MAY 14-20, 2026 MONTEREYCOUNTYNOW.COM LOCAL & INDEPENDENT PARKING CRACKDOWN AT BIXBY BRIDGE 8 | HOW HAPPY ARE YOU? 34 | A CORNY FOOD STORY 36 FIRST PLACE GENERAL EXCELLENCE • 2025 CA JOURNALISM AWARDS • Scholar Riane Eisler made her home in Carmel, but her ideas have had a global impact. p. 18 By Agata Popęda BIG THINKER
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 14-20, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com MAY 14-20, 2026 • ISSUE #1972 • ESTABLISHED IN 1988 Gil Lucero (iPhone 14 Pro) Grazing cattle cruise around the green hills alongside hikers at Brazil Ranch 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: Riane Eisler is a Vienna-born, Carmel-based independent scholar whose ideas are changing the world. 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, pre-paid. 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) EDITOR/SALINAS VALLEY NOW Joseph Treviño joseph@salinasvalleynow.com STAFF WRITER/SALINAS VALLEY NOW Royvi Hernandez royvi@salinasvalleynow.com (x140) 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 MAY 14-20, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH Public records requests are a vital tool not only for journalists but for any member of the public concerned with government transparency and accountability. For journalists working under tight deadlines, the timeliness of a government agency’s response can make the difference between a story that merely scratches the surface and one that reveals the truth. Under current law, a public agency in California has 10 calendar days to determine whether it has the requested information and whether it is public, according to the California Public Records Act. For requests that call for numerous or complex records, an agency can kick the can 14 more calendar days down the road. Assembly Bill 1821, introduced earlier this year by Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco, D-Downey, would change the request time from 10 calendar days to 10 business days, potentially delaying responses further. The bill is supported by the Monterey City Council and other jurisdictions, and faces opposition from many organizations including the California News Publishers Association and ACLU California Action, among others. Good: Sketchy turns in Carmel Valley be gone—the roundabout at Laureles Grade and Carmel Valley Road is fully operational. The roundabout replaces a one-way, stop-controlled “T” intersection. The Grade connects Highway 68 to Carmel Valley Road, one of only three ways for drivers to connect to Carmel Valley. Construction on the roundabout began in June last year and continued mostly on schedule, delayed a few times due to inclement weather, taking roughly 10 months to complete, and causing frequent traffic delays for commuters. A priority project for the Carmel Valley Road Advisory Committee, the $6.5 million project is funded by a mix of sources, including a grant from the Monterey Bay Air Resources District and Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) Measure X funds. Safety lighting will be installed sometime in the next couple of months. GREAT: It’s a great week for three hospitals in the region: Natividad, Salinas Valley Health and Watsonville Community Hospital. All three achieved “A” grades in the Spring 2026 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Survey, a leading independent evaluation of U.S. hospitals, that was announced May 6. Grades are issued in the spring and fall, based on safety protocols, errors, accidents and infections. This is the fourth A in a row for Natividad, the County of Monterey’s hospital, rising from a C and Bs a few years ago. SVH has consistently scored As and one B in recent years. The most dramatic result was at Watsonville Community Hospital, which services part of North Monterey County. It received a D in 2023, during a time of transition from a for-profit hospital to ownership by the newly created Pajaro Valley Health Care District. The hospital received high marks in following safety procedures. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY The score in the first official game, for the Monterey Bay Sirens, a pre-professional women’s soccer team, which played to a draw against the Stockton Cargo SC on May 9 at Cardinale Stadium in Seaside. Brianna Castleberry scored the team’s first-ever goal in the 38th minute. Source: USL W League 1-1 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I want to run for reelection, but I should not run for reelection.” -Marina Mayor Bruce Delgado, announcing that he will not seek reelection in November (see story, montereycountynow.com/news). The only CPA in this race! Vote on or before June 2 nd BURCU MOUSA, CPA Accountability. Integrity. Transparency. FOR AUDITOR-CONTROLLER MONTEREY COUNTY ELECT MOUSAFORAUDITOR.COM E-mail: burcu@mousaforauditor.com Phone: (831) 321-8606 PROUDLY ENDORSED BY County Employees Management Association (CEMA) Michael J. Miller Monterey County Auditor-Controller (Former) Mary Zeeb Monterey County Treasurer-Tax Collector (Former) Jane Parker Monterey County Board of Supervisor (Former) Mary Adams Monterey County Board of Supervisor (Former) Dave Potter Monterey County Board of Supervisor (Former) Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea (Former) Dr. Deneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Alexis Garcia-Arrazola City of Seaside Council Member Rita Burks City of Seaside Council Member Ben Caldera City of Soledad Council Member To view the full and growing list of endorsements visit: www.mousaforauditor.com Trusted Experienced Leadership for Monterey County With 17 years of specialized experience in governmental accounting, auditing, and financial reporting, I am ready to ensure transparency and accountability on day one. Proven Qualifications Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Former Assistant Auditor-Controller, County of Monterey Former Chief Deputy Auditor-Controller, County of Monterey Former External Auditor (Specializing in Government & Nonprofits) B.S. in Business Administration (Professional Accounting), Magna Cum Laude – CSU, Chico Paid for by Burcu Mousa for Monterey County Auditor-Controller (FPPC#1486536) FOR MONTEREY COUNTY AUDITOR-CONTROLLER Accountability. Integrity. Transparency. The only CPA in this race! Vote on or before June 2nd The only CPA in this race! nd BURCU MOUSA, CPA Accountability. Integrity. Transparency. FOR AUDITOR-CONTROLLER MONTEREY COUNTY ELECT MOUSAFORAUDITOR.COM E-mail: burcu@mousaforauditor.com Phone: (831) 321-8606 County