SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2026 MONTEREYCOUNTYNOW.COM LOCAL & INDEPENDENT EMBERS FLY IN BIG SUR 6 | RAIL TRAIL 11 | DRACULA’S BLOOD-SUCKING LAUGHS 28 | BLUES MAN 32 More people are turning to fiber arts to create one-of-a-kind textiles, and to create community. p. 16 By Celia Jiménez and Sara Rubin STRING THEORY
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2026 • ISSUE #1988 • ESTABLISHED IN 1988 Stephanie Trost (iPhone 13 Pro) The friendly and curious miniature cows of Monterey Mini Cow Company (located off River Road in Salinas) say hello. MONTEREY COUNTY PHOTO OF THE WEEK Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: While it’s easy to buy yarn at a craft supply store today, a growing number of local fiber artists are doing it the hard way and spinning their own yarn from wool. Cover photo: Shutterstock 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. The Weekly is an adjudicated newspaper of Monterey County, court decree M21137. Milestone Communications, Inc. is a California corporation based in Seaside, CA. Shares of the corporation are wholly owned by Bradley Zeve, Founder & CEO, Carmel Valley, CA and Erik Cushman, Publisher, Pacific Grove, CA. The Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Visit our website at http://www.montereycountynow.com. 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 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 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 SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 3 Protecting Kids. Expanding Access. Strengthening Our Community. According to the recent Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), access to healthcare services is one of our region’s top health concerns. The Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic helps address this need by bringing essential health services directly to underserved communities. Our Mobile Clinic helps keep children healthy through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program – a federally funded initiative that provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children. Access to these important vaccines – regardless of a family’s ability to pay – provides children a better chance of getting their recommended vaccinations on schedule and staying healthy. Eligibility • Children 18 years or younger Criteria (must meet one): • Medi-Cal • Uninsured • American Indian or Alaska Native “Some childhood vaccines don’t just protect your children, they can also help keep grandparents, older adults, and family members who are sick from getting very ill. Vaccinating children is one of the best ways to protect the whole family.” – Orlando Rodriguez, MD Family Medicine Specialist & Salinas Valley Health Chief Medical Officer For more information about our mobile clinic services, scan the QR code.
4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH A bill intended to provide some relief to news organizations across California—and encourage them to expand—passed the state Senate on Aug. 30 with amendments the Assembly also approved. Assembly Bill 2222, which now awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature, was introduced earlier this year by Assemblymembers Chris Ward and Buffy Wicks. It would create tax credits for news organizations based on how many journalists they employ, with an extra boost to those that create new jobs. Under the bill, an organization would receive a tax credit of $20,000 per full-time journalist up to five positions, with $15,000 for every additional journalist. The bill defines an eligible organization as one that is not controlled by a Political Action Committee, among other requirements, so as not to fund partisan operations. “This bill creates a common-sense model to support the sustainability of journalism in California that lawmakers in other states should want to adopt, and its ‘news neutrality’ is its greatest strength,” said Danielle Coffey, president and CEO of the News/Media Alliance. Good: After years of playing “home” games at other venues across Salinas, including Rabobank Stadium, Hartnell College football will play on its own campus on Saturday, Sept. 5. It’s the first home game played at Hartnell in the college’s history, according to Hartnell, and the first played on the renovated Bill Elliott Football Field, which underwent renovations alongside the Gary Shaw Track and reopened in late 2024. “We’re bringing our community together on a field we’ve dreamed of calling home for years,” Dean of Athletics Ivan Guerrero said. “For so many of us, this is a full-circle moment, one that honors generations of Panther pride while creating new memories for generations to come.” The field is named after Salinas native and Hartnell alumnus Charles “Bill” Elliott, who, along with his wife Barbara, supported scholarships and other programs of Hartnell Athletics. GREAT: Monterey Regional Airport is in the midst of a $200 million construction project of a new terminal, and this week marks a milestone. On Aug. 27, the board voted 5-0 to approve a TIFIA loan application for $38.2 million from the Build America Bureau in the U.S. Department of Transportation. The agency already accepted the application and is expected to approve it in September, making MRY the second airport in the country (after Sacramento) to receive one of these transportation loans, traditionally reserved for roads and bridges. The interest rate will be 50 percent of the U.S. Treasury rate at the time of signing, which MRY Executive Director Chris Morello expects will save roughly $20 million. In addition, the board accepted a $2.4 million grant, bringing the grant total to nearly $136 million. “We have all of the funding in place,” Morello says. “It’s great.” GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY That’s the cost of a more than year-long renovation of Closter Park in Salinas, which celebrated its reopening on Aug. 29. Source: City of Salinas $10 million QUOTE OF THE WEEK “The name is going to stay here for 100, 200, 300 years.” -Rais Abassi, associate superintendent and chief business official for Alisal Union School District, on the importance of choosing a new name for César Chávez Elementary School in Salinas (see story, salinasvalleynow. com). MyMCB Mobile