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
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