OCTOBER 15-21, 2026 MONTEREYCOUNTYNOW.COM LOCAL & INDEPENDENT HOMELESS STUDENTS 11 | TWIN PEAKS ON STAGE 28 | SING WITH HEART 32 | EAT YOUR VEGETABLES 38 Speed of Light Artist Rex Ray’s monumental body of work brings color—and a story—to the Monterey Museum of Art. p. 18 By Agata Popęda
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 15-21, 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.montereycountyweekly.com OCTOBER 15-21, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 3 OCTOBER 15-21, 2026 • ISSUE #1994 • ESTABLISHED IN 1988 Susanna McGuire-Jewell (iPhone 15) If you build it, they will burn. The scene at Monterey Beach about an hour after sunset Sunday, Oct. 11, when the annual Burning Man Regional event, MPyre, lit up the local interpretation of The Man. MONTEREY COUNTY PHOTO OF THE WEEK Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@montereycountynow.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: Enter the colorful world of artist Rex Ray. His retrospective exhibit, Rex Ray: We Are All Made of Light, is on display at the Monterey Museum of Art until Jan. 17. Cover art: Courtesy of Gallery 16 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
4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 15-21, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH Few people get unfettered access into local government quite like those serving on the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury, a jury of 19 residents meant to find ways to improve efficiency and investigate the County of Monterey, cities and districts. But this year, unless you’re willing to trek out to the County Clerk’s office in person, you won’t know who they are. One grand jury member said an incident led to the names no longer being published online in order to not publicize personal information of jurors. The foreperson, Douglas Smith, confirmed the jury requested their names be taken down in 2025, but wouldn’t confirm why. There’s no law requiring that the names of jurors be published. The California constitution states that each county must form a civil grand jury. While they have court and county liaisons that allow them access to interviews and information about county operations, their power ends at the ability to give recommendations. It’s not particularly hard to end up on the jury either—Smith says they “desperately” need more people to help. Compensation is $15 per day of meetings. Good: After 15 years, radio station KRML (94.7FM) has finally moved into a venue better suited to accommodate the team and their equipment. The station had been at the Carmel Valley Athletic Club, and on Sept. 18, relocated to Golden State Theatre in Monterey. (In June, Craig Vachon and Rhonda HowardVachon of Carmel purchased KRML from the company that owns CVAC.) Engineering work continues on two studios and a small venue to host musicians, with hope that the main studio will be wired up this week. “We’re still in construction mode, building out the studios,” says General Manager Jeff White. Public events at the new digs are expected to start in the coming months, thanks to a bigger space that can include a small audience, not just the band. “We can bring in our listeners in a way we never were before,” White says. “The goal is to become more than just a radio station.” GREAT: For the first time in California, labgrown sunflower sea stars have been temporarily roaming the ocean floor in Monterey Bay. The species became functionally extinct in 2013-2014 due to a strain of the bacterium Vibrio pectenicida. Moss Landing-based nonprofit Sunflower Star Laboratory has been working on breeding efforts for the stars over the years, with the eventual plan to reintroduce them back into the wild. Over the summer, the Sunflower Star Laboratory got one step closer to that goal, leading a collaborative research project which took 16 of these sea stars out to Tankers Reef in the Monterey Bay. During a number of sessions over the span of a couple months, a team of divers monitored the invertebrates for two hours at a time, including observing their feeding habits, collecting data before bringing the sea stars back to the lab for analysis. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY That’s how much Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop in Carmel has donated in scholarships and grants to local charities since it was founded in 1989. The shop celebrates the milestone on Saturday, Oct. 17. Source: Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop QUOTE OF THE WEEK “We have been deeply concerned for those who became ill.” -Taylor Farms CEO Bruce Taylor, responding to the cyclospora outbreak while outlining expanded safety protocols (see story, montereycountynow.com/news). $10 million Cynthia Garfield Pacific Grove Council - District 1 Vote Endorsed by: Monterey County Weekly Monterey Bay Action Committee Monterey County Hospitality Association Monterey County Democrats Monterey County Democratic Women PG Progressives LOCAL experience LOCAL knowledge LOCAL committment Years of service Caring for parks, shore and bay Honoring our city’s history and character Strengthening city finances Supporting businesses Supporting housing options for seniors, young families, residents Addressing visitor impact www.CynthiaGarfieldDistrict1.net Garfield for Council 2026 FPPC#1492380 ENDORSED BY: Paid for by Nick Smith for Mayor 2026, FPPC #1492151 WWW.NICKSMITHFORMAYOR.COM