Banking Made Simple. Secure. Wherever You Go. Download MyMCB Mobile Today! With MyMCB Mobile, you can: • Check balances and transactions. • Deposit checks with your phone. • Transfer funds quickly. • Pay bills on the go. • Set custom account alerts. • Use secure biometric login. Disclosure: MyMCB Mobile requires Online Banking enrollment and a compatible mobile device. Certain features such as Mobile Check Deposit may be subject to eligibility, daily limits, or processing times. Message and data rates may apply. Some account restrictions may apply. [MCB. 2026.0311 montereycountybank.com Cornucopia Community Market offers quality nutritious and environmentally safe products, free of artificial additives and preservatives. Curated Food From the heart Your Local Health Food Store Open MOn-Fri 9aM-7pM Sat & Sun 10aM-6pM 831-625-1454 26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd, Carmel (at the mouth of Carmel Valley) • Natural, Organic Produce • Fresh Bakery and Deli • Olive Oil/Vinegar/ Local Honey • Wine, Beer, Juice, Coffee and Tea • Fresh, Organic Dairy Products • Healthy Snacks • Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements • All Natural Bath and Body Products • Gifts and Gift Basket Ideas
www.montereycountynow.com SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 831 In a dark cell inside the Old Monterey Jail, with only a mannequin on a cot and a few curious onlookers for company, two pieces of equipment sit on the bed and a table. Next to the mannequin is what’s known as a REM Pod, a small box with an antenna that creates an electromagnetic field. If it detects energy or a change in temperature in its vicinity, it sets off a series of lights. On the table is a spirit box, which rapidly scans radio frequencies and emits white noise and very short snippets of sound. If a voice comes through that’s more than one syllable, investigators believe that is a spirit communicating. Those in the room speak toward the spirit box, asking any spirits in the room to touch the REM Pod as a way to communicate with the living. Up to this point, the spirit box was only emitting static and sound bites of musical notes, but seconds after investigators make the command, a clear voice comes from the equipment: “Touch it.” The investigation of the Old Monterey Jail and Colton Hall on the night of Saturday, Aug. 15 was thought to be the first public ghost hunt of the historic facilities, which drew about a dozen people. It was led by Vegas Afterlife, a Las Vegas-based paranormal investigation company founded by its lead investigator, Danielle Nicole. The ghost hunters were back at Colton Hall on Saturday, Aug. 29 for an investigation that quickly sold out. Another event is set for Sept. 26. The small gathering is by design, Nicole says, as it allows the group to break off and investigate on their own with equipment provided by Vegas Afterlife. Nicole says she had her first paranormal experience at 8 years old, and later when she moved with her parents to Pennsylvania, her experiences continued, seeing orbs and hearing disembodied voices. That led her to write a regular column for her parents’ magazine. Later, Nicole left her career in marketing and in 2025, launched her full-time paranormal investigation business, Vegas Afterlife. After mostly being centered in Las Vegas and elsewhere in Nevada and across the country, the Colton Hall investigation was Nicole’s second event in California, with her first in the state taking place the night before at the USS Hornet in Alameda. On a visit to Monterey County about two years ago, Nicole says she learned of Colton Hall and the jail—and their reported hauntings over the decades— and reached out to Brian Edwards, the library and museums director for the City of Monterey, about securing the location for an investigation. “I don’t think anybody’s really investigated Colton Hall,” Nicole says. “It’s still pretty unexplored. A lot of people don’t realize it’s haunted. It has a ton of history.” Nicole provides guest investigators with the equipment those on paranormal TV shows use, such as REM Pods and spirit boxes, along with electromagnetic field (EMF) detectors and dowsing rods. Joining the Aug. 15 investigation was Edwards, who shared the history of the jail and Colton Hall. The jail in particular was the site of documented hangings from its time as an active facility from 1854-1956. That includes notorious outlaw Anastacio Garcia, who was hung by vigilantes who stormed the jail in 1856. A mannequin holding a noose stands in one of the jail cells. When one of the attendees of the investigation grabbed the rope, a ball sitting alone on a cot lit up in response—even though it only lights up when it is touched. Nicole notes that there is no guarantee of paranormal activity during these investigations. Indeed, there were multiple stretches of time when none of the equipment during the Aug. 15 event was activating, making the instances of activity all the more intriguing for the investigators. Nicole acknowledges there is much skepticism surrounding the work of paranormal investigators, which is why she encourages everyone to attend her events. “You don’t know it’s real unless you experience it for yourself,” she says. “I have a lot of people come to my events as skeptics and they leave as believers. They hear things and they see things they’ve never seen before. It’s quite insane how real this stuff is.” Spirit Calling The public joins a paranormal investigation of Colton Hall— and witnesses some unexplained activity. By Erik Chalhoub “You don’t know it’s real unless you experience it.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE ERIK CHALHOUB Danielle Nicole (right), lead investigator of Vegas Afterlife, speaks to ghost-hunting equipment on a table inside Colton Hall in Monterey on Aug. 15 to see if it reacts to any paranormal activity. PRESENTED BY Join us for lunch as an impressive panel of federal, state, and local elected officials cover topics such as new projects taking place in their jurisdictions, challenges for the business community, and important issues that have impacts on the future viability of our economy. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 EMBASSY SUITES MONTEREY BAY SEASIDE 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM $85 PER PERSON • INCLUDES LUNCH REGISTER NOW AT MONTEREYCHAMBER.COM EVENT SPONSORS
