JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 MONTEREYCOUNTYNOW.COM LOCAL & INDEPENDENT HOW CAR WEEK GETS PERMITTED 13 | LARGER THAN LIFE 28 | WIN OR LOSE 30 | SOMETHING SWEET 36 Local bicyclists and government agencies explore ways to make Monterey County roads safer. p. 18 By Aric Sleeper RULES OF THE ROAD
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 • ISSUE #1983 • ESTABLISHED IN 1988 Sara Courtneidge (Canon EOS R5 Mark II) Nope, your plastic does not just magically go away. In this instance, a sea otter in Elkhorn Slough tries to eat a plastic bottle. MONTEREY COUNTY PHOTO OF THE WEEK Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: Mari Lynch, bike commuter and founder of the website Bicycling Monterey, has been laboring for infrastructure and policy improvements to make the roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists in Monterey County for 17 years. Cover photo: Daniel Dreifuss etc. Copyright © 2026 by Milestone Communications Inc. 668 Williams Ave., Seaside, California 93955 (telephone 831-394-5656). All rights reserved. Monterey County Weekly, the Best of Monterey County and the Best of Monterey Bay are registered trademarks. No person, without prior permission from the publisher, may take more than one copy of each issue. Additional copies and back issues may be purchased for $1, plus postage. Mailed subscriptions: $300 yearly, pre-paid. The Weekly is an adjudicated newspaper of Monterey County, court decree M21137. The Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Visit our website at http://www.montereycountynow.com. Audited by CVC. FOUNDER & CEO Bradley Zeve bradley@montereycountynow.com (x103) PUBLISHER Erik Cushman erik@montereycountynow.com (x125) EDITORIAL EDITOR Sara Rubin sara@montereycountynow.com (x120) ASSOCIATE EDITOR Erik Chalhoub ec@montereycountynow.com (x135) FEATURES EDITOR Dave Faries dfaries@montereycountynow.com (x110) SENIOR STAFF WRITER Pam Marino pam@montereycountynow.com (x106) STAFF WRITER Celia Jiménez celia@montereycountynow.com (x145) STAFF WRITER Agata Pope¸da aga@montereycountynow.com (x138) STAFF WRITER Katie Rodriguez (California Local News Fellow) katie@montereycountynow.com (x102) STAFF WRITER Aric Sleeper aric@montereycountynow.com (x127) STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Daniel Dreifuss daniel@montereycountynow.com (x140) DIGITAL PRODUCER Sloan Campi sloan@montereycountynow.com (x105) EDITOR/SALINAS VALLEY NOW Joseph Treviño joseph@salinasvalleynow.com STAFF WRITER/SALINAS VALLEY NOW Royvi Hernandez royvi@salinasvalleynow.com (x140) CONTRIBUTORS Nik Blaskovich, Rob Brezsny, Robert Daniels, Tonia Eaton, Jesse Herwitz, Luz Rimban, Jacqueline Weixel, Paul Wilner CARTOONS Rob Rogers, Tom Tomorrow PRODUCTION ART DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION MANAGER Karen Loutzenheiser karen@montereycountynow.com (x108) GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kevin Jewell kevinj@montereycountynow.com (x114) GRAPHIC DESIGNER Annie Cobb annie@montereycountynow.com (x114) GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lani Headley lani@montereycountynow.com (x114) SALES SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE Diane Glim diane@montereycountynow.com (x124) SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE George Kassal george@montereycountynow.com (x122) SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE Keith Bruecker keith@montereycountynow.com (x118) CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Keely Richter keely@montereycountynow.com (x123) DIGITAL DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA Kevin Smith kevin@montereycountynow.com (x119) DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION AT Arts Co. atartsco@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION CONTROL Harry Neal BUSINESS/FRONT OFFICE OFFICE MANAGER Linda Maceira linda@montereycountynow.com (x101) BOOKKEEPING Rochelle Trawick 668 Williams Ave., Seaside, CA 93955 831-394-5656, (FAX) 831-394-2909 www.montereycountynow.com We’d love to hear from you. Send us your tips at tipline.montereycountynow.com. NEWS • ARTS • ENTERTAINMENT • FOOD • DRINK • CALENDAR Subscribe to the newsletter @ montereycountynow.com/subscribe READ MORE NOW ONLINE NEWSLETTER Go to montereycountynow.com LOCAL NEWS EVERYDAY AT MONTEREY COUNTY NOW
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4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH Paramount’s $111 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery is going to trial, putting the fate of two of the nation’s largest news and entertainment organizations in a holding pattern. In mid-July, a dozen states, including California, sued Paramount to block the company from merging with Warner Bros., citing antitrust violations. On July 24, Paramount agreed to postpone its merger and bypass various legal battles to go straight to trial, believing it would be the quickest route to finishing the deal. A trial date is yet to be determined, but could be sometime next year. If the deal dies, Paramount must pay Warner Bros. $7 billion, along with other payments to shareholders for every quarter it is delayed. Critics say the merger is bad news for the Warner Bros.-owned CNN, which often draws the ire of President Donald Trump, as Paramount is controlled by father-son duo Larry and David Ellison, two steadfast supporters of Trump. The younger Ellison said in a recent interview that CNN’s editorial independence “needs to be maintained.” Good: Good news for music and its ability to uplift communities comes in the form of a new nonprofit, Guitars United, that offers free music education for youth. The group launched in 2025, continuing the work of the former local chapter of Guitars Not Guns that dissolved local operations last year. Now, Guitars United is in full swing with classes at the Boys & Girls Clubs in Seaside, the Marina Teen Center, the Monterey County Youth Center (at Juvenile Hall) in Salinas and more. Rising musicians get a guitar and lessons and are celebrating graduations from July 29-Aug. 15. A graduation at 9:30am on Monday, Aug. 3 at the Castro Plaza Child and Family Resource Center in Castroville features performances by 13 students. It also marks a new chapter in partnerships, celebrating a class run in collaboration with the Monterey Jazz Festival and North County Unified School District. GREAT: Big Sur Health Center welcomed a new full-time physician this week as it works to expand health care access in the rural community. Jessica de Jarnette has practiced emergency medicine around the world, as well as a primary care physician in San Francisco. She also published research on topics such as climate-related mental health. She joins Sundeep Gupta, who started parttime as the medical director in February. He worked for 14 years leading global health initiatives throughout Central America and Sub-Saharan Africa. He returned to Monterey County in 2020 and has provided primary care through Monterey County Health Department and Natividad clinics. “Both physicians bring exceptional experience, a deep commitment to community health and a genuine passion for caring for patients,” said Kathie Lester, executive director of the nonprofit Big Sur Health Center. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY Top of the salary range listed in a job ad for the CEO of county hospital Natividad, a position that is currently recruiting. The bottom of the range is $439,452. Source: Caldwell Partners $599,869 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “The problems we’ve had are due to social media.” -Sheriff Tina Nieto, speaking about the rise of influencers and “young enthusiasts” causing issues during Car Week (see story, montereycountynow.com/ newsletter).
