october 12-18., 2023 montereycountyweekly.com LOCAL & INDEPENDENT Can a Cal Am takeover succeed? 12 | Mural makers 29 | Pumpkin spice season 35 A century ago, General Joseph Stilwell changed U.S.-China relations. His impact is still making waves, locally and internationally. p. 18 By Dave Faries and Sara Rubin FRIEND FOR LIFE
2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 12-18, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com october 12-18 2023 • ISSUE #1836 • Established in 1988 Michael Sheehan (Nikon D7100, 1/1250 @ F8) The Thunderbirds practicing on Friday, Oct. 6 before appearing in the California International Airshow in Salinas. Monterey County photo of the week Send Etc. submissions to etcphoto@mcweekly.com; please include caption and camera info. On the cover: General Joseph Stilwell at home in Carmel with his dog, Gary, circa 1944. By that point Stilwell had forged a legacy in China, where he had been on active duty since 1942, and in Monterey County—as well as in international diplomacy—that continues today. Cover photo: Courtesy John Easterbrook etc. Copyright © 2023 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. No person, without prior permission from the publisher, may take more than one copy of each issue. Additional copies and back issues may be purchased for $1, plus postage. Mailed subscriptions: $120 yearly, pre-paid. The Weekly is an adjudicated newspaper of Monterey County, court decree M21137. The Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Visit our website at http://www.montereycountyweekly.com. Audited by CVC. Founder & CEO Bradley Zeve bradley@mcweekly.com (x103) Publisher Erik Cushman erik@mcweekly.com (x125) Editorial editor Sara Rubin sara@mcweekly.com (x120) features editor Dave Faries dfaries@mcweekly.com (x110) associate editor Tajha Chappellet-Lanier tajha@mcweekly.com (x135) Staff Writer Celia Jiménez celia@mcweekly.com (x145) Staff Writer Pam Marino pam@mcweekly.com (x106) Staff Writer Rey Mashayekhi rey@mcweekly.com (x102) Staff Writer Agata Pope¸da (x138) aga@mcweekly.com Staff Writer David Schmalz david@mcweekly.com (x104) Staff photographer Daniel Dreifuss daniel@mcweekly.com (x140) MONTEREY COUNTY NOW PRODUCER Sloan Campi sloan@mcweekly.com (x105) contributors Marielle Argueza, Nik Blaskovich, Rob Brezsny, Ari LeVaux, Jeff Mendelsohn, Jacqueline Weixel, Paul Wilner Cartoons Rob Rogers, Tom Tomorrow Production Art Director/Production Manager Karen Loutzenheiser karen@mcweekly.com (x108) Graphic Designer Kevin Jewell kevinj@mcweekly.com (x114) Graphic Designer Alexis Estrada alexis@mcweekly.com (x114) Graphic Designer Lani Headley lani@mcweekly.com (x114) SALES senior Sales Executive Diane Glim diane@mcweekly.com (x124) Senior Sales Executive George Kassal george@mcweekly.com (x122) Senior Sales Executive Keith Bruecker keith@mcweekly.com (x118) Classifieds business development director Keely Richter keely@mcweekly.com (x123) Digital Director of Digital Media Kevin Smith kevin@mcweekly.com (x119) Distribution Distribution AT Arts Co. atartsco@gmail.com Distribution Control Harry Neal Business/Front Office Office Manager Linda Maceira linda@mcweekly.com (x101) Bookkeeping Rochelle Trawick rochelle@mcweekly.com 668 Williams Ave., Seaside, CA 93955 831-394-5656, (FAX) 831-394-2909 www.montereycountyweekly.com We’d love to hear from you. Send us your tips at tipline.montereycountyweekly.com. We can tell you like the print edition of the Weekly. We bet you’ll love the daily newsletter, Monterey County NOW. Get fresh commentary, local news and sundry helpful distractions delivered to your inbox every day. There’s no charge, and if you don’t love it, you can unsubscribe any time. SIGN UP NOW Sign up today at montereycountyweekly.com/mcnow
www.montereycountyweekly.com OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 3 Emergency kit essentials Home safety Fire extinguisher how-tos Emergency vehicles on display And more Saturday, October 21 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Del Monte Shopping Center, Monterey Emergency “starter kits” from Montage Health (free to first 500 attendees) Education and fun for all ages montagehealth.org/emergencyfair EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FAIR Be ready.
4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH Voters elect city council members, and when voters are displeased, they have a few options. One is to push for a referendum. After a 3-2 vote by Soledad City Council on Oct. 4 approving Ordinance 765— establishing district elections with five council districts and a rotating mayor—voters are mobilizing under the name Soledad Committee for Voting Rights to seek a referendum vote that would overturn the council’s decision. “They weren’t persuaded by the overwhelming voice of the constituents, and that’s always disappointing. That’s not what democracy looks like,” says Monica Andrade, the committee’s spokesperson. (Andrade is married to Councilmember Fernando Cabrera, who was one of the dissenting voters, along with Mayor Anna Velazquez, who cannot seek re-election under the approved plan.) “Let’s call this what it is. It’s voter suppression.” To get a referendum vote on the ballot, the group will have to gather at least 840 signatures of registered voters—10 percent of the city’s total registered voters at last count. The California Secretary of State is expected to update that figure soon, so the signatures required could change. Good: The Jeopardy category: “Good Week in Education.” The clue: “CSU Monterey Bay students will see more than $50,000 in additional scholarship money available thanks to what Jeopardy know-it-all from Pacific Grove.” The answer: “Who is Sam Buttrey?” More accurately, Buttrey, the Jeopardy-winning professor from the Naval Postgraduate School, and his wife Elinda, who decided to donate more than half of Buttrey’s first $100,000 winnings from the show’s Professor’s Tournament to a CSUMB scholarship fund, the university announced on Oct. 2. “We saw it as found money,” Buttrey said. He and his wife wanted to help local students. “We’re interested in helping children from the community who might not have the resources to attend college.” A fan of the show since the 1970s, Buttrey auditioned numerous times until he finally made it in 2021. He’s won three times. GREAT: Great news for housing in Salinas comes courtesy of Salinas City Council, which voted in September to rezone five commercial areas from commercial or industrial to mixed use. They are: Alisal Marketplace; the edge of downtown (at Front and John streets); the Foods Co. shopping center at Alisal and Sanborn; the Laurel West Shopping Center; and the former Sears (a portion of Northridge Mall), comprising 54 acres in total. “The project is intended to encourage future housing development,” according to a report to council. This change could produce 2,513 housing units. The plan for this rezoning comes thanks to a 2019 grant of $310,000 from the state Housing and Community Development Department. These funds are from Senate Bill 2, which aims to increase housing production and streamline the process. This rezoning paves the way for potential development proposals. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY Assets held by Monterey County Bank, the oldest locally owned bank, which after next year will no longer be under local management. In a deal announced Oct. 2, it will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Orange County-based PCB Financial. Source: Monterey County Bank $212 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “There is never a ‘perfect’ time to step away.” -Pete Delgado, president/CEO of Salinas Valley Health, announcing his resignation on Oct. 9. A process to replace him is to be determined (see story, mcweekly.com). million PRESENTED BY