Employees Management Association (CEMA) Michael J. Miller Monterey County Auditor-Controller (Former) Mary Zeeb Monterey County Treasurer-Tax Collector (Former) Jane Parker Monterey County Board of Supervisor (Former) Mary Adams Monterey County Board of Supervisor (Former) Dave Potter Monterey County Board of Supervisor (Former) Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea (Former) Dr. Deneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Alexis Garcia-Arrazola City of Seaside Council Member Rita Burks City of Seaside Council Member Ben Caldera City of Soledad Council Member To view the full and growing list of endorsements visit: www.mousaforauditor.com Trusted Experienced Leadership for Monterey County With 17 years of specialized experience in governmental accounting, auditing, and financial reporting, I am ready to ensure transparency and accountability on day one. Proven Qualifications Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Former Assistant Auditor-Controller, County of Monterey Former Chief Deputy Auditor-Controller, County of Monterey Former External Auditor (Specializing in Government & Nonprofits) MOUSAFORAUDITOR.COM E-mail: burcu@mousaforauditor.com Phone: (831) 321-8606 PA in this race! r before June 2 nd MOUSA, CPA ntegrity. Transparency. FOR CONTROLLER REY COUNTY LECT OR.COM rauditor.com 8606 ENDORSED BY gement Association (CEMA) Controller (Former) r-Tax Collector (Former) f Supervisor (Former) f Supervisor (Former) f Supervisor (Former) ea (Former) tendent of Schools ember ember ember ing list of endorsements visit: usaforauditor.com eadership for Monterey County nce in governmental accounting, auditing, to ensure transparency and accountability n Qualifications (CPA) County of Monterey er, County of Monterey PROUDLY ENDORSED BY County Employees Management Association (CEMA) Michael J. Miller Monterey County Auditor-Controller (Former) Mary Zeeb Monterey County Treasurer-Tax Collector (Former) Jane Parker Monterey County Board of Supervisor (Former) Mary Adams Monterey County Board of Supervisor (Former) Dave Potter Monterey County Board of Supervisor (Former) Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea (Former) Dr. Deneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Alexis Garcia-Arrazola City of Seaside Council Member Rita Burks City of Seaside Council Member Ben Caldera City of Soledad Council Member Steve Vagnini Monterey County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder (former) To view the full and growing list of endorsements visit: www.mousaforauditor.com Trusted Experienced Leadership for Monterey County With 17 years of specialized experience in governmental accounting, auditing, and financial reporting, I am ready to ensure transparency and accountability on day one. Proven Qualifications Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Former Assistant Auditor-Controller, County of Monterey Former Chief Deputy Auditor-Controller, County of Monterey Former External Auditor (Specializing in Government & Nonprofits) B.S. in Business Administration (Professional Accounting), Magna Cum Laude – CSU, Chico Paid for by Burcu Mousa for Monterey County Auditor-Controller (FPPC#1486536) Monterey County Weekly County Employees Management Association (CEMA) Michael J. Miller Monterey County Auditor-Controller (Former) Mary Zeeb Monterey County Treasure-Tax Collector (Former) Steve Vagnini Monterey County Assesor/Clerk-Recorder (Former) Jane Parker Monterey County Board of Supervisor (Former) Mary Adams Monterey County Board of Supervisor (Former) Dave Potter Monterey County Board of Supervisor (Former) Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea (Former) Dr. Deneen Guss Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kim Barber City of Monterey Council Member Alexis Garcia-Arrazola City of Seaside Council Member Rita Burks City of Seaside Council Member
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6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 14-20, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com 831 In 1952, Rabbi Abraham Haselkorn, leader of what is now Temple Beth El, established a doctrine encouraging his congregation and future leaders to embrace and support diversity in the wider Salinas community. Dubbed the Haselkorn Doctrine, the belief has continued throughout the synagogue’s history, not only through community outreach and organizing but by the growing interfaith makeup of its members. “Our efforts are in inclusivity, and having an interfaith congregation,” says Michelle Kaiser, committee chair for the temple’s board of directors. “We’re trying to make it accessible and open.” This year, Temple Beth El is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Its history can be traced back to the first Jewish settlers arriving in Salinas around 1900. By 1928, it had 22 members, which eventually became the First Hebrew Congregation and Community Center. In 1938, George and Rose Genser contributed funds to establish the community’s first synagogue on Park Street, which was built with additional funding from private contributors, including merchants and produce brokers. Haselkorn served as rabbi for 20 years. During that time, in 1963, the present building at 1212 Riker St. was constructed to accommodate the growing congregation. Their name changed to Temple Beth El as they became affiliated with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. That history and more will be on full display during a fundraising gala on May 16. The gala, which is sold out, will include an archival display of the temple throughout the decades, looking back on each generation’s involvement and contributions. Cantor Margaret Bruner, who has served in leadership for the past decade, says the event will be an opportunity not only to look back but also move things into the future. “I’m looking forward to celebrating this milestone with the community,” she says. “Ninety years is a really long time. We are the oldest Jewish community and the face of Judaism in Salinas. When I came on board, I knew I wanted to help retain members and attract new ones.” Bruner is the first cantor to lead Temple Beth El Salinas, after a long line of rabbis. A cantor, she explains, plays a unique role in a congregation. They are in charge of the music during worship. “It’s a big responsibility,” she says. “We teach how to chant from the Torah. Because you’re not supposed to just read it, music is a big part of a service.” Bruner admits her time at Beth El has at times been challenging, partially