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
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