www.montereycountynow.com JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 Salinas Valley Health Rheumatology | 321 East Romie Lane, Salinas, CA 93901 | 831-424-1400 ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! FELLOWSHIP Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, South Carolina RESIDENCY Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cleveland, Ohio MEDICAL EDUCATION Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Dublin, Republic of Ireland INTRODUCING LAUREN BERRY, MD Lauren Berry, MD, provides patient-centered care, helping individuals navigate complex rheumatologic conditions with confidence and support. Her personalized, evidence-based treatment plans are designed to improve health, function, and overall quality of life. • Diagnoses and treats autoimmune, inflammatory, and musculoskeletal conditions. • Expertise in scleroderma, lupus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis. Specializing in Rheumatology SalinasValleyHealth.com For more information about Dr. Lauren Berry, scan the QR code.
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com 831 About 80 young adults gather in the parking lot of Everett Alvarez High School in North Salinas. It’s 6:30pm and they’re lacing their shoes, lining up ready to stretch and move their bodies after a long day of work to prepare for an almost threemile run. Known as the After Run Club and led by 28-year-old Jorge Sanchez, who is originally from Mexico but raised in Salinas, the Wednesday evening ritual has quietly become a growing movement in just five months. The run club has become a mantra among runners; a reminder that they come back not just for fitness, but for resilience and community. Even during the World Cup games, some of the runners were in their colorful soccer jerseys, ready to sweat. “There’s times when you don’t want to run, and there’s times when you get out from work, or recently had some hardships, and you don’t want to do anything,” Sanchez says. “I hear some of our runners tell someone else, ‘hey, this is why we show up, right? Because we’re the After Run Club, we show up when things are tough.’” The After Run Club was founded in February by Sanchez, a photographer for Monterey Bay FC and a track and cross-country coach for Rancho San Juan High School. Sanchez says there are plenty of reasons he started a running club, but mainly it was a motivation to bring the community together as he saw a missing gap in Salinas’ running scene. “I didn’t want to drive to Monterey, San Francisco or San Jose to experience a club that I wanted to be a part of,” Sanchez says. “I wanted more of a younger audience, someone that I can relate to, go out and have some fun.” He says the run club is intended for people over the age of 18 and anyone from around the county and surrounding communities can join. Initially it began with just Sanchez and his friend running, but as he promoted it through social media, more people slowly appeared. “And then from there it just slowly grew to maybe three and then four, and then 14 people,” Sanchez says. “The most I’ve counted have been 100 people, one time.” People are not just coming from within Salinas but also Soledad, Greenfield, Watsonville and most recently from the Monterey Peninsula, according to Sanchez. David Herrera, 27, born in Durango, Mexico, came to the After Run Club from Seaside after learning about it through social media and decided to join to get back into running. “I push myself a little more when there’s other people—not because they’re telling me, but because you feel it,” he says. “I found this is one of the biggest run clubs and this is the one that occurs during the week, not just on weekends like other run clubs I attended in the past.” With her pink leggings and ponytail, Daniela Santos, 29, always looks forward to the evening run despite being a beginning runner. She enjoys having a space to connect with people. “I joined in April after the club popped up on my Instagram feed and my coworker joined me. Since it’s on Wednesdays, we made a whole thing to wear pink and it’s been fun,” she says. “My pace right now is 30 minutes and this is perfect for me, meeting once a week, because I’m not trying to train for a marathon.” Sanchez partners with Shey Gibson, founder of The Grounds 831, to provide coffee, matcha and lemonade for the runners to enjoy afterward. Gibson began bringing coffee to the runs when the group was small, giving it away for free. Now as the club has grown, he shifted to selling the drinks with a portion of the proceeds going back to the running club to help support the activities. Sanchez plans to expand to more days including Mondays for more advanced runners or people who want to run a longer distance in what he will call “Mile Mondays.” Plus, he eventually wants to add “Hill Repeat Fridays,” for those who want to train for a race and run more hills. “The thing that makes us different is that I’m a running coach, so I’m able to give people advice, and I’m able to have a warm up correctly,” Sanchez adds. “I would say we try to provide things for runners to do after, drinking coffee, we have music, so there’s a lot of networking happening behind the scenes.” Running Start A Salinas high school track coach turned sunset hour into a community movement. By Royvi Hernandez “We show up when things are tough.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE MANUEL LOPEZ The After Run Club meets in the evenings in Salinas. Founder Jorge Sanchez says he is not a morning person and prefers to run during sunsets—and judging by the growing numbers of participants, it seems many others agree.