due to Covid and the learning curve of using technology such as Zoom. Another reason, she says, is the ever-changing role that houses of worship play in society. “There are hundreds closing every day across the U.S.,” she says. “Churches, synagogues and mosques are losing members. And then Covid really wiped out a lot of memberships.” But the younger leadership of Temple Beth El, Bruner says, has continued to push forward. This includes many interfaith families, such as Kaiser’s. “The core of our families now, especially people under 40, are all interfaith,” Bruner says. “Our temple president is not Jewish. We have a small religious school, and every single kid there has interfaith parents. It’s part of our culture here.” Kaiser’s family has been part of the local Jewish community for generations. It is this legacy, she says, that prompts her to stay involved. “[My family] have their pictures on the wall, their Torahs in the temple,” she says. “There are so many stories and pieces of history not only from my family but other families who are still here. My past is what propels me to want to be a part of this. To make sure it lasts.” Both Bruner and Kaiser say that looking to the future of Temple Beth El Salinas is promising, despite the challenges. The congregation’s members once peaked at 130, but now sit at 41. “We’re small but close and tightknit,” Kaiser said. “We are trying to continue to lay down the foundation of roots for new and current members.” Bruner adds, “It’s been an honor for me to have served this congregation for the past 10 years. I hope we can increase membership and remain a fixture in the community in Salinas Valley.” Lasting Faith Guided by its support of diversity, Temple Beth El in Salinas celebrates its 90th anniversary. By Johanna Miller “My past is what propels me to want to be a part of this.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE DANIEL DREIFUSS Temple Beth El’s members are active in the community, including, from left, Lindsay Millan, Michelle Kaiser, Shauna Worthington and Cantor Margaret Bruner. “We want to put a positive face to the community,” Bruner says. GET TICKETS! PRESENTED BY TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM FERRANTE’S AT MONTEREY MARRIOTT TICKETS: $45/MEMBERS • INCLUDES BREAKFAST QUARTERLY BUSINESS INSIGHTS BREAKFAST Join us for an informative presentation titled “Current State of Healthcare in the Region” with Montage CEO, Dr. Mike McDermott.
www.montereycountynow.com MAY 14-20, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 7 Sponsored by Party at the Plaza | June 5 La Dolce Vita | June 9 Soirée by the Sea | June 10 Boho Bites & Beats | June 11 experience the art of the plate in storybook carmel Immerse yourself in an unforgettable food and wine celebration at the 6th Annual Carmel-by-the-Sea Culinary Week with four village-wide signature events and ongoing chef-curated menus, culinary experiences and exclusive offers at more than 30 restaurants. Join us for all the action in our storybook village and stay steps away at Carmel-by-the-Sea hotels and inns. get tickets at carmelculinaryweek.com sold out Soirée by the Sea at La Playa Hotel Carmel_Culinary_Week_Weekly_5.7.26_FullPg_9.5x11.32_Final.indd 1 5/4/26 3:02 PM
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 14-20, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com NEWS Of the most photographed places in California, Bixby Bridge in Big Sur may rank among the top five. But the destination was never meant to become one. Now, a chronic and growing stream of visitors looking to snap their shot alongside the highway regularly pose serious safety concerns. On Tuesday, May 19, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider a 12-month moratorium on parking in the immediate vicinity of Bixby Bridge on Highway 1 in response to a request from Supervisor Kate Daniels. If passed, the moratorium would go into effect before Memorial Day weekend, one of the busiest weekends of the year, marking the start of summer. “What’s really come to a head is the way in which people are parking and stopping on the highway. The backup has just become miles long in both directions,” Daniels says. “I hear from the public safety entities—just sheer exasperation.” Unprecedented traffic congestion during spring break at Bixby Bridge, Point Lobos and Garrapata State Park caused issues not only for local commuters, but also for local emergency responders. California Highway Patrol officers and State Parks rangers attempted to keep the onslaught of visitors moving, Daniels says, but the effort has reportedly stretched officers too thin, delayed emergency responses and complicated access for local fire agencies. In March, Daniels met with California Coastal Commission staff to explore possible management strategies. The moratorium, which would be the first of its kind at Bixby Bridge, is intended to give officials time to develop longer-term solutions. “This is a challenge that we’ve been dealing with for a very long time,” Daniels says. “But Bixby Bridge is a trip, not a destination.” No-Stop Shop County Supes will consider a 12-month moratorium on parking at Bixby Bridge in Big Sur. By Katie Rodriguez For Pastor Ronald Britt of Seaside’s Greater Victory Temple Church of God in Christ, the 21-unit, 100-percent affordable housing development to be built on the church’s campus is a blessing from god—not only for the church but for the working-class residents who will one day inhabit it. “When I became the pastor of the church, the lord spoke to me and said, ‘Financially stabilize the church,’” Britt says. “And this is the way we will be able to do it.” President of the development firm KB Bakewell, Danny Bakewell Jr., worked with the church to develop the affordable apartment building known as Greater Victory Temple Apartments, set to break ground on Saturday, May 16. Bakewell says the project came about through “a perfect storm” of events, where the church wanted to develop housing on its property (following a state law enacted in 2024 that streamlines the development of housing on church property) and Bakewell needed to build off-site affordable units required as part of the Campus Town development. “It’s been a long process and I am so excited for the groundbreaking,” Britt says. “Working with Danny, KB Bakewell and their staff has been so rewarding. They’re not here to just build, take money and go. They care about this community.” The three-story, approximately 42-foot-tall building will have a mix of six studios, nine