www.montereycountyweekly.com OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 Federally Insured by NCUA | Equal Housing Lender 831.479.6000 • www.bayfed.com • 888.4BAYFED * APY is effective as of September 1, 2023. $1,000 minimum deposit required to open and maintain Certificate account. APY assumes the dividends are reinvested and remain in the account for the full term. Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Certificates are eligible for this offer. Penalty for early withdrawal. Bay Federal Credit Union membership required. This offer is subject to change without notice. Other terms and conditions may apply. For more information, visit any Bay Federal Credit Union branch or contact us. 3.05% APY* 3-month Certificate 3.56% APY* 6-month Certificate 4.08% APY* 12-month Certificate Elevate Your Earnings Terms Up to 5 Years Available HAPPY HOUR SUNDAY BREAKFAST 4PM TO 6PM LATE NIGHT 9PM TO 10PM 9:30AM TO 11AM Catch all your favorite teams on 18 HDTV’s LOCATED BEHIND THE PORTOLA HOTEL & SPA | COMPLIMENTARY PARKING (831) 649-2699 | PETERBSBREWPUB.COM VOTED BEST SPORTS BAR BY MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY READERS!
6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com 831 If you’ve driven along Highway 68 in Salinas recently, you’ve likely noticed a smattering of orange mixed in with the familiar green fields that line both sides of the highway. It happens every fall in the Salinas Valley, as local farmers parcel off their land in homage to the season’s most popular commodity, the pumpkin. But the humble origins of the pumpkin patch are a far cry from what’s going on at The Patch at 10 River Road in Salinas. The Patch, in its third year of operations, is as much an amusement park as it is a pumpkin patch, which is exactly how Frank Devine envisioned it. “Coming out of Covid-19, we just wanted to create something that would promote community involvement,” Devine says. “After talking with a couple other like minded people, we decided that a pumpkin patch would be a good place to start.” In the spring of 2021, Devine struck a lease agreement with Triangle Farms on a prime location at the intersection of Highway 68 and River Road and began operations as Triple F Farms. Devine, who is a father of two, says that the name referenced both of his children (Francis and Fynlee), but also his goal for the new business. “Friends, family and fun,” Devine says. “That’s really what we’re all about here. We want this to be a place where friends and family gather, have fun, and celebrate the fall season.” What started out as little more than “a bunch of pumpkins and a few bales of hay” has blossomed into five acres of fun and includes everything from a bounce house to a corn maze. This year they added a tractor-pulled train ride for kids, along with plenty of games and grass to play on. “I want it to be more than just a place to buy pumpkins,” Devine says. “I want this to be a place where the community gathers. A safe place for parents to bring their kids and have some fun—and maybe buy a few pumpkins.” Devine, who owns a transportation company called Fresh From D’Vine, receives roughly three truck-loads of pumpkins per week from a plot in Greenfield. The growing operation of more than 30 different varieties of pumpkins is overseen by Devine’s partner, John Given. Once delivered, the pumpkins— ranging vastly in size, shape, and color—are sorted and carefully placed throughout The Patch, allowing wagon-toting pumpkin seekers to shop. And with the addition of food vendors like Double D’z Birrieria and Wings Uncommon, you won’t have to shop for pumpkins on an empty stomach. The addition of food vendors helped draw people, and encouraged them to stay. Snacks and drinks are available for sale daily, and food vendors are onsite Wednesday-Sunday, along with picnic tables. “That’s really enhanced the overall experience for our customers,” Devine notes. “It’s a great place to spend some time.” Improvements at The Patch have been well-received thus far, as traffic on River Road tends to pick up during business hours. “Weekends have been fantastic,” Devine observes. So far this season, The Patch has hosted school field trips, birthday parties, and even a wedding proposal or two. But it’s the photo ops that have become really popular, says Devine. “The sunflower orchards are a real popular place for the Instagrammers,” says Devine. “Along with the chair, of course.” “The chair” is a 16-foot-high Adirondack chair that oversees The Patch. Built by local carpenter John Laughton, the giant chair can be seen from the highway, and is another popular feature at The Patch. With several weeks left before Halloween, Devine is hopeful that more and more local families will to come out to The Patch. There is no shortage of activities for the kids, and plenty of places for parents to relax. “It’s really cool to see how far we’ve come in three years,” Devine says. “I’m hopeful that we can continue to build our presence in the community and continue to do this every year.” The Patch is at 10 River Road, Salinas. 512-6327, thepatchat10riverroad.com. Pumpkin Patchwork A seasonal operation on River Road has grown quickly into five acres of fall-inspired fun. By Jeff Mendelsohn Frank Devine holds one of the reasons for the season. But what began as a simple spot to sell pumpkins is now a kind of autumnal amusement park, with a corn maze, food trucks and other distractions. “It’s cool to see how far we’ve come in three years.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE DANIEL DREIFUSS The Chamber Connects At the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, we are connectors, providing our members with valuable introductions to new customers and referral sources. If you're looking for a platform to initiate important conversations and grow your business, we invite you to join our business association on the Monterey Peninsula! Join Today! • montereychamber.com • info@montereychamber.com • 831.648.5350
