she says. Casey reached out to Hitchcock explaining The Bridge’s program, “and we said ‘yes, please,’” Gast says with a chuckle. The first foster at The Bridge was a kitten too young to be put up for adoption, in early October. Next came Mercy and her eight puppies, who by the time they arrived on the campus were 2 weeks old. As of early March this year, they have fostered one cat and 11 dogs. “It’s therapeutic for us and the dogs as well,” Jeremy Villante, a program supervisor, says. He remembers when Mercy came to The Bridge, “super scared, super skittish. She wasn’t adoption ready when we got her.” Gast says animals often come to the shelter scared and shut down—the shy ones are often stressed by the noisy environment in a place filled with other animals. A foster home gives the animals a chance to relax and show their true personality. “And that’s why foster homes are the best thing ever,” Gast says. Amberlin Christian, who comes from The Bridge’s women’s program, serves as a “puppy liaison,” as she calls herself. She brings the foster dogs to the second-hand stores run by The Bridge in Monterey as a way to introduce them to prospective adoptive parents. She also enthusiastically volunteers to accompany Casey to events where the dogs will be introduced to potential adopters. “It’s nice to immerse myself in something I enjoy doing,” Christian says. “It brings me joy.” Already there have been what’s known as “foster fails”—the Caseys adopted one of Mercy’s puppies and a men’s program coordinator adopted Mercy. As of early March the Caseys were seriously considering adopting a young terrier mix named Millie, to serve as an ambassador of the program and to help socialize other foster dogs. On a spring-like day, Millie, once shy and scared, is happily milling about the humans who are chatting on campus. When she sees Villante, she instantly perks up—he’s her person, the others agree. As soon as he sits down, Millie happily jumps into his lap. A little while later Hall brings out Mercy for a visit, looking well fed, relaxed and content. Casey says it’s not just the dogs who blossom under the care of residents. “The sweetest part is the guys and the gals come out of their shells a little bit,” she says. Having an animal to walk with or snuggle with is therapeutic: “It brings out their softer side.” Fostering Healing Recovering addicts share love and care through foster pets at a Monterey rehab center. By Pam Marino “It’s therapeutic for us and the dogs as well.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE DANIEL DREIFUSS The Bridge resident Amberlin Christian, shown with foster dog Ayala, helps dogs and cats find permanent homes. The ministry’s program pairs residents in rehab with the pets to help care for them. Call today to get your message into this annual glossy magazine celebrating our delicious county. THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TOFOOD AND DRINK IN MONTEREY COUNTY BEST OF MONTEREY BAY® Eat+Drink Published by BEST OF MONTEREY BAY® Eat+Drink 2025-2026 | FREE cover_E+D_25.indd 1 4/24/25 12:05 PM FOR MORE INFO: 831-394-5656 sales@montereycountynow.com ADVERTISING DEADLINE: April 10 PUBLICATION DATE: April 30
www.montereycountynow.com MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 THE OSIO THEATRE RETURNS The Osio Arts Foundation is restoring this beloved venue as a home for film, music, art and live performance. Support the Restoration OSIOARTSFOUNDATION.ORG Scan to Learn More g Before The Vision INTEREST IN BUILDING OUT AND OPERATING OUR ATTACHED CAFÉ? We are actively seeking a restaurateur with experience and the highest ethics to bring our vision to life. Contact Brant Wilkinson through our website for additional information. The City of Monterey is an Equal Opportunity Employer. THE CITY OF MONTEREY Now Hiring! APPLY Today! Do you enjoy helping children? Are you flexible and adaptable? Do you have a positive attitude? SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITIES • Playground Recreation Leader • Day Camp Counselor • Field Sports Recreation Leader • Camp Quien Sabe Resident Camp Counselor, Support Staff (Kitchen Helper, Handyperson, Crafts Assistant), Crafts Leader, Lifeguard and Cook WHERE TO APPLY: MONTEREY.GOV/SUMMERJOBS SCAN ME!