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 15-21, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 831 Paula Petrosky and Brett Veschecco are chatting as they take a walk through Petrosky’s neatly landscaped backyard in Salinas, filled with succulents, cacti and native plants. It looks like a leisurely garden stroll, but there’s a purpose: Veschecco, a physical therapist for Central Coast VNA & Hospice, is walking just behind Petrosky taking mental notes about how well she is walking a few weeks after her hip replacement surgery. Since Veschecco arrived at Petrosky’s home for this, his sixth and final visit before she heads to outpatient rehabilitation the following week, he’s been assessing how well she’s moving about while peppering her with questions. He starts at the kitchen table taking her vital signs. “It’s graduation day, Paula. What do you want to work on?” he asks her. Petrosky says she walked a mile already that morning. Her pain is “nothing big,” she says. “I’m happy with the progress and how it’s all gone.” A few weeks earlier, the day after she arrived home after surgery, Veschecco helped her in twice-weekly visits learn how to navigate everyday actions like getting in and out of the bathtub or the car, managing medications and using a walker as she walked around the block. By now she’s walking well without any assistance. Petrosky says having someone come into the home to provide care helps patients heal and avoid setbacks. “It really saves that return to the hospital,” she says. In-home visits post surgery are just one of three main programs offered by VNA, now celebrating 75 years in the region that includes Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito and South Santa Clara counties. In addition to VNA Home Health—which includes specialty care for orthopedic, cardiac, diabetic and palliative issues—the nonprofit offers hospice care and community services like vaccinations and health screenings. (In-home services are available with a doctor’s referral and are covered primarily by insurance.) VNA was created in 1951 by a group of volunteers as the Monterey Peninsula Visiting Nurse Association. They had a single nurse making one home visit every other day on the Monterey Peninsula. Today, the agency has more than 200 employees and 35 volunteers with roughly 220 home visits every day covering all of Monterey County and beyond, says Jane Russo, VNA’s CEO. Last year, VNA workers made more than 73,000 visits in the county, serving over 3,800 patients. Volunteers contributed nearly 40,000 hours. “We are who we are because of our people,” Russo says. A good portion of home visits are for the VNA Hospice program, helping people in their final months, weeks and days of life, as well as offering support to their families. Ann McKechnie, a medical social worker, and Britta Ballerini, a registered nurse, who both work for VNA, call their work in hospice a calling. “This is my favorite. I love hospice,” says McKechnie, a little misty eyed as she speaks. “We provide a really good service. People do need a good hospice program at the end of life, so you can die at home the way you want to die. Every plan of care we have is individualized—we do what the patient wants.” Ballerini, a case manager RN for 10 years, says, “It’s such an honor to be allowed to be part of that part of life—to be allowed into their homes at this fragile time in their life—and try to support them as best as we can and meet them where they are.” A team of people cares for each patient, including a hospice physician, nurse practitioner, social workers, peer counselors, home health aides and others. Someone is available 24/7 to answer questions. They go wherever the patients are—in private homes, assisted living facilities and, in one case, to someone who was homeless. In recent years the VNA has been expanding its offerings to the community and filling health care gaps. It has added palliative care for those with long-term illnesses, grief support for families and community members and forged partnerships with other health organizations such as the Aspire Health Plan and Central Coast Alliance for Health. As the VNA heads into the future, Russo says the agency hopes to further expand by adding more volunteers throughout the organization to support its work. Enduring Visit Central Coast VNA & Hospice celebrates 75 years of helping people heal at home. By Pam Marino “We do what the patient wants.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE NIK BLASKOVICH Paula Petrosky takes a walk in her Salinas garden with physical therapist Brett Veschecco as she recovers from hip replacement surgery. In-home visits are part of the programs offered by the Central Coast VNA & Hospice. Advocate for Patients Clinical Quality Expert promoting best practices Assisted hospital to achieve CMS 5 Star rating in 2024, & current 4 Star Understands hospital operations & finances after 40 yrs experience Added a dashboard with safety and clinical metrics to monitor harm to patients Was on the CEO Search Committee for Dr. Radner Supported SVH becoming an Age-Friendly hospital Please Vote on or before NOVEMBER 3rd Re-Elect Catherine Carson, RN, BSN, MPA, CPHQ To Board of Directors, Salinas Valley Health Paid for by Catherine Carson, FPPC# 1451953
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 15-21, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com NEWS There’s a saying about flu seasons, says Kristy Michie, an epidemiologist and assistant director of public health for the County of Monterey: “If you’ve seen one flu season, you’ve seen one flu season.” In other words, influenza never acts the same way twice. This year, the virus has arrived early in the U.S., as evidenced by rising test positivity levels, among other indicators. In Monterey County, recent test positivity results are at 9 percent, compared to the past two seasons at this time when results were at 1 percent. The current rate is where the county generally is after Thanksgiving. It’s unclear if anyone has been hospitalized for flu in Monterey County— hospitals are not required to report patients admitted for flu. Michie says the number of flu-related visits are up. Statewide, at least 47 adults have died since August from flu-related complications. The early start to the season is why officials are urging people to get vaccinated as early as possible. “Now is the time,” Michie says. “To wait until later is not a good strategy.” The recommendation in California is for anyone aged 6 months and older to be vaccinated to avoid serious illness and hospitalization, especially those most vulnerable: children under age 5, people age 65 and older, pregnant women and anyone with medical conditions putting them at higher risk. There are free clinics throughout the county; a list is available at bit. ly/MCFluclinics2026. Pharmacies are another resource and Central Coast VNA & Hospice is holding drive-up clinics 10am-2pm every Friday through Oct. 30 at 5 Lower Ragsdale Drive in Monterey. The agency takes insurance for no-cost vaccines. Jump Start The flu season has