MAY 21-27, 2026 MONTEREYCOUNTYNOW.COM LOCAL & INDEPENDENT HIGH TEA 6 | REBUILDING SALINAS’ CHINATOWN 13 | ROCKING OUT AT CALI ROOTS 29 | BAKED GOOD 34 FIRST PLACE GENERAL EXCELLENCE • 2025 CA JOURNALISM AWARDS • LOCAL GROUPS CELEBRATE POLYNESIAN CULTURE THROUGH DANCE, MUSIC, CANOEING AND COMMUNITY. P. 18 By Daniel Dreifuss and Sara Rubin Spirit of Aloha
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 21-27, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com MAY 21-27, 2026 • ISSUE #1973 • ESTABLISHED IN 1988 Ellen Jahn (Olympus E-M10) A pair of peregrine falcons at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, perched under an overcast sky. MONTEREY COUNTY PHOTO OF THE WEEK Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: A crew paddles a double-hulled canoe out onto Monterey Bay during a rec paddle hosted by Hi’ilani ’O Ke Kai Outrigger and Cultural Center. 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
www.montereycountynow.com MAY 21-27, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 3 We are rooted here. We just branched out. montagehealth.org Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula created Montage Health to deliver exceptional care to more people, by expanding our services beyond the hospital. Today, we’re much more than a hospital. And as we’ve grown, we’ve remained true to our deep roots — nonprofit, independent, locally owned, and accountable only to the community we serve.
4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 21-27, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH A lawsuit filed against the federal government alleges that the Trump administration illegally withheld records related to the FBI’s seizure of a reporter’s equipment. In January, the FBI raided a Washington Post reporter’s home, as part of an investigation into a contractor charged with illegally keeping national defense materials. On March 2, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press submitted Freedom of Information Act requests to various government agencies, including the Office of the Attorney General, seeking records related to the search warrant. Those records never materialized, so the Reporters Committee filed a lawsuit on April 30 claiming the government violated the FOIA. “It’s important to push for greater transparency in understanding how the Department of Justice fought for, and ultimately received, the search warrant,” said Michael Zwirn of the Reporters Committee. Good: For 25 years, what was once a weed-choked lot in Carmel Valley has been cared for by neighbors and the Carmel Valley Garden Club, looking after the various drought-resistant plant species that brighten up the street corner. Rosie’s Garden, at the corner of Esquiline Road and Calle de los Helechos, recently got an upgrade, and the work was celebrated at a dedication ceremony on Wednesday, May 20. The garden now includes two redwood benches as well as signs describing the plants. To plan out the improvements for the garden’s 25th anniversary, a new advisory committee raised funds and recruited volunteers to carry out the project. The work was funded by neighbors as well as grants from the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, Cal Am, Carmel Valley Kiwanis and the Community Foundation for Monterey County. GREAT: It’s a bird, it’s a plane (literally) and it’s great news for Monterey County travelers. A new, weekly, nonstop route between Monterey Regional Airport and Chicago O’Hare starts this week. United Airlines will operate the flights, on Boeing 737-800 aircraft seating 166 passengers, weekly on Saturdays. The first flight, UA #485, is scheduled to arrive at 11:29am on Saturday, May 23; the first departure from MRY to ORD is scheduled to take off at 2:06pm. “We want to build this market. We know it’s going to be a good market,” Kevin T. Willoughby, San Francisco-based corporate sales manager for United, said in October when announcing the new route. To start, the direct flights are seasonal, but United has already extended its season from the original plan (Aug. 15) to Sept. 19, It marks the point furthest east with a flight into Monterey, a geographic expansion for the regional airport. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY That’s the number of graduates that make up CSU Monterey Bay’s Class of 2026. A total of 14,514 guests RSVP’d for the commencement ceremony, held on May 16 at the Salinas Sports Complex. Source: CSU Monterey Bay 1,936 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Lots of people have good stories. It is whether you are brave enough to get on stage and share it.” -Ellen Osborne, who serves on the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts’ board, speaking about the center’s new Porchlight Stories (see story, montereycountynow. com/entertainment).