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com NEWS A former profes‑ sional basketball player who played two seasons for the Iranian Basketball Super League, Jonas Lalehzadeh, 37, is running unopposed for the District 1 seat on the King City City Council. After playing pro‑ fessional basketball, Lalehzadeh says he wanted to start anew and moved to King City in 2021 where he found and bought proper‑ ties with a cannabis culti‑ vation business in mind. Lalehzadeh is now suing King City after City Manager José Arreola, acting as an administrative hearing officer, revoked a permit for a Type 3B medi‑ um indoor, mixed‑light cannabis cultivation per‑ mit at 150 Don Bates Way, where Lalehzadeh is the managing member of DB A Growth LLC. Lalehzadeh, represent‑ ing himself, filed a lawsuit on July 27 in Monterey County Superior Court. A judge agreed to a stay, meaning the cannabis plants will not be removed until there is a decision in the case. Recent filings show the parties are in set‑ tlement talks, and are set to return to court on Sept. 29. The issue traces back to January 2024, when King City Police issued admin‑ istrative citations over cul‑ tivation activity at 150 Don Bates Way before a city permit was in place. Those citations were resolved in March 2024 through a mutual release: The City waived $150,000 in penal‑ ties, while Lalehzadeh paid $6,000 and waived any claims of damages arising from that period. Lalehzadeh’s petition states that the City pro‑ ceeded to accept $10,500 in permit fees and contin‑ ued to invoice and collect quarterly cultivation taxes, about $27,000 per quarter. The City’s formal revo‑ cation effort began with a May 19, 2026 notice, citing an April 16 revocation by Pulling Weed Council candidate sues King City over revoked cannabis permit—and pitches a data center. By Royvi Hernandez A bout an hour after the Plaskett Fire broke out, John Handy, owner of Treebones Resort on the south coast of Big Sur, got the call that it would be wise to evacuate all guests. The call came from his son-in-law, Caleb Chesser, captain of Big Sur Fire’s South Coast station, on Wednesday Aug. 26, two days before evacuation orders went out. “He knew a lot of chaos would be happening, and wanted people off the road,” Handy says, adding the resort was around 70-percent full. “The fire is kind of around us, but not coming right at us.” Over the next five days, the Plaskett Fire ballooned and became the third-largest in the state this year, surpassing the size of the Timber Fire to the north, which has been burning since Aug. 8. As of press time on Sept. 2, the Plaskett Fire had burned nearly 29,000 acres and was 1-percent con‑ tained, reaching South Coast Ridge Road to the north and spreading toward Fort Hunter Liggett to the east. The Timber Fire had burned 25,220 acres and was 22-percent contained and relatively stable. One structure has been damaged due to the Plaskett Fire, while none have been reported damaged by the Timber Fire. The causes of both fires remain under investigation. Firefighters have come from around the country to help fight the blazes. The Plaskett Fire’s rapid spread is attributed to steady winds and thick vegetation in areas without a fire in the past 50 years. Treebones, while closed to guests, has become a base for firefighters, offering showers, coffee and lodging. The resort hosted 100 firefighters on Monday night, Aug. 31, and at one point, had at least 15 engines parked on site, according to Handy. Many residents along Plaskett Ridge and Los Burros roads have chosen to stay to protect their homes, according to Danielle Brown, a Treebones supervisor. Brown has been living at Treebones for around five years. This is her first wildfire. “My family is in Pennsylvania. If I leave, then I’m just away for days,” she says. “You can’t come back in and we don’t know how long this is going to be.” (Highway 1 is closed to vehi‑ cle traffic both to the north and the south.) Organizations like the Community Association of Big Sur have created a relief fund to provide support to locals facing extraordinary expenses. The Big Share, a fully volun‑ teer-run local nonprofit, has been coordinating with residents, the office of U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley, and the County of Monterey to execute a plan to deliv‑ er food and supplies to residents impacted by the fires. After picking up goods in Monterey, they will be able to travel through Fort Hunter Liggett and make delivery stops along Nacimiento, Gorda and Lucia. Cool temperatures and high‑ er humidity in the forecast as of press time are expected to provide favorable conditions for both fires, according to California Interagency Incident Management Team 7. “It’s part of life here in Big Sur. We expect it, and it looks different each time,” says Helen Handshy of The Big Share. As of Sept. 1, she was under a shelter-in-place order due to the Timber Fire. “We’re looking at what winter is going to look like, not only with the predictions of an El Niño, but also now with the burn scars and the potential for landslides.” The Plaskett Fire in the south of Big Sur started on Aug. 26 and has grown rapidly, spreading east to Fort Hunter Liggett and south to Gorda Mountain Road. New Flames Plaskett Fire becomes California’s third-largest this year, as the Big Sur community rallies. By Katie Rodriguez King City Police Chief Robert Masterson is one of the defendants named in Jonas Lalehzadeh’s lawsuit, which seeks a court order blocking KCPD agency from removing cannabis plants. “It’s part of life here in Big Sur.” DANIEL DREIFUSS NIC COURY WEED, continued on pg. 8
www.montereycountynow.com SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 7 PREVENTION•EDUCATION TREATMENT•RECOVERY ARE YOU IN HIGH SCHOOL AND NEED OF COMMUNITY HOURS? JOIN THE STEPS PROGRAM THIS FALL AND RECEIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS OR JOB OPPORTUNITIES. MEETINGS ARE TAKING PLACE IN SALINAS, SEASIDE, & SOUTH MONTEREY COUNTY. WWW.SUNSTREETCENTERS.ORG 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 the right path to play. SEEMONTEREY.COM/RIGHTPATH Please be sure that whatever you pack in, you pack out. Protect the destination.