one-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments, all of which will be deed-restricted affordable units set aside for those considered to be very low-income by state guidelines, which equates to a family of four earning 30 to 50 percent of the area median income, which in Monterey County is $104,500. The very-low-income units partially satisfy KB Bakewell’s obligation to provide 180 affordable units both on and off the Campus Town property and will be the first housing units built as part of the larger project, albeit off-site. “That’s exciting to be able to deliver the first units as affordable,” says Bakewell. “Affordable housing is critical, not only here in Seaside but across the state.” Bakewell says they tentatively hope to complete construction by the spring of 2027. They are not yet taking applications for potential residents, and plan to advertise when that process begins. Although Bakewell says he would like to favor Seaside residents, he stresses that anyone will be able to apply to live in the building; Britt points out that one doesn’t have to be a churchgoer to apply. “We are going to work to find every possible advantage that we can give to people who live in Seaside, who work in Seaside and our essential workers,” Bakewell says. “This is 21 units. We’re not going to solve the housing crisis, but at least we can take a swing at it.” A groundbreaking ceremony at 10am on Saturday, May 16 coincides with Greater Victory Temple’s 83rd anniversary where community members can enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs as they hear from a slate of pastors and elected officials. Danny Bakewell Jr. is preparing to break ground on what will be Seaside’s first 100-percent affordable housing building at a church near the top of Broadway. New Digs Affordable housing development at Greater Victory Temple in Seaside poised to break ground. By Aric Sleeper Visitors routinely park on the shoulder of Highway 1 just north of Bixby Bridge. People walking along the shoulder for photo ops, as well as vehicles pulling in and out, contribute to traffic backups. “We’re not going to solve the housing crisis, but at least we can take a swing at it.” DANIEL DREIFUSS KAREN LOUTZENHEISER
www.montereycountynow.com MAY 14-20, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 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 A NEW FREE, DAILY, DIGITAL NEWS SOURCE. • Telling the stories of Salinas and Salinas Valley • Community news, professionally crafted, available in Spanish ANNOUNCING Visit SalinasValleyNow.com to sign up for the newsletter to be delivered for free via email or WhatsApp
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 14-20, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com Hacienda, the popular Carmel Valley gathering spot that suspended events last month amid county compliance concerns, is looking for a path forward. The County of Monterey issued an administrative citation on April 12, with several violations including an unpermitted coffee bar and market, paid gatherings, use of shipping containers and unpermitted construction. Fines were set to begin accruing on May 14, but as talks continue, County officials are delaying collection. “The property owner and tenant are moving forward to clear the violations and the fines will be stayed while they diligently pursue correcting the violations,” County spokesperson Maia Carroll writes by email. The majority of the issues are already resolved; hosting events remains an open question. Owner Nile Estep says he has requested clarification on the meaning of “historic usage” at this long-time establishment, an animal feed store that was also permitted to hold “holiday events and attractions.” Monterey County Supervisor Kate Daniels, who represents District 5 where Hacienda is located, says she has been engaged with the County Department of Housing and Community Development staff working on the matter. “We all very much love Hacienda,” Daniels says. “It’s so important to have venues that cater to locals, especially when we have so many visitor-serving destinations.” Daniels acknowledges that while some violations are administrative in nature and likely straightforward to resolve, the thornier question involves the interpretation of the property’s historic use—a distinction that could determine whether programming like line dancing can continue. “There is perhaps a different interpretation of the historic usage of the space, and that is possibly the space for negotiations,” she says. Daniels urged Estep to build a robust historical record—drawing on local historical societies, old newspaper clippings, advertisements and community memory—to document what activities took place on the property over the decades. That documentation, she says, could prove critical in preserving those uses going forward. The Carmel Valley Association also issued a letter of support for continued entertainment at the property. For the moment, Hacienda’s beloved line dancing events are taking place at nearby Folktale Winery. It’s been a tumultuous year for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, the largest Planned Parenthood affiliate in the country, since the passage of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” last July. Medicaid reimbursements were halted, forcing PPMM to lay off over 60 employees and close five clinics in California. More federal cuts are coming Jan. 1. With 75 to 80 percent of PPMM’s patients using Medicaid—known as MediCal in California—its leaders had to get creative finding new sources of revenue. They turned to “aesthetics,” which include injectables like Botox and other beauty treatments, as well as IV hydration and perimenopausal care. Aesthetic services are cash only, and are offered at about 25 percent less than at medical spas, says Dr. Laura Dalton, PPMM’s chief medical operating officer. “It’s a relatively easy lift for us,” she says of the addition. It requires no additional supplies, and many staff members were already trained in some procedures. She believes clients who relied on Planned Parenthood in their younger years will return for the new services. As of now, only the Sacramento clinic is offering aesthetics, although the perimenopausal program, Poppy, is available through telehealth. That program offers hormone replacement therapy and even microdosed GLP-1s, which is emerging as a perimenopausal treatment, Dalton says. Eventually all 30 clinics, including Seaside and Salinas, will offer aesthetic services. So far the reaction has been positive, she says, with clients saying they’re happy their money will help subsidize reproductive health care for others. The Medi-Cal cuts have led to another development: Over 400 clinicians, nurses and specialists, including about 30 in Monterey County, are voting on whether to join a union, SEIU Local 521. The vote began May 11 and continues through May 19. The union cited the cuts as one reason why workers want a voice in decisions about staffing, resources and priorities. Two Step Hacienda owner is hopeful about a resolution with the County and restoring events. By Agata Popęda NEWS DOWNTOWN REVIVAL Marina Planning Commission meets to discuss updates to the city’s Downtown Vitalization Specific Plan. Public input is accepted. 