JUNE 18-24, 2026 MONTEREYCOUNTYNOW.COM LOCAL & INDEPENDENT GONE FISHING 8 | CHOMP UNDER SCRUTINY 12 | WHEREFORE ART THOU? 32 | FROM THE KITCHEN 38 FIRST PLACE GENERAL EXCELLENCE • 2025 CA JOURNALISM AWARDS • One of Amazon’s largest facilities in the world is nearly complete in Salinas. The economic and traffic impacts remain to be seen. p. 20 By Erik Chalhoub PRIME TIME
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 18-24, 2026 www.montereycountyweekly.com THANKS TO OUR KEY PARTNERS MONTEREY COUNTY GIVES! 2026: Request for Proposals About Monterey County Gives! Monterey County Gives! supports big ideas and demonstrated impact from local nonprofits. MCGives! is a partnership of the Monterey County Weekly, the Community Foundation for Monterey County and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation. The Fund has raised and contributed over $99 million for local nonprofits, including over $17.1 million last year. Over $600,000 in Matching Funds Thanks to our key partners, we have commitments of $600,000 to kick-off the campaign, which runs mid November to midnight Dec. 31. APPLICATION DEADLINE JULY 31, 2026 Nonprofits—Apply to MONTEREYCOUNTYGIVES.COM NOVEMBER 13 DECEMBER 31, 2025 SEEDS OF CHANGE Learn about what 213 local nonprofits are doing to grow a thriving community, and join them in Monterey County Gives! PRINT | WEB | MOBILE cover_mcgives_2025.indd 1 11/11/25 10:58 AM PRINT | WEB | MOBILE Apply online at: mcgives.com/rfp
www.montereycountynow.com JUNE 18-24, 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 JUNE 18-24, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com JUNE 18-24, 2026 • ISSUE #1977 • ESTABLISHED IN 1988 Steve Zmak (IPhone 16 Pro) Participants in the Lyceum of Monterey County’s Summer iPhoneography Camp took a field trip to Window on the Bay where 11- to 15-year-olds completed a series of photo challenges. MONTEREY COUNTY PHOTO OF THE WEEK Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: At 3.2 million square feet and five stories tall, Amazon’s under-construction facility in Salinas puts it in the top 10 of the e-commerce giant’s largest facilities in 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
www.montereycountynow.com JUNE 18-24, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 PINK MARTINI DAVID SEDARIS ANDY GRAMMER MAVIS STAPLES KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD LYLE LOVETT CHRIS BOTTI HADESTOWN SUNSET PRESENTS PINK MARTINI ALL-STARS PRESENT: A SEASON OF STARS SUN. DEC 6, 7:00 PM ANDY GRAMMER ONE MAN SHOW SAT. NOV 28, 7:00 PM AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS FRI. NOV 13, 7:00 PM MOSTLY KOSHER THU. DEC 3, 7:00 PM 2026 SUPER SCIENTIFIC CIRCUS FRI. NOV 6, 4:30 PM ROGER MCGUINN OF THE BYRDS TUE. OCT 13, 7:00 PM LYLE LOVETT AND HIS SMALL LARGE BAND FRI. OCT 30, 7:00 PM MELT LE PATIN LIBRE WED. OCT 14, 7:00 PM CELTIC THUNDER SAT. OCT 24, 7:00 PM AN EVENING WITH CHRIS BOTTI FRI. OCT 2, 7:00 PM KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD LEDBETTER HEIGHTS 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR FRI. SEPT 11, 7:30 PM 2027 JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS WORLD ON A STRING: SWINGING SONGS OF BROADWAY FRI. FEB 5, 7:00 PM BIG YELLOW TAXI THE MUSIC OF JONI MITCHELL THU. MAR 4, 7:00 PM MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION FRI. FEB 26, 7:00 PM AN EVENING WITH ELIZABETH GILBERT FRI. MAR 26, 7:00 PM MAVIS STAPLES SUN. MAR 7, 3:00 PM HADESTOWN TUE. JAN 5 & WED. JAN 6, 7:00 PM INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT TUE. MAR 16, 7:00 PM THE PERONDI'S STUNT DOG EXPERIENCE SAT. JUN 5, 3:00 PM HEART BY HEART THU. MAR 25, 7:00 PM NEW YORK GILBERT & SULLIVAN PLAYERS THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE IN ONE ACT & MORE SAT. MAY 1, 7:00 PM 360 ALLSTARS FRI. APR 9, 7:00 PM THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY SUN. APR 25, 3:00 PM TICKETS ON SALE NOW! SCAN THE QR CODE to see the most up-todate list of events and to purchase tickets. San Carlos St at 9 Ave, TH Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921 (831) 620-2048 Mon – Fri, noon – 4 PM SUNSETCENTER.ORG VISIT OUR BOX OFFICE OR GIVE US A CALL
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 18-24, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH Stars and Stripes has operated for decades within the U.S. Department of Defense, authorized by Congress to be editorially independent of the government. Yet, the Trump administration is attempting to take control of the newspaper and censor its coverage of the military, a lawsuit filed June 3 alleges. In January, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the newspaper would move away from “woke distractions,” while a March memo from the department announced changes, prohibiting it from publishing stories from other news outlets, and requiring content to be “consistent with good order and discipline of the military.” Two former journalists who sit on the Stars and Stripes advisory board sued the Department of Defense. “In a matter of a few months, the DoD has stripped Stars and Stripes of its long-standing editorial independence, ignoring its own regulations and the First Amendment,” said Suki Dardarian, one of the plaintiffs. Parnell called the lawsuit “without merit,” and said the department expects to prevail in court. Good: Good news for tree lovers and Salinas residents who want to see more greenery in their neighborhoods: The city has launched an Adopt-A-Tree program. Residents can get a free tree if they agree to take care of it and commit to watering it at least once a week for three years. According to the U.S. Forest Service, average tree coverage in urban areas nationwide is 27 percent. Salinas, meanwhile, stands at just 8 percent. Trees cool neighborhoods, provide clean air and make places more visually welcoming. Those interested can receive an application at bit.ly/AdoptATreeSalinas. A city employee will evaluate areas of the property where trees should be planted and recommend the type of tree suited to each location. Salinas has a list of 36 approved trees that residents can choose from to spruce up their properties, including purple orchid, palo verde and blackwood acacia. GREAT: After closing for renovations in August 2022, Mi Tierra Mercado y Taqueria at Fremont Boulevard and Broadway Avenue in Seaside reopened in a completely remodeled space, with new and expanded departments and additional items. All of the taqueria’s classic favorites, such as the al pastor tacos, have returned, alongside some of the kitchen’s original staff members. The renovated market now includes a walk-in cooler with fresh produce, new salsas, an expanded frozen section and meat department and a new panaderia with sweet treats such as churros and pan dulce. Patrons can also enjoy their favorite taqueria items inside the market or in an outdoor dining space. At the long-awaited reopening on Friday, June 12, the public flocked to the longtime Seaside favorite, which was offering free agua frescas for the day, with the line for the taqueria stretching out the door. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY That’s how many battery modules have been removed out of an estimated 35,772 from Vistra’s Moss Landing facility, which was destroyed in a January 2025 fire. The second phase of cleanup, which includes accessing the destroyed building, is expected to begin in July. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 34,786 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Our community is not a dumping ground for Trump’s ICE chaos.” -Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, after the state filed a lawsuit seeking to halt construction of an ICE facility in Gilroy (see story, montereycountynow.com/news).