officially arrived early; officials urge vaccinations as soon as possible. By Pam Marino Since March 9, 2026, when a three-alarm fire ignited from an unknown source around 3:45am in the Casanova Plaza apartment complex in Monterey, the residents— many elderly, disabled and low-income—have endured months of displacement, living out of hotels and with friends and relatives. All the while, their possessions were trapped inside due to safety concerns and legal restrictions until early October, when the Housing Authority of the County of Monterey allowed residents back into their old apartments. Because many residents are physically unable to move their belongings, All-In Monterey County and Mod Movers stepped up to help. The nonprofit has provided the displaced residents with about $300,000 in donations. “When they moved into their new places we bought every single one of them a new mattress, end tables, lamps, pots and pans and groceries,” says All-In President Tonya Kosta. Dozens of former residents have filed a claim for damages against the City of Monterey. The claim, which may be a precursor to a lawsuit, was filed in September on behalf of 54 former Casanova Plaza residents. The claim asserts that the City of Monterey’s responsibilities in the matter may include “building inspection, fire inspection, code enforcement, permitting, fire prevention, emergency response, evacuation, rescue, post-incident property access, contamination response, relocation assistance, public safety and related governmental functions.” City officials, the claim alleges, “may be responsible for acts and omissions that caused or contributed to the fire, its spread and severity, the inability of occupants to be timely warned and to escape, and the resulting injuries, deaths and damages.” The claims include those related to personal injury, displacement, relocation, loss of access to property and economic loss. In addition, one claimant, Jason Greer, has a wrongful death claim related to his mother, Mary Teresa Haney, who was transported to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula on the day of the fire. She was discharged but later returned to the hospital, where she died on May 1. According to the claim, her death resulted from smoke inhalation from the fire, although the cause of her death is still under investigation. Doreen Ellis, who lived on the building’s third floor and died from the fire, is not a part of the claim. The claim cites smoke detectors that failed to activate or were not operational, the absence of sprinkler systems, fire alarm and warning systems that did not adequately warn occupants, deteriorated or inadequate electrical systems, wall heaters and related equipment—inadequate means of egress and evacuation for occupants, including those with disabilities and mobility limitations— and other physical conditions of the building that contributed to the origin, spread, or severity of the fire, impaired detection and warning or impaired the ability of occupants to escape. The claim doesn’t specify a monetary amount, only that it exceeds $10,000. It was discussed by the Monterey City Council in closed session on Oct. 6, and City Attorney Christine Davi stated there was no reportable action. Volunteers from All-In Monterey County helped displaced residents of Casanova Plaza reunite with their possessions, which were trapped in the building since March. Past Due Displaced residents of Casanova Plaza apartments file a damage claim against the City of Monterey. By Aric Sleeper Eric Oros receives a flu shot at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula on Oct. 5. Getting vaccinated sooner is recommended by health officials an early flu season. Dozens of former residents have filed a claim for damages. DANIEL DREIFUSS DANIEL DREIFUSS
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 15-21, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 7 FREE COMMUNITY FLU CLINIC & HEALTH FAIR Flu vaccines provided by Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic No appointment needed Aurora Robledo, MD Family Medicine In partnership with We believe vaccinations save lives. Sunday, October 25 12:00pm–3:00pm Castroville Elementary School 11161 Merritt Street Castroville, CA 95012 • FREE flu vaccines • Health fair and community resources • Monterey County Food Bank food truck and produce truck(while supplies last) • $250 Visa Gift Card and other rae prizes • Kids activities provided by the Monterey County Health Alliance High School Club For more information about our FREE Community Flu Clinics, scan the QR code or contact the Health Promotion Department at 831-759-1890. Mixteco Flier Audio Interpretation
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 15-21, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com After a family member’s water ran brown when an AI data center set up shop next to their home, CSU Monterey Bay student Andres Chavez was motivated to attend a protest on campus against the AI that has become ubiquitous on campus. About 20 people gathered on the Student Union lawn on Monday, Oct. 12. The protesters held up signs against AI to protest California State University’s contract with OpenAI for ChatGPT Edu, citing environmental impacts and the degradation of the ability to think for oneself. “You should consult your own brain,” says Zara McClure, a first-year marine science student. Their protest was part of a larger week of action on other CSU campuses. Cori Lopez, organizer of the protest and president of the CSUMB Sunrise Movement chapter, says they sense a broader dislike for AI among students. CSU partnered with OpenAI in 2025 to provide 460,000 students and 63,000 faculty and staff members with their product, ChatGPT Edu. According to OpenAI, ChatGPT Edu is an enhanced version of its regular chatbot, and can help with data analysis, planning and coursework. The February 2025 contract cost CSU $17 million for 18 months. They renewed it in 2026, agreeing to pay OpenAI $13 million annually for three years. The tool is provided for free to students. In a statement, CSU spokesperson Amy Bentley-Smith said CSU respects the rights of students to voice their opinions, and that higher education has a responsibility to prepare students for shifts in