www.montereycountynow.com JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 7 This a ordable housing developement is a part of the larger KB-Bakewell Campus Town/Pacific Landing at Seaside Development MAYOR PRO TEM DAVID R. PACHECO COUNCIL MEMBER RITA BURKS COUNCIL MEMBER ALEXIS GARCIA-ARROZOLA COUNCIL MEMBER ALEX MILLER SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS SEASIDE CAMPUS TOWN / PACIFIC LANDING MODEL HOME COMPLEX OPENING BY END OF 2026 Seasid i o th mov !!! Let’ ee i goin . SEASIDE Surges Ahead!!
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com NEWS The Monterey County Water Resources Agency is holding a competitive bidding process for a 10-year lease beginning Nov. 1 on five parcels of prime grazing land surrounding the San Antonio and Nacimiento reservoirs. Ten candidates were notified July 27 that they qualified to submit bids on July 29. “We have in total 16,400 acres of rangeland, a mix of open grazing, rolling rangelands, oak and woodlands,” says Jessell Fenley, administrative assistant with the agency. “For the most part, the grazing is used as the management tool to protect the lands: watershed protection, vegetation management, infrastructure stewardship and wildfire fuel reduction.” But the rising cost to rent the land has become a hurdle for smaller ranching operations. The five parcels range from 1,512 acres to 4,485 acres, with minimum bids ranging from $17,784 to $80,712. The amounts were determined through a market lease rent appraisal and “consideration of the agency’s annual fixed cost,” according to a bid packet Q&A fact sheet published by the agency on July 21. “When this came out, I was pretty blown away by the minimum bid requirements for each of the separate allotments—$80,000 is a pretty astounding amount,” says Chris Moon of Lonely Bull Cattle Co. The pricing is based on a per-acre rate, generally viewed as an outdated approach in the industry; Moon says this makes planning difficult as potential bidders don’t know the land’s carrying capacity or how many cattle it can support at a given time. “Over the summer, your green grass goes up, which is a rare commodity here and an extreme benefit,” he says of the desirability of the land. “We have very little irrigated ground available, so that’s a big deal.” Government Grazers High costs deter small ranchers from bidding on leases at Nacimiento and San Antonio. By Katie Rodriguez Local artist Aimee Darby underwent four mammograms at the Mammography Center of Monterey last year, finding out several months after the first test that she had cancer. She had to have a fifth mammogram at Montage Health’s Carol Hatton Breast Care Center, after results from MCM were unreadable. “At some point, you just want to know if you do or you don’t have cancer so you can make arrangements,” Darby says of what was a frustrating and stressful experience. She is well now, after undergoing surgery and treatment. Her experience is one of many indicative of problems at MCM, which led the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office to file a civil suit against the center and owner Randeep “Rod” Singh in February. Investigators found that since February 2025, at least 114 women reported they received test results past the 30 days as required by law. As recently as June, at least eight women had never received the results of mammograms or bone density scans. On July 2, a default judgment was filed against MCM and Singh by Monterey County Superior Court Judge Susan Matcham. It includes over $1 million in penalties and restitution and a permanent injunction against destroying medical records, collecting on past-due bills or sending bills to patients when there is no personnel on staff or a physical address or phone number to respond to inquiries. The door at the former center on Cass Street in Monterey is papered over and the phone number is not working. In bold letters, the judgment states that Singh, an engineer, is prohibited from having ownership in any California mammography center because he is not a licensed physician as required by state law. It is unknown how he was able to purchase the clinic in 2021. One woman, who asked not to be identified for privacy reasons, says her prior experience at MCM over 20 years had been “wonderful.” It turned into a “terrible, terrible experience” when she asked for past records. She called 10 times between January and March, to no avail. She now needs mammograms every six months for two years because her new provider has no baseline records for comparison. Another patient at high risk wound up paying out of pocket for a second mammogram after months of trying to get her results, according to court documents. She finally received results from MCM 112 days after her first mammogram, which is 82 days past the state-mandated deadline. Matcham approved penalties of $2,000 per 114 patients for missing the deadline, plus $50 per day missed, or 1,848 days, among other fines, totaling $1,082,850. Singh resides in Leicester, England, where he was served with court papers on March 23. After receiving no response, the DA pursued the default judgment, notifying him of that direction on May 4. On May 19, Singh asked for a delay, citing personal challenges, only to be told that would require a court order. He claimed he was working to resolve issues and reopen the business. Singh did not respond to emails from the Weekly. Chief Deputy District Attorney Emily Hickok says the DA will take steps to enforce the injunction but with Singh out of the country, it will be a challenge. Heather Lazare of Pacific Grove received her mammogram results 73 days after the test. “To have complete disregard for women’s health is shameful,” she says. Waiting Game The DA secures a $1 million default judgment against the Mammography Center of Monterey. By Pam Marino Land around lakes San Antonio and Nacimiento (shown above) in South County has been leased out for grazing since the 1960s, shortly after the dams were constructed. “At some point, you just want to know.” DANIEL DREIFUSS KAREN LOUTZENHEISER
www.montereycountynow.com JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 WeatherTechRaceway.com JOIN US FOR AN OLD-SCHOOL STREET PARTY IN MONTEREY. We are kicking off the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion on Alvarado Street, Downtown Monterey Join us for a fun afternoon where you can see historic race cars, meet the drivers, and enjoy great music. It’s fun for the whole family. It’s a FREE event. FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 5 - 7 PM WeatherTechRaceway.com CELEBRATING JAPAN’S RACING HERITAGE AT 190 MPH. AUGUST 12-15 For 2026, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is proud to honor icons of Japanese motorsport. Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime collection of authentic and historic Japanese race cars. It is a museum revving to life as legendary cars race at top speed around our storied track. Because the most fitting way to celebrate Japanese racing excellence is at full throttle. AUGUST 12-15. Tickets and camping info at WeatherTechRaceway.com