6pm Thursday, May 14. City Council Chambers, 211 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. Free. (831) 884-1278, cityofmarina. org. HOUSING FOR ALL ECHO Housing presents a regional housing workshop geared toward tenants, property owners and the general public. The workshop will include a discussion on federal and state fair housing laws. 10am Friday, May 15. Via Zoom at bit. ly/48bjBWZ. Free. (510) 581-9380, echofairhousing.org. BE PREPARED Learn how to protect your home from wildfire. Fire experts will be on hand to meet the public and share resources during this drop-in event. 10am-2pm Saturday, May 16. Ace Hardware, 8123 Prunedale North Road, Prunedale. Free. firesafemonterey.org. TOP PROPERTIES Heritage Society of Pacific Grove hosts its annual Heritage House Awards ceremony. Eight properties will receive awards this year. 2pm Sunday, May 17. Chautauqua Hall, 16th Street and Central Avenue, Pacific Grove. Free. (831) 372-2989, pacificgroveheritage.org. ON THE LOOKOUT Salinas Police Department informs residents on how to start a Neighborhood Watch community. The workshop is part of the City of Salinas’ Building Strong Neighborhoods series. 6-7pm Monday, May 18. SPD Community Room, 312 E. Alisal St., Salinas. Free. (831) 758-7096, tinyurl. com/2026BSN. ON THE DAIS Monterey City Council meets and accepts public comment. Tell your elected officials what they are doing well and what you think they can do better. 4pm Tuesday, May 19. Colton Hall, 580 Pacific St., Monterey. Free. (831) 6463799, monterey.gov. LEADERS OF TOMORROW Applications are now being accepted for the South County Young Leaders summer program. Supervisor Chris Lopez invites students from South Monterey County ages 17-22 to learn about local government and gain leadership skills. Applications due May 22. Apply at (831) 755-5033 or bit.ly/41RlcxC. Budget Filler Planned Parenthood Mar Monte turns to Botox and IVs as a way to preserve its core mission. By Pam Marino Originally established in the 1940s, Wolter’s Hacienda Market sold dry goods and produce grown on the property. Until 2021, it was primarily an animal feed store. E-MAIL: publiccitizen@montereycountynow.com PUBLIC CITIZEN “It’s so important to have venues that cater to locals.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
www.montereycountynow.com MAY 14-20, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 14-20, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com It’s been a long, frustrating and convoluted journey toward rehabilitating a 1930s-era, 14-unit apartment complex in Monterey. The journey is not yet over, but it’s coming to a turning point after a legal fight that’s been going on well over a year, involving the City and a property owner who currently sits in prison on crimes unrelated to the complex. It’s also been an expensive journey for the City. After successfully petitioning a court in 2024 to place 359 Larkin St. in the care of a receiver, City officials estimate they’ve spent nearly $163,000 in attorney’s fees and staff costs and they want the property owner, Leslie J. Flores through his trusts, to pay them back, according to court documents. The vintage complex began to fall into disrepair several years ago under the ownership of Flores, leading to resident complaints to the city around 2022. That prompted inspections that found mold, broken heaters and windows, leaky roofs and more. In 2023, the City condemned apartments one by one as residents left. Numerous attempts were made to force Flores to make improvements. When those failed, the City filed for receivership in 2024. Ideally the city would have made improvements and then filed a lien on the property, but the court-reported receiver later told a judge that the cost of renovations were too great—he recommended selling the building “as is” to a developer capable of making the fixes. Simultaneous to struggling against the city, Flores was facing mounting legal issues—he evaded arrest on a number of felony and misdemeanor charges in 2024 before being captured in dramatic fashion, then pleaded no contest and was sentenced to more than eight years in prison. The day he began his incarceration, Jan. 19, 2025, was the same day Flores filed a deed with the County transferring the property from his own trust to a company owned by his trust, called 43034 LLC. Lawyers for 43034 fought sale of the property, contending the trust was capable of making repairs. In December, the City and the LLC came to an agreement that would allow the trust to make fixes—but first, there was the matter of how much the city would be reimbursed for its costs. After failing to agree on an amount, attorneys for 43034 agreed to abide by a judge’s decision. That decision by Monterey County Superior Court Judge Ian Rivamonte is scheduled to be heard in a Monterey courtroom on Friday, May 15. Once made, the clock starts ticking for 43034 to pay the city within 14 days, file for a permit within 30 days and complete all work within 305 days. The estimate for all repairs is just under $500,000. In asking Rivamonte to intercede on awarding fees, attorneys for the City, Civica Law Group, argued in April that had Flores complied earlier, the City’s fees would have been lower. “The City sincerely would have preferred to have avoided all of this stress and frustration had defendants simply complied from the start,” they said. Pay Back The City of Monterey and a property owner reach an agreement to fix derelict apartments. By Pam Marino Since the apartments at 359 Larkin St. in Monterey entered receivership two years ago, the property has been secured with fencing and plywood. Weeds have been kept at bay with regular maintenance. NEWS “The City would have preferred to avoid all of this stress.” DANIEL DREIFUSS Thank You Women’s Fund Supporters for