OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 MONTEREYCOUNTYNOW.COM LOCAL & INDEPENDENT P’S AND Q’S 12 | FORTAG’S WINDING PATH 14 | AT THE PINNACLE 34 | DRINK YOUR CELERY 43 PLUS: OUR ENDORSEMENTS FOR CANDIDATES IN THE NOV. 3 ELECTION. p. 20 ’26 ’26 ’26 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® Stars shine under the big top in our annual Readers’ Poll.
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com H YES ON MEASURE LOWER RENT MORE HOUSING STRONGER SALINAS THE WEEKLY RECOMMENDS YES ON H SALINAS POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION SALINAS VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MONTEREY COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS “Salinas needs more housing.” — MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY EDITORIAL BOARD REPEALS THE REGISTRY “A yes vote repeals four ordinances: a rental registry, enacted in 2022...” We completely agree. STATE RENTER PROTECTIONS STAY “A yes vote would send Salinas renters back under state law: Assembly Bill 1482’s 5-percent-plus-CPI cap...” ✔ Real support for affordable housing. New workforce and affordable housing in Salinas, starting now. ✔ Emergency rent funds. So a bad month doesn't become an eviction. ✔ End the rental registry. No government database of renters' personal information. ✔ Cash deposit assistance. Help with the biggest barrier to getting into a home. ✔ Strong protections, kept in place. Every renter keeps AB 1482’s statewide rent cap and just-cause eviction protections. Ad paid for by Protect Salinas Residents 2026 – Yes on Measure H Ad Committee’s Top Funders UDR, Inc. California Association of Realtors Issues Mobilization PAC THESE ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORT YES ON MEASURE H THE RENTERS’ DATABASE: The city’s on line registry holds personal information on every renter household in Salinas. No one asked renters, and there is no way to opt out. See the proof at ProtectSalinasResidents.com. Yes on H ends it for good. WHAT YES ON H DELIVERS VOTE YES ON H NOVEMBER 3 Protect SaIinas Residents.com PROUDLY ENDORSED BY MONTEREY COUNTY ENDORSED BY
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 3 If you know Community Hospital, you know Montage Health. montagehealth.org The fact is, we’ve always been here. You’ve just known us by a different name. The people at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula created Montage Health to deliver exceptional care to more people, by expanding our services beyond the hospital. Today, we’re urgent care centers, wellness centers, primary care doctors, health insurance plans, and a groundbreaking mental health program for youth. Still independent, nonprofit, locally owned, and accountable only to the community we serve.
4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 • ISSUE #1993 • ESTABLISHED IN 1988 Steve Zmak (iPhone 16 Pro) Sunset on Friday night, Oct. 2, lit up the sky in technicolor stripes for a tropical effect in Marina. MONTEREY COUNTY PHOTO OF THE WEEK Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: A lot of things have been compared to a circus— life, politics and now the Best Of Monterey County®. Clowns, trapeze artists, dancing elephants and more provide a colorful big top theme for the winners of this year’s Readers’ Poll. Cover illustration: Annie Cobb 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) ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Jeanette Bent jeanette@montereycountynow.com (x132) 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 WRITER Chrissa Olson (California Local News Fellow) chrissa@montereycountynow.com (x130) 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 OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 FREE COMMUNITY FLU CLINIC & HEALTH FAIR Flu vaccines provided by Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic No appointment needed We believe vaccinations save lives. For more information about our FREE Community Flu Clinics, scan the QR code or contact the Health Promotion Department at 831-759-1890. Aurora Robledo, MD Family Medicine Saturday, October 10 11:00am–2:00pm Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center 850 5th Street Gonzales, CA 93926 Receive FREE flu shots through the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic • Health fair includes community resources - Salinas Valley Health Cancer Resource Center - Salinas Valley Health Health Promotion Department - Salinas Valley Health Live Well Project - Gonzales Community Center • Monterey County Food Bank food truck and produce distribution (while supplies last) • Rae prizes
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH In the weeks after the California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 2222, which provides tax relief to news organizations, newsrooms across the state urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign it into law. On Sept. 30, the last day for the governor to sign or veto the bill, he heeded the calls. AB 2222, introduced earlier this year by Assemblymembers Chris Ward and Buffy Wicks, provides news organizations with a tax credit of $20,000 per full-time journalist up to five positions, with $15,000 for every additional journalist, beginning in 2027 and lasting through 2032. It is paid for by complying with a provision in President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” that eliminates a deduction for corporate executives who make more than $1 million in salary. “While President Trump continues to attack the free press, California is supporting independent journalism,” Newsom said in a statement. “A free press isn’t supposed to make government comfortable. It’s supposed to make government accountable.” Good: As it celebrates its 181st birthday, Fisherman’s Wharf will undergo much-needed repairs and rehabilitation in the coming weeks, work that had been paused during the tourist season. According to Monterey City Engineer Andrew Easterling, the first phase will take place above the water and will consist of repairing and replacing damaged handrails. That will be followed by underwater work to repair about 40 damaged pilings. However, no new piles will be driven. “They’ll be encasing the piles and sometimes injecting grout to essentially strengthen or rehabilitate the piles,” Easterling says. “Of course, when they’re working on the piles, they’ll be working below the wharf, so