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com For the first time since 2008, Marina will have a new mayor. Current Mayor Bruce Delgado is not seeking reelection. Three candidates are running to fill the role: Current Councilmember Liesbeth Visscher, health care professional Mike Moeller and Hartnell College professor Ana Luz Acevedo-Cabrera. Marina’s next mayor will have to contend with public facilities that officials say are no longer adequate to meet the needs of a growing populace. Marina voters will also decide on Measure Q, a utility users tax to help fund new facilities. With a background in engineering, Acevedo-Cabrera says she has spent her life coming up with solutions for problems that affect the community. She views the lack of workforce housing, the cost of living and public safety as some of the issues facing Marina. She decided to run because she sees the majority of the council as “disconnected from the reality of the community.” Acevedo-Cabrera says the 7-percent tax is too high for many residents. The current public safety building is inadequate for police and fire, she says, but could be used as a city hall. Moeller works as a respiratory care practitioner for Santa Clara Valley Healthcare. He first got involved in civic life in Marina when he joined a group of residents opposed to a proposed casino in 2022. The council, in response to the public outcry, eventually nixed the casino plan. Since then, Moeller has been active in various organizations, founding a local chapter of the Repair Cafe and recently became president of the nonprofit Marina in Motion. He also served on the City Facilities Citizens Advisory Committee, which recommended a tax to fund new facilities. But Moeller says the 7-percent tax is too steep, and a lower tax that only focuses on public safety facilities would be easier for voters to swallow. Visscher was first elected in 2022, and says she’s running for mayor to help steer ongoing projects to the finish line, including an aquatics center, a longterm maintenance plan and downtown revitalization. She views the Cypress Knolls property as Marina’s last option for a large housing development, one that could be dedicated to “missing middle” housing. Visscher says the city can’t justify spending to update current facilities that are already too small and lack ADA accommodations. She supports Measure Q, and if it passes, says she will look for ways to reduce the tax rate in the future if elected. state regulators of a distributor license held by DB A Distribution LLC, a separate entity with no King City permit. An amended notice issued by the City May 27 added new allegations that Lalehzadeh had shipped cannabis through a private carrier and violated state and federal drug laws. “There was a violation of trafficking and distribution. That was one of the key findings. Mr. Lalehzadeh does not have a transportation license for cannabis in King City or with the state,” Arreola says. “There was evidence that cannabis had been transported by his company, and that is not allowed.” At the June 2 administrative hearing, Lalehzadeh invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self‑incrimination and declined to answer questions about entities other than DB A Growth LLC. In court papers, he insists that at no time did he admit to operating any business in King City without a license. Lalehzadeh is now asking the court to reinstate DB A Growth’s cultivation permit and protect an $11.7 million purchase agreement for the company that he says depends on the licenses remaining in good standing. (Lalehzadeh declined to comment for this story.) From the City’s perspective, Arreola says, “I feel our finding of facts and decision is pretty solid. I’d be very surprised if a judge were to say differently. We’re doing our best to understand where Mr. Lalehzadeh is at, but also make sure that he’s following the rules.” The 150 Don Bates Way property, which County Assessor records show Lalehzadeh’s partner purchased for $3.5 million in 2021, has been posted for sale online with an asking price of $18 million. A real estate listing describes it as a “power-ready data center campus” opportunity with 55,000 square feet of space across five buildings. “The campus is fully secured and gated, and the property will be delivered 100-percent vacant at the close of escrow,” according to the listing, which also notes 8.31 megawatts of power already onsite. “The property provides a compelling platform for operators seeking deployable compute capacity in Northern California without the constraints of the Silicon Valley power grid.” A data center is not yet a permitted use of the site. “I mean, he’s not wrong. I guess it is an opportunity, but that type of use would certainly come to the Planning Commission and the Council before it was approved,” Arreola says. “My guess is it would be met with quite a bit of scrutiny.” Hand Off Three vie to fill the seat of Marina’s longtime mayor Bruce Delgado as he retires. By Erik Chalhoub NEWS MOBILE MAMMOGRAMS The Soledad Community Health Care District is expanding access to breast cancer screening by offering mammograms to women ages 40-74 through a mobile clinic in partnership with the Central California Alliance for Health and Alinea Medical Imaging. 8am-5pm Friday, Sept. 4. SCHCD parking lot, 600 Main St., Soledad. Cost depends on insurance. Advance registration required. (831) 678-2665, soledadmedicalclinic.com/mobile-mammography. BUDGET WITH A BREW City of Monterey officials host dropin sessions to share information about the budget. Voice your feedback directly to City leaders. 9-10:30am Friday, Sept. 4. Monterey Donuts, 2440 North Fremont St., Monterey. Free. (831) 646-3940, monterey.gov/roadmap. LOUNGE ACT Monterey County Planning Commission meets to consider recommending an ordinance allowing cannabis lounges in unincorporated areas of the county. Public comment is accepted. 9am Wednesday, Sept. 9. Board of Supervisors chambers, 168 W. Alisal St., Salinas. Free. (831) 755-5025, countyofmonterey.gov. FOR RENT Monterey County Zoning Administrator meets to consider three requests for vacation rentals at homes in Carmel, among other agenda items. Public input is accepted. 