www.montereycountynow.com JUNE 18-24, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 7 ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • GEAR-000383, GEAR-000376, GEAR-000375 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play Clear, effective communication builds trust. Nurbli’s person-to-person translating is performed by trained, vetted translators from your community who understand local nuances and dialects. No more prompting AI bots, or choosing a language from a dropdown menu. On-demand, onsite translation at the most critical moments: • In Person • By Phone Nurbli supports Greenfield Union School District with more than 1,800 interpretations, 200 audio flyer translations, and a 200% increase in workshop participation district-wide.* From the classroom to the emergency room, build trust through clarity: *During the 2025-2026 school year © Nurbli • On Video • Documents translated to audio for oral languages SPANISH ISN’T THE SAME AS MIXTECO ISN’T THE SAME AS TRIQUI BAJO, AND THAT’S WHY YOU NEED NURBLI. Contact Benito Sanchez, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, to discuss your needs. HUMAN-POWERED TRANSLATION ON DEMAND • ONSITE nurbli.com benito@nurbli.com School Districts Healthcare Providers Law Enforcement Social Services / Nonprofits City / County Government Legal compliance, IEP accuracy, budget justification, avoiding liability from failed interpretation Patient communication, consent forms, diagnosis accuracy, regulatory requirements De-escalation, court appearance accuracy, community trust, liability protection Family engagement, service delivery, grant compliance, community impact Public meetings, resident services, equity and inclusion mandates
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 18-24, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com 831 A number of people on float tubes dot the Los Padres Reservoir in Carmel Valley on Wednesday morning, May 13. They are incredibly still, doing an activity that on its face, looks almost boring. Their eyes are fixated on the water. Every once in a while someone flutters their finned feet to move ever so slightly, fishing pole in hand, the line invisible above the water. In fly-fishing, a number of things are happening all at once, despite what it might look like. In this sport, an infinite number of environmental questions are worth considering: the time of year, the time of day, the species of fish in the area—what they’re doing, how old they might be and what they’re looking to feed on. The circumstances are variable and ever-changing, making the ultimate goal, catching a fish, a victory well-earned. “Some people find God, I found fly-fishing,” Les Reeves says. Reeves, a veteran who joined nonprofit Project Healing Waters in February, says fly-fishing is the only thing that’s been able to calm his mind as someone who struggles with ADHD and post-traumatic stress disorder. “It’s the opposite of everything I’ve ever done,” he says. After moving to Monterey in 2007, Reeves hopped around hospitality jobs in the area and struggled to find his footing, ending up at the Veterans Transition Center (VTC) in Marina. He noticed a flyer hanging up at the VTC at a time where he was searching for something to calm his mind and keep him steady. Fly-fishing ended up checking more boxes than he expected. He learned how to tie flies, how to cast, and got excited by the various kinds of trips the nonprofit had to offer, including this outing to the reservoir—an area usually inaccessible to those less able-bodied due to a closed gate. In partnership with California American Water, the water utility company that maintains the dam, organizers were able to open the gate to provide closer parking access for disabled veterans. “You can get on a tube, fish from the shore,” Reeves says. “But what really got me interested was learning to build your own flies. The idea of learning about the different kinds of bugs and how they hatch, and how the flies you tie interplay with the fish in a larger ecosystem is fascinating. “I have a little bit of a checkered past,” he adds, “and this was a way for me to be a part of a community and even bring this joy to my kids.” Project Healing Waters is a national organization with chapters all over the country, serving disabled veterans since 2005. In 2024, the organization established its first Monterey County chapter, which has since grown rapidly and now serves roughly 60 veterans and active-duty personnel across the region. The group travels all over, from Chico to the Sacramento Delta to Yosemite. The nonprofit provides all the gear, much of which can be cost-prohibitive—including waders, float tubes and fishing equipment— along with access to locations like the reservoir. The wind begins to pick up around 11am at the reservoir; this much was expected. It is spring, after all. When the wind gets going, the probability for a successful cast degrades as the surface of the water gains more texture. Veterans from the day’s excursion begin trickling back in, discussing what they caught and where, the various kinds of flies they were using. Silver salmon, rainbow trout and steelhead (all related but at different stages of their life cycles) were caught and released. “Fly-fishing has therapeutic benefits, to help veterans heal from their illnesses or injuries,” says Brian Steckler, program lead for Project Healing Waters Monterey. Steckler served in the Navy during the late 1980s, including work as a minesweeper in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War, before continuing civilian work with the Navy for another 30 years. The nonprofit also launched an initiative called Sisters on the Rise in early 2025, a program designed to support women veterans through fly-fishing. “This is much more than a fishing trip,” Steckler says. “I wanted to help other people get into this, because it’s been my path for dealing with things.” Fish Therapy A nonprofit that supports wounded military service members has a new Monterey County chapter. By Katie Rodriguez “Some people find God. I found fly-fishing.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE KATIE RODRIGUEZ An outing on Los Padres Reservoir on the morning of Wednesday, May 13 brought veterans and active-duty service members to float on the water and go fly-fishing. 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
www.montereycountynow.com JUNE 18-24, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 800 Portola Dr. IN Del Rey Oaks Small Bottle. Serious Value. 1,000mg THC for just $25. BBQ this weekend? Don't show up empty-handed. Bring juana lean by Rype.