investing in local women and girls! Women’s Fund Luncheon May 8, 2026 WINE SPONSOR LEARN MORE Learn more, give and see all sponsors: cfmco.org/womensfund DIAMOND SPONSORS GOLD SPONSORS The Allaire Family Carle Mowell Tonya Antle/Carmel Woman’s Club Kevin Ann Cartwright Leavy-Galvin-Knight Family Foundation PLATINUM SPONSOR Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation, California State University Monterey Bay, Mike and Kim Costa Family, Jeri Gattis, Hartnell College Foundation, IMPOWER, Kaiser Permanente, Leach & Walker, a P.C., Carolyn McGurn, Nicki McMahan and Katrina Maestri, Monterey County Weekly, Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey Trust Management, Natividad Medical Foundation, Ohana Montage Health, Precious Stone PR, Julie and Brian Roth, Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, Spoke Consulting, Vistra, Walker & Reed, P.C., West Coast Community Bank Ad paid for by Dan Burns for Monterey County Superintendent of Schools 2026 • FPPC #1483059 burns4schools.com ENDORSED BY MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 33 YEARS SERVING STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS RIGHT HERE IN OUR COMMUNITY FORMER SUPERINTENDENT OF LARGEST SCHOOL DISTRICT IN MONTEREY COUNTY STRATEGIC AND INNOVATIVE STUDENT FOCUSED LIFE LONG RESIDENT OF THIS COUNTY CREATED STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS CENTERS PIONEERED WORKFORCE HOUSING FOR EDUCATORS Endorsements/Supporters California Teachers Association Classified School Employees Association Monterey Bay Central Labor Council Monterey Bay Action Committee Monterey County Association of Realtors
www.montereycountynow.com MAY 14-20, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 Leaders at Soka University of America are in exclusive negotiations with Middlebury College officials for the potential acquisition of the campus of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) and some graduate programs, each institution announced on May 11. The boards of both schools have signed letters of intent for the purchase and are entering into due diligence, expected to take up to 60 days. If the deal closes, Soka has committed to using the name Monterey Institute of International Studies at Soka University of America. Middlebury’s leadership announced last August that the Vermont-based college would be closing down most MIIS programs by spring 2027. Middlebury officials said they would be open to an acquisition by another institution if an offer came along, and Soka President Ed Feasel approached Middlebury last fall about the potential to add a Northern California graduate school to the Orange County liberal arts school’s offerings. “If Soka was going to build a graduate program, this is what we would want to create,” Feasel says. “Our mission is to foster global citizens who lead contributive lives.” The school was founded 25 years ago and offers undergrad degrees in liberal arts, with a focus on global learning. (There is currently one graduate degree program in educational leadership.) Soka-style education was founded in Japan and the word in Japanese means “to create value.” Soka plans to maintain many core programs at MIIS, including nonproliferation studies and threat intelligence; translation and localization management; and international policy and development. Since Middlebury acquired MIIS beginning in 2005, the Vermont campus found that the grad school was a money loser. Asked what will be different for Soka, Feasel points to geographic proximity on the West Coast and a programmatic alignment; already, 20 alumni from Soka have gone through MIIS programs. “I am excited about synergy,” he says. The acquisition would give Soka a chance to add a graduate school without starting from scratch. And there is also a passion for keeping the programs going. “Everybody felt it was a shame that these programs would disappear,” Feasel says. He believes they can turn around the declining enrollment trend: “We are optimistic these are important programs and there is demand out there for them. Faculty are ready to get engaged with the recruiting process.” Philip Murphy, a MIIS professor of policy analytics, has led a committee of faculty trying to preserve a future for the institute. He is enthusiastic about the Soka potential, but concerned that the intended program list does not include MIIS’ renowned translation and interpretation program. “If that program is not continued, there will no longer be any translation and interpretation program in the United States,” Murphy notes. “We are getting a glimmer of hope. But without our translation and interpretation colleagues, it is a bitter victory.” Off Campus Soka University is exploring acquisition of the Middlebury Institute in Monterey. By Sara Rubin The proposal calls for Soka to acquire the entire downtown Monterey campus of MIIS (shown above), along with most master’s programs. A price for the deal has not been disclosed. NEWS “We are getting a glimmer of hope.” DANIEL DREIFUSS www.porrasforstudents.com Ralph4MontereyCOE@gmail.com Paid for by Porras for School Superintendent 2026; FPPC #1483847 A POSITIVE VISION FOR EVERY STUDENT Dr. Ralph Porras is committed to preparing our students for a technology-driven world through innovation and creativity. By bringing community voices together, he will build the support systems students need to thrive in a diverse and changing world. SERVICE AND EXPERIENCE • Current Deputy Superintendent, Monterey County Office of Education. • 16-Year District Superintendent, Pacific Grove Unified. • Doctorate in Collaborative Leadership (UC Santa Cruz). • Former Classroom Teacher and Administrator K - 12 • First 5 Monterey County Commissioner COMMITMENT TO ACTION: • Student Safety & Well-being: Expanding robust mental health programs and strengthening the Safe and Healthy Schools Coalition. • Empowered Voices: Creating a countywide Student Voices forum to elevate student leadership and perspectives. • Career Readiness: Expanding technical education pathways and career exploration tools for all students. • Staff Excellence: Designing initiatives to recruit and retain the best teachers while focusing on early literacy and math. • Robust Partnerships: Strengthening collaboration with state and local agencies to broaden support systems. The Experience We Need For The Future We Want! For Monterey County Superintendent of Schools 36 Years of Dedicated Service to Students Every Student, Every School, Every Day! 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.