9:30am Thursday, Sept. 10. Government Center, Thyme Conference Room, 1441 Schilling Place, Salinas. Free. (831) 755-5025, countyofmonterey.gov. MEET THE CANDIDATES Hear from candidates running for Monterey City Council and mayor. A forum is hosted by Monterey Commercial Property Owners Association, Monterey County Association of Realtors and Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. 5:30-8pm Thursday, Sept. 10. Middlebury Institute of International Studies, Irvine Auditorium, 499 Pierce St., Monterey. Free. Register at bit.ly/ MontereyCCForum26. BLOCKS OF FUNDING The cities of Monterey, Salinas and Seaside are preparing reports outlining how they used federal Community Development Block Grant Program funds. Draft reports are available for public review. Monterey’s and Salinas’ reports are viewable through Sept. 15; Seaside’s is through Sept. 16. Free. monterey.gov; salinas.gov; seaside.ca.us. Bruce Delgado has served as mayor of Marina since 2008. He is not seeking reelection and is endorsing Councilmember Liesbeth Visscher as the next mayor. E-MAIL: publiccitizen@montereycountynow.com PUBLIC CITIZEN She sees the council as “disconnected from the reality.” DANIEL DREIFUSS WEED, continued from pg. 6
www.montereycountynow.com SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 WeatherTechRaceway.com The 2026 season comes down to this: championship weekend. After 17 races and thousands of miles, a champion will be crowned at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Come be part of history. Tickets, hospitality, and camping at WeatherTechRaceway.com THE RACE TO THE INDYCAR CHAMPIONSHIP HAS A FINISH LINE. SEPTEMBER 4-6 Tasty recipes at missionfoods.com MissionFoodsUS ©2026 Gruma Corporation. Meet IndyCar drivers – including Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward– before they compete in the Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey! · Autograph Signing · Ticket Giveaways · Prizes and More Thursday SEPT 3 5:30-7:30 PM Downtown Monterey, Alvarado Street between Franklin Street and Del Monte Avenue Monterey, CA Pato O’Ward SEPTEMBER 4–6, 2026 MISSION FOODS GRAND PRIX OF MONTEREY
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com A varied group of candidates has thrown their hats in the ring for two Monterey City Council districts this November—from a retired city engineer and financial professional to an ordained minister. One issue rises above the rest for all five candidates: the city’s ongoing structural budget deficit. In District 1, incumbent Councilmember Kim Barber faces retired engineer Tom Reeves, who worked for the City of Monterey for about 26 years and is a strong supporter of keeping funds in the city’s Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP), which experienced one-time cuts to balance the most recent city budget. “I know the budget like many people don’t know it,” Reeves says. “I put budgets together for the city and I know how the budgeting process works. I know what the community wants and needs and I think I have a unique perspective on the values of the city.” Barber says she is seeking a second term because “My work is not finished yet.” Alongside studying ways to make the city more affordable for the working class, she says she would continue to work to remedy the city’s structural budget woes rather than relying on one-time fixes, such as taking funds from the NCIP. “Having a new city manager coming in and leading and guiding us with his new Roadmap to Resilience, the key is making a deeper dive and looking at all of the different pieces,” says Barber. “We’re looking at everything.” With Councilmember Ed Smith stepping away from representing District 2, three candidates have stepped up to replace him. Jeff Whitmoyer, a retired fiduciary asset manager, said in his candidate statement that if he wins the Council seat, he will champion strict fiscal responsibility, common-sense spending and absolute transparency. He says he would right the budget by looking at “outsourcing and freezing salaries that have obviously been rising faster than the rate of inflation as we do in the private sector.” Candidate Vicki Nohrden is author of Breaking the Shield of Minerva: A Closer Look at California’s Destiny and founder of Wind and Fire Ministries. She has run unsuccessfully as a Republican for state office. Nohrden calls the structural deficit “a big mess…We’re most likely going to make some cuts. Maybe there will be some early retirements. Maybe there are some staff that can be moved around to other departments.” Candidate Alec Manas, a project manager for CHISPA Housing, said in his statement that he would approach the city budget “with the same discipline I bring to multi-million dollar housing developments.” “Something I deal with daily is overseeing large rehab projects in my job as project manager,” says Manas. “Large developments require us to be a fiscal steward of the state’s money. This is not something new to me. I would start by looking at the budget line by line, and make sure we are protecting core services.” Mixed Bag Five candidates vie for two Monterey City Council district seats, all elevating the budget to priority number-one. By Aric Sleeper Vicki Nohrden has run unsuccessfully for state office before and is now running for Monterey City Council District 2, with the endorsement of outgoing Councilmember Ed Smith. NEWS “I think I have a unique perspective on the values of the city.” DANIEL DREIFUSS 50LB BAG Quality feed & pet supplies • DIY dog & cat vaccines • Premium hay at great prices Low cost vaccination clinic for dogs & cats. Microchipping. Prescription flea/tick medication. Open every Saturday 12pm-3pm 101 W. LAUREL DR, SALINAS • (831)443-6161 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm Sun 10am-5pm $5 OFF Any purchase of $25 or more $20 OFF Any purchase of $100 or more NEW PRODUCTS! $10 OFF Any purchase of $50 or more PREMIUM DOG AND CAT FOODS AT A LOW PRICE! EXPIRES 8-26-26. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER DISCOUNTS OR OFFERS. LIMIT 1 COUPON PER CUSTOMER. NOT VALID ON HAY, SHAVINGS, SERESTO, MAX BULLY, SPORTSTRAIL, NUTRA-NUGGETS, OR LIVE ANIMALS. MUST PRESENT ENTIRE PHYSICAL COUPON AT TIME OF PURCHASE. COUPON MUST COME DIRECTLY FROM THE MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY. REPRINTS OR PHOTOCOPIES NOT VALID. DIAMOND NUTRA-NUGGETS FOR DOG DIAMOND NUTRA-NUGGETS FOR CAT $15.99 $33.99 20LB BAG 9-23-26. Volunteer Mediator Training — Make a Difference in Your Community Restorative Justice Partners, Inc. (RJP) is seeking community members interested in becoming trained volunteer mediators. Restorative justice brings people impacted by crime, including those who have been victimized, youth involved in the case, their families, and other key stakeholders, together in a safe, structured mediation process. Cases are referred by the Monterey County Probation Department and funded in partnership with the Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act. Participants will develop the skills needed to facilitate restorative justice mediations between individuals impacted by crime and youth involved in the case. All training materials and food will be provided. Training Dates Fri., Sept. 25 | 5–7pm (Zoom) • Sat., Sept. 26 | 10am–4pm (In Person) Training Cost FREE — Students and senior citizens with valid ID $15 — With a commitment to complete 3 cases Become a trained volunteer mediator and help create opportunities for accountability, healing, and meaningful dialogue in our community. Apply today to become a Restorative Justice Partners volunteer mediator. • Attendance at both sessions is required to receive certification. • Training location will be provided after your application is received and approved. • Background check and fingerprinting fees will be reimbursed by RJP, Inc. • Applicants must be 18 years or older. BECOME A RESTORATIVE JUSTICE MEDIATOR
www.montereycountynow.com SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 The Transportation Agency for Monterey County acquired the 100-foot-wide right of way on the old Union Pacific railroad line with the idea of preserving it for a potential future transit use. The return of the train seems like a distant dream—takeoff pads for eVTOLs manufactured by Joby or Archer could come sooner, Marina Mayor/TAMC board member Bruce Delgado noted during a board meeting on Monday, Aug. 31. But there are some real-life projects in the works. Monterey-Salinas Transit’s SURF! busway is under construction. To the south, Sand City officials are hoping to ink a deal with TAMC to utilize its right of way to construct a one-mile, paved recreation path parallel to Del Monte Boulevard. “The project is closing the gap in an 18-mile, Class-1 bike trail that runs from Castroville to Pacific Grove,” City Manager Vibeke Norgaard told the TAMC board on Aug. 31. It was the first public presentation on a project that has been contemplated since 1982, and now has public grant funds in the pipeline to build the $12 million project. Sand City has already worked out a settlement with the City of Seaside—the path would cross through the latter briefly—and with three car dealerships that park vehicles on TAMC’s right of way. The dealers have agreed to move to the edges, and to help pay for ongoing landscaping costs. (Combined, the three will pay $14,833 a year, about 5 percent of the total annual maintenance cost, Norgaard said.) As the project has advanced in design and funding, TAMC officials started meeting in closed session about a lease. A draft agreement showed TAMC would give the city free use of the property for the actual trail, but would charge fair market value for the portions that are not technically transit—adjacent landscaping and parking. “We are offering to build the project, clean up the blight, put in trees and bushes, make it pretty, and maintain that,” Norgaard said. “We are asking that Sand City not be charged for its efforts to beautify the corridor. If you charge us for the landscaped areas, it would make the project infeasible.” Sand City also wants to build parking spaces at no cost, part of the design that Norgaard said would increase access for people with mobility challenges. By her calculation, combined fair market rent would be $266,352 to $399,528 per year. (One option to offset the rent for parking, if TAMC does not waive that cost, is to offer paid parking, rather than free parking.) “I don’t think Sand City should pay for landscaped areas,” Delgado said. “That’s good for everybody. The parking, I’m on the fence about.” MST does not pay TAMC for its use of the area for SURF!, a comparison that came up repeatedly. “Nobody is saying we don’t love the trail,” said TAMC Chair Chaps Poduri, a member of P.G. City Council. “The point is, why is this board at odds with Sand City on this, when we have a precedent with MST doing the same thing?” After Norgaard spoke, the board met again in closed session to discuss the lease, with no action reported. On a Path Sand City officials ask Transportation Agency to waive all charges for a pedestrian/bicycling path project on an old rail line. By Sara Rubin Sand City City Manager Vibeke Norgaard points out a blighted stretch of the railroad—frequently used informally for parking—that she hopes to transform into a trail lined with benches and landscaping. NEWS “If you charge us, it would make the project infeasible.” DANIEL DREIFUSS Insured by NCUA 1The dividend rate and Annual Percentage Yield (APY) are accurate as of 08/14/2026. 4.20% APY is for a 13-month term with a balance of $100,000 or more. There is no minimum balance required to earn the stated APY. The minimum opening deposit for the 13-month certificate is $100,000. The APY is based on an assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal, or transfer reduces earnings and there may be penalties for early withdrawal. Call 1-877-GOLDEN 1 (1-877-465-3361) for current rates. We reserve the right to change or discontinue this program at any time. Rates and term are subject to change without notice. 081426-MTW Visit a branch, call 1-877-465-3361 or scan to learn more Earn up to 4.20% Limited-time offer with a Term Savings Certificate APY1 casaofmonterey.org I am a and a Student CASA Melanie C. Salinas CASA volunteers are parents, professionals, students—people who once felt too busy. 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 children and youth in the foster care and juvenile justice systems.