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 18-24, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com NEWS The Pacific Grove City Council Chamber was quiet with anticipation, as City Clerk Sandra Kandell turned the crank on a bin holding 10 balls representing each applicant for the city’s lone retail cannabis license on Monday, June 15. She picked the first ball and announced the winner: OTC Pacific Grove, LLC, representing the chain Off the Charts. The room of about 20 people remained silent, save for a few heavy sighs. The very thing some people complained to the P.G. City Council about had come true: Eight of the 10 applications were all linked to Off the Charts, a Costa Mesa-based chain retailer with over 30 California locations including one in Monterey, giving the company what critics alleged was an unfair advantage. The P.G. City Council debated the process and delayed the lottery originally scheduled for March 30. On May 20, councilmembers voted 5-0 to proceed using the process developed with the assistance of consultant HdL, after a legal expert advised them it was legally defensible. The two other applicants were NUG Pacific Grove, a chain co-founded by P.G. resident Nico Enea, and Embarc Dispensary, a chain applying under the name Pacific Grove Responsible and Compliant Retail. Enea, who has been working for six years to get a store opened in his hometown, said the company is reserving its right to bring a future legal action, “given the failure of staff to bring forward a fair, transparent and equitable process.” OTC must file for permits for its proposed location, 1157 Forest Ave., units B and C. If it fails to get approval, another applicant will have a chance to apply for the permit. No Surprise The winner of P.G.’s first cannabis license lottery is a company with multiple entries. By Pam Marino With the majority of votes counted and the June 2, 2026 election results set to be certified at the end of the month, the tally shows that Measure D, the City of Monterey’s potential 0.375-percent sales tax increase, has failed at the polls by about 160 votes. Monterey city staff anticipated that the tax measure would generate about $3 million in its first year and $4.5 million in subsequent years. With its failure, they had to find different strategies to compensate for the operating deficit projected in fiscal year 2026-2027. Monterey City Council unanimously approved the budget on Tuesday, June 16. ”It is no secret that our cost model that we have employed for a number of years just isn’t working anymore,” said Monterey City Manager Dante Hall at the meeting. “Our revenues are relatively flat and we’re seeing growth in expenditures and in cost just like everyone else is, and so we have a deficit.” Hall said that city staff have balanced the 2026-2027 budget, “but it doesn’t solve the problem.” The upcoming budget anticipates roughly $114 million in revenue and $126 million in expenditures, leaving about a $11.7 million operating deficit. To make up for the gap, the city will not tap into its reserves but will use funds from the Neighborhood Community Improvement Project fund and freeze 30 unfilled city staff positions, among other strategies. To determine which positions to freeze, each city department assessed the legal obligations, operational needs, potential risks and financial impacts of not filling the positions, such as productivity impacts and potential overtime costs. By freezing the 30 positions—which include two park maintenance workers for a savings of $206,000, two police officers (saving $364,000), three firefighters at $477,000 and a traffic engineer at $231,000—finance staff estimates a total savings of approximately $4.6 million. The City Council also approved transferring $3.5 million from the Neighborhood Community Improvement Project fund to the general fund to help cover the operational shortfall, alongside funding cuts to city-sponsored events and support programs for city residents, such as the rental assistance program, which will see a $125,000 reduction. With transfers out of and into the general fund from other city funds, including the parking fund and others totaling a net gain of about $750,000, combined with the other strategies including the savings from frozen positions, the city’s general fund operating budget becomes balanced with about $25,000 above the deficit. Because city staff anticipates that expenditures will continue to outweigh revenues in the years ahead, driven by increasing operational costs and other factors, resulting in an ongoing structural deficit, city staff will launch their “Roadmap to Resilience,” which will consist of a “deeper dive” into city finances, according to Hall. The six-point roadmap, which starts with “understanding the fiscal gap,” continues with “strengthening organizational efficiency,” and ends with “delivering sustainable future budgets,” is tentatively scheduled to be presented to the City Council in August. Monterey City Manager Dante Hall and city staff found ways to balance the 20262027 city budget despite the failure of the sales tax increase Measure D. Alternative Measures Monterey City Council approves budget following the failure of the Measure D tax increase. By Aric Sleeper P.G. City Clerk Sandra Kandell holds up the winner in the city’s first retail cannabis license lottery on Monday, June 15. OTC Pacific Grove is connected to eight of the 10 applicants. “Our cost model just isn’t working anymore.” DANIEL DREIFUSS DANIEL DREIFUSS