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6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 21-27, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com 831 Having a cup of tea is a ritual for many people, one that has been carried with them through their lives. “It’s just been part of my life since I was a kid,” says Connie Carey, owner of House of Fuchsia in Carmel, which specializes in vintage-glam events, including weddings and tea parties. “When I was sick my mom would just go into our backyard, she’d grab some herbs and make a tea.” Tea parties can take place almost anywhere, as long as there is a kitchen nearby (or a respectable thermos), such as at the beach, in a garden, at historical places or at home. In Monterey County, such places are plentiful. Dorothy Findlater, owner of Rosemary and Thyme High Teas in Monterey, says one of her favorite places to organize tea parties is Casa Serrano in Monterey, since it can hold up to 50 people. Findlater, an English native, says “it’s marvelous” what happens at tea parties. Her events feature round tables and guests aren’t assigned seating. The atmosphere changes once people at the table start to interact with each other, Findlater says. “It’s a very satisfying feeling to see that they’re sitting down enjoying something with people they’ve never met, engaging in conversation,” she says. Drinking tea is a centuries-old tradition. It originated in China around 2750 BCE and evolved from chewing leaves to brewing them. It has since spread around the world, creating traditions and rituals around making teas, tisanes (also known as herbal teas) and infusions. In South America, yerba mate is prepared in a mate cup with leaves and water, then sipped through a metal straw (with a strainer on the bottom) and shared. In Japan, a common ceremony includes carefully preparing and serving green tea while following four principles: harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. High tea parties became popular in England in the 19th century as elegant social gatherings. In Monterey County, some vendors and places offer a high tea experience with china and finger food. Some are held monthly, such as Beth’s Afternoon Tea at the Steinbeck House in Salinas. Others are pop-ups or private events for small or large groups where tea enthusiasts gather, meet new people and socialize over a cup. “It’s not only the taste of the tea, but more like the community within the tea,” says Maria Garcia, a Salinas resident and tea enthusiast. She’s been into English high tea for more than a decade after her youngest daughter, Victoria, started talking about tea houses when she was studying at UC Davis. “She was always talking about different teas,” Garcia says. Garcia enjoys English tea events; scones and cucumber sandwiches are favorites treats at a tea party. One of her favorite places was Eddison & Melrose, a former tea house in Monterey then P.G. that was founded by Chef Karen Anne Murray, a tea enthusiast raised in Britain. Murray made it a mission—seemingly a successful one—to make the high tea experience accessible locally. Now, Garcia, along with her daughters Victoria and Yolanda, frequent pop-up events and have attended an annual Mother’s Day tea party at Compass Church. Carey’s first experience at a tea house was at Lisa’s Tea Treasures in Campbell. “Everybody was dressed up in a summer dress,” she recalls. “Everyone was like a princess, and then we got to sit down and be treated like royalty.” Carey plans tea parties from the bottom up, creating a theme and ambiance. Her tea parties don’t follow any particular tradition. “I like a fusion,” she adds. “Different cultures do tea time, so it all depends on what culture we’re looking at as far as food goes and then we incorporate that into the tea party.” One of her tea vendors is Zum Zum Tea, a family-run tea business based in Salinas. She has her own blend with them called Countryside Cottage, a floral tea with several ingredients including lavender, rose petals and vanilla oil. The mix-and-match approach— from traditions, flavors and styles—is gaining traction. “I want it to be a perfect experience for everybody,” Findlater says. Tea Time For centuries, a cup of tea has been a proven way to try new flavors, have fun and socialize with others. By Celia Jiménez “It’s the community within the tea.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE DANIEL DREIFUSS Connie Carey pours a cup of tea for her daughter, Luna. Carey is the owner of House of Fuchsia in Carmel, which plans tea parties and other events. Join Today! at montereychamber.com Seeing two nonprofit CEOs recognized among this year’s honorees at the 2026 Annual Awards Dinner speaks volumes about the Chamber’s inclusive approach and its clear understanding that nonprofits are an essential part of our business community. I appreciate the Chamber’s leadership and would encourage organizations that value collaboration and community to be part of its work. WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE SAYING: Dan Baldwin President/CEO Community Foundation for Monterey County