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com NEWS As the partial U.S. government shutdown continues, those deemed essential workers, including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at the Monterey Regional Airport and across the country, are feeling the effects of nearly six weeks without pay. To help TSA officers working at Monterey Regional Airport, Executive Director Chris Morello says the Airport Operations Department has installed a gift card drop-off box at the airport for public donations. “TSA has been here at MRY working every day since the partial shutdown began,” Morello says. “We join all airports across the country and urge Congress and the Administration to quickly restore funding and ensure back pay to affected personnel at [the U.S. Department of Homeland Security].” Morello says the airport has not experienced any significant delays so far, unlike many other airports in the country. The Trump Administration deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to more than a dozen airports on March 23, including San Francisco International Airport, which led to the detention of two people. To help motivate U.S. Congress members to work toward an end to the shutdown, Delta Airlines announced that it has suspended specialty services to members of Congress flying Delta. And in an open letter sent on March 15, CEOs from nine airlines urged Congress to pay its essential workers. “TSA officers just received $0 paychecks,” the letter reads. “That is simply unacceptable. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table, put gas in the car and pay rent when you are not getting paid.” TSA officers at MRY declined to comment. In Limbo TSA workers at Monterey Regional Airport continue to work without pay during shutdown. By Aric Sleeper The City of Marina is evicting the Marina Equestrian Center’s concessionaire, citing multiple violations of a 2022 agreement. Woodside-based Chaparral Country Corporation was awarded the concessionaire contract after the city put out a call for proposals in 2020. That was after the volunteer group that had run the center on Fifth Avenue for more than 25 years faced concerns about its ability to safely manage the property. Since Chaparral Country Corporation took over, some have cited the company’s spotty track record at its other horse facilities in the state, and raised concerns about its Marina operations. In the past couple of years, however, Doug Hatran and a business partner have taken over operations, spinning off into a new company, Chaparral Ranch Marina. Visitors to the equestrian center spoke up during a council meeting on March 5 to say things have improved since Hatran took over. Yet, City Manager Layne Long told the council that city officials found violations with the agreement in 2025 and issued notices to Chaparral Country Corporation. (The Weekly has requested copies of the notices under public records law and is awaiting a response.) According to a city staff report, those violations included “failure to maintain the property in good condition, failure to comply with applicable laws, lapse in required insurance coverage, unauthorized assignment of the agreement, and failure to submit required revenue reports and payments.” Hatran served as a silent partner with Chaparral Country Corporation before starting his own company and operating the facility. He says he’s been working to uphold the agreement, but has faced pushback from the city in some instances, such as repairing barns and plumbing without waiting for a bidding process (“My horses need water,” he says). Chaparral Country Corporation, along with the City of Marina and Hatran, are named as defendants in a lawsuit filed in February by two former employees in Monterey County Superior Court, alleging workplace discrimination and unlawful termination when they reported animal welfare concerns. Hatran dismisses the claims, saying the employees were fired for their job performance, and he views the suit as retaliation. “They were not in the right place,” he says. The 27 acres of land were deeded to Marina in 1998 by the National Park Service with the caveat that the property only be used for recreational purposes or as a public park. City Council has asked staff to draft language for a Request for Proposals for a new concessionaire. The RFP could direct applications to come up with a plan that operates an equestrian center in addition to other recreational uses on the rest of the property, such as camping. Hatran says the city has encouraged him to apply to the RFP, but he doesn’t plan on it. He’s currently looking for land in unincorporated Monterey County to continue operations he provided in Marina, such as free riding lessons for children and other family-friendly activities. “I don’t see the purpose of continuing if they are going to add elements to this park that might be a liability to having horses and children together in one place,” he says. Marina Equestrian Center’s manager is looking for a property to house Chaparral Ranch’s activities, as he is being evicted from the Fifth Avenue space (above). Out to Pasture Marina evicts equestrian center operator as it ponders expanded uses of the property. By Erik Chalhoub About 60 U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers work at Monterey Regional Airport. They are not being paid due to a partial federal government shutdown. “I don’t see the purpose of continuing.” DANIEL DREIFUSS DANIEL DREIFUSS