www.montereycountynow.com JUNE 18-24, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 Insured by NCUA 1The dividend rate and Annual Percentage Yield (APY) are accurate as of 05/27/2026. The dividend rate and APY may change at any time. There is no minimum balance required to earn the stated APY. The minimum deposit for the 16-month certificate special is $500. The APY is based on an assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal or transfer reduces earnings and there may be penalties for early withdrawal. This certificate is not extended to organization accounts. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Call 1-877-GOLDEN 1 (1-877-465-3361) for current rates. 0526-MTW Visit a branch, call 1-877-465-3361 or scan to learn more Limited-time offer 4.15% with a Term Savings Certificate Earn up to APY1 casaofmonterey.org CASA volunteers are parents, professionals, retirees—people who once felt too busy. Then they realized the moments were already there: a ride home, a day-o visit, an evening check-in. CASA becomes part of your life’s routine. You’re more ready than you think—become a CASA volunteer. Find out how you can impact the life of a child in foster care and juvenile justice systems. I’m a Professional Artist and a CASA Susan M., Carmel Valley
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 18-24, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com A mistake administering medicine at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula in September 2023 nearly cost a 57-year-old stroke patient their life, but the incident was only made public earlier this year through a state investigation into the hospital. As a result, the California Department of Public Health levied a fine against CHOMP. The incident put CHOMP under further scrutiny by a federal agency, temporarily putting the hospital’s Medicare contract in jeopardy—to lose it would have meant financial peril for the hospital and sent Medicare patients to other facilities. CDPH launched its investigation on Nov. 18, 2025, after an emergency department physician who works at CHOMP, Dr. Erin Sullivan, filed a complaint with the agency, alleging systemic problems at the hospital. Her complaint did not raise the 2023 incident but she did share her mother’s death, after being treated at CHOMP in July 2025 for a pulmonary embolism. CDPH’s investigation uncovered several incidents and reopened a previous investigation into the 2023 incident that had been self-reported by CHOMP at the time. Several incidents that took place in 2025 were substantiated by the investigation, including the failure to remove an empty medicine bag from an IV drip, failure to assess pain as required and failure to document information in patient records. CHOMP administrators filed a plan of correction as required for each incident. “Patient safety is our highest priority. We are committed to continuous improvement, transparency with regulatory agencies, and accountability in addressing any identified issues,” Mindy Maschmeyer, director of communications for Montage Health, CHOMP’s parent company, said in a written statement. “While we cannot comment on specific patient matters due to privacy considerations, we remain fully engaged with regulators and are committed to ensuring safe, high-quality care across our organization,” she said. The incident that led to a fine revolves around “Patient 1,” who was brought by ambulance to CHOMP’s emergency department on Sept. 16, 2023 with severe neck pain, headache, nausea and vomiting. They were admitted to the ICU for care. CT scans revealed a brain bleed and later hydrocephalus, or the buildup of excess fluid in the brain. On Sept. 17, a doctor prescribed a low dose of Levophed to be administered by an IV infusion pump. Considered a “high-alert medication” because it can have life-threatening effects if not administered properly, Levophed is used to raise blood pressure in patients experiencing extreme low blood pressure. The records show the flow of medication was stopped on Sept. 18, but the bag containing the medicine was never removed as required by hospital policy. Twelve hours later, the patient became unresponsive. During the call to resuscitate them, a mix-up resulted in a large dose of Levophed being administered through the IV pump instead of a saline solution. As a result, the brain bleed worsened. A nurse transporting the patient for another CT scan afterward noticed the Levophed IV bag running at a high rate and stopped it immediately, they told the CDPH evaluator. Patient 1 was transferred to a hospital with a higher level of care on Sept. 19, where they eventually underwent surgery to remove a piece of the skull at the base of the head to repair an aneurysm, among other procedures. The patient was discharged on Oct. 9, 2023. There’s no note of their condition or what happened to them since. CHOMP was fined $49,950. On Feb. 5, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), sent a letter to the hospital stating that CHOMP would be losing its “deemed status” as a Medicare hospital on May 6 unless it provided a plan of correction to CDPH by Feb. 15. CHOMP received an extension and submitted the plan within the revised timeline. On April 6 the hospital was notified by CMS it had regained its status. The hospital’s plan of correction includes improvements made to patient rooms in October 2023 to prevent confusion with IV lines, as well as improved labeling of bags and tubes, among other efforts. Staff was retrained in medication-error prevention, the plan states, and patient safety events are routinely reviewed. Sullivan initiated the complaint about her mom, likely Patient 25 in CDPH’s report, but she had been calling for systemic change over a period of at least three years. Sullivan is now the target of a lawsuit filed by the physicians’ partnership contracted by CHOMP to provide emergency care, Monterey Bay Emergency Partners, of which Sullivan is a partner. The lawsuit asks a judge to remove her from the partnership. In court documents the other partners acknowledge that she is “an excellent clinician who, by all accounts, cares deeply about her patients,” yet as a business partner they allege she is “combative, accusatory and uncooperative.” In Sullivan’s complaint to CDPH she stated that despite concerns being raised “in good faith through appropriate channels…those that raise them are met with retaliation and intimidation. This creates a chilling effect on transparency and reporting, further obstructing remediation and eroding the hospital’s culture of safety.” ER Visit A 2023 mistake leads to a nearly $50,000 fine and a federal warning for CHOMP. By Pam Marino NEWS LEND A HAND Help clean up Ensen Community Park. This monthly event is also a chance to hear updates on the surrounding restoration project. 