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com In the months following the threealarm inferno that devastated the Casanova Plaza apartment complex in Monterey on Monday, March 9, those displaced from the building have been trying to get back into the vacant complex to retrieve their possessions. To help them, roughly 50 former residents have retained Montereybased attorney John Coniglio, who sent a letter in May to the building owner, the Housing Authority of the County of Monterey, formally demanding that residents’ personal property and other physical evidence related to the incident be preserved. “We want to get some of these people reunited with their stuff because we are dealing with people that don’t have a lot,” Coniglio says. “This is all they may have in the world, cherished heirlooms and family memories, so we’re just trying to help them as much as we can.” Coniglio says that he and his co-counsel Stuart Chandler, a Fresnobased attorney with experience with mass actions and fire cases, have been in discussions with HACM’s legal counsel to allow the safe return of the items, where possible. “There are safety concerns both for the residents and that the belongings themselves might have some level of contamination,” Coniglio says. He adds that HACM’s legal counsel has been “above board” throughout the talks and that there has been a “spirit of cooperation.” However, a formal request from a furniture company that hints at a suspected cause of the fire may complicate matters for people seeking a way to claim their personal property. Public records obtained by the Weekly show that HACM received a demand from Brad J. Vornholt, an attorney with Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, representing Wisconsinbased Ashley Furniture, on May 19. “Please do not commence repairs or demolition to any parts of the building(s) or remove any damaged personal property from the building(s) without allowing my client the opportunity to investigate and document the scene,” the letter reads. “The scene contains evidence that is vital to the defense of potential claims arising out of the fire.” According to an inconclusive investigation conducted by Monterey Fire Department Division Chief Justin Cooper, the living room of apartment 311, the likely origin of the blaze, contained an electric, motorized recliner. In the report, Cooper states that the fire likely began in the living room. The fire sent eight residents to the hospital and led to one death. More than half of Soledad City Council seats are up for grabs on Election Day, Nov. 3. The council might see three new faces at the dais after incumbents Mayor Anna Velazquez and Councilmember Fernando Ansaldo-Sánchez announced on July 21 that they will not seek re-election. So far, only one candidate has submitted paperwork to run for office: Fernando Cabrera, a member of council who is running for mayor and launched his campaign on July 25. “I always believe that there is a little bit of something else that I can do,” he says. Both Ansaldo-Sánchez and Cabrera were elected at-large, but after a redistricting process, are vacating seats representing District 1 and 2, respectively. This is the first time these district seats will be up for election. (AnsaldoSánchez was elected in 2024 to serve the remainder of Alejandro Chavez’s term, who resigned because he moved out of the city.) Velazquez, who was 10 years on the council, six of them as mayor, says she paused her political career to focus on her job as district director for State Sen. Anna Caballero, D-Merced. (Caballero will term out in December 2026. She did not advance beyond the primary election in her campaign for state treasurer.) “It was a time for me to take a pause, and really make sure that I close out my employment with the senator who has been just an extraordinary, amazing mentor to me, and close that chapter,” Velazquez says. Ansaldo-Sánchez, who works as the interim director of student outreach and retention at Monterey Peninsula College, says he is focusing on his career and will soon start a doctorate program in education. Whoever is elected to the next council will inherit fiscal challenges. The council approved an interim budget on June 10 that could face cuts after Measure A, a parcel tax that would have provided funding to the fire department, failed at the polls in March. Lawyer Up Ashley Furniture letter to HACM hints at a suspected cause of Casanova fire. By Aric Sleeper NEWS EYES OPEN Learn about services available from the Blind and Visually Impaired Center and connect with people experiencing vision loss at this barbecue social. The nonprofit’s mission is to empower people with free education and skills training. 11:30am-1:30pm Saturday, Aug. 1. Orchard Lane Park (Area C), 1505 Metz Road, Soledad. Free. (831) 649-3505, blindandlowvision.org. TAKE THE BUS Monterey-Salinas Transit is evaluating its bus stops and welcomes public feedback. Survey runs through Sunday, Aug. 2. cvent.me/dweB10. WHAT’S NEW Seaside City Councilmember Dave Pacheco hosts a town hall meeting. City leaders share updates and attendees have a chance to meet Seaside City Council candidates. 6pm Monday, Aug. 3. Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey, Seaside. Free. (831) 521-0577. SMOKED OUT Salinas City Council meets to consider extending a prohibition on new tobacco retailer licenses, among other city business. Public comment is accepted. 3pm Tuesday, Aug. 4. Council Chamber Rotunda, 200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas. Free. (831) 758-7381, salinas.gov. STATE OF DRO Del Rey Oaks Mayor Scott Donaldson and City Manager John Guertin host the State of the City. Hear updates and ask questions. 6-8pm Wednesday, Aug. 5. Moose Lodge, 555 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Del Rey Oaks. Free. (831) 394-8511, delreyoaks.org. POLICE PRESENTS Soledad Police Department outlines its use of military equipment during a public meeting. This annual presentation is required by state law. 6pm Wednesday, Aug. 5. City Hall, 248 Main St., Soledad. Free. (831) 2235000, cityofsoledad.gov. HOUSING STRATEGIES Marina City Council considers ordinances related to housing, including an “Anti-Displacement Strategy” and “Energy Efficiency Strategy.” Public input is accepted. 6:30pm Wednesday, Aug. 5. City Hall, 211 Hillcrest Ave., Marina. Free. (831) 884-1278, cityofmarina.org. DEEP DIVE Monterey residents are invited to apply for the First City Academy, which is designed to show how local government operates. The program runs for seven sessions in the fall. Application deadline is 5pm Aug. 24. (831) 646-3799, bit.ly/ FirstCityAcademy2026. Open Season The coming election will bring a new mayor and two new councilmembers to Soledad. By Celia Jiménez Former residents of the Casanova Plaza apartments have not been able to return to the building to retrieve belongings. An attorney is trying to help find them a path forward. E-MAIL: publiccitizen@montereycountynow.com PUBLIC CITIZEN “This is all they may have in the world.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