industries due to AI. The students who use ChatGPT Edu at CSUMB far outnumbered the students protesting against it: About 83 percent of 1,335 CSUMB students polled in 2025 said they used it, according to a San Diego State University poll. Despite the widespread use, students haven’t completely bought into the technology: Of 1,381 CSUMB students polled, nearly 70 percent said they disagreed with the statement that they trusted AI algorithms to provide accurate information. A few hundred feet away from the protest, students studied inside the Otter Student Union. There, third-year biology student Robby Torres says that he supported the contract, and that ChatGPT had been helpful with breaking down difficult concepts and planning his schedule. But as a tutor, he notices some students becoming dependent, reaching for it to do their homework for them. “It’s a useful tool as long as people know not to abuse it,” Torres says. The Monterey County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 on Oct. 13 to permit the Sheriff’s Office to enter a contract with Axon Enterprises to spend $3 million on drones until 2034. The lone dissenting vote was Supervisor Luis Alejo, who wanted a smaller contract. The Sheriff’s Office would deploy Skydio drones through Axon Enterprises. They say that the drones could be used as first responders to reply to calls for service, and quickly cross large geographies. The stock of drones would reach a peak of 18 by 2030, and the contract is structured to refresh the amount of drones available over their lifetime. Cmdr. Scott Davis said that Sheriff Tina Nieto promised she would include the future funding in the existing budget rather than ask for more money. Supervisor Wendy Root Askew expressed her disdain toward repeated budget requests from the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office would cover a roughly $115,000 price tag for the first year, and then account for it in future budgets. Davis asked for three different Skydio drone models with varying capabilities: one can provide thermal imaging, another is barely a foot long and can navigate indoors, and another nearly 5-foot-long drone that can travel at 100 miles per hour. All of the multiple public commenters spoke against the drones. Michelle Welsh of the Monterey County chapter of the ACLU, called for studies of the technology. Commenters also mentioned that the ask came on the heels of the county denying a $1.7 million contract with Flock to maintain a system of 63 cameras over the course of 10 years. In regards to privacy concerns, Davis reasoned that drones couldn’t simply be deployed around a neighborhood without a reason to look for something, which Supervisor Kate Daniels noted was the exact reason she opposed Flock. The Sheriff’s Office created its drone program in 2016, including policies for use. They currently have two functional drones. Chat It Up CSUMB students demonstrate against CSU’s contract with OpenAI to provide ChatGPT. By Chrissa Olson NEWS PREPARE FOR THE WORST The next Carmel Prepares series focuses on earthquakes, tsunamis and El Niño. Speakers include Earth scientist Gary Griggs and Carmel Police Chief Todd Trayer. 10-11am Saturday, Oct. 17. Sunset Cultural Center, Carpenter Hall, 908 San Carlos St., Carmel. Free. (831) 624-6403. BE PROTECTED Salinas Valley Health offers a community flu clinic open to all. 4-7pm Monday, Oct. 19. Alisal High School, 777 Williams Road, Salinas. Free. (831) 759-1890, salinasvalleyhealth.com/flu. ON THE DAIS Monterey County Board of Supervisors meet to consider various County business items. Public input is accepted. 9am Tuesday, Oct. 20. Board of Supervisors chambers, 168 W. Alisal St., Salinas. Free. (831) 755-5066, countyofmonterey.gov. HIRING NOW Monterey County Works hosts a job fair to connect local employers in the transportation industry with job seekers. Attendees are encouraged to bring their résumés. 1:30-3:30pm Wednesday, Oct. 21. Career Center, 344 Salinas St., Suite 205, Salinas. Free. (831) 796-3335. Register at montereycountyworks.com. ROAD WORK Caltrans and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County host a meeting about the Highway 101 South of Salinas project. Learn more about the long-term corridor improvement plan. 3:30-6pm Wednesday, Oct. 21. Ag Commissioner’s Meeting Room, 1428 Abbott St., Salinas. Free. bit.ly/ Hwy101SouthofSalinas. BEFORE THE STORM Monterey County Supervisor Kate Daniels hosts a meeting about El Niño preparation. 5:30-7pm Wednesday, Oct. 21. Virtual. Register at bit.ly/Oct21D5ElNino. PLAN AHEAD Learn how to prepare for a fire and evacuate in case of an emergency. North County Fire and other agencies share information. 6:30pm Wednesday, Oct. 21. Prunedale Grange, 17890 Moro Road, Prunedale. Free. (831) 633-2578, ncfpd.org. SCREEN SAFE Families can learn how to keep teens safe online. Community Schools and the Youth Safety Network present a workshop on cybersecurity and the dangers of social media. 5:30pm Thursday, Oct. 22. Pinnacles High School, 690 Main St., Soledad. Free. (831) 678-3950, soledadusd.org. Taking Flight Board of Supervisors approve a $3 million contract with Axon for drones for the Sheriff’s Office. By Chrissa Olson About 20 students gathered on Monday, Oct. 12 to protest the CSU system’s contract with OpenAI to provide ChatGPT Edu to students. E-MAIL: publiccitizen@montereycountynow.com PUBLIC CITIZEN “You should consult your own brain.” DANIEL DREIFUSS