10:30-11:30am Saturday, June 20. Ensen Community Park, 99 La Posada Drive, Salinas. (831) 625-5523, bigsurlandtrust.org. BLOOM TO THE BEAT Learn about native plants and pollinators at the Friends of Seaside Parks’ Art, Blooms and Beats event. The festival includes live music and other family-friendly activities. Noon-2pm Saturday, June 20. Highland Otis Park, Mingo Avenue and Mendocino Street, Seaside. Free. fospa.info@gmail.com, friendsofseasideparks.org. HERE TO LISTEN Supervisor Chris Lopez hosts a listening session for South County residents. Share your thoughts and ideas about the community and government. 6pm Monday, June 22. Dennis & Janice Caprara Community Center, 620 5th St., Gonzales. Free. (831) 755-5033, district3@countyofmonterey.gov. FOREST FOR THE TREES The City of Salinas presents a talk on the Urban Forest Management Plan. The event is part of the Building Strong Neighborhoods series. 6-7pm Wednesday, June 24. Valley Conference Room, 200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas. Free. (831) 758-7096, tinyurl. com/Trees2026BSN. ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION Transportation Agency for Monterey County hosts a workshop on the Monterey County Active Transportation Plan. Share input on how to make walking, biking and riding in the county safer and more accessible. 6-8pm Wednesday, June 24. Hartnell College, Building D, Room 377, 411 Central Ave., Salinas. Free. RSVP at bit.ly/TAMCJune24. (831) 775-4410, tamcmonterey.org/monterey-county-active-transportation-plan. PLAN IT OUT Seaside Planning Commission meets to discuss various development projects. Public comment is accepted. 6pm Wednesday, June 24. City Council Chambers, 440 Harcourt Ave., Seaside. Free. (831) 899-6707, ci.seaside.ca.us. RATE RELIEF Marina Coast Water District is now accepting applications for its new customer financial assistance program. Those who qualify will receive a $20.83 monthly credit on their fixed water charge. Applications are accepted through July 31. (888) 282-6816, bit.ly/ MCWDCARES. Dr. Erin Sullivan, an emergency physician at CHOMP, did not comment for the story based on the advice of her attorney. She had been calling for changes for three years. E-MAIL: publiccitizen@montereycountynow.com PUBLIC CITIZEN The incident put CHOMP under further scrutiny. DANIEL DREIFUSS
www.montereycountynow.com JUNE 18-24, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 EARN3.50APY*% 9-MONTH CERTIFICATE LIMITED-TIME OFFER 831.647.1000 www.montereycu.com APY = annual percentage yield. Minimum opening deposit $10,000. Maximum $20,000,000. Funds to open this certi cate must be new to Monterey CU. New to Monterey CU means the funds must have not been on deposit with Monterey CU in the last six months. Limit to one promotional share certi cate per member. O er available for limited time starting 06/02/26 and subject to change or cancellation without notice. Early withdrawal penalties apply. Monterey CU membership required. 26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd Suite B-4, Carmel, CA 93923 Tuesday, June 23, 2026 3 P.M. – 7 P.M. & Wednesday, June 24, 2026 8 A.M. – 12 P.M. Temporary Special Event Questions: (831) 649-7657 JOB FAIR Scan for More Information Fairway One Complex 3304 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953 Hiring for all Areas Bartenders, bussers, cashiers, cooks, housekeepers, parking attendants, purchasing clerks, servers, shuttle drivers, stewards, and many more. Interviews on the Spot Please come prepared to provide proof of employment eligibility. PB-Concours-Monterey County Weekly_2026.indd 1 6/8/2026 2:07:56 PM HERE FOR A LIFETIME OR JUST A LONG WEEKEND? Everyone can help conserve our shared water resources. Conserve & Sustain. MPWMD.NET LOCAL RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES Follow Outdoor Watering Schedule (Wed & Sat) Be on the lookout for any leaks or overspray on landscapes VISITORS & TOURISTS Reuse towels and turn off faucets when not in use MONTEREY PENINSULA MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 18-24, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com The Soledad and Gonzales fire departments face a grim future after Measures A and B, parcel taxes in each city that would have provided funding to fire departments, failed at the polls with 49 and 47 percent of the vote, respectively, far short of the twothirds needed to pass. “We are in a very unfavorable climate,” Soledad City Manager Megan Hunter says, noting everyday life has become less affordable with higher prices for food and gas. Both cities now face tough choices to keep funding their fire departments in challenging budgetary times. Gonzales reduced several recreational programs, including aquatics, sports and after-school programs, and released some part-time employees. It saved the city $500,000 that will be redirected to fire services. Still, Gonzales City Manager Carmen Gil says if they can’t find another funding source, the city might have to close its fire department. “If we don’t find a new source of revenue, we will not be able to afford a fire department,” Gil says. She notes Gonzales can’t afford to contract with Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District nor Cal Fire. Soledad is considering similar measures to reduce spending. The council approved an interim budget on June 10 that will be reviewed in August, and cuts could be on the horizon. Soledad already contracts with Cal Fire. Response times are expected to remain the same but without Measure A, they will not add a third firefighter to all shifts as officials had hoped. (The National Fire Protection Association recommends four; many departments operate with three.) Soledad is applying for grants, which could provide funding for personnel for three or four years. Both councils placed similar measures on the ballot in hopes of generating revenue to cover the cost of