there will be minimal impacts to the public as they’re out there doing this important work.” The repair work is made possible through roughly $983,000 in general fund money approved by the Monterey City Council in July 2025 and should wrap up in the next few months. GREAT: It seemed the curtain had closed for Maya Cinemas when the business announced the downtown Salinas movie theater was closing permanently on Sept. 9. But less than a week later, the theater announced it will reopen on Friday, Oct. 9. The reopening follows a partnership announced Sept. 14 between Maya Cinemas, the City of Salinas, the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Salinas City Center Improvement Association and One Main Street. According to Colleen Bailey, president and CEO of the chamber, the organizations are working together to keep the longtime theater operating while developing a longer-term plan for the cinema. Maya Cinemas CEO Francisco Schlotterbeck said the theater will undergo interior improvements before reopening, including work in the lobby, restrooms and common areas. Independent and Spanish-language films are also expected to remain part of the theater’s programming. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY That’s how many relief checks the Community Association of Big Sur handed out to those affected by the Plaskett and Timber fires, totaling $305,700. The funds were distributed with support from the Community Foundation for Monterey County and private donors. Source: Community Association of Big Sur 942 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “No two [El Niños] are the same.” -Lamont Bain, National Weather Service science and operations officer, speaking during a winter storm preparedness town hall in Monterey on Sept. 30 (see story, montereycountynow.com/ newsletter). WHAT IS A TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX? Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is a local tax levied on travelers who stay in temporary lodgings like hotels, motels, and short-term rentals. This tax is paid by visitors and supports vital community services. 5 Key Community Benefits • Supports Roads, Bridges, and Waterways Upkeep • Funds Local Emergency Services • Helps Create a Strong Economic Climate • Encourages Investment & Local Job Growth • 100% of these Funds Stay Local The Transient Occupancy Tax ensures our county thrives, funded almost entirely by the people who come to visit. Learn more at CountyofMonterey.Gov Scan QR Code to learn more about the Transient Occupancy Tax
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 7 MONTEREY LEADERS AGREE: TYLLER WILLIAMSON “Monterey’s future cannot be secured by simply doing more of the same. If we want a City where the people who live here today—and the families, workers, and young people who will come after us— can continue to live and work here, we need leaders who can imagine and are willing to work for something better. Tyller Williamson has the courage to lead Monterey toward that future.” IS THE CLEAR CHOICE FOR MONTEREY MAYOR “As State Senator from the Central Coast, I represent 23 cities, working to bring state support to each and resolve issues they might have with state laws and agencies. Mayor Tyller Williamson stands out as a great partner as we work together on Monterey’s priorities including water, housing, transportation, and much more. I can count on him to reflect the perspectives of all Monterey residents, and look forward to continuing our collaboration to address these complex issues.“ tyllerformonterey.org Moving Monterey Forward Paid for by Tyller Williamson for Monterey Mayor 2026 FPPC #1487101 ADDITIONAL ENDORSEMENTS ORGANIZATIONS WHO IS TYLLER? Monterey City Councilmember (2018 to 2022) City of Monterey Mayor (2022 to present) HR professional for the Department of Veterans Affairs 13-year career at Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) B.A. from California State University, Monterey Bay Master of Business Administration from NPS Former Presidential Campaign Staffer Chair, Monterey One Water Board of Directors, Central Coast Community Energy Board of Directors, League of California Cities Board of Directors, Community Foundation for Monterey County Betty Yee, Former California State Controller Mark Stone, Former Assemblymember Wendy Root-Askew, Monterey County Supervisor Jane Parker, Former Monterey County Supervisor Mary Adams, Former Monterey County Supervisor Dave Potter, Former Monterey County Supervisor & Monterey Councilmember Ian Oglesby, Mayor of Seaside Scott Donaldson, Mayor of Del Rey Oaks Dr. Kim Barber, Monterey Councilmember Gino Garcia, Monterey Councilmember Libby Downey, MPC Board of Trustees & Former Monterey Councilmember Jeff Haferman, Former Monterey Councilmember Kevin Raskoff, Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District George Riley, Monterey Peninsula Water Management District PK Diffenbaugh, MPUSD Superintendent David Stocker, Monterey Planning Commissioner Bob Bluth, Monterey Planning Commissioner Eric Palmer, Monterey Planning Commissioner Scott Hanson, Neighborhood & Community Improvement Program (NCIP) Representative NOTE: Titles for Identification Purposes Only Monterey Firefighters, Local 3707 Monterey Bay Central Labor Council International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 234 Progress Monterey County Monterey County Renters United The Bay Area Municipal Elections Committee (BAYMEC) Equality California Supervisor Kate Daniels Senator John Laird “I am pleased to endorse Tyller Williamson for Monterey Mayor. Tyller has shown firm dedication to public service and demonstrates an absolute commitment to the best interests of the people of Monterey.” Assemblymember Dawn Addis