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com THAT’S POLITICS Wow! Vince Malfitano, failed businessman and sexual predator, running for mayor? With those credentials he should be running for president! (“In Monterey’s election for mayor, challenger Vince Malfitano seeks to unseat the incumbent,” Aug. 27-Sept. 2). Harry Nagel | Monterey In my opinion, Vince Malfitano has several “red flags” that I find deeply disturbing. Ultimately, concerns about his honesty and credibility are enough for me to believe he is not qualified for the position. Jonathon Bullock | Monterey With all the mud that Vincent Malfitano is struggling to squirm out from, you have to wonder who is giving his campaign money. What do they want? I’m happy with the job Williamson is doing thus far. Marco Poehner | Monterey Nice “HIT PIECE” by Aric Sleeper for the publication that endorsed current Mayor Tyller Williamson two years ago. I believe [the Weekly] is using the same tactics that were used by the Nevada Gaming Commission in 2014. Dr. Malfitano’s businesses were granted Gaming and Liquor Licenses in 2019. Aric, why don’t you dig deeper and report on the fiscal quagmire that our current mayor has driven the City of Monterey into? Peter Boysen | Monterey Monterey deserves better. Running for elected office is not easy and it’s difficult to find candidates with appropriate experience and motivation. Voters deserve a full picture of candidates asking for their votes. Mayor Tyller Williamson inherited a structural deficit from the previous city leadership due to its ongoing failure to adequately fund infrastructure maintenance. Nobody wants more taxes or fees yet this deficit must be addressed with facts, not omissions and distortions. During the pandemic a multitude of expenses were cut by the city that were never replaced. The sharp contrast between these candidates is so glaring that it begs the question: What real reasons do Malfitano’s donors and endorsers, including a previous mayor, have to believe he’s worthy to represent and lead our beloved city? Esther Malkin | Monterey He claims to be a successful businessman who will help government finances. I think I’ve heard that line before. Eric Palmer Sr. | Monterey LIFE OF A LANDFILL In regards to the possibility of raising the dumping fee to $120/ton or $175/ ton, that will increase the amount of illegal dumping on the roadside (“Salinas Valley Waste officials explore advanced technology to extend Johnson Canyon Landfill’s lifespan,” Aug. 27-Sept. 2). It’s a big problem already in places like Salinas. Then someone has to be paid to retrieve the junk and take it to the dump. Maybe some tax money needs to be used to keep our neighborhoods clean and dump-free. Steve Markley | Salinas ROOM RATE The Coastal Commission used to exist to block ANY construction ANYWHERE near the coast; now it appears they are the opposite (“A proposed hotel known as the Collections Resort in Sand City inches forward,” Aug. 20-26). Gene Sutton | Carmel Just what we need. Now you can glamp in a tent on the same property as the homeless in their tents. Sasha Winter | via social media That land is cursed. The Coastal Commission is a joke! Leave the sand dunes alone. Why pump all this money into protection/ rehabilitation just to develop it? Makes no sense. Other than money is more important. I hope that hotel gets eaten by the ocean. Cheryl “Rebelle” Robinson | Prunedale Sure glad I got the view of the bay I had for my 50-plus years on the Peninsula. Too bad for future generations. Wendy Simpson | via social media RIVER RUN Recreation? The Watsonville and Pajaro areas are lacking in recreational opportunities (“A levee project focuses on reducing Pajaro’s flood risk. Researchers say the benefits are bigger,” Aug. 27-Sept. 2). Introducing children and families to the natural environment hidden in their midst would educate and elevate their relationship with the world hidden right at their doorstep. Not only was this news story devoid of any mention of the opportunity for recreation, but the fact that our elected local officials didn’t include recreation is stunning. Imagine families walking and riding bikes along the Pajaro River levee, or the Salsipuedes and Corralitos creek levee now being constructed. Imagine children from Watsonville High, Pajaro Middle School, and the dozen elementary schools using the river and creek access for introducing them to the natural world. A lost opportunity. Peter Stanger | Watsonville LETTUCE CURTAIN LAFCO should be completely dissolved. It is a commission that does nothing but muddy the waters of any issue it touches (“The deep divide on the LAFCO board persists,” posted Aug. 25). Robert McGregor | Salinas DEEP WATER What an incredible woman (“Midway through attempt to become first person to swim the entire California coast, Catherine Breed to stop in P.G.,” posted Aug. 24). Ocean swimming is difficult, the most I’ve ever done at a stretch is three hours, and in warm water. Always keeping an eye out for sharks. Walter Wagner | Salinas SICK BEATS So talented! (“Pacific Grove-based rap and hip-hop artist Colton Bell debuts a locally inspired album,” Aug. 27-Sept. 2). Steffanie Porter Gamecho | via social media This is awesome! Kimberly Dunn | via social media 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 SEPTEMBER 3-9, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 The iceberg that is the cease-and-desist order on the Monterey Peninsula’s water supply may finally be melting. A bit of background: Private utility California American Water delivers water to thousands of local taps. For decades, the company obtained most of that water by sticking a straw into the Carmel River— something that officials at the State Water Resources Control Board determined in 1995 was a violation of Cal Am’s legal limit to pump from the river. Years of stop-and-start efforts began to get water some other way. By 2009, the state deemed Cal Am to still be in violation, and it issued a new cease-anddesist order, this one with teeth. New water meters are prohibited, a significant obstacle to building housing. Conservation has increased and some new water projects, like Pure Water Monterey recycled water, have come online. Thanks to this combination, Cal Am is within its legal limit—and has been for four years. But the cease-and-desist