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12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com It’s not just students who go to school now—it’s also Claude, ChatGPT or various other AI tools in students’ pockets. Various districts in Monterey County have been working on plans to integrate artificial intelligence and technology into the classroom responsibly. Last month, Pacific Grove Unified School District approved a plan that will be implemented during the 2026-27 school year. The framework includes digital safety, AI integration and recommended screen times for students based on their age. Teachers will include in their syllabus whether they will have AI-driven assignments and if they use it for grading. Last year, teachers in PGUSD could use AI tools including Google’s Gemini and Notebook, a research and note-taking assistance tool, and GPT Zero for grading and identifying use of AI. PGUSD students, on the other hand, have AI tools blocked on any school district device. Matthew Binder, PGUSD’s director of educational technology, says this year, high school students will have the opportunity to use AI tools in a controlled environment with the goal of gaining new skills and facilitating learning. Younger students will not have access to any AI tools because they are still learning about English composition and critical thinking. “We only want to use technology when it’s necessary and is going to enhance the learning process for our students,” PGUSD Superintendent Linda Adamson says. Schools have their limits, Binder notes: “It’s a challenge these days because we have no control over students’ use of these tools outside of the school day and on their own devices.” Binder says many school districts are in new territory, pointing out some are fully hands-on with AI, others are completely against it and many are in the middle. PGUSD sees itself in the middle space. “We found this healthy balance,” Binder adds. English teachers may require a written essay at the beginning of the year to set it as a baseline for student writing development. Louis Algaze, PGUSD’s director of technology systems, says once teachers learn students’ writing styles, it becomes easier for them to identify if something was AI-generated. Salinas Union High School District formed an AI committee in 2023. Gabrielle DeVilla is a middle school career technical education teacher and member of the district’s AI committee as well as the state teachers union’s AI task force. She says it is key to have policies and train teachers and staff before rolling out AI tools. “If districts do not have an AI policy or are organized with AI, the rollout is disastrous,” DeVilla says. On Tuesday, Aug. 11, the SUHSD board is scheduled to vote on an AI policy to integrate AI technology into classrooms. “AI should be used ethically and transparently by all staff and students, with careful consideration of potential biases, and in compliance with all applicable intellectual property and copyright laws,” according to a draft policy. Bot Talk Monterey County school districts to roll out AI policies for the upcoming school year. By Celia Jiménez Salinas Union High School District Superintendent Zandra Jo Galván (right) is expected to ask the board to adopt an AI policy on Aug. 11. If adopted, it will take effect in the 2026-27 school year. NEWS “We have no control outside of the school day.” CELIA JIMÉNEZ 17506 Sugarmill Road, Salinas Beautifully Updated Home in Las Palmas Karen Katz 831.915.8153 KKatz@CarmelRealtyCompany.com Broker Associate DRE#01921747 Mel Rosen 831.594.8767 MRosen@CarmelRealtyCompany.com REALTOR® DRE#01864929 3 beds, 2.5 baths ■ 2,117 sq. ft. ■ $998,000 ■ 17506SugarmillRoad.com Welcome to this beautifully updated home in the highly desirable Las Palmas I community. Thoughtfully designed for comfortable living, this inviting home features an open floor plan with a spacious loft that’s perfect for a home office or media room. Step outside to a sunny backyard with a pergola above the paver patio, an ideal peaceful outdoor retreat. Open House Saturday 2-4pm & Sunday 1-3pm Men, whats your mask? The mask you wear to act out your life instead of living it. The mask you're ready to take off. For 39 years Breakthrough has offered tools that help men create lasting change and form true friendships. Workshop Enrollment is open now Fall workshops start October 2026 Monterey, CA in person & Online everywhere Financial aid available Free weekly Men's Wisdom Circle Wednesdays on-line. “Breakthrough has been the single best decision of my adult life.” – Program Graduate M.C. Sign up at: breakthroughformen.org
www.montereycountynow.com JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 From the Pebble Beach auction to Astons on the Avenue, 39 events are listed on the official calendar for this year’s Car Week. But beyond the litany of events staggered across 10 days, another layer of off-calendar soirees are hosted in the folds of Carmel Valley, at private homes in Pebble Beach and elsewhere in Monterey County. How to keep track of such events across cities and unincorporated Monterey County, while ensuring that proper permits are obtained and enforced, has been a continuing challenge. In previous years, officials have acknowledged they don’t have a full picture of all of the events that descend on the region for Car Week—no one agency tracks them all. “Over the past several years, we have noticed an increase in applications to allow the ‘assemblages of people’ also known as ‘special events,’” according to a written statement from the County Housing and Community Development Department. So far, the County has received a handful of permit applications for “assemblages of people” for 2026. Four of those applications, all for events in Pebble Beach, are scheduled to be considered by the County Zoning Administrator on Thursday, July 30. HCD records show seven approved permit applications tied to official Car Week events, including the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion; The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering; and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. “One of the biggest challenges is getting event organizers to apply in a timely manner,” HCD staff say, adding that the application process can take anywhere from four to six months. “Each of the departments are looking at the application from a public health, life and safety standpoint, as well as consistency with any required County regulations.” Factors reviewed include evacuation routes and tent structure safety. That parties fly under the radar is nothing new, and many locals accept this along with the economic boon of tourism. Countywide, travel spending reached $3.3 billion in 2025, a 4-percent increase from the previous year, according to See Monterey, the county tourism bureau. Last year, a private event thrown by McLaren International, Inc. and agent BMF Media Group at the Carmel Valley home of OpenAI executive Fidji Simo and her husband, chocolatier Remy Miralles, resulted in $760,000 in County fines for alleged permitting violations. That dispute also led to ongoing litigation between the homeowners and the event organizers, which returned to Monterey County Superior Court after a federal court dismissed proceedings. (The next hearing is scheduled for October.) “Our department is typically reactive,” says Josh Bowling, assistant director for HCD. Code enforcement works with the Sheriff’s Office to respond to complaints, often utilizing social media as a tool to confirm events are taking place before conducting site visits and issue violations. Of the McLaren event from 2025, Bowling says, “We wouldn’t expect them to be having an event this year. They’ve been put on notice.” Off Road As Monterey County officials prepare for 2026 Car Week, off-calendar events remain a challenge. By Katie Rodriguez The 2025 Astons on the Avenue event, an Aston Martin car show on Ocean Avenue in Carmel, is one regularly permitted Car Week event. Smaller events at private homes sometimes fly under the radar. NEWS “Over the past several years, we have noticed an increase.” DANIEL DREIFUSS 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. Limit to one promotional share certi cate per member. O er available for limited time starting 06/16/2026 and subject to change or cancellation without notice. Early withdrawal penalties apply.
14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com GOING DARK Bad news. Hoping for a workaround somewhere/somehow (“Amid resignation and money questions, Osio board votes to dissolve and abandon theater revival effort,” July 22-29). Maya Hartman Rizzo | Monterey Perhaps the many fruitless attempts to revive the Osio have something in common, the faulty HVAC system which Green Valley Corporation, an absentee landlord based in San Jose, is failing to replace or repair. Given the possibility that hundreds of thousands of dollars would be required to fix or replace the HVAC, it is no wonder that a small local nonprofit would find it impossible to take that on. Does this mean the city of Monterey is doomed to own a beautiful property downtown that cannot be used? Can Green Valley be held accountable to maintain the Osio structure? Kiera “Beni” Benidettino | Seaside Horrible news. They sure gave up on fundraising quick. Nobody came to me to write a check. Johnny Pomatto | New York Incrementally Monterey will extinguish its culture and history, extinguish itself. All because it was no longer cost-effective to keep it. Michael Beaton | via social media I care deeply about our city’s cultural life. While I respect the confidentiality of the negotiations, I believe the public deserves to know why this matters. During the process, I became concerned about the condition of the building and whether major systems— HVAC, electrical, plumbing—are being maintained as required under Green Valley Corporation’s ground lease with the City of Monterey. These concerns are not simply about one failed negotiation. They involved the future of an important downtown cultural venue and a public asset located on city-owned property. I hope the City reviews the ground lease carefully and determines whether all obligations are being fulfilled. This is not about assigning blame. It is about ensuring a building with tremendous cultural and economic value does not continue to sit vacant while deteriorating. Brant Wilkinson | Monterey Note: Wilkinson resigned from the board of the Osio Arts Foundation, which he founded. PAY BACK I commend the City for candidly acknowledging these significant legal errors and taking steps to correct them (“After an error was found, Seaside council members must return $26,000,” July 23-29). However, Seaside’s experience, much like Pacific Grove’s, demonstrates the inherent conflict of interest that arises when elected officials set their own compensation. That conflict can lead to legal missteps and a failed process. Requiring voter approval provides the public oversight and transparency needed to prevent this kind of legal embarrassment. Luke Coletti | Pacific Grove LOST HISTORY Thank you for your coverage of the Quock Mui Foundation teacher institute presentations (“The Quock Mui Foundation teaches the teachers on local history that they will pass down to their students,” posted July 20). I was there as well and so appreciative and impressed with the program and the educators who participated. I learned things I hadn’t known about the many contributions of Chinese Americans in our region and am so pleased that our local students will benefit from these enriched lessons. Sue Parris | Pacific Grove INSTANT RECALL You wrote an excellent article. Thank you for that (“Bad information leads to conspiracy theories around cyclospora outbreak,” July 23-29). Now I am a little concerned that your readers will think all Taylors are politically allied with the Trump machine! Rest assured, not only myself but several of my relatives have more sense! Stephanie Taylor | Carmel Note: Taylor is not directly related to Taylor Farms leadership. OPEN INVITATION Thank you for getting the [Filipino Heritage Extravaganza in Salinas] into the paper (“Hot Picks,” July 23-29). There were so many events going on and I appreciate your efforts to include us among so many. Thank you for what you do for