www.montereycountynow.com MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com The “miracle” class of chemicals known as PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) can do it all—famous for making pans nonstick, clothing water-resistant and carpets stain-resistant. PFAS are prolific, used in everything from deodorant and dental floss to agriculture, yet their special chemical structure is so strong it does not break down in the environment. They have been linked to cancer, found contaminating waterways and bioaccumulating in the food chain. A report conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit environmental group, found that 2.5 million pounds of PFAS pesticides are spread annually on California farmland. Of that total, 551,108 pounds were used on crops in Monterey County between 2018 and 2023, where the highest traces were found on wine grapes (116,499 pounds), strawberries (99,972 pounds) and leaf lettuce (76,248 pounds). “A lot of farmers, I don’t think they know that’s what they’re spraying on their crops,” says Bernadette Del Chiaro, EWG senior vice president. “The EPA doesn’t label them as PFAS.” Almost 40 percent of non-organic fruits and vegetables grown in California had residues of PFAS pesticides. Grapes and cherries showed contamination rates of 80 percent or higher, frequently carrying four or more different PFAS pesticides on individual samples, whereas strawberries carried the greatest variety of any of the crops tested. Twenty-five of the 50 PFAS pesticides currently allowed in California have already been banned from the E.U., “usually a step ahead of the U.S. in chemical regulation,” Del Chiaro says. A bill introduced in the California Legislature on March 20 would establish a timeline to end the use of these chemicals in the state by 2035 and give growers time to transition to safer alternatives. AB 1603, introduced by Assemblymember Nick Schultz, D-Burbank, calls for enhanced labeling transparency, a moratorium on PFAS pesticides and a ban on new state approvals. “It’s a huge family of chemicals,” Del Chiaro says. “To allow them to be used in such an uncontained way, ending up on the strawberry or the peach a kid [might eat]—that’s not a contained use of this chemical.” The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee on April 14. Measure G, a 1-cent sales tax voters passed in 2014 in Salinas, started as an additional source of revenue to fix streets and sidewalks and maintain city services. It has now become a critical source of revenue, generating $34.5 million during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The measure is set to phase out in 2029, prompting City Council to vote 7-0 on Tuesday, March 24 to start the process of putting an extension on the ballot this November. Mayor Dennis Donohue says it’s a similar approach as Measure E, which voters approved in 2012. It has no sunset date and replaced Measure V, a half-cent sales tax with a 10-year limit. Donohue said an extension is critical for the city’s future and to show stability for potential investors. City officials have painted a gloomy picture for the city’s finances without a replacement measure, looking at a 21-percent reduction, or nearly $48 million, in the 2030-2031 budget. “It funds so much critical staffing regarding public safety, infrastructure,” City Councilmember Andrew Sandoval says. Currently, the measure funds 106.5 staff positions, including 29 for the Police Department and 38.3 for Public Works. It has also funded various projects in the city, including Northgate Dog Park, Boronda Road traffic relief and the Cesar Chavez soccer field. Probolsky Research, a market research firm based in Newport Beach, was hired to poll the likelihood of an extension passing. They interviewed 400 Salinas residents via phone and online in English and Spanish; nearly 58 percent said they would support it. To pass, the measure needs 51 percent of the votes. In June, the council will officially vote on whether to place a Measure G extension to the Nov. 3 ballot. In 2024, Sandoval, along with then-councilmember Anthony Rocha, advocated to put an extension on the ballot that year, but City Manager René Mendez said they needed more time and suggested delaying it for a couple of years. At that time, the council postponed it to 2026, which has now arrived. Detox Time Report finding PFAS pesticides on California crops prompts a new bill. By Katie Rodriguez NEWS IN CLASS North Monterey County Unified School District Board of Trustees meets and accepts public comment. 