www.montereycountyweekly.com OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 7 AN OCEAN OF GIFT- GIVING OPTIONS Visit the new Monterey Bay Aquarium Store at 585 Cannery Row. Members receive a 10% discount. HEATABLE EATABLES! ELROY’S PRESENTS @ELROYSFINEFOODS WWW.ELROYSFINEFOODS.COM 15 SOLEDAD DRIVE (831) 373-3737 MONTEREY, CA 93940 To place your order visit www.elroysfinefoods.com or scan this QR CODE! Quantities are limited, so order soon! From Elroy’s Fine Foods Executive Chef & Culinary Director David Hardie *Order by: Thursday, Oct 19th *Pick up date: Thursday, Oct 26th *Next month: Thanksgiving Dinner! OCTOBER: FRENCH FALL COMFORT TICKET=$130 EACH (1 TICKET SERVES TWO PEOPLE) FRENCH ONION SOUP Caramelized Onions cooked in rich Beef Broth topped with Cheesy Toast (CONTAINS GLUTEN & DAIRY) POACHED PEAR SALAD Endive, Roquefort, Spiced Walnut & Dijon Vinaigrette (GF, VEGETARIAN, CONTAINS DAIRY) FALL RATATOUILLE Roasted Fall Vegetables in an End-of-Season Tomato Sauce (GF, VEGAN) CASSOULET White Bean Stew with Pork, Sausage & topped with Duck Confit (GF, CONTAINS DAIRY) COQ AU VIN Red Wine Braised Chicken served with Root Vegetable Mash (GF, CONTAINS DAIRY & PORK) POMMES DAUPHINOIS Scalloped Potatoes & Pumpkin, cooked in Cream with White Cheddar (GF, VEGETARIAN, CONTAINS DAIRY) CINNAMON-APPLE BREAD PUDDING with Miso Caramel & Vanilla Ice Cream (VEGETARIAN, CONTAINS GLUTEN & DAIRY) A pre-ordered, fully prepared meal to heat & eat at home. Offered on the last Thursday of every month. GLOBALLY INSPIRED & LOCALLY SOURCED All items will also be available à la carte for purchase at the Prepared Foods counter on Thursday, 10/26 until sold out! Dr. Brynie Kaplan Dau, MS, DVM ’23 ’22 ’21 SURGERY DERMATOLOGY FELINE AND CANINE MEDICINE PREVENTATIVE CARE AND MUCH MORE Now Offering Regenerative Medicine, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and Laser Therapy utilizing the body’s own cells to heal and regenerate damaged tissues in acute and chronic conditions 1023 Austin Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-318-0306 www.pacificgroveanimalhospital.com Voted Monterey County’s BEST VETERINARIAN Three YeArS IN A rOW!
8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 12-18, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com news Like every other city locally, Del Rey Oaks is hustling to complete a draft of its housing element by a mid-December deadline from the state. It’s the state’s sixth cycle of a process to meet its housing goals. But unlike other cities, Del Rey Oaks still hasn’t completed its fifth cycle update, which the Planning Commission will consider approving Oct. 11, after the Weekly’s deadline. (City Council is set to vote on it on Oct. 18.) This comes after Del Rey Oaks City Council initially approved the document on Dec. 17, 2019 to meet the state’s Dec. 31 deadline that year; also on Dec. 31, land use nonprofit Landwatch sued Del Rey Oaks, contending that the plan lacked sufficient analysis of water supply, as required by state law, for the land that the city would rezone for housing. In a March 2020 letter to Del Rey Oaks—just as Covid was coming to the fore—the state Department of Housing and Community Development agreed with Landwatch’s comments, and told Del Rey Oaks to go back to the drawing board; Landwatch dropped its lawsuit a few months later. In the final environmental impact report for the fifth cycle update, water supply concerns are addressed with a master response that says, essentially, that residential uses on the city’s former Fort Ord land—currently zoned for commercial use—would require less water than was envisioned (golf course, resort hotel, etc.) in the city’s general plan and the Fort Ord Base Reuse Plan, both of which were adopted in 1997 and have approved EIRs. Jurisdictions are required by the state to prepare housing elements every eight years, laying out where housing units could be built based on population projections. Fifth Element Del Rey Oaks is racing to complete both its sixth—and fifth—updates to its housing element. By David Schmalz The trial of Gustavo Morales— who is accused of shooting and killing Salinas Police Department officer Jorge “JD” Alvarado in February 2022—commenced on Monday, Oct. 9, with opening statements from the prosecution and defense, as well as testimonies from bystanders at the incident, several of Alvarado’s colleagues and a criminologist who analyzed the crime scene. Morales, 32, is charged with murdering the 30-year-old Alvarado on the evening of Feb. 25, 2022, after the officer pulled him over during a traffic stop near the intersection of Griffin and East Market streets in Salinas. Prosecutors claim that Morales walked up to Alvarado’s patrol car and shot him multiple times; Alvarado died at the scene. Morales was arrested later that night at Salinas Valley Health hospital, where he had sought treatment for a gunshot wound to the hand allegedly sustained when Alvarado fired back at him. In his opening statements, Monterey County Deputy District Attorney Christopher Puck told the jury that Morales, who was on probation at the time, was driving drunk with a suspended license while also carrying a firearm, and that he shot and killed Alvarado before fleeing the scene (and briefly considering an escape to Mexico) in an attempt to avoid arrest and jail time. Morales’ attorney, Michael Belter, argued that his client’s background—including as a victim of police brutality and gang violence—had skewed his state of mind and led him to fear for his life that evening. Morales, who is being held at Monterey County Jail without bail, sat hunched over next to his counsel, dressed in a black polo shirt. Also in the courtroom were several members of Alvarado’s family, many dressed in black, observing the proceedings solemnly and occasionally in tears. (Alvarado’s older brother, fellow Salinas police officer Jorge Ernesto Alvarado, died unexpectedly last month while off-duty.) Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig also attended. Over the course of the day, the prosecution set about procedurally establishing the facts of what occurred on the night of Alvarado’s shooting while seeking to connect Morales to the crime. Puck called as witnesses members of the public who were in close proximity to the incident—including a delivery driver who testified that he saw Morales shoot at Alvarado, and attempted to prevent him from fleeing the scene by unsuccessfully blocking his car’s path with his delivery van. Multiple Salinas police officers were also called to testify, including several who tearfully recounted arriving at the scene and efforts to save Alvarado’s life. Others detailed their involvement in the search of Morales’ Salinas residence, which located the alleged murder weapon and his title for the blood-stained 1986 Honda Accord that Morales was allegedly driving that night. The jury also viewed footage from Alvarado’s body camera, in which gunshots are heard as he falls to the ground. Laura Lee, a criminologist at the California Department of Justice’s Watsonville laboratory who processed the crime scene, also walked the jury through the evidence that she found. Prosecutors are not pursuing the death penalty for Morales, who faces life in prison. Multiple agencies helped investigate the crime scene on Feb. 26, 2022. “A tragedy such as this takes a huge toll on a police department,” DA Jeannine Pacioni said. On Trial Arguments began in the murder trial of Gustavo Morales, charged with killing a Salinas police officer. By Rey Mashayekhi The blue area represents former Fort Ord land within Del Rey Oaks’ boundaries. The city is proposing to rezone the portion with crosshatch marks—250 acres—for residential use. Officers tearfully recounted efforts to save Alvarado’s life. Daniel Dreifuss City of Del Rey Oaks