all our communities. Joanne Burgonio | Salinas WORTH THE WAIT We were among those waiting all these years for Mi Tierra’s return (“Mi Tierra staff are ‘very surprised’ by the fanfare following the taqueria and market’s reopening,” July 16-21). We are most happy they are back and that the taqueria is as good, if not better, than we remember. It’s an added plus that we can grab a great dessert as well from the panaderia case after a meal and then do our groceries. Hans Ongchua | Marina We tried it and will wait for a bit before going back, hoping they improve on their carnitas. Gina Prue | Seaside AMERICA FIRST OR LAST? Before we can no longer recognize this great, exceptional country I want to thank our Founding Fathers for its creation (“With the nation’s 250th anniversary at hand, many Americans— including the president—prefer to whitewash the past,” July 2-8). After 250 years the world is still knocking on our door to be here. Today we have a liberal Socialist Democrat party led by Warren, Jeffries, Schumer, AOC and the Squad, all hypocrites welcoming socialists and communists into their party. Unlike the Democrats, Mamdani and Bernie have been totally transparent about their dislike for our country and have pledged they will do for America what Castro and Maduro did, destroy their own countries. George Galakatos | Monterey CORRECTION A story about the Osio Theater incorrectly reported that two GoFundMe campaigns had raised about $80,000. They had raised about $40,000 and funds had already been moved from one account to the other. In addition, board members did not agree to accept the building as-is. LETTERS • COMMENTSOPINION Submit letters to the editor to letters@montereycountynow.com. Please keep your letter to 150 words or less; subject to editing for space. Please include your full name, contact information and city you live in.
www.montereycountynow.com JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15 The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is a true gem of a bicycle path, 18 miles of pavement with only moderate hills, epic scenery and useful commuter connectivity between Castroville and Pacific Grove. I ride on it regularly for utility, and also for recreation. There’s a funky gap in the middle, which regular users of the trail know. Through Sand City, it takes a jog west, behind the shopping centers, requiring travelers to get off the car-free path, meaning there is interaction with vehicle traffic before hopping back on the trail. I’ve never found this detour to be terrible, once you know how to navigate it. But it is a black mark on an otherwise excellent bike path, and for three years, Sand City officials have been hyped about a plan to change it. Where today there is a milelong segment of old railroad track, lined with weeds and litter, they envision a bike path connecting to Monterey at the south (across Canyon Del Rey Boulevard) and to Sand City’s northern border with Seaside (at Playa Avenue, the end of MST’s SURF! Busway project, now under construction). It will be lined with landscaping, benches and bike repair stations. “The project goals are to enhance regional trail connectivity while promoting alternative and sustainable transportation options such as walking and cycling,” according to a request for proposals issued in May, seeking a contractor to take it from its current 30-percent design status to 100-percent. City officials estimate it would cost $12 million, and that transportation grants could cover much of it. Sand City is budgeting annual expenses of about $250,000 to cover an additional public works employee for maintenance and a police officer for safety. “The project has garnered strong regional support from local jurisdictions, public officials and community organizations including the cities of Marina, Del Rey Oaks, Pacific Grove, Seaside, and Monterey, CSUMB, MPUSD, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, [State] Sen. John Laird, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, [the Transportation Agency for Monterey County] and Monterey-Salinas Transit,” according to the RFP. All of that would seem to point to a path forward. Cooperation with TAMC is especially critical as the agency owns the 100-foot right-of-way where the trail would be built. When it acquired that land from Union Pacific, TAMC inherited leases to car dealers who park vehicles there long-term—replacing vehicle storage with a bike path is a huge boon for active transportation, even if it means reduced revenue to TAMC. Even better news for Sand City is that TAMC policy is not to charge rent for use of its property for transportation purposes. So Sand City Planning Manager Nick McIlroy says he expected that TAMC would agree to lease the land to the city for…nothing. But TAMC’s proposal is for fair market value, something Sand City staff estimate would be roughly $624,000 per year. “It’s more than we can afford as a small city. We are hoping to find a middle ground and a way to make this work,” McIlroy says. City Manager Vibeke Norgaard wrote a letter to TAMC Executive Director Todd Muck on June 30 arguing against charging fair market rent: “This project provides a public benefit for residents of the region, and should not be used to provide a windfall financial transaction to TAMC from a fellow public agency.” Muck says the agency has done an appraisal (that number is not yet public). But the bigger issue is about what’s included in the project and what’s not. Muck says the land where the actual bike trail would go would indeed be rent-free, but proposed parking would be subject to fair market rent. Sand City’s proposal calls for five lots, totaling 110 parking spaces, along the trail. “We don’t normally put parking in with bicycle facilities,” Muck says. (TAMC’s latest markup of the draft agreement shows a strikethrough name change for the Multi-Use Trail and Parking Project.”) McIlroy hopes to present on the project to the TAMC board on Aug. 26, which requires buyin from the executive committee, which builds agendas, on Aug. 5. I don’t think Sand City needs to persuade TAMC about the merits of a bike path, but they may discover that there is no free parking. Sara Rubin is the Weekly’s editor. Reach her at sara@montereycountynow.com. Wheels Off Sand City’s dream of a bike path hits problems with parking and pricing. By Sara Rubin SHIT STORM…Thanks to Squid’s preference for shrimp-flavored snacks, Squid hasn’t been anywhere near the pathogen that has sickened thousands of Americans with cyclosporiasis (although Squid has been unable to stay away from the phrase “explosive diarrhea” in the news every