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 15-21, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 “I worked closely with Alec Manas in his former legislative postion. He knows the area, he knows how to get things done, and he has the experience and drive to face the challenges Monterey faces - whether on water, housing, and making sure everyone is heard in the process” “Alec Manas brings a proven commitment to public service and a deep understanding of the issues facing our communities. Through his work with CHISPA and as a representative for Assemblymember Mark Stone, he has advocated for affordable housing, working families, and effective government. He will bring that experience, integrity, and dedication to City Council.” Senator John Laird Supervisor Kate Daniels Vote Alec Manas for Monterey City Council, District 2 A new, trusted voice for city leadership. Ready to work forward, together. “I’m thrilled to support Alec Manas for Monterey City Council. Alec was a valued member of my legislative team, serving communities across the Monterey Bay and Central Coast. I saw firsthand his ability to understand complex issues, work collaboratively, and always keep the people we served at the center of his work. I know Alec will bring that same collaborative approach to the Monterey City Council and work hard to deliver results for the people he represents.” Mark Stone - Former California State Assemblymember Manas for Monterey City Council 2026 P.O. Box 575 Monterey 93942 ALEC MANAS Elect Monterey City Council, District 2 manasformonterey.org Born and raised in Monterey County with a B.A. from CSU Sacramento. Former aide to Assemblymember Mark Stone, representing the 29th Assembly District on California’s Central Coast. Currently a Project Manager for CHISPA, the largest private, non-profit affordable housing developer based in Monterey County. Betty Yee, Former California State Controller Mark Stone, Former California State Assemblymember Wendy Root Askew, Monterey County Supervisor Tyller Williamson, Monterey Mayor Gino Garcia, Monterey City Councilmember Dr. Kim Barber, Monterey City Councilmember Libby Downey, Former Monterey Councilmember Jane Parker, Former Monterey County Supervisor Progress Monterey County Monterey County Renters United Bob Bluth, Monterey Planning Commissioner Eric Palmer, Monterey Planning Commissioner Scott Hanson, NCIP Representative Amy Stocker, NCIP Representative Jil Johnson, NCIP Representative Shelly Schmidt, NCIP Representative Chelsea Lenowska, NCIP Alt Representative Matt Huerta, Affordable Housing Advocate Esther Malkin, Affordable Housing Advocate *Titles and affiliations are for identification purposes only. Paid for by Manas for Monterey City Council 2026 • FPPC # 1467510 ENDORSEMENTS ABOUT ALEC PRIORITIES Responsible city finances and infrastructure Thoughtful housing solutions A City government that listens Supporting public safety and small businesses “I’m running for Monterey City Council because local government should be accessible, responsive, and connected to the everyday lives of the people it serves. I want to work with residents to protect what makes Monterey special while planning responsibly for what comes next.” - Alec Manas Vote by Election day Nov. 3rd Endorsed by the
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 15-21, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com Six years ago, Luke Coletti came in first place in a sixway race to become a Pacific Grove councilmember. Nick Smith, then a P.G. City Council incumbent, came in second. By 2024 things had flipped: Smith won the mayoral seat against two candidates. Coletti, running to keep his council seat, lost, finishing fourth. This November the two men are facing off, with Smith running to defend the mayoral seat and Coletti challenging him. Coletti’s drop in the polls in 2024 could be rooted in a few reasons: His questioning of city staff, praised by some residents, came with formal complaints filed against him, resulting in large legal bills; during the 2024 election Coletti championed a measure to shrink the council size from seven to five, which failed at the polls; he aligned himself with a controversial mayoral candidate, Dan Miller, who lost to Smith. (Miller is running for the Pacific Grove Unified School District.) Over the past year-and-a-half, Coletti has gained traction in opposing a May 2025 vote by Smith and four other members of the P.G. City Council to increase councilmembers’ compensation for the first time in 26 years. Smith argued that a raise was needed to support a more diverse field of future candidates. The decision proved unpopular among voters. Coletti and his group Transparent Pacific Grove prevailed in a referendum to have the vote overturned, insisting the pay raise should be up to voters. When the Council put Measure C on the June 2, 2026 ballot, the raises failed with just 44 percent of the vote. That wave of anti-raise sentiment may be why Coletti appears to be gaining support. He also has fans who oppose a proposed roundabout at the five-way intersection at Sunset Drive/Congress Avenue, which Coletti opposed while on council and Smith supported, among other issues where the two candidates diverge. Smith says over his two-year term he has worked on building consensus among councilmembers and points to work completed, like sidewalk repair and Safe Routes to School projects, a climate action plan, an amended housing element and the implementation of two-year general fund budgeting and capital improvement plans. Both Coletti and Smith say they will manage the budget, protect the natural environment and preserve P.G.’s character. Both are in favor of pursuing opportunities for affordable housing and youth recreation. Smith favors efforts to make downtown P.G. more of a lively destination. Coletti says he is generally in favor but criticizes Smith for “knee-jerk” support. “That’s not really the oversight function we’re meant to do,” Coletti says. As to interacting with city staff, Smith says the council’s role is to set policy with questions directed through the city manager. Coletti points to an ordinance he brought to council in 2023 that lays out lines of authority, giving councilmembers an “inquiry right” with staff, which means the city manager does not act as a gatekeeper of information. The ordinance was opposed by an employee union. Split Vote P.G. mayoral incumbent Nick Smith faces off against challenger Luke Coletti. By Pam Marino Luke Coletti is running slightly ahead of incumbent Mayor Nick Smith in fundraising. Coletti reported raising $7,133 in the last period, from July 1-Sept. 19. Smith raised $6,298 during that time. NEWS “That’s not really the oversight function we’re meant to do.” DANIEL DREIFUSS RENEW MEASURE S Not a New Tax! FIX MONTEREY STREETS YES ON MEASURE S APPROVED BY OVER 82% OF VOTERS Paid for by the Committee for Yes on Measure S FPPC# 1495795 PREVIOUSLY APPROVED BY OVER 82% OF VOTERS TAXPAYER PROTECTIONS • Residential Sidewalks will now be included • Over 62% of all sales taxes are paid by other than