increasing personnel, replacing outdated equipment and addressing the high volume of calls for a growing population. In Soledad, calls have doubled in the past decade; over 20 years in Gonzales, calls have nearly tripled, according to officials in each city. Both cities are exploring other sources of revenue through economic development. Gil expects that once Gonzales’ new $27 million industrial wastewater treatment facility is up and running with a 1 million-gallon-perday capacity, businesses at Gonzales Agricultural Business Park could expand. In recent years, Soledad has attracted several new businesses to town including Dutch Bros. Coffee, Panda Express and Tractor Supply Co., but it hasn’t translated into enough revenue, Hunter says. Both cities could consider adding tax measures to the ballot in the future, but that option looks gloomier. The November ballot will include a statewide proposition that will require twothirds of the vote to approve special local taxes (currently, some measures require 50 percent). Hunter notes cities depend on local tax revenue to fund services. “It could be devastating for the local government,” she says. Fire Fight South County cities face cuts after ballot measures to fund fire services fail at the polls. By Celia Jiménez The Gonzales Fire Department (shown above) had been banking on Measure B, a parcel tax that would have generated an estimated $655,000 per year without a sunset date. NEWS “We will not be able to afford a fire department.” DANIEL DREIFUSS Now Open! 201 FRONT ST 831-621-2821 1214 SOQUEL AVE 831-457-2222 849 ALMAR AVE 831-426-7650 1130 FREMONT AVE 831-215-6242 2 DAY GRAND OPENING JUNE 27-28TH JOIN US FOR DEMOS: INCLUDING A GREEN EGG DEMO, GOZNEY PIZZA OVEN DEMO, AND TRAEGER BBQ DEMO FREE GIVEAWAYS FOR THE FIRST 100 KIDS THEY WILL RECEIVE A FREE PAIR OF GLOVES FROM G.O.A.T GLOVES, AND A FREE ABALSA WOOD PLANE! 20% OFF everything that that fits in the bag Sign Up For Ace Rewards and be entered to win a Weber® Grill 8108718 Sign Up For Ace Rewards and be entered to win a Blackstone® Grill 8093917 Exclusions apply. See store for details. Exclusions apply. See store for details. Exclusions apply. See store for details. June 27th June 28th LSJosh061426PPC-061526.indd 2 ɐ30 Exclusions apply. See store for details. 201 FRONT ST 831-621-2821 1214 SOQUEL AVE 831-457-2222 849 ALMAR AVE 831-426-7650 1130 FREMONT AVE 831-215-6242 2 DAY GRAND OPENING JUNE 27-28TH JOIN US FOR DEMOS: INCLUDING A GREEN EGG DEMO, GOZNEY PIZZA OVEN DEMO, AND TRAEGER BBQ DEMO FREE GIVEAWAYS FOR THE FIRST 100 KIDS THEY WILL RECEIVE A FREE PAIR OF GLOVES FROM G.O.A.T GLOVES, AND A FREE ABALSA WOOD PLANE! 20% OFF everything that that fits in the bag Sign Up For Ace Rewards and be entered to win a Weber® Grill 8108718 Sign Up For Ace Rewards and be entered to win a Blackstone® Grill 8093917 Exclusions apply. See store for details. Exclusions apply. See store for details. Exclusions apply. See store for details. June 27th June 28th LSJosh061426PPC-061526.indd 2 ɐ30 Exclusions apply. See store for details. June 28th 201 FRONT ST 831-621-2821 1214 SOQUEL AVE 831-457-2222 849 ALMAR AVE 831-426-7650 1130 FREMONT AVE 831-215-6242 2 DAY GRAND OPENING JUNE 27-28TH JOIN US FOR DEMOS: INCLUDING A GREEN EGG DEMO, GOZNEY PIZZA OVEN DEMO, AND TRAEGER BBQ DEMO FREE GIVEAWAYS FOR THE FIRST 100 KIDS THEY WILL RECEIVE A FREE PAIR OF GLOVES FROM G.O.A.T GLOVES, AND A FREE ABALSA WOOD PLANE! 20% OFF everything that that fits in the bag Sign Up For Ace Rewards and be entered to win a Weber® Grill 8108718 Sign Up For Ace Rewards and be entered to win a Blackstone® Grill 8093917 Exclusions apply. See store for details. Exclusions apply. See store for details. Exclusions apply. See store for details. June 27th June 28th LSJosh061426PPC-061526.indd 2 ɐ30 201 FRONT ST 831-621-2821 1214 SOQUEL AVE 831-457-2222 849 ALMAR AVE 831-426-7650 1130 FREMONT AVE 831-215-6242 2 DAY GRAND OPENING JUNE 27-28TH JOIN US FOR DEMOS: INCLUDING A GREEN EGG DEMO, GOZNEY PIZZA OVEN DEMO, AND TRAEGER BBQ DEMO FREE GIVEAWAYS FOR THE FIRST 100 KIDS THEY WILL RECEIVE A FREE PAIR OF GLOVES FROM G.O.A.T GLOVES, AND A FREE ABALSA WOOD PLANE! 20% OFF everything that that fits in the bag Sign Up For Ace Rewards and be entered to win a Weber® Grill 8108718 Sign Up For Ace Rewards and be entered to win a Blackstone® Grill 8093917 Exclusions apply. See store for details. Exclusions apply. See store for details. Exclusions apply. See store for details. June 27th June 28th LSJosh061426PPC-061526.indd 2 ɐ30 See store for details. June 27th 201 FRONT ST 831-621-2821 1214 SOQUEL AVE 831-457-2222 849 ALMAR AVE 831-426-7650 1130 FREMONT AVE 831-215-6242 2 DAY GRAND OPENING JUNE 27-28TH JOIN US FOR DEMOS: INCLUDING A GREEN EGG DEMO, GOZNEY PIZZA OVEN DEMO, AND TRAEGER BBQ DEMO FREE GIVEAWAYS FOR THE FIRST 100 KIDS THEY WILL RECEIVE A FREE PAIR OF GLOVES FROM G.O.A.T GLOVES, AND A FREE ABALSA WOOD PLANE! 20% OFF everything that that fits in the bag Sign Up For Ace Rewards and be entered to win a Weber® Grill 8108718 Sign Up For Ace Rewards and be entered to win a Blackstone® Grill 8093917 Exclusions apply. See store for details. Exclusions apply. See store for details. Exclusions apply. See store for details. June 27th June 28th LSJosh061426PPC-061526.indd 2 ɐ30 2 DAY GRAND OPENING JUNE 27-28TH JOIN US FOR DEMOS: INCLUDING A GREEN EGG DEMO, GOZNEY PIZZA OVEN DEMO, AND TRAEGER BBQ DEMO FREE GIVEAWAYS FOR THE FIRST 100 KIDS. THEY WILL RECEIVE A FREE PAIR OF GLOVES FROM G.O.A.T GLOVES, AND A FREE BALSA WOOD PLANE! 1130 Fremont Blvd Seaside (831) 215-6242 located in Laguna Plaza Come visit Seaside’s latest hardware destination. Distributed with Save. LSJOSH061426PPC (831) 424-9003 1135 Westridge Pkwy, Salinas www.OasisCharterSchool.org An experience as unique as your child NOW ENROLLING! Oasis is a tuition-free Charter school that serves K-6th Grade. We feature enrichment and speciality classes including art, music and drama. Oasis is a non-profit public school not affiliated with any religion. If your child doesn’t fit the traditional model, try Oasis!