14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 14-20, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com RACE IS ON Jimmy Panetta should explain why he, as a congressman in California representing District 19—which includes Monterey, Santa Cruz, Paso Robles and parts of San Jose—has accepted $173,742 from American Israel Public Affairs Committee since 2025 (“Our endorsements for local, state and federal races in the June 2 primary election,” May 7-13). War is not environmentally friendly. Diana Lopez | Seaside Thank you for joining the Monterey County Democrats and PG Progressives in endorsing Yes on Measure C. It is sensible, overdue, and modest compared to what neighboring cities already implemented. Pacific Grove City Council pay has not changed since 1998. In the 28 years since, the cost of living has more than doubled, and the demands of serving on council have only grown. Leaving compensation frozen for nearly three decades is not fiscal responsibility. It is a choice to keep public service inaccessible. A city council should reflect the whole community: working people, parents, renters and small business owners, not just those who can afford to serve at a financial loss. Measure C makes serving possible. John Mothershead | Pacific Grove Monterey County Now is obviously a highly biased leftist rag. There is no logical reasoning in most of those endorsements—just political bias. Robert McGregor | Salinas BIRDS AND BEES Perhaps the reason that California is the only state that has not approved this pesticide use is because Isocycloseram is highly toxic to bees and other pollinating insects exposed to direct treatment or to residues on blooming crops and weeds (“Amid growing pest problems, the diamondback moth threatens top crops,” April 30-May 6). As an agricultural state, there must be a balance between what is good for the market and what is potentially detrimental to one of the things that fuels that market; namely, the bees. Elneda Connors | Carmel SEEING THE SIGNAL I’ll be interested to follow the feedback from this innovative approach to traffic management along this vital corridor (“Caltrans begins its adaptive traffic signal pilot program on Highway 68,” posted May 4). Congratulations to the Transportation Agency for Monterey County’s board of directors for taking this bold step into the future. Derek Dean | Monterey AT THE TABLE As a District 1 resident, I wish Councilmember José Luis Barajas healing, privacy and strength during this difficult time (“Salinas Council approves an extended leave of absence for youngest councilmember,” posted May 6). He is a person first, and I hope he is surrounded by support. District 1, meanwhile, has urgent needs and cannot afford to be without active representation. Our roads need attention, especially East Boronda Road, where pavement segments are in poor and failed condition. The intersection near the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex has real collision-safety concerns and needs immediate attention before someone is seriously hurt. There are many more issues in our neighborhoods that need someone present, engaged and fighting for us every day. If Councilmember Barajas is unable to fully serve, he should step aside with dignity so our community can have the active representation it deserves. Victor Manuel Tafoya | Salinas SPILLED THE BEER So sorry to hear this news (“Former owner of a Monterey building loses a business venture after falling behind on a loan,” April 30-May 6). Tiffany Lucero | via social media Wishing Fabrice Rondia the best in winning this battle. Marek Piecyk | Salinas This is really sad. Dave Eaton | via social media COLOR GUARD The Naval Postgraduate School also does a similar ceremony (“The signal of a new day can be heard across Monterey every morning, carrying on a tradition,” April 30-May 6). I live on Del Monte Beach and have always assumed that when I hear the recording in the evening, it is coming from there. Anyway, a very interesting article! Ann Folsom | Monterey I’m a member of the Monterey Pines Golf Course men’s club. We have a tournament the second Saturday of every month. The tournament starts at 8:30am, but there are generally dozens of guys there by 7:45am or so. When the call to colors happens, everyone immediately stops whatever they are doing, removes their caps, and faces the flag that flies near the #1 tee and #18 green. The first time I experienced it, I didn’t realize what was happening (I’m not military or ex-military) and didn’t stop until I realized that literally no one else was moving and everyone was facing in the same direction. Haven’t made that mistake since! Gary Bolen | Prunedale LYRICAL STYLE Beautiful voice, magical storytelling (“Nigerian musician Ekene Music dabbles with a wide range of songs and poetry,” April 30-May 6). Rosalia Moon Webster | Big Sur BREAKING BREAD Thank you for the beautiful and soul-warming story of Shanghai Jimmy’s chili rice (“Food creates meaning and memories. A single dish can even bring a lost past to the present,” posted May 5). In these times of fear, war and villainization, both nationally and internationally, I needed a story like this to remember what we can be as people on this ride of life. Human connection through kindness and compassion is what we all need and want. I suspect there would be much less fear and more smiles if we all sat down with a plate of Jimmy’s chili rice. Next time, please include a recipe. Thanks again for wonderful storytelling. Berj Amir | Seaside 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.