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com 831 Julie Drezner’s family dates back generations to Bethlehem, and was part of the estimated 700,000 to 750,000 Palestinians forced to leave their homes after the Nakba– Arabic for “catastrophe”—as the State of Israel was created in 1948. It is understandably an upsetting reality for Drezner’s family, but despite that, Drezner says she had never been active in Palestinian issues beyond reading about them. That is until May, when she attended a Bay Area screening of All That’s Left of You, a 2025 feature movie that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was an official entry for Best International Feature Film for the 2026 Oscars. It was directed by Cherien Dabis, a Palestinian-American actress, director, producer and screenwriter. Actors Mark Ruffalo and Javier Bardem are co-executive producers. The screening was hosted by Berkeleybased Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA). It chronicles seven decades of a fictional Palestinian family that lived in the city of Jaffa, where they lived a prosperous existence tending a large orange farm, until the Nakba. They are forced to leave and the father is violently expelled from their ancestral home and placed in a prison camp. It explores how that expulsion and the family’s transformation into refugees impacted the generations over the years. “It’s a story of displacement, loss, family, love and resilience,” Drezner says. “In some parts it’s really sweet, but in some parts it’s really horrendous. But because it’s a family and you’re engaged in the family’s journey, it tells it in a way that’s very personal.” At the conclusion of the screening, everyone in the audience sat in silence, says Drezner. The entire experience resonated so deeply with Drezner that she immediately wanted to bring the film to Monterey County. Her sister, who is involved in Palestinian advocacy, put her in touch with someone at MECA, which had purchased the film rights. They gave her a copy right away. “I’ve never done anything like this. This is not me,” the Carmel Valley resident says of her newfound activist role. Now retired from a career in philanthropic organizations, she and her husband Rob Drezner founded the Drezner Family Scholarship Program to help local community college students pursue degrees at four-year universities. Not sure where to begin, Drezner reached out to her neighbor Tony Salameh, whose Palestinian family was originally from Jerusalem, later immigrating to Jordan. Salome, also new to organizing anything as ambitious as a community film screening, suggested they work with his friend Nashwan Hamza, president of the Arab American Club of Monterey. Originally from Iraq, Hamza has lived on the Monterey Peninsula for 65 years. The collaboration expanded from there. Hamza encouraged Drezner and Salameh to reach out beyond local networks typically interested in the Palestinian cause. He suggested contacting churches, schools and other organizations to build a diverse audience. They thought they’d be lucky enough to attract 75 people—as of 10 days before the event, they had over 150 registrations. It’s being hosted by the Arab American Club and Language Studies at Monterey Institute of International Studies, with Hamza moderating a panel discussion afterward. “The main goal is that we really bring people to have a wider understanding of the history of the Palestinian people and their struggle,” Drezner says. “It offers an opportunity to experience and learn and engage in conversation.” Hamza says they will have a list of resources for audience members who feel compelled to engage in action themselves after the Monterey screening. For those who are unable to attend, the film is streaming on Apple and Amazon Prime, but Drezner wants people to come to the screening. Seeing it in a group, she says, makes it a more powerful experience. All That’s Left of You screens at 2-5:30pm Saturday, Oct. 10. Irvine Auditorium, Monterey Institute of International Studies, 499 Pierce St., Monterey. Free to attend; donations to the Middle East Children’s Alliance suggested. bit.ly/PalestinianfilmMonterey. Lifting the Veil A film about Palestinian struggles galvanizes a Carmel Valley woman to take action. By Pam Marino “It’s a story of displacement, family and resilience.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE DANIEL DREIFUSS Members of the group that is collaborating on the film screening, from left to right, include Rob Drezner, Julie Drezner, Tony Salameh and An McDowell. SERVICE BEFORE POLITICS—A RECORD SEASIDE CAN SEE. AFFORDABLE HOUSING & SENIORS • Board President, Hamilton Ellis Martin Plaza— 192 affordable housing units • Board Member, Villa Del Monte— 80 affordable housing units • Over 10 years supporting activities for Seaside older adults YOUTH & FAMILIES • Founder and Committee Chair— Seaside Stars • Founding member— Ladies First mentoring program • Seaside Rising Youth Leadership Academy • Christmas toy giveaways and holiday food distribution CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & DEMOCRACY • 8 years elected to the Democratic Central Committee • Board service with Monterey County Democratic Women • Over 20 years hosting voter registration drives • Census Committees service COMMUNITY, JUSTICE & VETERANS • Former NAACP Vice President • Founding member, Monterey County Black Caucus • Veteran’s Transition Center Stand Downs— 4 years • Reentry assistance for individuals returning from incarceration • 10 years with the Blue Ribbon Task Force • Service through The Links, Incorporated, including past vice-president leadership I would be honored to have your vote NOVEMBER 3, 2026
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 Scientists have discovered the key to STOPPING TRUMP. SCAN HERE TO TRACK YOUR BALLOT DA26_MCNowAd_4.66x5.57_r2.indd 1 10/1/26 3:15 PM Ken Fittro SEASIDE CITY COUNCIL Serving Seaside — Stronger Together KenFittro4Seaside.com Ken’s Priorities: • Public Safety • Infrastructure and Facilities • Affordable Housing • Youth and Older Adult Programs Paid for by Fittro for Seaside City Council 2026 FPPC#1490027 ✓ 40+ Year Seaside Resident ✓ Retired Special Education Teacher and Swim Coach ✓ Community Volunteer ✓ Advocate for Youth, Older Adults, and Families ✓ Comitted to a Stronger Seaside Ken with his wife Nancy Towne, Retired Seaside Recreation Director