www.montereycountynow.com JUNE 18-24, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15 THE U.S. OPEN RETURNS TO PEBBLE BEACH PEBBLE BEACH GOLF LINKS JUNE 14 - 20 WEEKLY TICKETS ON SALE
16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 18-24, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com Testing nearly a decade ago revealed a wider spectrum of contaminants in the drinking water of households located along Johnson, McGinnis and Live Oak roads in the Royal Oaks area. Those tests by concerned community members, who in 2021 formed the group Gente Organizada Trabajando por el Agua (People United Working for Water), showed elevated levels of nitrates, 1,2,3-trichloropropane, PFAS, and chromium-6—the contaminant made widely known through the film Erin Brokovich, and the real-life case that inspired it. Today, many of those residents rely on bottled water provided by the Community Water Center (CWC), an environmental justice nonprofit that doubles as a technical assistance provider, working with the community on long-term water solutions. Funding for these solutions through the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) program is paramount. The state program has invested more than $4.5 million in 19 water systems within Assembly District 29 alone. Still, across the region there are 53 failing or at-risk water systems that require funding, including the 219 households served by 116 wells in the Johnson, McGinnis and Live Oak (JML) project area. At a press conference on May 15 in Royal Oaks, community partners advocated for the continuation of this funding in the state budget. In the legislative budget approved on June 15, , the full $130 million funding request is not included, leaving SAFER with a $62 million funding deficit. “Thanks to the funding from SAFER we get bottled water, but we know that’s only a short-term solution,” Isabel Morales, a 25-year resident of the Royal Oaks, said in Spanish. “My community and I have been working alongside the Community Water Center to develop a long-term solution. Currently, we are in the design phase, but to get to the construction phase, we are dependent on SAFER receiving the funding every year.” For the JML area and similar disadvantaged rural communities in Monterey County, many households rely on individual domestic wells. These wells are often shallower than their agricultural neighbors, making them more vulnerable to contamination from natural sources, agricultural runoff and aging infrastructure. CWC and its partners have identified a solution: consolidating into a nearby regulated public water system. One such project is underway in Moss Landing, connecting 158 households to a system operated by the Pajaro Sunny Mesa Community Services District. For JML, funding from SAFER would help connect these households to California Water’s existing system in Las Lomas. The project is currently in the design and planning phase, estimated to cost $36 million with a goal start time to begin early 2029. Roxanne Reimer, water projects director with CWC, says SAFER is unique in its ability to support communities without formal water providers: “Oftentimes, these types of communities get left behind.” Water Drop Rural communities with contaminated water push for state funding and long-term solutions. By Katie Rodriguez Impacted residents and community leaders in Royal Oaks held a press conference on May 15 advocating for continued funding for drinking water solutions. NEWS “[Bottled water] is only a short-term solution.” KATIE RODRIGUEZ Domenico’s on the Wharf features Cioppino-a house specialty, Boat to Table Wild Alaskan Salmon, Oysters Rockefeller are a sample of the many great menu choices. Also enjoy Fine Wines and Cocktails, Desserts and Great Service. A local favorite celebrating 45 YEARS on Old Fisherman’s Wharf. 50 OLD FISHERMAN’S WHARF MONTEREY • 831-372-3655 www.domenicosmonterey.com Open Daily 11:30am to close Fresh Seafood, Italian Classics, Prime Steaks , with Beautiful Harbor Views. ’25Voted Monterey County’s BEST Restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf Make Your Father’s Day Reservations! 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 “I brought my Subaru to Hartzel on advice of a friend and I was so pleased with the service & attention I got from them. Not only finished on time, but under the estimate I was given. Very rare these days. So pleased with the whole experience & great peace of mind knowing it was done correctly. Highly recommend this guy.” —David F., Seaside 2/14/19 510 California Avenue | Sand City | 394.6002 hartzelautomotive.com EXPERT SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT. Subaru Mazda Lexus Infiniti Saab vintage MG SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT SERVICE ONLINE TODAY
www.montereycountynow.com JUNE 18-24, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 17 Copyright © 2025 Marina Station. All rights reserved. Homes and community information are subject to change without notice. Photos are for representational purposes only. CA DRE license #01871677. Equal Housing Opportunity. Realize Your Dream Home on the Monterey Peninsula The Marina Station Real Estate Team, in partnership with Monterey Coast Realty With 19 thoughtfully designed floor plans and single-story or two-story homes available, there’s a home for every lifestyle. Every detail has been crafted with care, creating spaces that feel modern, welcoming and unmistakably like home. Sales Office and Model Homes Open Daily 10am to 6pm Visit us at 381 Cortney Lane, Marina 831.620.6160 • www.LiveMarinaStation.com We’re continuing to build something special at MRY. Through the MRY Metamorphosis, the airport team is working every day to deliver nonstop flights, facilities, services, and amenities to transform your travel experience. Follow us as we deliver a world-class experience with a hometown airport feel. Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) thanks our community for trusting and supporting us for your business and leisure travel needs over the past 85 years. montereyairport.com/transform Scan the QR code and join the journey!