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8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 21-27, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com NEWS For more than 40 years, the crimson caboose on Cannery Row served as a shop, owned until 2018 by the late local author Randy Reinstedt and his wife, Debbie Reinstedt. After its sale, it became simply a unique landmark, well-suited for selfies and group photos. “I purchased the caboose in 2018 with the goal of preserving a unique piece of history and keeping it in the community for future generations to enjoy,” says the caboose’s current owner, local real estate broker Ed Ciliberti. After serving as its steward for nearly a decade, Ciliberti has put the solitary train car up for sale for $75,000, not because he wants to, but because the City of Monterey wants the historic vehicle removed from its longtime home. Ciliberti says that he had some health-related issues and fell behind on the caboose’s rent over the past year. After he paid the back rent and offered to pay a year’s rent in advance, he says the City of Monterey declined. Monterey Leasing and Property Manager Janna Aldrete says Ciliberti remains in default under the written lease, which is being terminated, so the caboose must be removed from city property. Ciliberti asserts that he doesn’t need to sell the caboose for financial reasons and is willing to donate it to the right individual or organization, such as a museum or historical society, or keep it for himself and have it moved, which he estimates will cost between $10,000 and $20,000 and require street closures and a crane for the heavy lift. “Perhaps I should donate it to someone in need of a shelter, convert it into a tiny home or a children’s library and donate it to a school,” Ciliberti says. “Only time will tell.” Loose Caboose The historic train car near Cannery Row in Monterey is up for sale. By Aric Sleeper The mood was a joyous one at the Black/African Heritage affinity graduation ceremony at CSU Monterey Bay on Tuesday, May 12, as undergraduates and graduate students celebrated their academic successes. Students smiled broadly as they walked across the stage to receive special black kente stoles, each displaying the words “All Black Grads Matter.” There was jubilance that night but there were moments of sadness, with callbacks to dark moments including anti-Black slurs shouted at students gathered at the Helen Rucker Center for Black Excellence and the N-word sprayed in different areas of campus—in one case etched into a student’s dorm room door, reading “Stupid [N-word] bitch.” “Incidents of anti-Black racism started to peak this semester. It got ugly,” says Kamilah Majied, a professor in the Department of Social Work, adding it’s been happening for a while. Frustrations over the increase in anti-Black racist incidents and a feeling that the administration wasn’t doing enough to combat them led to a protest on campus on April 23. Longtime leaders of Monterey Peninsula’s Black community spoke, including Mel Mason, cofounder of the Village Project and a former adviser to the CSUMB Black Student Union. “What’s happening at CSUMB is atrocious, despicable and those are words that don’t adequately describe the depth of what’s happening out there,” Mason says. Some protest signs included the message “Fix the Cameras,” referring to the fact that security cameras in dorm hallways weren’t operational. A university spokesperson says cameras are working but have poor resolution and will be upgraded this summer. Investigations by CSUMB Police into three instances of anti-Black graffiti during the 2025-2026 academic year are ongoing. More important to Black students and faculty is what they contend was a weak response by the administration. They asked for a definitive statement decrying racism, but only one department, the Department of Social Work, made a statement, says social work graduate student Loyce Bryant. A CSUMB spokesperson says in a written statement that a number of actions have been planned or are ongoing, including incorporating an existing microaggression training into new student orientations and the formation of advisory councils to provide guidance when incidents occur, among others. The university also hosted a campus-wide conversation on the impact of hurtful language, which attracted a standing-room-only audience of over 120 people where Majied, one of the organizers, spoke about the nature and scope of anti-Black racism. The response to the seminar included calls from students and faculty for more workshops and dialogue in the future. Majied is planning initiatives for the 2026-2027 school year, but along with Bryant and Mason, they say more action is needed by the administration, like clear consequences for racist acts and more response from CSUMB’s Title IX office. During the affinity graduation ceremony, graduating undergrad student Amaya Watson shared some encouragement with her classmates. “They sure did try us this year, didn’t they?” she said. “We have won. We have won by getting our degrees.” Students organized a protest on campus on April 23 taking a stand against antiBlack racism and urging the CSUMB administration to take action. Hurtful Words An uptick in anti-Black racist remarks and graffiti at CSUMB sparks calls for reform. By Pam Marino “It will be sad to see another piece of history leave the area,” says Ed Ciliberti, who owns the caboose that has been parked on the Rec Trail along Cannery Row for over 40 years. “Incidents started to peak this semester. It got ugly.” LOYCE BRYANT DANIEL DREIFUSS