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com NEWS In the 1980s, then-Apple chairman and CEO Mike Markkula purchased more than 9,000 acres in Carmel Valley for roughly $8 million. He built several structures, including a conference center, an airstrip, and a 5,821-square-foot home with six bedrooms, eight bathrooms and several guesthouses, all surrounded by oak savanna. When the nonprofit Wildlands Conservancy purchased Rana Creek Ranch for $35 million in 2023, the sprawling woodland habitat had grown to more than 14,000 acres. The organization had ambitious plans for the land, but never intended to keep the house. Now, that home plus 160 surrounding acres are on the market for $8.25 million. “We purchased it strictly using private funds because we envisioned that we would want to find a new owner for the estate house and its grounds,” says Frazier Haney, CEO of the Wildlands Conservancy. Haney says the ideal buyer would have a shared conservation vision for the land, and “really get handson in the preserve.” The estate is separate from the Wildlands Conservancy’s planned public-access areas, which include more than 12,000 acres slated for conservation. The nonprofit is studying future trails, water management, safety and visitor infrastructure, eventually planning to offer free hiking and camping with access planned from both the Carmel Valley and Salinas Valley sides. Grazing continues as an ecological and wildfire-management tool. The Esselen Tribe has acquired 2,000 acres. “Our focus is on restoring oaks and creeks and bringing back wildlife,” Haney says, “rather than trying to maintain what is a very beautiful house.” Home on the Ranch The Wildlands Conservancy puts Rana Creek Ranch home up for sale for $8.25 million. By Katie Rodriguez A Fullerton-based housing developer with a track record of proposing enormous developments under the state’s Builder’s Remedy law, then threatening jurisdictions with legal action, has brought three such proposals to Monterey County, including new proposals for two adjacent parcels on Highway 68, totaling over 950 apartments. Despite a growing concern among residents, the County’s planning director is expressing doubts the apartments will ever be built. The proposal could be the precursor to legal action against the County of Monterey, as evidenced by the developer’s actions against other jurisdictions in California. The developer, Ben Eilenberg, submitted an application on Sept. 20 for the largest of two parcels located on Highway 68 at Laureles Grade Road, across the street from a Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District station. The application calls for three 17-story buildings, 500,000 square feet each, with 752 apartments, 98 of them considered affordable. The application was submitted as coming from the “Roman Catholic Bishop of Monterey.” The two parcels do belong to the Diocese of Monterey and are currently offered for sale at $795,000, but Eilenberg filed the application. The Diocese did not respond to requests for comment. Eilenberg also declined to comment, “because the matter is now being handled by attorneys,” he says. On the adjacent parcel on Laureles Grade Road, Eilenberg has proposed a single 330,000-square-foot building with 200 units, 26 of those affordable. The County records state that the application was marked as voided on Sept. 20. In 2025, Eilenberg as Carmel Housing Group LLC, proposed a 200-apartment building on Viejo Road, in unincorporated Carmel, bordering the city of Monterey. The application was deemed incomplete over a year later on July 17. The application submitted this year for the three buildings on Highway 68 at Laureles Grade Road included architectural plans and renderings of the 17-story buildings. The County has billed Eilenberg more than $61,000 in developer’s fees. He paid $500 in March when he first requested an application. Until the rest of the fees are paid, the County will not formally accept the application, HCD Director Craig Spencer says. Once the application is formally received, a 30-day review period begins, as required under Builder’s Remedy law. “I don’t see there actually being a real project with any feasible future,” Spencer says, adding that the properties at Highway 68 and Laureles Road have no water or sewer service. Eilenberg, who previously worked as an attorney but is now ineligible to practice law in California due to multiple disciplinary actions, appears to be filing Builder’s Remedy applications around the state under different LLCs, followed by threats of legal action. In June, a federal judge dismissed a case brought by Eilenberg in Santa Barbara, according to the Santa Barbara Independent. The judge called the complaint “woefully short” on specific evidence, although he left an opportunity open to amend the case. Eilenberg also sued the city in 2025. A judge tentatively dismissed the lawsuit in April. Plans for Monterey Crest, as depicted in renderings submitted by the Monterey Housing Group, have not been deemed complete by County planners. Dubious Deal A Builder’s Remedy proposal for nearly 1,000 apartments on Highway 68 stirs concerns. By Pam Marino The Wildlands Conservancy has listed the estate at Rana Creek Ranch for sale for $8.25 million with the aim of finding a buyer with the same conservation vision as the nonprofit. “I don’t see there being a real project.” MONTEREY HOUSING GROUP SHERMAN CHU
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 Dawn Addis, California State Assembly Senator Bill Monning (Ret.), California State Senate Majority Leader Emeritus Chris Lopez, Supervisor District 3 Wendy Root Askew, Supervisor District 4 Kate Daniels, Supervisor District 5 David Pacheco, Seaside, Mayor Pro-Tem Alexis Garcia Arrazola, Seaside, City Council Rita Burks, Seaside, City Council Mary Ann Carbone, Mayor, Sand City Scott Donaldson, Mayor, Del Rey Oaks Anna Velazquez, Mayor, Soledad Tyller Williamson, Mayor, Monterey Tina Nieto, Monterey County Sheriff Mary Ann Leffel, Peninsula Airport District Mary Claypool, MCOE Rosalyn Green, MPC Trustee, Area 1 Jeff Uchida, MPUSD Trustee, Area 1 Bettye Lusk, MPUSD Trustee, Area 3 PK Diffenbaugh, MPUSD Superintendent Alvin Edwards, MPWMD Trustee, Division 1 Susan Schiavone, MPWMD Trustee (Elect) George T. Riley, MPWMD Trustee, Division 2 Byrl Smith, Fmr. MCOE Trustee Darryl Choates, Fmr. Seaside Council member Bennie Copper, Fmr. Seaside Police Chief Ruthie Watts Joy Anderson Marieta Aranda Samantha Chioino Salia Foliaki Linda Gardner Ron & Marie Guth (Ret. SPD) Judy Huynh Henry Junsay Michelle Rubio Moore Miriam “Cissie” Mull Brian Pratt Proudly Endoresed By: For full list of Endorsements use QR code * Titles are for ID only PAID FOR BY OGLESBY FOR MAYOR 2026 #1471515 JOIN OTHERS AND VOTE FOR EXPERIENCED AND TRUSTED LEADERSHIP. VOTE IAN OGLESBY FOR SEASIDE MAYOR NOV. 3 Dawn Addis, California State Assembly Senator Bill Monning (Ret.), California State Senate Majority Leader Emeritus Chris Lopez, Supervisor District 3 Wendy Root Askew, Supervisor District 4 Kate Daniels, Supervisor District 5 David