Monterey residents, (visitors or tourist) • Sunsets after 8-years in 2035 • 12 million dollars (per year) towards a designated specific Measure S fund for Streets, Sidewalks, (residential & commercial), Storm Drains and Accessibility-ADA • Measure S is Fair and Reasonable for continuing to Fix Monterey’s Streets • Previous Measure S in 2019 approved by over 82% of Monterey Voters • Citizen’s oversight Committee and Audits available to the public ENDORSED BY: All current City Councilmembers and the Mayor Former Mayors Clyde Roberson and Chuck Della Salla Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Monterey County Hospitality Association Monterey Peninsula Taxpayers Association Monterey Commercial Property Owners Association Monterey Firefighters Local #3707 Paid for by the Committee for Yes on Measure S FPPC# 1495795 Endorsed by Monterey County Weekly Paid for by Vicki Nohrden for Monterey City Council 2026 - FPPC #1492098 “I am committed to thoughtful leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a city government that is transparent, accountable, and focused on what matters most-our community.” Vicki Nohrden Clyde Roberson, Former Monterey Mayor Ed Smith, 12-year Monterey City Council-District 2 Michael Kanalakis, Sheriff Former Mtry. Co. Sheriff Rick Heuer, Mtry. Peninsula Tax Payers Assoc. Carl Miller, Mtry. Airport Board Mike and Laurel Marotta, neighbors Lou Panetta, Past Pres., Civil Grand Jurors' Assoc. Gary Cursio, Gov. Affairs Director, MCHA Rick Aldinger, former Chair of the MCHA Mike and Carole Dawson, neighbors Tom Rowley, NCIP Rep. Carole Charbajian, Measure S oversight Joe and Richard Storeli Lee Whitney Dr. Joe Fogel Dr. Michael Hogan Endorsements “I believe residents deserve leadership that will look at every line, protect core services, and demand real accountability.” Monterey First • Monterey Forward • Monterey Together Monterey faces a serious structural budget deficit • I Will Bring Fiscal Responsibility for Monterey and District 2. • I Will Bring Practical Problem-Solving and Fiscal Discipline to City Hall. • Neighborhood Priorities, City Services and Public Safety.
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 15-21, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 As California invests $116 million in one-time funding over three years to aid students experiencing homelessness, new data show housing insecurity is worsening statewide among K-12 students. According to the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools, nearly 300,000 students experienced homelessness in California during the 202425 school year, a 10-percent increase over 2018-19 and a new statewide high. Minority students, including Black and Native American students, are impacted at higher rates. “Student homelessness is an educational equity crisis,” the report said, noting it created domino effects on a student’s educational path. Monterey County ranks seventh in the highest number of students experiencing housing insecurity out of 58 counties. During the 2018-19 school year, the county reported 9,079 students experiencing homelessness; last school year, that number rose to 13,010, an increase of over 6 percent in the span of seven years. Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Deneen Guss says one reason the number has increased, beyond the economic challenges local families face, is that school districts are better at identifying students. “I suspect that there are many, many more children in our county that are not even in our numbers that are experiencing housing insecurity,” Guss says. Four of the 10 districts with the highest rates of students experiencing homelessness in California are in Monterey County: Salinas City Elementary and Santa Rita Union, both in Salinas; rank first and 10th, respectively. SCESD had 3,681 students, or 42.6 percent of its student body, experiencing homelessness during the 2024-25 school year, while SRUSD had 800 students, or 24.5 percent. North Monterey County Unified ranked sixth, with 1,271 students (28 percent) and Greenfield Union Elementary was eighth. Cheryl Camany, SCESD homeless liaison, notes that most students impacted live in overcrowded conditions, with several families in one home. Some may rent a living room or a walk-in closet, defined as homeless in education terminology. One family of seven lived in a 10-by-10-foot room. “Those are some of the scenarios that we have,” Camany says. Many families struggling to pay rent are farmworkers who are employed seasonally and experience a drop in income after the harvest season. “Families that have limited resources struggle to find temporary housing,” says Donna Smith, director of program integration and support at the Monterey County Office of Education. “Housing costs so much, when they make so little.” Local school districts and the MCOE work to identify and support students and their families experiencing housing insecurity. It starts by encouraging families to self-identify. They also provide motel vouchers, rental assistance, access to washers and dryers, optometry appointments and more. Each district tailors their program based on families’ needs. High Count Monterey County ranks in the top 10 for most students experiencing homelessness. By Celia Jiménez The 10 California counties with the highest number of students experiencing homelessness are shown in blue. The district with the highest rate statewide is Salinas City Elementary School District. NEWS “Housing costs so much, when they make so little.” UC LOS ANGELES 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