6pm Thursday, March 26. North Monterey County High School library, 13990 Castroville Blvd., Castroville. Free. (831) 633-3343, nmcusd.org. PARKS PROUD Join the Friends of Seaside Parks Association to help beautify and maintain the city’s parks. Volunteers rotate to a different park every week. 10am-noon Saturday, March 28. Lincoln Cunningham Park, San Pablo Avenue, east of Yosemite Street, Seaside. Free. friendsofseasideparks. org. STAR POWER Know a person who made a significant contribution to the quality of life in Seaside? Nominate them for a Seaside Star. Accepted nominations will have a star in their name placed on Broadway Avenue. Nominations accepted through Tuesday, March 31. (831) 899-6800, bit.ly/SeasideStars. HELP WANTED Monterey County Works hosts a job fair to connect local employers with job seekers. Attendees are encouraged to bring their résumés and dress to impress. 1-4pm Wednesday, April 1. Career Center, 344 Salinas St., Suites 205 and 206, Salinas. Free. (831) 796-3335. Register at montereycountyworks.com. PARKING PROCESS The City of Monterey Parking Division hosts a neighborhood meeting to review the residential parking permit program. New Monterey residents are invited to attend. 6pm Wednesday, April 1. Hilltop Park Center, 871 Jessie St., Monterey. Free. (831) 646-3953, monterey.gov/ parking. SAFE ROUTES Salinas’ Public Works Department will discuss work to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers along Harden Parkway between Broadway and El Dorado drives. The public has the opportunity to weigh in on the project. 6-8pm Thursday, April 2. Harden Middle School, 1561 McKinnon St., Salinas. Free. (831) 758-7241, salinas.gov/ Events/Harden-Parkway-Path-Project. TRAIL TALK King City and the County of Monterey are considering ways to expand trails at San Lorenzo Park along the Salinas River. The public is encouraged to share input. Survey ongoing at bit.ly/ SanLorenzoParkTrails. Free. On the Books Salinas advances a Measure G tax extension to appear on the November ballot. By Celia Jiménez The highest amounts of PFAS in Monterey County crops were detected on wine grapes, strawberries and leaf lettuce. E-MAIL: publiccitizen@montereycountynow.com PUBLIC CITIZEN “I don’t think they know that’s what they’re spraying on their crops.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
www.montereycountynow.com MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 JOIN WORLD’S BIGGEST OUTDOOR FESTIVAL April 16–19, 2026 Monterey, CA
14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com In May 2023, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and parent company Montage Health were on the losing side of a nearly $10 million lawsuit in Monterey County Superior Court, brought by a former employee contending he was terminated in retaliation for bringing up patient safety and billing issues at Tyler Heart Clinic. A jury agreed, and in a subsequent bench trial, Monterey County Superior Court Judge Vanessa Vallarta ruled CHOMP and Montage violated California’s health care whistleblower statute. Two months later, Montage asked Vallarta to overturn the jury verdict in Jared Stiver v. CHOMP et al, but she denied the motion, noting the jury’s “thumping verdict.” Vallarta did partially grant Montage’s motion for a new trial to determine Stiver’s employment relationship with Montage. Both Stiver and Montage appealed. On March 17, the Sixth District California Court of Appeal issued its ruling that Montage is entitled to a new trial on the limited point of Stiver’s employment with Montage. It could be a case of be careful what you ask for: The judges also noted there was evidence that supports the initial jury decision against the company, putting a future win in doubt. “Substantial evidence supports the jury’s finding that an agent or employee of Montage engaged in adverse employment actions with malice, oppression, or fraud and one or more officers, directors or managing agents ratified the conduct,” the judges stated. They also affirmed Vallarta’s ruling that CHOMP and Montage violated the health and safety code by retaliating against Stiver. Mindy Maschmeyer, Montage Health’s director of marketing and communications, said in a written statement that Montage agrees with the appellate judges that mistakes were made at trial and said the company will move forward with a new trial. “We intend to prove, at trial, that Montage did not engage in any wrongful conduct in making the decision to end Mr. Stiver’s employment,” she said. Mark O’Connor, Stiver’s attorney, says the court decision is only focused on a narrow issue. “The new trial is limited to the employment relationships between Montage and Stiver. All other findings, including the malicious and suppressive conduct by Montage officers, remain intact,” O’Connor says. In the