www.montereycountyweekly.com OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 9 PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES THE CITY OF MONTEREY FOR MORE INFO + REGISTRATION MONTEREY.ORG/REC (831) 646-3866 SCAN ME! play! MONTEREY PRESCHOOL ADULT & SENIOR PROGRAMS ADULT ULTIMATE FRISBEE GYMNASTICS YOUTH DANCE CLASSES SCHOOL BREAK CAMPS YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE AND MUCH MORE! World Affairs Council of the Monterey Bay Area October Event U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS: Handle With Care Wednesday, October 25 Dr. David Michael Lampton Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Foreign Policy Institute For the past ten years the United States and China have been locked in competition for who has the greatest global influence. As they enter what looks like a new Cold War of sorts, Dr. Lampton will discuss how both nations arrived at today’s juncture in U.S.-China relations, how to think about the perils of that new, more conflictual circumstance, and what both sides need to do to put our two countries on a more promising trajectory. www.wacmb.org or call (831) 643-1855 11:15am Registration • 11:45am Luncheon • 12:30 Program Reservations Required • Deadline is Thursday, October 19 $36 for members • $41 for guests WACMB will accept auditors to this event Hilton Garden Inn, Aguajito Road, Monterey Visit our website www.wacmb.org for information and reservations
10 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 12-18, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com If last year’s Lead Me Home Summit on Homelessness for Monterey and San Benito counties proved anything, it’s that people are eager to talk about solutions, with over 500 people registered for the first-ever virtual event. This year the summit on Thursday, Oct. 19 is set to take place in person, and by Oct. 10 the free tickets were nearly gone—though there is an option to participate online. The interest shows there is “a commitment to tackle homelessness,” says Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo, who also serves as chair of the Lead Me Home Council. The second annual summit, which invites elected officials, nonprofit leaders and the public to participate, comes at an interesting point in time for Monterey County and the region. The county has experienced success in reducing homelessness over the past several years, with the number of people without homes decreasing by 15 percent between 2012 and 2022, in large part thanks to an influx in state and federal cash, the political will to use it and a commitment to collaboration between agencies and nonprofits. At the same time, cracks have appeared in the system that some people seeking help have fallen through. It’s also evident that despite the collaboration that enabled more people to get into homes, there’s still a long way to go: Of the 12 cities in Monterey County, only four—Salinas, Monterey, Soledad and King City—have signed a commitment to the Lead Me Home five-year plan to reduce homelessness by 50 percent, along with the counties of Monterey and San Benito. In another example of cracks that need filling, last month negative feelings among some elected officials in Marina bubbled over concerning a now-closed Project Roomkey program. While councilmembers complained no one told them about the transitional housing program launched during the Covid-19 pandemic in a hotel, Mayor Bruce Delgado pointed out during a council meeting on Sept. 12 that the city bore some of the responsibility for not participating in efforts like Lead Me Home. The summit is organized by the Coalition of Homeless Service Providers, a federally recognized continuum of care agency that tracks homelessness in Monterey and San Benito counties and is authorized to accept federal and state funding for projects to combat homelessness. One focus this year is how to seal one of the cracks when it comes to assessing who needs help, says Genevieve LucasConwell, outgoing executive director of the Coalition. The system that the Coalition uses, the Coordinated Assessment and Referral System, or CARS, acts as a triage tool, assessing who is the most vulnerable and needs help first. Summit participants are invited to share how they think that system can be more equitable and effective. “How do we assess vulnerability in the first place, and let’s look at how we reimagine it,” says Lucas-Conwell. “Who are we missing in the coordination?” Other workshops include a roundtable discussion with landlords, who play a crucial role in accepting people with housing vouchers. Other workshops focus on inequities in housing access and the relationship between housing and health issues. Another lets people with “lived experience” take center stage. One local resident who’s lived through trying to find stable housing, Lyvesha Franklin, brings her own experience as a Black woman to the summit, both as a panelist and moderator. “It’s very challenging in this county when you are a Black woman,” she says. “Anti-Black racism is thick in navigating the resources in this county.” Franklin says a big problem is a lack of representation among those who make the decisions about who gets help and who does not, as well as a lack of training in how to effectively interact with people who have experienced a tremendous amount of trauma throughout their lives. “There’s not enough trauma-informed training or intentional learning of how to serve this underserved, very abused and neglected community.” Franklin describes a harrowing experience having gone from being a homeowner and landlord in another state, to losing her mother, leaving a relationship and subsequently starting over in California with her three young children. Unable to afford her own place, she rented a room in a home without a lease, which under state education laws meant her family was defined as homeless. “As soon as my paperwork said ‘homeless’ I was no longer human, no longer a part of the community. I felt like garbage,” she says. “Having people like me with lived experience to speak and be a part of system change is very beneficial,” says Franklin, who believes an intentional effort to increase representation at every level of service and policy making is necessary. Alejo says the summit’s goal is to shed light on challenges and progress, but also to bring more elected officials and decision makers into the fold. Bringing an end to homelessness takes courage and leadership, he says. “When they feel alone, it’s harder to make a decision. When we are supporting each other and collaborating, we’re more effective.” Learn more about the Lead Me Home Summit or register to attend at chsp.org/continuum-of-care/2023lead-me-home-summit. In House Collaboration and solutions are the focus of the region’s homelessness summit. By Pam Marino news Clean Culture Volunteer to help keep Salinas beautiful. Join Amor Salinas volunteers for a community gathering, park cleanup and a celebration of the release of a new bilingual book about the Amor Salinas initiative. 