Pacheco, Seaside, Mayor Pro-Tem Alexis Garcia Arrazola, Seaside, City Council Rita Burks, Seaside, City Council Mary Ann Carbone, Mayor, Sand City Scott Donaldson, Mayor, Del Rey Oaks Anna Velazquez, Mayor, Soledad Tyller Williamson, Mayor, Monterey Tina Nieto, Monterey County Sheriff Mary Ann Leffel, Peninsula Airport District Mary Claypool, MCOE Rosalyn Green, MPC Trustee, Area 1 Jeff Uchida, MPUSD Trustee, Area 1 Bettye Lusk, MPUSD Trustee, Area 3 PK Diffenbaugh, MPUSD Superintendent Alvin Edwards, MPWMD Trustee, Division 1 Susan Schiavone, MPWMD Trustee (Elect) George T. Riley, MPWMD Trustee, Division 2 Byrl Smith, Fmr. MCOE Trustee Darryl Choates, Fmr. Seaside Council member Bennie Copper, Fmr. Seaside Police Chief Ruthie Watts Joy Anderson Marieta Aranda Samantha Chioino Salia Foliaki Linda Gardner Ron & Marie Guth (Ret. SPD) Judy Huynh Henry Junsay Michelle Rubio Moore Miriam “Cissie” Mull Brian Pratt Proudly Endoresed By: For full list of Endorsements use QR code * Titles are for ID only PAID FOR BY OGLESBY FOR MAYOR 2026 #1471515 JOIN OTHERS AND VOTE FOR EXPERIENCED AND TRUSTED LEADERSHIP. VOTE IAN OGLESBY FOR SEASIDE MAYOR NOV. 3 Just Say NO to Proposition 39 California’s elections are secure. Passing Proposition 39 will lead to more rejected ballots, expose vote-by-mail voters to risk of identity theft, create a modern-day poll tax on Californians, and disproportionately harm women, voters with disabilities, naturalized citizens, and underrepresented communities. Learn more and get the facts at: https://lwvc.org/ballot-initiatives/ Council Meetings Pushed for fewer meetings Fought for a schedule that complies with the City Charter Council Pay Led the effort to increase Council pay Authored a referendum that gave voters the final say on the pay raise Election Costs Supported a costly special election for the pay increase Fought for a regularly scheduled November vote with negligible cost Council Benefits Supported taxpayer-funded medical benefits for elected officials Authored a City Charter amendment requiring voter approval for City Council pay raises and new benefits Local leaders and educators agree: Megan Whilden is the trusted choice for Monterey County Board of Education, Area 1 ElectMeganWhilden.com @ElectMeganWhilden Endorsed by Paid for by Megan Whilden for Area One Trustee for the Monterey County Board of Education 2026 FPPC#1497182
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com Most in Marina agree that the city is in dire need of new public facilities. But how to get there is a point of contention. The City estimates it needs $69.3 million to construct new police and fire stations, along with a city hall. It has $19.3 million secured through grants and other funding sources, according to City Manager Matt Mogensen. To make up the rest, the Marina City Council put a 7-percent utility users tax on the ballot, designated as Measure Q. Opponents say the tax percentage is too high, and is a general tax, meaning it can be used for any purpose, not just for new facilities. The utility tax would apply to water, gas, electricity, telecommunications and video services. According to the City, nearly 40 percent of households in Marina would qualify for a reduced 3.5-percent rate, if they are enrolled in PG&E’s CARE Program or are 65 or older and meet income requirements. While costs would vary by household, the City estimates it will cost $29 monthly per home. The tax does not have a sunset, and the council could reduce the rate or eliminate it in the future. The police and fire departments share a building built in 1993 that is operating at maximum capacity, but as Marina grows, so too does its emergency response times. Police Chief Randy Hopkins said during a Sept. 30 meeting that calls for service are up 20 percent in recent years, while Fire Chief Kristan Maurer said Marina Fire has well over a nine-minute response time to most areas of the city, nearly double the five-minute national average. City hall and the council chambers operate out of portable trailers built in 1975 and do not meet ADA accessibility standards. A group under the banner “Voters for Responsible Taxes” has organized against Measure Q. Marina resident John DiCarlo filed a petition in Monterey County Superior Court over what he said was misleading ballot language. The title and text focuses on public safety, yet DiCarlo said that implies advocacy on the City’s part, when the title should remain neutral. A judge denied the petition on Sept. 8 on the basis of timing (too close to Election Day and ballot-printing), but DiCarlo notes there is no court ruling on the merits of the issue. “This is a forever tax,” he said. “This is going to affect renters, homeowners, businesses. This is actually the highest [UUT] on the Peninsula.” This Nov. 3, voters in Salinas will decide if they keep or eliminate four housing-related ordinances, including an annual cap of 2.75 percent on rent increases for multi-family residences built before Feb. 1, 1995, and a rental registry. As the election approaches, money and manpower are pouring into the Measure H race in a David-vs.-Goliath battle. Protect Salinas Residents, the Yes on H group seeking to overturn the ordinances, has raised $729,228 since 2025. Protect Salinas Renters, the No on H group that wants to keep the ordinances in place, has been outfundraised more than 9-to-1, reporting $79,933 raised since 2025. Most of the Yes on H money comes from investment trust funds and large apartment operators. The largest donor is UDR Inc., which has contributed at least $273,975. UDR is a publicly traded real estate investment trust based in Colorado that owns, develops and manages apartments nationwide. According to its real estate portfolio, UDR owns seven communities in the Monterey Peninsula area with a total of 1,567 apartments at a carrying value of nearly $209 million. The Yes group has spent that money on ads on TV, newspapers and social media and distributed flyers across the city. One flyer claims voting to reject the ordinances is pro-affordable housing, provides lower rents and strong protections. Salinas’ ordinances actually provide stronger tenant protections than the state, with lower maximum rent increases of 2.75 percent compared to 10 percent, and three months’ rent instead of one for tenant relocation assistance when they are displaced for no-fault evictions. Another concern raised by Yes on H is privacy. Landlords are asked to provide personal information in the rental registry portal, including lease agreements and monthly rent. According to the ordinance, “the residential rental registry information shall be received in confidence.” The Weekly has filed a request for public records to view information publicly reported from the portal. Build Up Marina, faced with crumbling facilities, asks voters to consider a utility tax. By Erik Chalhoub NEWS GET THE SHOT Salinas Valley Health offers a community flu clinic. The clinic is open to all. 11am-2pm Saturday, Oct. 10. Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center, 850 Fifth St., Gonzales. Free. (831) 759-1890, salinasvalleyhealth. com/flu. LISTEN UP County Supervisor Chris Lopez hosts a listening session for San Lucas. Attendees are invited to share their thoughts about the community and county government. 6pm Monday, Oct. 12. San Lucas Elementary School, 53675 San Benito St., San Lucas. Free. (831) 755-5033, district3@countyofmonterey.gov. CENTER OF HEALTH Big Sur Health Center’s Health Fair offers free screenings, flu shots, nutrition advice, live music and more. Get the resources you need to live a healthy life. Noon-5pm Tuesday, Oct. 13. Big Sur Grange, 47090 Highway 1, Big Sur. Free. (831) 667-2580, bigsurhealthcenter.org. PUBLIC PROCESS Salinas City Council meets to consider city business. Public comment is accepted. 4pm Tuesday, Oct. 13. Council Chamber Rotunda, 200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas. Free. (831) 758-7381, salinas. gov. PARK AND POINT Monterey County Planning Commission considers day use reservation and shuttle systems for Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Public comment is accepted. 9am Wednesday, Oct. 14. Board of Supervisors’ Chambers, 168 West Alisal St., Salinas. Free. (831) 7555025, countyofmonterey.gov. LUNCH AND LEARN The League of Women Voters of Monterey County presents a talk on the pros and cons of California ballot propositions. The presentation covers the arguments in favor and against, along with financial contributors. Noon Wednesday, Oct. 12. Unitarian Universalist Church, 490 Aguajito Road, Carmel. $25/lunch (reserve by Monday, Oct. 12); free/presentation. (831) 236-1611, lwvmryco.org. FUNDS FOR FISH County of Monterey seeks applications for the Fish and Game Propagation Grant Program. Grants are awarded to projects that protect and enhance fish and wildlife resources. Deadline to apply is 5pm Nov. 6. (831) 755-4895, comry.us/ FishGameAdvisory. Lop Sided Fierce battle to sway voters continues in Salinas over rent stabilization ballot measure. By Celia Jiménez “Marina has been the face of kicking the can down the road in terms of getting its facilities,” says Steve Lee of the Yes on Q committee. “There’s a need for these buildings.” E-MAIL: publiccitizen@montereycountynow.com PUBLIC CITIZEN The City estimates it will cost $29 monthly per home. DANIEL DREIFUSS
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 atel.com EY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2026 • FPPC # 1493265 T. TRUSTEE. BUSINESS OWNER. COMMUNITY LEADER. I wo ld be hono ed o ear your v t . INDICIA HERE Patel for Monterey Board of Education 2026 PO Box 221642 Carmel, CA 93922 SERVING OUR SCHOOLS & COMMUNITY 20+ YEARS hool District Board Member School Boards Association President ecord of Service STUDENTS FIRST. EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY. MOCK ADDRESS FOR PROOFING ONLY Students First. Experienced Leadership. Fiscal Responsbility. PARENT. TRUSTEE. BUSINESS OWNER. COMMUNITY LEADER. ENDORSED BY ALL 7 MEMBERS OF THE MONTEREY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION ANNETTE YEE STECK, VP, Area 1 JOHN McPHERSON, Area 2 HEATHER OWEN, President, Area 3 VIRGINIA H. MENDOZA, Area 4 JAIME FERNANDEZ, Area 5 MARY CLAYPOOL, Area 6 SANDRA OCAMPO, Area 7 DR. DENEEN GUSS Monterey County Superintendent of Schools DAN BURNS Superintendent of Schools-Elect DR RALPH PORRAS Deputy Superintendent, Monterey County Office of Education SAM FARR Former U.S. Congressman PROVEN RECORD OF SERVICE 10 YEARS Carmel Unified School District Elected Governing Board Member 4 YEARS Monterey County School Boards Association President & Vice President 20 YEARS AllCare Pharmacy Owner & Operator ELECT RITA PATEL Monterey County Board of Education Trustee Area 1 20+ Years serving our schools & Communities I WOULD BE HONORED TO EARN YOUR VOTE. ElectRitaPatel.com PAID FOR BY PATEL FOR MONTEREY BOARD OF EDUCATION 2026 FPPC # 1493265 scan to learn more H I L LT O P 871 JESSIE STREET 831-646-3975 EL ESTERO 777 PEARL STREET 831-646-3873 Pre-registration by appointment only. Please call the Preschool location of your choice for a registration appointment. Visit www.monterey.gov/rec for more info. learn - engage - play - socialize Tuesday – friday, 3 hours per day THE CITY OF MONTEREY must be “potty” trained years 3-5 for ages preschool p r o g r a m World Affairs Council of the Monterey Bay Area (WACMB) October Lunch Event “Inside Ukraine: The Russian War” Wednesday, October 28th, 2026 Ambassador William Taylor U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine 2006 – 2009 Distinguished Fellow, Atlantic Council Approaching the 5th anniversary of Russia’s largescale invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainians are holding on the battlefield and are severely damaging Russian military capabilities, but the Ukrainians cannot defend against Russian ballistic missiles that are inflicting grave damage to Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Drawing on his extensive experience in Ukraine including his most recent visit in September, Ambassador Taylor will discuss the status of negotiations and prospects for ending the war. Registration 11:30am • Lunch 12pm • Program 12:45pm Reservations Required • Registration closes Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 $75 Member • $90 Non-Member - WACMB will accept auditors to this event Monterey Marriott - Ferrantes Bay View Room 350 Calle Principal, Downtown Monterey Visit our website www.wacmb.org or call (831) 643-1855 for information and reservations