first trial, Montage’s lawyers argued that Montage officers did not control CHOMP’s day-to-day activities and that those officers were wearing “subsidiary hats,” not “parent hats,” when making decisions about Stiver’s employment. The appellate judges were not swayed, concluding that the evidence supported that Stiver’s day-to-day duties, suspension and termination ultimately “rested with Montage.” In its appeal, Montage contended that there was insufficient evidence to support the jury’s $9.475 million verdict, as well as Vallarta’s ruling that Montage violated the whistleblower statute. The court rejected those claims. Yes, But Montage Health gets a new trial in a wrongful termination case, but there could be a catch. By Pam Marino Appellate judges granted Montage a new trial on the singular issue of Jared Stiver’s employment status, but a $9.475 million jury award and verdict that Montage violated a whistleblower statute stands. NEWS “Substantial evidence supports the jury’s finding.” DANIEL DREIFUSS MyMCB Mobile Banking Made Simple. Secure. Wherever You Go. Download MyMCB Mobile Today! With MyMCB Mobile, you can: • Check balances and transactions. • Deposit checks with your phone. • Transfer funds quickly. • Pay bills on the go. • Set custom account alerts. • Use secure biometric login. Disclosure: MyMCB Mobile requires Online Banking enrollment and a compatible mobile device. Certain features such as Mobile Check Deposit may be subject to eligibility, daily limits, or processing times. Message and data rates may apply. Some account restrictions may apply. [MCB. 2026.0311 montereycountybank.com
www.montereycountynow.com MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15 Over the past couple of years, as the price of copper has climbed, so too has a related issue in the Salinas cityscape: streetlight outages. Thefts of copper wire usually happen at night, with wires ripped out, affecting multiple fixtures. “We’ll lose seven, eight lights when they do that,” says David Jacobs, Salinas’ public works director. City officials have replaced the wire, and added heavy-duty handholds and lids to prevent theft. Public Works doesn’t have a dedicated crew to address street maintenance, but this issue became a need. “The city manager wanted us to increase the rate of fixing lights so he said, ‘Let’s get a contractor on board,’” Jacobs adds. The uptick began in 2023 in industrial areas, such as the intersection of Work Street and Elvee Drive. Now it is more widespread, impacting major streets including Laurel Drive, Constitution Boulevard and Sanborn Road. “They tend to hit the bigger streets—the collectors and arterials— because they have the bigger wire in it,” Jacobs points out. Repairs cost $8-$10 per linear foot (to Public Works) and $12-$14 to Francis Electronics LLC, the contractor. They can repair up to 600 linear feet per day; repairing a mile can take up to a week-and-a-half. “There’s almost no way to make anything theft-proof and we’re spending a lot of money to replace this copper wire,” City Councilmember Andrew Sandoval says. This fiscal year alone the city has spent $359,203 on streetlight repairs with more on the way, budgeted at a $136,000 price tag. Copper theft isn’t unique to Salinas; it’s impacting cities across the country including Los Angeles and San Jose. Many affected cities are exploring or transitioning to solar street lights. While switching to solar seems like a straightforward solution, it comes with a higher up-front cost. Replacing the wire between two street lights 300 feet apart costs between $1,800-$3,600 per light. A solar light ranges from $5,000 to $9,000 each, and might need additional foundation or a new pole. Salinas has 6,750 streetlights citywide and turning to solar could cost in the range of $120 million to $150 million. Still, Sandoval says he wants to see a plan to switch solar soon, noting several parks are in the dark. “We’re looking at some pilot solar options, one to see how they perform, and two, to see if they’re scalable,” Mayor Dennis Donohue says, while noting that meanwhile, repairs of traditional lights are underway. The city is in the process of preparing to launch a pilot program with 27 solar streetlights at a cost of $515,000. The lights will be on Roosevelt between Kern and Madeira streets, in an area that is experiencing increased prostitution and human trafficking. Jacobs says one reason they chose this area is because they expect it to be relatively faster to bring lights in that don’t require electrical connections— with the added benefit that it might mitigate criminal activity. “It was the best of both worlds,” he says. Light It Up Struggling with copper wire theft, Salinas explores a solar streetlight pilot program. By Celia Jiménez Crews have replaced lids on the handholds of streetlights in Salinas with sturdier versions in an effort to prevent copper wire theft. NEWS “We’re looking at pilot solar options to see if