www.montereycountynow.com MAY 14-20, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15 Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Journalism is under dire threat. According to a 2025 study, “The State of Local News” from the Medill school at Northwestern University, employment in journalism has declined by 75 percent in the last 20 years. More than 270,000 jobs have been lost in the industry since 2005 and 40 percent of local news outlets have closed during that time. News deserts—locations underserved or without reliable professional journalism—have spread across the country. SNAFU: Situation Normal, All F#&ked Up. It’s all true, and yet, it’s not the whole story. We here at the Weekly are bucking those trends. I am proud to announce that on Monday, May 11, we launched a brand-new, daily, digital newsletter and website under the name Salinas Valley Now. While Salinas Valley is known as the Salad Bowl of the World, the people who grow our produce live in a news desert. With its 250,000 residents, 80.3 percent of whom identify as Hispanic or Latino, the Salinas Valley is home to an $11.7 billion annual agriculture industry and the center of emerging ag tech innovation hub. Today, Salinas Valley communities are facing many of the most urgent problems experienced anywhere in California— housing affordability, access to health care, low-wage jobs, technology dislocation, child care obstacles, public safety threats and, most recently, the upheaval of the social order as a result of federal immigration policies. These are urgent issues that deserve media coverage, but the once-daily, corporate-owned Salinas Californian has essentially abandoned Salinas. We are going to remedy that. Salinas Valley Now will be a close facsimile of Monterey County Now, the award-winning newsletter and website from Monterey County Weekly. The paper has long covered the county, including the Salinas Valley, with 20 percent of print issues distributed in this market. But for all intents and purposes, Salinas and the Salinas Valley do not have a dedicated news source that they can claim as their own. That is the change we hope to bring to the community. We have hired three additional people to report, edit and produce the newsletter and website. Salinas Valley Now is a daily digital news source comprising a newsletter with three or four news stories sent out via email and WhatsApp every weekday afternoon, in English and in Spanish, all available for free. These newsletters will showcase the top stories from the companion website, salinasvalleynow.com, also available in both English and Spanish. Salinas Valley Now will feature well-reported and edited news stories. It will showcase the people, politics and culture that make this such a vibrant community. It will expand upon the type of coverage our readers are used to in Monterey County Now and Monterey County Weekly, adding to the volume and depth of coverage we provide, with a focus on this region. Data shows that trustworthy local journalism increases voter turnout, decreases fraud and nepotism, and strengthens bonds within a community. It is the secret sauce of democracy. And from our long history in this region, we know firsthand that good journalism is good business. Our plan calls for a threeyear runway to take Salinas Valley Now to profitability. To get there we will raise funds from philanthropy and grants to pay for staff, marketing and operations. That is $780,000 for the first three years. We have raised about $300,000 so far and our fundraising will continue. Monterey County Weekly and its companion newsletters, websites and magazines are a successful, locally owned and deeply connected news operation that has a 38-year track record of award-winning journalism and community impact. We have an experienced and talented staff of reporters, editors, designers, salespeople and digital producers. In fact, for the past two years the Weekly has earned first place in the General Excellence category for large weekly newspapers, the highest honor at the California Journalism Awards. We are bullish on the future of local journalism in our county and I invite you to sign up for Salinas Valley Now. Erik Cushman is the publisher of Monterey County Weekly, Monterey County Now and Salinas Valley Now. Reach him at erik@montereycountynow.com. Sign up at salinasvalleynow.com. Valley View Our new publication, Salinas Valley Now, is filling in a news desert. By Erik Cushman TRIPPING HAZARD…Although Squid loves to take Squid’s trusty mutt, Roscoe P. Coltrane, with Squid wherever Squid goes, Squid knows there are limits, like certain outdoor trails, the grocery store or a restaurant—unless, of course, it is a trained service animal. Squid has heard that humans sometimes claim their pets are service animals to take them somewhere, but lying to the waitstaff at a sit-down restaurant about the service status of a dog? Even Roscoe’s doting wouldn’t fool Squid. However, Squid wasn’t surprised to read in a lawsuit filed on May 12 in Monterey County Superior Court that the owners of a dachshund-pomeranian mix allegedly lied to a server at Rosine’s in Monterey about their diminutive companion, claiming it was a therapy dog. The waiter took their word for it and let the altogether untrained canine inside the restaurant, where it stayed mostly concealed under the table. As a member of the waitstaff passed by, hands full, he accidentally stepped on the creature, which yelped, scaring the server, causing him to fall and seriously injure his ankle, the server alleges in his case. The couple callously continued to dine, even feeding the living tripping hazard after the incident. The waiter is suing the dog parents for loss of wages, hospital and medical expenses, loss of earning capacity and general damage associated with the incident, which, by the way, is a misdemeanor if true. DOWN THE DRAIN…In the sea, there are no water bills or sewer bills— hell, there’s no tap water or sewer system, it’s all just one big salty, poopy mix. For humans on land, there are separate pipes for everything, and it’s all expensive to maintain. So Monterey One Water is seeking increases in wastewater rates, with a public hearing scheduled for June 29. The proposed rate list shows what people would pay per month each year through 2030, with gradual increases for different types of uses. A residential apartment would go from $54/month to $79.37, for example; a bar would increase from $79.80 to $115.42. An animal hospital (which Squid hopes to avoid) would go from $89.75 today to $129.21. Some increases are a little more aggressive—like a spike for laundromats from $28.85 to $42.36 per washing machine—and some more random. A theater’s rate would go from $109.55 to $157.27 per screen, even though whenever Squid goes to the movies these days, the seats are mostly empty. Nightclubs would be hit with a whopping increase from $238.40 to $342.41 (are dancers drinking too much light beer?). A bowling center would go from $332.60 to $475.05 (not per pin, as far as Squid can tell). The whole left Squid confused. Is Squid a printer (due to all that ink) or an office worker? Most importantly, does Squid have to pay extra for ink? THE LOCAL SPIN SQUID FRY THE MISSION OF MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY IS TO INSPIRE INDEPENDENT THINKING AND CONSCIOUS ACTION, ETC. Journalism is the secret sauce of democracy. SEND SQUID A TIP: squid@montereycountynow.com
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