9-11am community cleanup; 11am-1pm book release celebration Saturday, Oct. 14. La Paz Park, 567 Roosevelt St., Salinas. Free. tinyurl. com/VolunteerSalinas. Get a Job More than 30 employers from a range of industries will be talking about job and internship opportunities at this upcoming job fair. Employers include California State Parks, Special Kids Connect, the Santa Cruz Police Department and more. Bring a fresh copy of your resume and prepare to impress. Noon-2pm Tuesday, Oct. 17. CSUMB University Center, 4314 6th Ave., Seaside. Free for students; $375/ business registration; $210/nonprofit registration. 262-1076, rmercadal@ csumb.edu, csumb.edu/career/recruiting-fairs. Coffee with a Cop Here’s a chance to interact with members of the Monterey Police Department in a non-confrontational way: over coffee. Join this gathering to ask questions and get to know local law enforcement officers. 1-3pm Wednesday, Oct. 18. Nitro Cycle Coffee booth on Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. Free. 646-3914, monterey. org. Children First One way to help local families and children is to serve as a First 5 Monterey County commissioner, and there are vacancies. Commissioners work to implement First 5’s strategic plan and improve the lives of Monterey County families. The last day to apply is Monday, Oct. 23. For more information, visit bit.ly/ First5MCcommission, call 444-8549 or email joanna@first5monterey.org. To apply, visit /bit.ly/First5MCapplication. Cool School Monterey Peninsula College is seeking nominations for its MPC Lobo Hall of Fame. There are two categories: distinguished MPC alumni and alumni athletes. The selection process has started and you can submit your suggestions for alumni who deserves this honor. The last day to submit nominations is Tuesday, Oct. 31. 655-5507, mpc.edu/ lhf. Virginia and Raymond Cardenes enter their Homekey apartment in Salinas in 2021. The state’s pandemic-era permanent housing program is continuing to add units. e-mail: publiccitizen@mcweekly.com TOOLBOX “As soon as my paperwork said ‘homeless’ I was no longer human.” Daniel Dreifuss
www.montereycountyweekly.com OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 11 *Terms and conditions apply. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of May 30, 2023. The Dividend rate and APY may change at any time. The APY is based on the assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal, or transfer reduces the earnings and there are penalties for early withdrawal. The minimum deposit for this 12-month certificate is $1,000.00. Does not Automatically renew. NMLS# 786119 Members Save More! Certificate Special At CCFCU, Membership Means More Become a Member Today 4.10% APY* 18-Month Term *offer limited to new deposits of $10,000+ *Terms and conditions apply. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of January 17, 2023. The Dividend rate and APY may change at any time. The APY is based on the assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal, or transfer reduces the earnings and there are penalties for early withdrawals. The minimum deposit for this 18-month certificate is $10,000.00. Does not automatically renew. Call 831-393-3480 or visit your local CCFCU branch to take advantage of our Special Certificate rate. Seaside: 4242 Gigling Rd. | Salinas: 900 S. Main St. | Soledad: 315 Gabilan Rd. | King City: 510 Canal St. centcoastfcu.com NMLS# 786119 Members Save More! Certificate Special At CCFCU, Membership Means More Become a Member Today 4.10% APY* 18-Month Term *offer limited to new deposits of $10,000+ *Terms and conditions apply. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of January 17, 2023. The Dividend rate and APY may change at any time. The APY is based on the assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal, or transfer reduces the earnings and there are penalties for early withdrawals. The minimum deposit for this 18-month certificate is $10,000.00. Does not automatically renew. Call 831-393-3480 or visit your local CCFCU branch to take advantage of our Special Certificate rate. Seaside: 4242 Gigling Rd. | Salinas: 900 S. Main St. | Soledad: 315 Gabilan Rd. | King City: 510 Canal St. centcoastfcu.com NMLS# 786119 Certificate Special At CCFCU, Membership Means More Become a Member Today *offer limited to new deposits of $10,000+ *Terms and conditions apply. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of January 17, 2023. The Dividend rate and APY may change at any time. The APY is based on the assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal, or transfer reduces the earnings and there are penalties for early withdrawals. The minimum deposit for this 18-month certificate is $10,000.00. Does not automatically renew. Call 831-393-3480 or visit your local CCFCU branch to take advantage of our Special Certificate rate. Seaside: 4242 Gigling Rd. | Salinas: 900 S. Main St. | Soledad: 315 Gabilan Rd. | King City: 510 Canal St. centcoastfcu.com NMLS# 786119 Members Save More! Certificate Special At CCFCU, Membership Means More Become a Member Today 4.10% APY* 18-Month Term *offer limited to new deposits of $10,000+ *Terms and conditions apply. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of January 17, 2023. The Dividend rate and APY may change at any time. The APY is based on the assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal, or transfer reduces the earnings and there are penalties for early withdrawals. The minimum deposit for this 18-month certificate is $10,000.00. Does not automatically renew. Call 831-393-3480 or visit your local CCFCU branch to take advantage of our Special Certificate rate. Seaside: 4242 Gigling Rd. | Salinas: 900 S. Main St. | Soledad: 315 Gabilan Rd. | King City: 510 Canal St. centcoastfcu.com Call 831-393-3480 or visit your local CCFCU branch to take advantage of our Special Certificate rate. Seaside: 4242 Gigling Rd. | Salinas: 1141 S Main St. | Soledad: 315 Gabilan Dr. | King City: 510 Canal St. centcoastfcu.com Certificate Special Become a Member Today 5.00% APY* 12-Month Term Offer limited to new deposits of $1,000.00+ A SPA AND WELLNESS LOCAL GETAWAY Offering Facials, Body Massages, Body Wraps, Body Scrubs, Eyebrow Tint, Eyebrow Lamination, Lash Lift, Lash Tint, Waxing, Couples Massage and Slimming Body Treatments. OFFERING 15% OFF WITH FIRST SERVICE. 700 MUNRAS AVE CASA MUNRAS GARDEN HOTEL & SPA 831.372.1829 DESUAR.COM/MONTEREY 8000 VALLEY GREENS DRIVE, CARMEL | quaillodge.com/events