www.montereycountynow.com MAY 21-27, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 300 Million Gallons injected into Seaside Aquifer. 2.9 billion total gallons are now banked in the Seaside Aquifer for future use MPWMD.NET Surplus rainwater from Carmel River builds water security Insured by NCUA 1The dividend rate and Annual Percentage Yield (APY) are accurate as of 05/01/2026. There is no minimum balance required to earn the stated APY. The minimum opening deposit for the 6-month certificate is $500. The 6-month new money certificate can only be opened in-branch or by phone and funded with new money. New money is defined as funds not on deposit at Golden 1 in the 30 days prior to the certificate account opening. 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. 0526-MTW 4.00% APY1 for 6 months Visit a branch, call 1-877-465-3361 or scan to learn more Limited-time offer Earn more with a Term Savings Certificate
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 21-27, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com In recent weeks, parents of students in Greenfield Union and Alisal Union school districts have shown their discontent with staff changes. Both Cesar Chavez Elementary School in Greenfield and Frank Paul Elementary School in Salinas will have new principals in the upcoming school year. Parents and community members have mobilized, packing school district meetings and showing support for Emanuel Mercado and Miguel Porras, the outgoing principals from Greenfield and Alisal, respectively. People who spoke in support of Mercado included his family members. Some alleged that Mercado leaving the district was a forced resignation and retaliatory since he also applied for the superintendent position in 2025, something GUSD officials say they cannot confirm. “Any allegation regarding retaliation is false,” Superintendent Laura Cortez writes by email. Others spoke on Thursday, May 14 highlighting Mercado’s commitment to students and parents. “He’s the only principal that really does continue to have that open-door policy that’s honest with the parents, that is always there,” says Yanely Martinez, a former Greenfield City Council member whose daughter Africa Torres attends Cesar Chavez. He resigned and accepted a position at another school district, GUSD officials say. As Mercado wrote in a letter that GUSD officials shared on May 19, “I resigned from my position on my own accord.” That other district is Alisal Union, where Mercado will become the new principal at Frank Paul Elementary, where parents have objected to the AUSD board’s decision to remove Porras, the outgoing principal who has been there for 11 years. For over a month parents have protested, asking to keep Porras. “He has been a great leader throughout all these years we have spent with him, and we are trying to negotiate to have that situation revoked,” Maribel Clemente, a parent, says in Spanish. Lorena Mendoza is part of a group that met with AUSD Superintendent Monica Anzo and has reached out to members of the board. Mendoza says the group now has an effort underway to recall Area 1 trustee, Beatriz Perez. “The concerns raised involve a confidential personnel matter, which I am legally and ethically required to keep private,” Perez writes by email. “While I respect different views, I disagree with these efforts to bring an expensive special recall election.” While many parents have become more involved in decision-making processes at K-12 schools, the superintendent and the board are still the ones who make staffing decisions including hiring, terminating or reassigning positions. As Cortez notes, “Parents, as non-employees of the district, are not directly included or involved in personnel decisions.” Paper is up in the windows of Bulldog Sports Pub in Monterey after the bar closed down as of May 11. The closure has left many regulars wondering what happened, less than four years after undergoing a $390,000 remodel. The pub had been in business since 2005. According to business partner Ash Shoukru, the pub’s lease is in co-owner Mike Joseph Feeny’s name but the business is still incorporated under late co-owner Christine Kerr’s name. Kerr was found dead on Aug. 20, 2023 in her home in the Deer Flats neighborhood of Monterey, following a drug overdose. Shoukru says that because Kerr’s lawyers never filed a probate case, it leaves her estate—including the business—in limbo. The pub’s lease at its current location, 611 Lighthouse Ave., is set to expire on May 31, leaving Shoukru and Feeny with a limited amount of time