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
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