12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 12-18, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com It’s not the beginning, or the end— it’s the middle of the middle. On Tuesday, Oct. 10, scores of Peninsula residents filed into MIIS’s Irvine Auditorium in downtown Monterey for a long-awaited meeting: In 2018, Peninsula voters passed Measure J, which compelled the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District to pursue a buyout of Cal Am’s local system, if feasible. On this night, finally, the board would cast their vote as to whether to move ahead with eminent domain proceedings in court and initiate a winner-takes-all contest for who will own the local water system: A public agency, which is subject to laws regarding transparency and a board that is subject to accountability, or an investor-owned utility subject to the aims of its investors? The meeting started with MPWMD Director George Riley—who was first elected in 2018—announcing he would recuse himself from the vote; Riley was a driving force behind Public Water Now, the activist group that brought Measure J. He then left the building. Doug Dennington, the district’s special counsel, then launched into an explanation of eminent domain law, emphasizing that the board must retain its discretion—just because the public passed the ballot measure, each director was to vote independently, with an open mind, regardless of whether the buyout has been found to be financially feasible. MPWMD General Manager Dave Stoldt added that feasibility, in this case, is not just defined by cost— but also transparency, quality of service and governance, and legality. Cal Am’s Chris Cook and Evan Jacobs were given 30 minutes to speak, and each attempted to articulate why a buyout is bad for ratepayers. Public comment stretched nearly two hours, and a rough count tallied 38 speakers in favor of a buyout and 20 who were against it. The board members had their chance to make comments just after 8pm. Director Karen Paull highlighted some of the 83 findings in the district’s report, each backed by evidence with footnotes, that made the case for why a buyout is in the public’s benefit. She added that a publicly owned utility would bring transparency and accountability. “Public agencies, including the district, are a fish bowl,” she said. Director Marc Eisenhart also made note of the findings, and emphasized every time he mentioned one, “…with evidence.” He said he expected to hear from Cal Am if the district had gotten anything wrong, including when he recently received a 14-page letter from a Cal Am attorney. “Instead, I get ‘We’re not going to tell you,’” he said. “On footnote 5 on page 11, this is what their lawyer says: ‘The district’s vast resolution includes 83 proposed findings. These are mere surplusage, and do not need to be addressed by Cal Am.’” Some laughter ensued. “It’s comical, isn’t it?” When it came time for a decision just before 9pm, the board voted 6-0 to adopt the resolution. Applause and cheers filled the auditorium. The district now has six months to file its eminent domain lawsuit in Monterey County Superior Court. Act Two MPWMD board votes to initiate eminent domain proceedings to buy out Cal Am’s local system. By David Schmalz Dozens of residents attended a longawaited Monterey Peninsula Water Management District board meeting on Oct. 10 to weigh in on buying out Cal Am’s local system via eminent domain. NEWS “The [83 proposed findings] are mere surplusage.” DANIEL DREIFUSS ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ Baccarat FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • Gega-003846, Gega-Gega-003703, Gega-000889 Gega-000891 Gega-002838 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play
www.montereycountyweekly.com OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 13 Monterey Regional Airport, the county’s only commercial airport, serves over 400,000 passengers annually. But the terminal those passengers use, originally built in 1950 and expanded in 1973, is outdated. For years, MRY has operated commercial flights with a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration. “Our current terminal building is too close to the existing taxiway and the taxiway is too close to the runway,” says Michael La Pier, the airport’s executive director. In 2020, the board of the Monterey Peninsula Airport District approved a master plan calling for a new terminal as well as other features for a more modern, FAA-compliant airport. Even before that, in 2019, the airport acquired three properties on Highway 68 with a $6.8 million FAA grant, anticipating new construction. In the years since, it’s been something of a waiting game. But the new terminal project, still in its infancy as far as design, got a big funding boost in September. MRY received $25 million in federal funds: $22 million to support tarmac improvements from the Airport Improvement Program, and $3 million toward terminal design from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. On Aug. 7, the MRY board approved a design contract with the firm Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum for a sustainable design concept that will be 62,000 square feet and will feature jet bridges or boarding ramps, rather than the current format in which passengers must walk to and from portable ramps. It’s also intended to include better flow of people in the ticketing area. Additional future improvements could also include the addition of customs service, which would allow direct international flights in and out of MRY. For now, private jets traveling internationally need to stop at another airport, increasing time and fuel costs. For example, to fly from Guadalajara to Monterey, a pilot may land in San Diego or Los Angeles to clear customs. “It’s more efficient, it’s better for the environment and it’s better customer service,” La Pier adds. While some changes remain in the future, passengers will start seeing updates soon. Tarmac construction, which is the first phase of the project, is set to start next month. The second phase is expected to cost $43 million. “Now that we’re in the new federal fiscal year, we’re hopeful we see a grant in the not-too-distant future for the second phase of the project,” La Pier says. These projects come on top of other recent changes to MRY’s facilities meant to improve service and comply with FAA regulations. That includes the upcoming opening of a new aircraft rescue and firefighting facility, and nearing completion on hangar replacement construction. For the latest improvements, MRY has spent over $60 million. There is also, meanwhile, continued commercial growth. On Oct. 4, MRY announced it plans to add a nonstop flight to Chicago thanks to a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Flying High Grants bring Monterey Regional Airport one step closer to a new runway and terminal. By Celia Jiménez From May to July of 2023, MRY had its busiest summer and broke its record with 74,181 passengers—all boarding planes out of a terminal built in 1950. NEWS The new terminal project got a big funding boost. DANIEL DREIFUSS “I brought my Subaru to Hartzel on advice of a friend and I was so pleased with the service & attention I got from them. Not only finished on time, but under the estimate I was given. Very rare these days. So pleased with the whole experience & great peace of mind knowing it was done correctly. Highly recommend this guy.” —David F., Seaside 2/14/19 510 California Avenue | Sand City | 394.6002 www.hartzelautomotive.com EXPERT SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT. Subaru Mazda Lexus Infiniti Saab vintage MG SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT SERVICE ONLINE TODAY SHOWROOM DISPLAYS FOR SALE 70% OFF! Cabinets • Appliances • Hardware Accessories • Decorative Plumbing • Design services available • 1368 S. Main St C, Salinas Behind Stonies Tap House www.cabinetsandsuch.com (831) 422-9900 Inquiries: please email info@cabinetsandsuch.com or visit our showroom M-F 9-4pm Low cost vaccination clinic for dogs & cats. Microchipping. Prescription flea/tick medication. OPEN SAT 3:30PM-5:30PM • SUN 10AM-1PM El Ranchero poultry feed 80lb bag ONLY $30! 