to determine what to do next. Feeny is also named on the liquor license according to California Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control records, but Shoukru says that if a lease were to be renewed, the pub would be without an active liquor license for at least 90 days. In the days leading up to the apparent closure, activities continued as usual. The pub hosted a line dancing night on May 8, where a bartender stated she was aware of the impending closure but unclear about what will happen to the bar’s long-term future. The pub’s signs and flags have been removed from the building, but Shoukru says he is discussing next steps with lawyers, which may include relocating if they can find a new location. Turn Over Parents demand principals in Salinas and Greenfield schools be reinstated. By Celia Jiménez NEWS SERVE THE PUBLIC Pacific Grove residents are invited to apply for a vacancy on the City Council. The term runs through the end of 2026. Applications accepted through Friday, May 22. Free. (831) 648-3106, cityofpacificgrove.org. BOOK IT Monterey County Elections hosts a series of voting opportunities throughout the county. “Books & Ballots” is a chance for residents to vote in-person, drop off ballots or register conditionally to vote. 1-6pm Friday, May 22 at King City Library, 402 Broadway St. 1-6pm Tuesday, May 26 at Carmel Valley Library, 65 W. Carmel Valley Road. 2-6pm Wednesday, May 27 at CVS, 17579 Vierra Canyon Road, Prunedale. Free. (831) 796-1499, countyofmonterey.gov/elections. WATER WAYS Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency is accepting applications to serve on six Subbasin Committees. The committees serve in an advisory capacity to the board of directors. Applications due Friday, May 22. Free. (831) 471-7519, svbgsa.org. SPRUCE UP Friends of Seaside Parks Association organizes weekly work days to clean up and maintain parks throughout the city. 10am-noon Saturday, May 23. Lincoln Cunningham Park, San Pablo Avenue between Lincoln Street and Yerba Buena Court, Seaside. Free. friendsofseasideparks.org. BUILDING A BUDGET Monterey County Board of Supervisors will discuss the county’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Public input is accepted. 9am Wednesday, May 27. Board of Supervisors chambers, 168 W. Alisal St., first floor, Salinas. Free. (831) 7555025, countyofmonterey.gov. PUBLIC HOUSE Share your input on the future of Marina’s public facilities. City officials are preparing to place a utility users tax on the November ballot to help fund new facilities. 6pm Wednesday, May 27. Marina City Hall, 211 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. Free. (831) 884-1278, cityofmarina.org. HERE FOR HEALTH Monterey County Behavioral Health Commission meets to discuss the Behavioral Health Services Act. The BHSA provides funding for programs that support mental health care. 5:30pm Thursday, May 28. Marina Training Center, 299 12th St., Marina. Free. Also via Zoom. (831) 755-4510, bit.ly/MCBHSAmeeting. Lights Out The Bulldog Sports Pub abruptly closes, leaving many wondering what happened. By Sloan Campi Parents and community members gathered at the Greenfield Union School District board meeting on Thursday, May 14 asking to keep Emanuel Mercado as principal. E-MAIL: publiccitizen@montereycountynow.com PUBLIC CITIZEN “He has been a great leader throughout all these years.” CELIA JIMÉNEZ
www.montereycountynow.com MAY 21-27, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 We are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’24 ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX We are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’24 ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX We are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 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 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. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’24 ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX We are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’24 ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX 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! 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A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX PACIFIC GROVE ANIMAL HOSPITAL Thank You So Much for Voting Us BEST VETERINARIAN Dr. Brynie Kaplan Dau, MS, DVM SURGERY • DERMATOLOGY • FELINE AND CANINE MEDICINE PREVENTATIVE CARE • REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, PRP (PLATELET-RICH PLASMA) • LASER THERAPY • EXOTICS AND MUCH MORE – CONTINUITY OF CARE – NOW SEEING URGENT CARE+CASES 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! 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A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX PACIFIC GROVE ANIMAL HOSPITAL Thank You So Much for Voting Us BEST VETERINARIAN Dr. Brynie Kaplan Dau, MS, DVM SURGERY • DERMATOLOGY • FELINE AND CANINE MEDICINE PREVENTATIVE CARE • REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, PRP (PLATELET-RICH PLASMA) • LASER THERAPY • EXOTICS AND MUCH MORE – CONTINUITY OF CARE – NOW SEEING URGENT CARE+CASES 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 ’23 ’22 ’21 A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’24 ’23 ’22 ’21 in a row! 