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 15-21, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com BIG HOUSE This is a monstrosity being put in a scenic area (“A Builder’s Remedy proposal for nearly 1,000 apartments on Highway 68 stirs concerns,” Oct. 8-14). Highway 68 is already almost impassable; I commute and it takes me an hour each day to go 16 miles. Now I’ll have to look at this eyesore. For shame, letting the skyline be bought by the biggest bidder. I’m disgusted. Wendy Oberbrecklon | Monterey Highway 68 won’t be able to support all that traffic—it is already close to being a parking lot now. Gail Krempasky | Salinas It’s really unlikely to be built in its current form. Most likely this is a case of the developer submitting something massive so they can negotiate down. Dixie Albertsen | Pacific Grove The county didn’t have a certified housing element and the penalty for that is “Builder’s Remedy,” which allows developers to submit applications on housing identified parcels. Welcome to California housing law. Be mindful of who and what you vote for. This is a direct result of legislation passed years ago. David J. R. Mack | Salinas BATTLE GROUND Your endorsement of Measure H understates what Salinas families stand to lose (“Our endorsements on local ballot measures and state propositions on the Nov. 3 ballot: Yes on Measure H,” Oct. 1-7). If 7,0008,000 occupied apartments save an average of $150 monthly under local stabilization, families retain $12.6 million-$14.4 million annually, or $1,800 per household for groceries, child care and local businesses. Deteriorating apartments existed before Salinas adopted its 2024 ordinance. Oxnard adopted rent stabilization in 2022 and has roughly 3,500 housing units in approval or construction. Protecting tenants and building housing happen together. Measure H repeals rent caps, anti-harassment, just-cause eviction safeguards and rental registration. Local protections give families guidance and a petition process. Your editorial acknowledges repeal will not accelerate construction. Why remove protections families need while they wait? Build more housing. Keep renter protections. Vote No on Measure H. Rosa Gonzalez, Jacob Sandoval, Ben Nurse, Matt Huerta, Jasmin Topete | Salinas “Why are you so antagonistic toward ‘the impassioned pleas of renters’?” asks Salinas resident John Silva (“Letters,” Oct. 8-14). Is it because Publisher Erik Cushman and CEO Bradley Zeve shoved their opinions down the throats of the people who actually put out the paper (most likely employees are renters)? Your editorial acknowledges Salinas’ failure to meet its regional housing needs. Yet you direct your frustration toward renters and the tenant protections that shield them from displacement. Wealth and privilege have long influenced Salinas institutions, while working-class families fight simply to remain in their homes. If the editorial board truly cares about the housing crisis, demand more affordable housing—not fewer protections for vulnerable tenants. Renters are not the enemy of progress. A system that prioritizes wealth over people is. Maggie Power | Salinas How sad that all that money is going to take people’s rights away and you guys support it. And you endorse people who will vote no on it. How ironic. Sophia Cortez | Salinas RUN TO WIN I’m impressed with Tom Reeves (“The people we elect will shape our communities for years to come. Here are our picks for Nov. 3: Kim Barber for Monterey City Council District 1,” Oct. 8-14). He regularly participates in city council meetings with solid, down-to-earth observations and suggestions. He has background in the city and how it works, he’s a longtime resident, and he’s been president of his neighborhood association. He brings a problem-solving skill set and calm that’s sorely needed by the city as it faces unprecedented challenges. He is an excellent candidate. Nina Beety | Monterey Kim Barber, as part of the fiscal year 2027 budget, voted to halve the rental assistance program. The rental registry is costing renters and property owners $330,000 per year with very little to show for it. Barber claims to be the champion for affordable housing and holds up the MidPen development as an example. Problem is, the contract with MidPen was signed before she was on Council. The budget’s structural deficit is actually worse than has been stated. Kim doesn’t seem to want to acknowledge this even though staff has brought this to the council’s attention. My idea to use $1 million of NCIP funds for affordable workforce housing is just a start. What has Barber proposed? A committee to study affordability. Please, before you vote, check out my website tomformonterey.org. Tom Reeves | Monterey THREE PEAT In the 10 years that I have known her, Liesbeth Visscher has proven that she has the leadership, integrity and drive needed to protect our city’s future (“Liesbeth Visscher for Marina mayor,” Oct. 8-14). When our local water resources were threatened by Cal Am’s proposed desalination facility, Liesbeth didn’t hesitate to take action. She helped to organize support for Citizens for Just Water in building a powerful citizen coalition. Her tireless efforts brought our community together to stand before the State Water Board. Our city needs a leader who is grounded in family values, connected to our neighbors, and proven in defense of our local natural resources. Debi Nobriga | Marina As our city grows, we need Liesbeth Visscher’s analytical skills, experience and expertise to lead all of the complicated issues facing our city. Liesbeth is the only candidate with city government experience. Experience matters! Cheryl de Gier | Marina 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. 14
www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 15-21, 20260 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 Governments buy a lot of things, and the contracts are often boilerplate language that generates little public discussion. Sometimes contracts reflect a much bigger story. When police and fire officials presented on Monday, Oct. 5 to ask Carmel City Council to give the nod to acquire a single drone, it might have been a question of which contract to pursue (a one-time acquisition versus a multi-year subscription), but the discussion was about something else—surveillance, technology and trust. The pitch was for a single piece of equipment that could cost as little as $10,685.99. But instead of dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s, members of the public spoke up to ask questions and oppose the technology. Many urged council to use the money to instead hire more police, focusing on humans instead of tech tools for policing. “This isn’t about whether we trust our current police chief. We do,” said Christine Hollenbeck. “It is about creating a surveillance capability that can remain long after our chief and council are gone and could be expanded in ways beyond what any of us