101 W. Laurel Dr, Salinas • (831)443-6161 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm Sun 10am-5pm $5 OFF Any purchase of $25 or more $10 OFF Any purchase of $50 or more $20 OFF Any purchase of $100 or more CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS. LIMIT 1 COUPON PER CUSTOMER. NOT VALID ON HAY SHAVINGS, FRONTLINE/ADVANTAGE, OR SERESTO COLLARS. MUST PRESENT COUPON AT TIME OF PURCHASE. New Product Alert! Quality feed & pet supplies • DIY dog & cat vaccines • Premium hay at great prices
14 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY october 12-18, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com Home Count The draft of Pacific Grove’s housing element provides a stark reminder that one of the most historically significant areas in the city remains under threat by those ignorant of its history (“P.G.’s housing plan suggests up to 84 units on a contested strip of sensitive coastal land,” Oct. 5-11). The city’s Planning Department recommended rezoning Site 49, but fails to mention that such a zoning change in the Coastal Zone would require a referendum vote and that a majority of P.G. residents are opposed to converting any open space zoning to residential. The draft further ignores P.G.’s Local Coastal Plan, which specifies that any building on this parcel can be used only for marine scientific purposes. It is time for P.G. to do everything it can to protect the integrity of the Point Pinos Lighthouse Reservation, the city’s oldest, largest, and most prominent historic landscape. Chuck Greene | Pacific Grove Development of the former National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration property at 1352 Lighthouse Ave. would be a tragedy for the city and the region. The culture of Indigenous people dates back thousands of years on the land. In the 1970s, archeologists discovered a site that runs under the NOAA building; tribal leaders have made it clear they do not want this site of their ancestors desecrated yet again by the building being torn down and something else built on the land. The allBlack 54th Coast Artillery Regiment may have camped on the property while defending Pacific Grove and California in 1943. The building’s marine murals by acclaimed artist Ray Troll are scientifically important as well as beautiful. These are a few of many reasons this property is of cultural and historic importance. Its loss would be tragic. Steve Hauk | Pacific Grove Note: Hauk is on the steering committee of the Center for Ocean Art, Science and Technology (COAST) that envisioned taking over the NOAA building. Park Police This is something that those with the slightest bit of intelligence have thought about since about 2020, with calls for defunding the police (“After a pilot program, Salinas agrees to a one-year private security contract at Closter Park,” Oct. 5-11). As police are defunded, there will be a continuous rise in private policing, a body with less government oversight. Jack Gillott | Seaside Seeking Justice Thank you for a moving piece about the trial, for looking at the instinctual heroism in ordinary folk (“A murder trial for the killing of a Salinas police officer reveals unexpected, everyday heroism,” posted Oct. 9). Just beautifully written. Elliot Ruchowitz-Roberts | Carmel Power Shift Lesson to be learned: If you’re looking for a job somewhere else, don’t let your boss know (“Salinas City Council votes unanimously to fire city manager Steve Carrigan,” posted Oct. 4). Walter Wagner | Salinas Well, it sounds like Mr. City Manager is in love, and not with the City of Salinas. The job is not easy, but deserves a leader who can take the city to another level. Jose Belman | Salinas Sound Off One: How is it [that people] on the Monterey Peninsula get so worked up about fireworks displays on the Fourth of July but are so tolerant of the California International Airshow in Salinas? (“Hot Picks,” Oct. 5-11.) Two: And what about the pets? We worry so much about pets on the Fourth, but my cats have not come out from under the bed since this insanity started on Thursday. The noise is horrific for man and beasts! Three: And the veterans? I served on an aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. I lived right under the flight deck with aircraft landing on my rooftop 24/7. I have experienced crashes on the flight deck. I may have PTSD from that experience, but I cannot begin to fathom the horror of a veteran who does suffer from PTSD who has to relive having Agent Orange sprayed on him from a jet blasting no more than 100 feet over his house. It is high time that we came to our senses and stopped this insanity! OK, you want an airshow? Fine! Have it in the Mojave Desert. Then, if there is an accident, there is only a few acres of sagebrush that is destroyed, not an entire Salinas neighborhood. Patrick Zimmerman | Salinas Bloom and Grow The article about volunteers in King City dedicated to beautification and preservation was very inspiring (“A local volunteer organization in King City is working to make the community bloom,” Oct 5-11). Their community pride and the practice of showing up and making a big difference can be a model for other cities. I encourage citizens to form similar American In Bloom chapters. The support from City Manager Steve Adams shows how city staff partnering alongside people with a purpose can get things done. Congratulations to King City. Let’s start a similar effort in Pacific Grove. Mike Gibbs | Pacific Grove OUTLAW COUNTRY Charley Crockett is the best! (“The 2023 Rebels and Renegades Festival brought a twangy mix of musical styles to the Fairgrounds,” posted Oct. 9.) Mike Stephens | via social media [Old Crow Medicine Show] was so much fun! Tina Repetti-Renzullo | via social media Great cover photo! (“The Rebels and Renegades Music Festival returns for its second year, featuring diverse sounds of Americana and further solidifying the Good Vibez Presents empire,” Oct. 5-11.) Eric Palmer Sr. | Monterey Correction An explanation of rainfall during the 2022-23 water year (“The Weekly Tally,” Oct. 5-11) incorrectly stated how 14.01 inches compares to the historical average of 12.58 inches. It was 11-percent higher than the average, not 111-percent higher. Letters • CommentsOPINION Submit letters to the editor to letters@mcweekly.com. Please keep your letter to 150 words or less; subject to editing for space. Please include your full name, contact information and city you live in.