14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com Many making their way across Fremont Boulevard near the borders of Monterey, Seaside and Del Rey Oaks may have noticed the ongoing traffic backups and ever-rotating lane closures needed to construct the Canyon Del Rey segment of the Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway, or FORTAG. Construction on the project began in August 2024 and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County anticipates that it will be completed by December. The segment is the first component of the larger 28-mile FORTAG project, which is intended to provide pedestrians, bicyclists and people with disabilities with a safer route in and around the former Fort Ord. The Canyon Del Rey segment runs from North Fremont Boulevard and Canyon Del Rey through Work Memorial Park and Del Rey Park, under Canyon Del Rey into the corner of the Frog Pond Wetland Reserve, back up to Carlton Drive, then to Plumas Avenue, ending at Del Rey Woods Elementary School. A new roadway bridge on Canyon Del Rey (Highway 218) is nearing completion, and will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to pass under the road through a 10-and-a-half-foot-tall passage. On Sept. 22, the Del Rey Oaks City Council received an update about the project from TAMC Executive Director Todd Muck. The mayor and council members voiced frustration and concerns about the execution of construction so far, including rebar jutting from walls, damage to the city’s corporate yard and visible cracks in new concrete, among other issues. Muck assured the council that the items were included in a “punch list” that the contractor, Graniterock, is required to complete before the job is done. Muck said that some at TAMC have also been frustrated. “We do have to get to the end and find out if we’re all happy, and if we’re not, we have to resolve it,” Muck said. TAMC Community Outreach Coordinator Theresa Wright says it is typical for a construction project to have a list of remaining tasks, and the construction contract will remain in effect through February 2027 to allow for completion of any remaining contract requirements. “In this case, our project team is maintaining a punch list of any incomplete, damaged or incorrect work that must be fixed before the job is fully finished and final payment is released,” she says. “An example of a punch list item is the handrails on Carlton [Drive] that had installation issues that are in the process of being resolved.” The construction contract was awarded at $20.7 million, with $9.2 million from a grant and the remaining $11.5 million from Measure X. Carlton Drive reopened on Sept. 28 after a five-month closure due to the construction. TAMC is working on the design for two upcoming FORTAG segments: the California Avenue segment, which will begin construction in 2027 and run from Patton Parkway to Imjin Road in Marina, and the Jerry Smith segment from Imjin Road to the Jerry Smith Trailhead, set to begin in 2028. End in Sight As the first segment of FORTAG nears completion, officials voice concerns. By Aric Sleeper The first segment of the FORTAG project includes work currently underway on improvements such as sidewalks, curb ramps and traffic signals at Fremont Boulevard and Canyon Del Rey. NEWS “We do have to get to the end and find out if we’re all happy.” DANIEL DREIFUSS www.folktalewinery.com For more information and to see all of our events and experiences please scan th QR code FALL AT FOLKTALE THE HARVEST EXPERIENCE THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES DINE IN THE VINES WINE SENSORY EXPERIENCE
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15 The Hartnell Community College board is guaranteed to see a set of fresh faces, some with lengthy experience in government and higher education. Others have none at all. Six candidates are vying for three seats on the Hartnell Governing Board this Nov. 3, and no incumbents are seeking reelection. The trustees oversee the college, vote on how it spends its money (Hartnell spent over $180 million in the 2024-2025 budget), approve hiring decisions and more. The board consists of trustees representing seven areas across Monterey County, Hartnell President Michael Gutierrez and a student representative. Either Felicia Perez Kausin or Patricia Coyt will take over the incumbent Ray Montemayor’s Area 5 seat. Perez Kausin’s priorities are wraparound services for child care, mental health and more, and hiring faculty. She ran once before in 2007 and lost. Her largest single donor, the Salinas Valley Leadership Group, has donated $5,900 to her campaign. A Hartnell graduate herself, Coyt wants to focus on keeping classes up to date, transportation issues and increasing graduation rates. Her endorsements include Montemayor, who is not seeking reelection, and Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo. She has not reported any campaign donations. In Area 6, which encompasses roughly Chualar to Soledad, incumbent Cesar Iracheta will be followed by either Rosalie Sanchez or Sofia Ramirez. Given the 3,500-home Vista Lucia development in Gonzales, which would double the number of homes in the city over 30 years, both hope to add a Hartnell satellite campus in Gonzales. Ramirez says her priorities would be assistance for low-income students, expanding career and technical education and workforce training. She is an executive assistant at the Alisal Union School District, where she’s worked for 17 years. Sanchez wants to support partnerships between Hartnell College and high schools, and serves on many committees, including as president of the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce, a juror on the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury and more. Both are endorsed by the Monterey County Democratic Party and have not reported any campaign donations. Area 7 represents the lower half of South County, from Greenfield to the county line. Competing for incumbent Candi DePauw’s spot are John Huerta Jr. and Nancy Reyes. Huerta was mayor of Greenfield until he was recalled in 2017, and a former public works superintendent for the County of Monterey. He wants to expand career technical education by working with businesses to determine workforce priorities. He hopes to bring knowledge about state legislation to improve policy at the local level. He is endorsed by Progress Monterey County. An elementary school secretary in the King City Union School District, Reyes would like to see the expansion of programs in South County. She has not received any endorsements. While she says she doesn’t know if she’s the best candidate, she says she is invested in meeting students’ needs. Asking for Trust Six candidates vie for three Hartnell Community College trustee seats. By Chrissa Olson Felicia Perez Kausin says she decided to run for the Hartnell board at her friends’ encouragement. She is seeking to represent Area 5, primarily encompassing East Salinas. NEWS Both Area 6 candidates hope to expand Hartnell to Gonzales. DANIEL DREIFUSS PrEsEnTeD In PaRtNeRsHiP By SaTuRdAy, OcToBeR 10 •4:00-7:00Pm CaRmElCaLiFoRnIa.CoM/MeEtThEmAkErS FoR TiCkEtS by The Band & Monterey Symphony Musicians ScAn FoR DeTaIlS &TiCkEtS VC-257 Meet the Makers_2026_Weekly_Ad_4.66x11.32_Final2.indd 1 9/29/26 6:40 PM