18 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 18-24, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com TOURIST TRAP That’s all you got, Carmel. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you (“The Carmel Council punts on marketing to allay residents fed up with tourism,” June 11). Marilyn DiMaggio | via social media Can’t have it both ways. You need revenue to run the city and keep it the way they like it. Mike Kanalakis | Monterey This is a good idea. As a local I avoid that place like the plague in tourist season. It was like going to Disneyland. Mari Adams | via social media These same residents will complain when their taxes go up because of the loss of tourist revenue. The restaurants and shops don’t operate on big margins. They need all the tourists. If you moved here from somewhere else, you knew it was a tourist town before you moved here. If you’re older than me, then I understand your frustrations. John P. Miller | via social media Carmel was a tourist destination pre-internet. I was taking pictures in front of the lone cypress long before Google, Facebook and Instagram. Businesses are doing their own advertising these days. The only thing we really need in Carmel is parking. I circle for 20-30 minutes almost every time I go down there. Fix your parking problem if you want customers. Grace Ayara Slama | Monterey COLOR GUARD Bravo to Ed Smith for pursuing the patriotic crosswalk (“Monterey’s vice mayor proposes painting a downtown crosswalk in patriotic colors,” June 11-17). It’s a simple yet meaningful gesture, and I believe it’s the right thing to do—for our city and for our country. While some may argue there are more pressing issues facing the city, I appreciate Ed’s recognition that communities need moments of pride, celebration, and unity as well. Life doesn’t stop while we work through challenges. Happy birthday, America! Deborah Roberts | Monterey There are so many needs in our city that spending $15,000 to paint crosswalks seems like a poor financial decision. If there was no shortage of money, and all the other needs were being met, then by all means, go to town painting! But that is not the case. Kayleen Eppler Lewis | Monterey How about fixing the roads instead. Patty Brazil Benson | via social media SUMMER PLANS We have camped at Laguna Seca and found it to be very pleasant and like you said, and near so many fun things (“From bikepacking to RV rentals, a variety of options for camping and glamping exist in Monterey County,” June 4-10). The view from atop the bluff is spectacular. My favorite camping is at Pfeiffer Big Sur. My parents first camped there in 1953 with a borrowed tent with two kids in tow and one kid on the way (me). I have continued the camping tradition with my own kids and now grandchild and have camped at Pfeiffer every year since then, even during Covid. I have seen so many changes. I must say I now dread the drive along the highway. In April, I counted 107 cars waiting in line to drive over Bixby Bridge (“Ordinance to prevent parking on Highway 1 near Bixby Bridge moves forward,” posted June 10). Being retired we have adjusted our visits to try and miss summer travel but now, taking our grandchild, we are stuck with peak season. Pam See | San Luis Obispo Veterans Park, Andrew Molera, Julia Pfeiffer and Sunset State Beach all have hike/bike sites, meaning if you roll up on a bike, you don’t need a reservation and those sites are usually around $5 a night. Enjoy. Jarod Bourdeau | via social media LAND MASS Very nice article on California State Parks Week and the many opportunities to visit and/or actively participate (“California State Parks Week invites us not just to visit, but to get to know our parks,” posted June 9). My wife and I participated in a guided tour of Monterey State Historic Park which began at the Pacific House Museum, and included several informative stops including California’s First Theatre, Casa Soberanes, Pacific House Memory Gardens concluding at the Pacific House Museum. Along the way, our guide Stuart Thornton provided a broad and interesting historical perspective that often extended beyond Monterey. While I have visited these sites before I always learn something new about our local community and the rich history we enjoy. As a former board member of the California State Parks Foundation, I greatly value Parks Week. Our state has one of the best parks systems in the country. Raising awareness and providing access to the more than 280 parks to all Californians is important and beneficial. Birt Johnson Jr. | Monterey TACO TIME OMG I can’t wait. I wish they brought back the previous cooks, they made the best tacos on the Peninsula (“Mi Tierra Mercado y Taqueria to reopen in Seaside after years of delays,” posted June 11). Bettina Navarro | via social media My husband works nearby and I’d always drive from Salinas to Seaside during his lunch just so we could grab an asada bowl from here! It was so good, and we thought they had closed forever. So happy to see they are back! Alejandra Guzmán | via social media They really did an amazing job of renovating the exterior and interior. My favorite place to get guacamole! Daniel Priano | via social media I hope the chorizo is the same recipe! Lia V.S. Paredes | via social media Editor’s note: It is the same recipe. COFFEE BUZZ Amazing story! (“Strong demand drives a Salinas coffee shop from home business to storefront in two years,” June 11-17.) Rebecca Carranza | Gonzales 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.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==