can imagine today.” The public spoke, and the council listened, directing the Police Department to scrap the potential drone acquisition and policy for now. “This is what government is supposed to look like,” Mayor Dale Byrne said. “We listened to everyone in the room…For now, drones are off the table.” This kind of public organization and participation is emerging largely in response to the widespread use (and misuse) of automated license plate readers, or ALPRs, from the company Flock Safety. As Carmel resident Ian Martin observed, “This is an unfortunate time to even be having this conversation because Flock really has poisoned this discussion.” A newly formed local chapter of Get The Flock Out and the Monterey County Coalition Against Mass Surveillance successfully pressed the Monterey County Board of Supervisors to eliminate its relationship with Flock, despite a request from Sheriff Tina Nieto to continue using the tool—the supervisors voted 3-2 in September to cancel the sheriff’s Flock contract. Chapter leader Colleen Ingram spoke up to the Carmel City Council, and again on Tuesday, Oct. 13 to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors about drones. The supervisors were discussing a request from the sheriff to authorize a $3 million acquisition to expand from three drones up to 18 in 2031. Much of the discussion focused on budget. “I am more comfortable with a shorter-term contract so it doesn’t lock in the county’s obligation,” Supervisor Luis Alejo said, pushing for no more than eight drones over five years. “There might be better providers down the road that might give us a better price. This doesn’t help address keeping costs down.” Supervisor Wendy Root Askew calculated that the amount requested would be enough to insure 5,000 patients on the county’s Esperanza Care health plan. The County Sheriff’s jurisdiction is wholly different than the 1-square-mile city of Carmel. The agency serves a vast region, and includes the search and rescue team. There’s a much more compelling argument logistically for the need, and the agency also was not starting from scratch—they have used drones for a decade and already have an adopted policy, which includes a prohibition on “random surveillance activities.” Supervisors’ privacy concerns were assuaged because the County holds the data—not a third-party company—and it is only shared with the District Attorney as evidence. (See story, p. 8.) Not all technology is the same, and all technology is potentially subject to abuse. Carmel City Councilmember Alissandra Dramov read aloud from an April article in Police Chief Magazine. “Technology procurement should be treated as problem-solving, not shopping. The unit of analysis is the problem the agency is trying to solve, not the attractiveness of a vendor’s tool,” it states. Shiny objects promising technological solutions are everywhere. Law enforcement agencies have a responsibility to not just pursue shiny new objects, and not just to control costs—but to make our communities safer. As Root Askew said, “If we don’t have trust in law enforcement we don’t have public safety.” That’s true no matter what tools they have. Sara Rubin is the Weekly’s editor. Reach her at sara@montereycountynow.com. Drone On Public outcry over surveillance leads to a no on drones in Carmel. By Sara Rubin POTATO, POTATOE…Squid has a long memory, so when the Panetta Institute for Public Policy announced its 2026 Jefferson-Lincoln Awards, taking place on Nov. 14, Squid found Squidself jettisoned back to 1992 when Squid sported a fly neon windbreaker and a set of light-up L.A. Gear athletic shoes that were da bomb. This year the institute is honoring U.S. Senator Chris Coons, D-Delaware; U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Nebraska; Tani Cantil-Sakauye, a former chief justice of California; and at the head of the list, Dan Quayle, the 44th vice president of the United States, under George H.W. Bush. In the institute’s press release, Quayle is remembered as a former congressional representative and senator, who became vice president at age 41, and is “widely considered to have been one of the most active vice presidents in history.” Squid’s memory isn’t as sharp on Quayle’s activity level, more so on his spelling prowess, or lack thereof. In June 1992 he dropped into a New Jersey elementary school spelling bee and in front of cameras, flubbed big time by incorrectly correcting a student who spelled out “P-O-T-A-T-O,” suggesting he add an “e.” Squid wants to buy a ticket just to see what’s on the gala’s menu (baked potatoe?), but at $750 a pop, that’s too rich for Squid’s blood. Cha-ching! GHOST SIGHTING…Squid was disappointed when it was announced that leaders of Middlebury College in Vermont were set to close the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey by spring 2027, but heartened that most of the school will continue under a new owner. The deal closed at the end of September and the downtown Monterey graduate school is now called Monterey Institute of International Studies at Soka University. Squid was perplexed when on Oct. 8, about two weeks after the closing, an email arrived from miis@ middlebury.edu, announcing two videos featuring MIIS faculty, staff and alumni, sharing what the school means to them, as if the old MIIS still exists. “As we navigate multiple changes, it is important to recognize and celebrate the remarkable impact of our students, faculty, staff and alumni continue to make around the world,” the email states. “The work we do, the empathy we share, and the global impact we drive will continue!” While Middlebury was still in charge, the Vermontbased leadership was, at best, chilly toward MIIS. Now that they are on their way out, Middlebury is finally using its Vimeo channel to promote the school. It’s like Uri the Urchin telling everyone the best spine was that one that’s long gone, even though Uri complained about it bitterly for years before it landed in a human heel. THE LOCAL SPIN SQUID FRY THE MISSION OF MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY IS TO INSPIRE INDEPENDENT THINKING AND CONSCIOUS ACTION, ETC. “For now, drones are off the table.” SEND SQUID A TIP: squid@montereycountynow.com
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