16 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 8-14, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com WORDS MATTER Part of [the work] is knowing the culture (“Defense Language Institute moves to remove perceived DEI language from classrooms,” Sept. 24-30). If you’re assigned as a [Foreign Area Officer] your understanding of culture and relaying that information to the command is critical. Shawn Poulin | via social media The DLI mission, and translators as a whole, are becoming completely irrelevant anyway. Super Intelligence (SI) can nearly perfectly translate and extract intel from transmissions and script faster than humans nowadays. And SI does not care about DEI, but is rooted in facts. Jason Harms | via social media I’m a graduate of DLI and learning the target language included becoming steeped in the culture where that language is spoken. DEI-type innuendo is a uniquely Western/American phenomenon and teaching such concepts to Americans being trained to interpret or even integrate into another culture is at best rather pointless and at worst a complete waste of time and resources. David Nicholson | via social media If you think other countries do not discuss diversity, equity, inclusion, LGBTQ+ issues or race, then you are about as ridiculous as the notion that we should make our linguists less educated in their target language. The languages taught at DLI are not just for SIGINT [Signals Intelligence], HUMINT [Human Intelligence], for FAO, even for the State Department. There is no valid rationale for diminishing education or resources, it’s purely based on the ideology of this administration. Adrian Stone | via social media [This is] how dictatorships work. Roger Kern | via social media Words matter. That’s why DEI advocates introduced these terms over time. Time to remove them and talk like we are intelligent adults again. Larry Lycett | Santa Cruz MAYORAL MAYHEM Witch hunt, check your closets for past skeletons (“Monterey mayoral candidate takes on the local press and suspected sources,” Oct. 1-7). Carolyn DiMaggio | Gardnerville, Nevada It’s called disclosure of facts, verified by public records. Truth is an absolute defense to a claim for defamation. The only one who is on a “witch hunt,” to use your misplaced phrase, is Mr. Malfitano who is fishing for production of personal records of unrelated parties to the current restraining order application filed against him. His mobster style campaign tactics of harassment, bullying and intimidation only confirm his questionable character, as does his past record. He chose to put both his character and record at issue when he decided to run for public office. Many national candidates have quit their races when similar records were discovered. Time for him to withdraw from the mayoral race. Kala Fossum | Monterey When someone runs for public office they open themselves and their past for public scrutiny, especially if it involves matters of public concern. This criticism is generally covered by the First Amendment. If a candidate doesn’t want their past history to be discussed and examined, they probably shouldn’t run for a public office asking for the trust of the community. Own up to the past and explain, or don’t run. Many voters do their due diligence and research a candidate before voting. Shelly Schmidt | Monterey MEASURE UP I appreciate that the Weekly editorial board introduced this article by suggesting that our local governmental system needs major reform, whether or not any particular ballot measure is a good idea (“Our endorsements on local ballot measures and state propositions on the Nov. 3 ballot,” Oct. 1-7). I’ve long felt we need a regional approach to problem solving, and the Weekly has gone one step further by suggesting a consolidation of our individual bureaucracies. We certainly do need to do something before the standard of living here is destroyed by poorly placed hotels, never-ending gridlock and underfunded public services. Corey Thornburg Brunson | Monterey I see you are very hard pressed to find any tax that you do not approve of. Two things you might consider: First, every time a tax is implemented, another hard-working person falls below the poverty line—every time. Second, the national debt is $40 trillion. In fact, I doubt you can find a single government entity in this country that is not deeply in arrears. We are broke. Richard Hellam | Seaside Your numerous endorsements for the tax measures that will be on the November ballot has again influenced my decision to do the opposite and vote NO! Vince Tuminello | Pacific Grove Monterey County Weekly editors’ logic: Let’s just support raising taxes across the board rather than holding elected officials, city planners and city managers accountable for their mismanaging of funds. Let the taxpayers eat cake. Jeff Perrine | Marina I can’t believe your logic for endorsing Proposition 40, the billionaire tax (“Our endorsements: Yes on Prop. 40”). It’s flawed and “the clear winners will be the lawyers.” Please don’t ask me to cheer for the dog running in a circle trying to catch its tail. The result of a California tax on billionaires will result in them hopping in their private jets and flying away. We need a national billionaire’s tax. When you have had good fortune in your life and you choose to build fences instead of making your table longer, you give off an odor. Say no to half-measures. Tony Amarante | Seaside Innkeepers helped establish the Hospitality Improvement District to attract overnight guests whose spending supports shops, restaurants and city services. The city has shared tremendously in that success (“Our 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. LETTERS continues on pg. 18
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