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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 ’23 ’22 ’21 A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX 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 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 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 ’23 ’22 ’21 A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX 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. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’24 ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX We are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’24 ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX PACIFIC GROVE ANIMAL HOSPITAL Thank You So Much for Voting Us BEST VETERINARIAN Dr. Brynie Kaplan Dau, MS, DVM SURGERY • DERMATOLOGY • FELINE AND CANINE MEDICINE PREVENTATIVE CARE • REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, PRP (PLATELET-RICH PLASMA) • LASER THERAPY • EXOTICS AND MUCH MORE – CONTINUITY OF CARE – NOW SEEING URGENT CARE+CASES and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! A Gold Certified Cat Friendly Practice montereycountynow.com/bestof BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2024 XX PACIFIC GROVE ANIMAL HOSPITAL Thank You So Much for Voting Us Dr. Brynie Kaplan Dau, MS, DVM SURGERY • DERMATOLOGY • FELINE AND CANINE MEDICINE PREVENTATIVE CARE • REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, PRP (PLATELET-RICH PLASMA) • LASER THERAPY • EXOTICS AND MUCH MORE – CONTINUITY OF CARE – We are honored and look forward to working with you to support your pets best health and quality of life. 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 • www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com ’24 ’23 ’22 ’21 Four years in a row! 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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 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
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 21-27, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com The only program that offers bilingual peer-to-peer counseling for senior citizens in Monterey County is set to disappear on July 1, due to a state proposition designed to address serious behavioral health issues. Proposition 1, passed by voters in 2024, has led to wide reforms in delivering mental health services but it’s also resulted in the potential loss of numerous early mental health prevention initiatives, up to 21 such programs in Monterey County. MJ Donohue, executive director of the Alliance on Aging, which has administered the senior peer counseling program for 15 years, says he supports positive aspects of Prop. 1, “but they’re getting the preventative piece wrong. It will cost the [County of Monterey] more in the long run than it’s going to save.” Under Prop. 1, the state’s Mental Health Services Act was replaced by the Behavioral Health Services Act, promising increased funding for mental health and substance use disorder programs, plus treatment beds and housing for those experiencing homelessness. Counties are now required to allocate 30 percent of behavioral health funding toward housing interventions. The money had to come from somewhere, which to the disappointment of nonprofit agencies like Alliance on Aging, was prevention initiatives, according to Prop. 1. On Tuesday, May 19 Alliance supporters made a plea to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, asking them to restore funding in the County’s 2026-2027 budget for the peer counseling program, offered in English and Spanish. Donohue called it a lifeline for thousands of older adults, adding that seniors are the fastest-growing population dying by suicide. “When prevention disappears, crisis fills the gap,” he said. The Alliance’s program includes over 20 trained volunteers, seniors themselves, who are overseen by professional counselors. They meet individually in clients’ homes or in group sessions, helping them process the grief of losing friends, family, partners, mobility and other challenges of growing older. Since its inception it’s helped 1,600 people individually and over 1,700 in groups, for a total of 38,000 hours of counseling. It costs about $400,000 a year. Josie Avila of Prunedale, 86, a former client of the peer counseling program who now works for the Alliance as a receptionist, joined Donohue in asking supervisors to restore funding. “I believe I would not be here today without the support of peer counseling,” she said. She faced devastating grief after her husband died of Covid. Her counselor talked with her weekly until her outlook on life improved. “He made me realize I would be OK,” she said. Other nonprofit agencies facing a loss of funding for preventative mental health programs come July 1 include the Center for Community Advocacy, Centro Binancional Para El Desarrollo Indígena Oaxaqueño, Community Human Services, Door to Hope, United Way, The Epicenter and United Way of Monterey County, among others. Left Behind As California adopts behavioral health reform, funding for prevention is being eliminated. By Pam Marino Alliance on Aging Executive Director MJ Donohue (seated), with Josie Avila (left), a former client of the senior peer counseling program, and Naci Crompton, a volunteer counselor. NEWS “When prevention disappears, crisis fills the gap.” DANIEL DREIFUSS Now Open! Come visit Seaside’s latest hardware destination. 