order remains. What’s shocking is that Cal Am has asked the state to keep it that way. It gives the company some leverage over advancing a desalination plant—something that would make a lot of water, yes, and would also make Cal Am a bunch of money. Cal Am argues that without desal, we simply don’t have enough water. The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District has become Cal Am’s chief antagonist and last year, asked the State Water Board to modify the order. If we aren’t overpumping, the thinking goes, we should get a reprieve. A long list of comment letters have been submitted to the State Water Board, the overwhelming majority of which support allowing new water meters. “I own a vacant lot in Monterey,” one property owner wrote. “The [order is] impacting my ability to build a house. Please act as soon as possible.” City officials, business owners and commercial property owners all have joined the chorus. “We must manage around the property’s remaining water rights, which can result in merchandising decisions being driven by water availability rather than market demand and the best use of the property,” Del Monte Center owners wrote. What is new and different is that in the latest batch of testimony submitted on Aug. 20, Cal Am also joined the chorus of suggesting a modification of the cease-and-desist order. “[Cal Am] does not object to a temporary suspension of the moratorium,” Senior Manager David Pezzini wrote. There are some major caveats in Pezzini’s ask. He wants the moratorium suspended just until July 1, 2030, on the condition that the desalination plant is online. (He claims it is on track to be operational by the end of 2029.) I think it’s reasonable to believe any modification of the order is, by definition, temporary. The State Water Board is invested in protecting Carmel River flow and if consumption rises too much, the region will go back to water jail any time. A short-term lifting makes sense, based not on one specific technological solution, but on actual usage. Modify the order to allow taps to flow, then bring down the hammer again if it’s needed in the future. Otherwise, all we have is forecasts. (Unsurprisingly, each agency’s forecast supports its own conclusion. Cal Am expects we’re going to use tons of water on day one, while MPWMD expects modest growth.) Lifting the order will give us real-world data to see what actually happens when there is no moratorium on setting new meters. Will there be a building boom? Will we all start taking longer showers? Instead of guessing, let’s use reality. This is the same way MPWMD General Manager Dave Stoldt says he is thinking about the change—if the take of Carmel River water again exceeds the legally allowable limit because the forecasts undershot, the cease-and-desist would come back. “We’re fine on continued quarterly and annual reporting, and reinstating the [cease-anddesist order] if we can’t handle the prosperity,” Stoldt says. “We’ve got to move this book off the fiction shelf to the reference shelf. Let’s actually look at what’s happening.” It’s too soon to know if State Water Board members will agree, but given that even Cal Am is showing signs of capitulating to that reality, the odds seem pretty good. Sara Rubin is the Weekly’s editor. Reach her at sara@montereycountynow.com. Water Slide Even Cal Am gets on board with asking for relief on the cease-and-desist. By Sara Rubin TIME WARP…Squid regrets little in Squid’s life, although Squid does wish Squid could turn back the clock and nix that time Squid tried the trendy sardine fast, eating nothing but sardines for days (seriously, no shrimp-flavored popcorn?). On Tuesday, Sept. 1, during a hastily called meeting, the Carmel City Council also grappled with turning back time. Their situation arose after receiving a “cure and correct” letter from resident Vinz Koller, charging the Council with violating the Brown Act during a closed session meeting on Aug. 24 when they met behind closed doors to discuss the search for a new city administrator. City Attorney Brian Pierik disagreed and contended that such discussions are allowed out of the public eye. That said, Pierik recommended the council consider correcting its previous actions in response to Koller’s letter, to prevent him taking his complaint to a higher authority. Pierik’s recommendation led to some momentary confusion. “If I understand, we need to push the clock back as if that meeting never occurred to cure this process?” Councilmember Alissandra Dramov asked. “We don’t need to push the clock back because that’s impossible. It’s history and we cannot change history,” Pierik answered. Despite worries over delaying the hiring process, the council voted to set aside any work completed and redo it after public comment. Hopefully that was cure enough, but Squid agrees with Koller. Like the sardine fast, discussing it in closed session stinks. BIG FISH…Squid knows there are a lot of fish (and a lot of cephalopods) in the sea, but sometimes Squid—with a capital S—admits that Squid can start feeling like a big creature in a small bay. But then along comes science to burst Squid’s self-important bubble, reminding Squid that the ocean is deep and wide and diverse. On Wednesday, Sept. 2, officials at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that on a research voyage in August, a team of researchers came upon something remarkable. While surveying the seafloor near Davidson Seamount using a remotely operated vehicle with a camera, they observed a bigfin squid emerge from the darkness about two miles deep. “This sighting is the first confirmed live observation of this elusive squid in the northeastern Pacific Ocean and only MBARI’s second encounter with this squid in nearly 40 years of deep-sea exploration,” according to a statement from MBARI. Squid is mesmerized to see a relative that’s so rarely seen, and that’s just freaking cool. So Squid popped some shrimp-flavored popcorn and watched the graceful giant flap around on YouTube more than a few times over. THE LOCAL SPIN SQUID FRY THE MISSION OF MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY IS TO INSPIRE INDEPENDENT THINKING AND CONSCIOUS ACTION, ETC. “It is limiting my ability to build a house.” SEND SQUID A TIP: squid@montereycountynow.com
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