www.montereycountyweekly.com october 12-18, 2023 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15 There’s been a flurry of activity out of the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom lately, as his Oct. 14 deadline to sign or veto bills approaches. It’s his chance to give his blessing (or not) to what the Legislature passed in their 2023 session. And the list of new laws is long, covering everything from the esoteric (tax exemptions on personal property used in space flight) to the mundane (adjusting licensing fees on professions such as veterinary technicians). It was also the first legislative session that had Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, in the influential chair as Speaker of the Assembly. Rivas’ role has changed to that of managing the flow of bills through the Assembly, meaning his own slate of bills was shorter than usual— but freshman Assemblymember Dawn Addis, D-Morro Bay, says his leadership will have a major impact for marginalized people, specifically in funding for Pajaro. “It’s one of those things you know is going to have real human impact,” Addis says. (Rivas also authored resolutions declaring School Breakfast Week and Stuttering Awareness Week.) State Sen. John Laird, D-Santa Cruz, introduced more than a dozen bills that have been signed into law. They include Senate Bill 540, which requires the state Department of Cannabis Control and the Department of Public Health to produce a brochure about safe cannabis consumption (yes, brochures are still a thing, and they are still sometimes mandated, whether or not you read them). Laird’s SB 272 anticipates the reality that is climate change, and directs local governments in the Coastal Zone to develop sea level rise plans by 2034. Most relevant to locals is his SB 38, authored in response to fires at lithium ion battery facilities in Moss Landing that raised community concerns and questions—and also a 12-hour shelter-in-place order due to potentially harmful fumes as a battery pack burned itself out. SB 38 accepts that there is a certain inherent risk to such technologies, but that the community needs to be aware of the risk. The law requires battery storage facilities to develop an emergency response plan (in coordination with local emergency response agencies) and to establish a notification and communication procedure. Those plans will be submitted to the county and city where the facility is located, making them publicly accessible to all. “Increasing the state’s battery storage is essential to reaching our clean energy goals,” Laird said in a statement, “but we also have to ensure that these facilities have safety systems in place to protect the health and well-being of workers and surrounding communities.” For Addis, it was a productive first legislative session. Her slate of legislation covers a range of topics, from justice for survivors of sexual assault to bilingual education to tax-exempt bonds to expand residential care facilities for seniors. Assembly Bill 452, co-authored with State Sen. Nancy Skinner, removes a statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual assault to file civil claims seeking damages. The bill came about after a constituent came forward with a story about being time-limited out of filing a claim. “There is so much shame. It really does stop people from coming forward,” Addis says. “To lift [a time limit] will allow survivors’ voices to be heard.” Not all of her bills will be chaptered into law. She introduced a successful parental leave bill that would lengthen time off for California State University employees, but Newsom vetoed it on Oct. 7, citing the cost, as well as ongoing labor negotiations with the California Faculty Association. Two bills by Addis concerned with ocean health— one would establish monitoring of offshore wind facility construction and operations, and one would guide kelp restoration—are stalled in the Senate and will be taken up again next year. But it’s not so much the list of bills that Addis says was satisfying in her first nearly-year serving as a state lawmaker. It’s constituent services. “Our staff spends a lot of time with constituents, unlocking money from the Employment Development Department or the Franchise Tax Board,” she says. “That’s been one of the most gratifying pieces—seeing how we are able to serve constituents right at home.” Sara Rubin is the Weekly’s editor. Reach her at sara@mcweekly.com. On the Floor As the legislative session wraps up, here’s what local lawmakers achieved. By Sara Rubin Spooky Tale…Squid’s put Squid’s tentacle in Squid’s beak and said something dumb, but never on video, thank Poseidon. Not true for CSU Monterey Bay Vice President of Administration and Finance Glen Nelson, who put foot in mouth during a meeting on Sept. 21 that sparked anger on campus. The comment came during a board meeting of the University Corporation of Monterey Bay, a separate nonprofit supporting CSUMB. Nelson, who serves as the corporation’s executive director, was reporting on former Fort Ord military housing used for students and faculty. Per an agreement with the Department of Defense, DoD tenants can continue to live there until they move out. Once the number of DoD tenants drops below 10 percent, CSUMB will have access to all of it. “I don’t know if we want to call people in the middle of the night and scare them and tell them their house is haunted so they’ll leave, or what, but we’re working on a process,” Nelson said. A video clip on the anonymous Instagram account @mb_confess spread the comment widely and drew harsh criticism by people worried that veterans were in danger of being kicked out of their homes. One student, Akif Khaled, released a rap video on YouTube slamming Nelson. Nelson apologized for his comments and expressed his and the university’s commitment to veterans. Squid expects ghost hunters may start lurking the halls to look for any mischief. JAIL PASS…Squid’s colleagues have been reporting on inmate conditions at Monterey County Jail— particularly the substandard health care that recently saw Wellpath, the jail’s for-profit health care provider, hit with a court order for falling out of compliance with a 2015 class-action settlement. But that hasn’t stopped the County of Monterey from tooting its own horn over the routine passage of a state inspection of the county’s jails and holding facilities. On Oct. 3, a press release hailed the “remarkable results” of this year’s inspection by the California Board of State and Community Corrections. In July, inspectors visited to evaluate compliance with state standards on corrections operations and inmate care. “We are proud to announce that the results of these comprehensive inspections were exceedingly positive,” the county boasted—citing how inspectors found “NO items of noncompliance” (the allcaps emphasis is theirs) with the state’s “minimum standards” for local detention facilities “This is a complete 180 from the previous reporting [by regulators] during the previous [sheriff’s] administration,” Sheriff Tina Nieto claimed in a statement. That’s all good news welcomed by Squid. Yet Squid still finds such back-slapping unbecoming in a year when five inmates have died at the jail on the new sheriff’s watch. But still, there’s politics. the local spin SQUID FRY THE MISSION OF MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY IS TO INSPIRE INDEPENDENT THINKING AND CONSCIOUS ACTION, ETC. “It is going to have real human impact.” Send Squid a tip: squid@mcweekly.com
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