day). Salinas-based Taylor Farms has been in the spotlight—and not in a good way—ever since the FDA, which is responsible for investigating foodborne illnesses, linked the company to the outbreak via contaminated lettuce grown in central Mexico. The lawsuits have already started, even without clarity as to what went wrong. Law firm Ron Simon & Associates first filed suit in Ohio against Taylor Farms and Taco Bell on July 17, and says it already represents hundreds of clients. “If a stubborn stomach illness has kept you close to a bathroom for days or weeks, you’re not imagining how serious it feels,” they wrote in a statement. Squid would rather not imagine that, thank you very much. But in Taylor Farms’ terrible, horrible, no-good summer, just when Squid thought it couldn’t get any worse—except, of course, see symptoms described above—Squid learned the company sued one of its former executives in federal court. Brian Thure, the former director of Taylor Farms Tennessee, allegedly placed his wife, Julie Thure—as well as his mother and sister and others in his personal orbit—on Taylor Farms payroll, to the tune of $3 million. That’s just the beginning. An IRS audit in 2025 revealed some questionable reimbursement practices and, according to the suit, Thure and family collected $6.5 million in fraudulent expense reimbursements. It all came to a head when, allegedly, Thure admitted to it in a recorded phone call with corporate execs and “also spoke to his propensity to engage in extravagant personal spending on activities such as gambling and women, none of which were related to any legitimate business purpose.” On April 8, he left a voicemail for CEO Bruce Taylor with a confession and apology, the lawsuit states. All told, the company suspects he stole more than $32 million. That’s an eye-popping number. According to court papers filed by the Thures’ attorneys, there is a pending federal criminal investigation, as well. They are asking the court to give them extra time to respond to the allegations while waiting for the criminal proceedings to play out; Taylor Farms’ attorneys are arguing against a delay. (Squid’s colleagues did not hear back from the defendants’ attorneys; Taylor Farms declined to comment.) Nobody yet knows how many plaintiffs will seek how much money for their terrible, horrible, no-good summer of food poisoning, but maybe whatever Taylor Farms gets back from the Thures will be enough to cover those claims. THE LOCAL SPIN SQUID FRY THE MISSION OF MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY IS TO INSPIRE INDEPENDENT THINKING AND CONSCIOUS ACTION, ETC. “It’s more than we can afford as a small city.” SEND SQUID A TIP: squid@montereycountynow.com
16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 30-AUGUST 5, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com Working Through It During National Grief Awareness Month, a reminder that nobody needs to grieve alone. By Cristal Santana FORUM Every Saturday morning at 8am, I have the privilege of welcoming people from across Monterey County into a free online grief support group held entirely in Spanish. Some participants come ready to talk. Others arrive with questions. Some simply listen. I always remind them that listening is also participating in these 90-minute sessions. For many people in our Hispanic community, talking about grief or mental health can feel uncomfortable. Finding grief support in Spanish can be even harder. That’s why this group, offered through the Papillon Center for Loss & Transition, is so important. It isn’t just about offering services in Spanish—it is about creating a space where people feel understood, respected and safe enough to grieve in their own way. Many people ask me if I can help them feel like themselves again. My response is always honest: I don’t have all the answers. What I can offer is a place where they can show up exactly as they are, express their feelings without judgment, and never feel the need to apologize for their tears. One of the most meaningful moments for me is when participants begin supporting one another. They share their own experiences, offer words of encouragement, and talk about what has helped them move forward. Those conversations remind everyone in the group that while grief can feel incredibly isolating, they are not alone. That simple realization can make all the difference. As we recognize National Grief Awareness Month this August, I encourage anyone who is grieving to practice something we often forget: kindness toward ourselves. Grief is messy. I often describe it as a tornado or as a plate of spaghetti. It doesn’t move in a straight line, and there is no right or wrong way to experience it. We often expect ourselves to be stronger or recover faster than is realistic. Instead, I encourage people to remind themselves they are doing the best they can. Doing your best may look different than it did before loss. It may be getting out of bed, taking a shower, stepping outside to feel the sunshine, reaching out to a trusted friend or mental health professional, or smiling without guilt. It may mean simply reminding yourself: “I am doing the best I can in this moment.” If you or someone you know is grieving, there is support available. In addition to the Spanish-language group on Saturdays, Papillon offers free, professionally led support groups in English, individual grief counseling for children and teens, “Grief 101” educational sessions, peer grief companionship and more. All are offered at no cost. Our Spanish adult grief group meets online every Saturday at 8-9:30am. It is open to all Monterey County residents, and there is no commitment. Whether you need to share your story or simply listen, you are welcome. Because no one should have to grieve alone. Cristal Santana is a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical counselor at Papillon Center for Loss & Transition. Learn more at (800) 214-5439 or papilloncenter.org. OPINION While grief can feel incredibly isolating, participants are not alone. The whole list. A fraction of the price. Supplies, uniforms, layers, dorm gear — the entire back-to-school checklist is waiting at Goodwill Central Coast, across all three counties. Smart shopping that funds free job training for your neighbors. A win worth wearing. Start the hunt → Insured by NCUA 1The dividend rate and Annual Percentage Yield (APY) are accurate as of 07/14/2026. 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 19-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. 0726-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
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