1130 Fremont Blvd (831) • 215 • 6242 Located in Laguna Plaza 2026 Orbea Wild - In Stock OPEN TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY In Downtown Santa Cruz – 585 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz See website or phone for details • 831-621-2309 • www.currentebikes.com EVERY BIKE INCLUDES: • 2 YEARS FREE TUNE-UPS • PROFESSIONAL ASSEMBLY • ASSISTANCE WITH SIZING & ADJUSTMENTS • DISCOUNTS ON ACCESSORIES, RACKS, ETC. • COMPLETE POST SALE SERVICE MENTION THIS AD FOR AN ADDITIONAL $50 OFF ANY BIKE IN STOCK ELECTRIC BICYCLES
www.montereycountynow.com MAY 21-27, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 While the worn-out, yellow facade remains on the Republic Café in Salinas’ Chinatown neighborhood, an effort to clean and stabilize the property is nearing completion. “It’s exciting because progress is going fairly fast right now, and the City is committed to it,” says Larry Hirahara, a founding member of Asian Cultural Experience of Salinas (ACE). The Republic Café, a popular banquet hall and restaurant that closed in 1988, will be home to a museum and cultural center that ACE will manage. Grant Leonard, senior planner for the City of Salinas, says a contractor has cleaned up the building and performed structural stabilization, including adding a temporary roof and removing asbestos, lead and debris. Leonard expects this phase will be completed by June, then the project will move into the next two-phase stage of development. The first phase will include further stabilization, including a permanent roof. The second phase is a full remodel and restoration, getting it move-in ready for the ACE museum. Leonard estimates it could take up to a year to finish both phases, adding that the work is tied to funding availability. Work on historic buildings can be challenging due to a variety of reasons, Leonard says, including limited funding for restoration of such properties. Progress has been years in the making. In 2022, the Republic Café caught fire, causing additional delays. Work has advanced since then. In 2022, in an effort to advance the Chinatown Revitalization Plan, the City of Salinas purchased seven properties in the neighborhood, including the Republic Café. A year later, the city received $1.5 million in Regional Early Action Planning grant funding from the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments to develop mixed-use affordable housing in the neighborhood. (Republic Café and other buildings were improved with this grant, plus capital improvement program funds from the City of Salinas.) “A lot of history is associated with the building,” Leonard says. “Through the Chinatown Revitalization Plan, the community really identified it as a cornerstone.” Hirahara hopes ACE will have access to the building by fall. The nonprofit intends to lease the space from the City. Other projects in the pipeline in Chinatown include a 55-unit mixeduse apartment complex with studios and one- and two-bedroom apartment units above commercial space on the first floor. The second housing project would be a 30-unit senior housing development, also with commercial space on the first floor. Both projects are now undergoing permitting. TEF Architecture and Interior Design, Inc., an agency based in San Francisco, provided conceptual plans and architectural renderings for both projects. The architectural concept includes Spanish influence with stucco finish and barrel clay roof tiles; Chinese influence is conveyed through the color red and string lanterns. From the Ashes Long-awaited work to make Republic Café into a cultural museum in Salinas’ Chinatown moves forward. By Celia Jiménez Restoration on the former Republic Café and other buildings on Soledad Street in Chinatown is moving along after the City of Salinas purchased seven properties in 2022 for a revitalization effort. NEWS “The community really identified it as a cornerstone.” CLEIA JIMÉNEZ 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 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 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 Monterey County Weekly County Employees Management Association (CEMA) ELECTED OFFICIALS 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 Councilmember Rita Burks, City of Seaside Councilmember Alex Miller, City of Seside Councilmember Rosalyn Green, Monterey Peninsula College Trustee Ben Caldera, City of Seaside Councilmember Brad Imamura, Marina Coast Water District Director
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