they’re scalable.” DANIEL DREIFUSS CHEF ATTENDED STATIONS Build your own Omelette Bar Slow Roasted Brown Sugar, Black Pepper, Fennel Dusted Brisket with a Red Wine BBQ Sauce New Zealand Rack of Lamb with Red Pepper Chimichurri BRUNCH ENTREES Broccoli Cheese Egg Frittata Bacon and Chicken Apple Sausage Chicken & Waffles with Maple Syrup and Hot Honey Herb Roasted Red Potatoes Penne Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Spinach, Artichokes in a White Wine Butter Sauce Chipotle Butter Basted Grilled Chicken Breast, Black Beans, Pico de Gallo Hoisin Glazed Skin on Salmon Lemon Herb Orzo SALADS & COLD CONTINENTAL Poached Prawns, Oysters on a Half Shell, Champagne Mignonette, Cocktail Sauce Smoked Salmon, Capers, Red Onion, Cream Cheese, and Lemons Deviled Eggs Tuna Ahi Poke, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Green Onions, Sweet Chili Soy Sauce, Grilled Pineapple Grilled Vegetable Board Pearl Couscous Salad with Mixed Herbs, Arugula, Cucumbers and Orange Vinaigrette Jicama Salad with Cilantro Lime Chili Vinaigrette Classic Caesar Salad with Croutons and Parmesan Spring Greens and Frisee Salad with Assorted Berries, Pickled Red Onions, Cherry Heirloom Tomatoes, Candied Pecans, Cucumbers, Dried Cranberries, Feta Cheese PACIFIC’S EDGE Easter Brunch Buffet SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026 9AM-3PM SIDES Assorted Breads, Bagels & Butter, Fresh Fruit & Berries Yogurt and Granola Parfaits, Assorted Cheese Display DESSERTS Assorted Petit fours, Macarons, Pastries and Easter themed candy Reservations on Opentable $125* per adult / $55* per child over 4 Does not include 20% service charge and tax CHEF ATTENDED STATIONS Build your own Omelette Bar Slow Roasted Brown Sugar, Black Pepper, Fennel Dusted Brisket with a Red Wine BBQ Sauce New Zealand Rack of Lamb with Red Pepper Chimichurri BRUNCH ENTREES Broccoli Cheese Egg Frittata Bacon and Chicken Apple Sausage Chicken & Waffles with Maple Syrup and Hot Honey Herb Roasted Red Potatoes Penne Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Spinach, Artichokes in a White Wine Butter Sauce Chipotle Butter Basted Grilled Chicken Breast, Black Beans, Pico de Gallo Hoisin Glazed Skin on Salmon Lemon Herb Orzo SALADS & COLD CONTINENTAL Poached Prawns, Oysters on a Half Shell, Champagne Mignonette, Cocktail Sauce Smoked Salmon, Capers, Red Onion, Cream Cheese, and Lemons Deviled Eggs Tuna Ahi Poke, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Green Onions, Sweet Chili Soy Sauce, Grilled Pineapple Grilled Vegetable Board Pearl Couscous Salad with Mixed Herbs, Arugula, Cucumbers and Orange Vinaigrette Jicama Salad with Cilantro Lime Chili Vinaigrette Classic Caesar Salad with Croutons and Parmesan Spring Greens and Frisee Salad with Assorted Berries, Pickled Red Onions, Cherry Heirloom Tomatoes, Candied Pecans, Cucumbers, Dried Cranberries, Feta Cheese PACIFIC’S EDGE Easter Brunch Buffet SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026 9AM-3PM SIDES Assorted Breads, Bagels & Butter, Fresh Fruit & Berries Yogurt and Granola Parfaits, Assorted Cheese Display DESSERTS Assorted Petit fours, Macarons, Pastries and Easter themed candy Reservations on Opentable $125* per adult / $55* per child over 4 Does not include 20% service charge and tax CHEF ATTENDED STATIONS Build your own Omelette Bar Slow Roasted Brown Sugar, Black Pepper, Fennel Dusted Brisket with a Red Wine BBQ Sauce New Zealand Rack of Lamb with Red Pepper Chimichurri BRUNCH ENTREES Broccoli Cheese Egg Frittata Bacon and Chicken Apple Sausage Chicken & Waffles with Maple Syrup and Hot Honey Herb Roasted Red Potatoes Penne Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Spinach, Artichokes in a White Wine Butter Sauce Chipotle Butter Basted Grilled Chicken Breast, Black Beans, Pico de Gallo Hoisin Glazed Skin on Salmon Lemon Herb Orzo SALADS & COLD CONTINENTAL Poached Prawns, Oysters on a Half Shell, Champagne Mignonette, Cocktail Sauce Smoked Salmon, Capers, Red Onion, Cream Cheese, and Lemons Deviled Eggs Tuna Ahi Poke, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Green Onions, Sweet Chili Soy Sauce, Grilled Pineapple Grilled Vegetable Board Pearl Couscous Salad with Mixed Herbs, Arugula, Cucumbers and Orange Vinaigrette Jicama Salad with Cilantro Lime Chili Vinaigrette Classic Caesar Salad with Croutons and Parmesan Spring Greens and Frisee Salad with Assorted Berries, Pickled Red Onions, Cherry Heirloom Tomatoes, Candied Pecans, Cucumbers, Dried Cranberries, Feta Cheese PACIFIC’S EDGE Easter Brunch Buffet SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026 9AM-3PM SIDES Assorted Breads, Bagels & Butter, Fresh Fruit & Berries Yogurt and Granola Parfaits, Assorted Cheese Display DESSERTS Assorted Petit fours, Macarons, Pastries and Easter themed candy Reservations on Opentable $125* per adult / $55* per child over 4 Does not include 20% service charge and tax
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