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Good Old Days Program 2015

Unable to reach agreement with the Marina Coast Water District and Monterey County Water Resources Agency on how to address multiple challenges which have arisen, California American Water today announced this morning that it is withdrawing support for the Regional Water Project, the three-party agreement behind the Regional Water Project. Read more…»

In a special meeting called to examine the proposed Joint Powers Authority drawn by six area mayors, a majority of Pacific Grove’s councilmembers turned down the proposal – but not the idea. Without a vote on the current version, which was obviously going to go against the JPA based on discussion, the council instead moved to wait until the next scheduled City Council meeting in hopes that some of their questions would be answered. Read more…»

MONARCH ALERT: Erica Krygsman and Tama Olver conducted this week’s Monterey County monarch counts on January 4 and 5. The average number of monarchs counted at the Pacific Grove Sanctuary was 11,645, an increase from last week’s count, while counts at some other sites decreased. Temperatures were very warm both days and and flying and sunning activity was high; in addition, clusters at several sites were smaller, less dense, and occurred on more trees than noted in previous weeks. Both of these factors may have influenced the average number of monarchs counted.
There are theories that butterflies “ping pong” between sites Read more…»

Facing bleak odds against his party in the newly-drawn State Senate District, Republican State Sen. Sam Blakeslee, who represents the Central Coast, announced in his hometown newspaper, the San Luis Obispo Tribune, that he would not seek re-election unless the California Supreme Court intervenes. The Court is expected to take up the issue next week of whether to use the old district lines or the new ones come November, 2012, when an initiative could be on the ballot. Read more…»

The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission on Dec. 14, 2011 named 18 individuals as recipients of the Carnegie Medal. The medal is given throughout the United States and Canada to those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others.

Ronald D. Curry of Pacific Grove and his golfing partner, Harold T. Leach of Danville often golf early on Sunday mornings at Pacific Grove Golf Links. On this particular Sunday, November 8, 2009, they had reached the 18th hole at about 10:00. Read more…»

Supporters of the Pacific Grove Monarch Grove Sanctuary addressed a curious occurrence this week. More than 300 dead monarchs have been observed in the Pacific Grove Monarch Grove Sanctuary over the past several weeks, many with their abdomens missing. “This is consistent with wasp predation, but it is difficult to determine if wasps are solely responsible.” asserted Francis Villablanca, Ph.D., the science advisor for Cal Poly State University’s Monarch Alert Program. “This predation on the monarchs should not be too alarming.” Read more…»

A comprehensive report by Planning staff to outline upgrades in current paid parking plans for the downtown and Lovers Point areas became a battle cry once again. The report, which was requested by City Council, outlined the areas in question and gave comparisons of plans in other areas and other cities. But Mayor Garcia said it was more than was requested – that she had sought a two-page report. The entire agenda item was 31 pages long, 14 pages of which was a potential Request For Proposals for an outside vendor to examine the program and oversee installation of parking sensors, among other duties.

There was no mention in the report of parking meters along Lighthouse Avenue or Ocean View Blvd., and no increase in the number of time-restricted spaces, but rather the report was directed, as requested, at the potential of installing pay stations at current timed lots between Fandango restaurant and the Bank of America and the lot behind Lighthouse Cinemas on Fountain Avenue. Nonetheless, there were a number of members of the public who were unhappy about the prospect of pay-to-park spaces downtown.

Read more…»

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBYlfBGLb5k

Seems like a lot of work for just two days of the exhibit, but model train enthusiasts take a lot of care getting the show ready for next weekend, Dec. 10-11 at American Tin Cannery. Lance Wright, a Scout leader, owns the train but Philip Tuffs and his older brother, David, are running it. They’re working out the last kinks and practicing signals to run “PG Steel Co.” railroad as their dad, Simon, looks on.

By Marge Ann Jameson

In May, 2011 the City Council, anxious to put to bed questions about how to best run the municipal golf course, decided to hire an outside consultant to look at the operation. City Manager Tom Frutchey, at the time, said he thought it was pretty obvious that the City wasn’t expert at managing the property and restaurant, so outside help was sought. After a request for proposals, Golf Convergence, Inc. was hired in September to begin the study.

The anticipated report is in and with it some hard questions, and not a little backlash. Jim Keegan, principal of Golf Convergence, presented his full findings first at an emergency meeting of the Golf Links Advisory Commission on Mon., Nov. 28 and again at an emergency meeting of the City Council on Tues., Nov. 29. He suggested the City Council consider whether the golf links is a subsidized amenity for the citizens – and how much should the General Fund (i.e. taxpayers) be willing to kick in to keep it running if improvements are not made – or is it a self-sustaining treasure, and how can it be made profitable. Read more…»

In a brief announcement on Facebook, Pacific Grove Mayor Carmelita Garcia announced on Thanksgiving that she is running for the Assembly seat soon to be vacated by Bill Monning. Monning is running for State Senate, a decision he made a number of months ago.

The Assembly seat will go to the voters in June, 2012 while Mayor Garcia’s term is up in November, 2012. There have been no other announcements from potential candidates for her office as mayor.

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Mark Stone has also declared that he is running for Monning’s seat. Santa Cruz City Councilwoman Lynn Robinson also declared her candidacy in August, 2011 but dropped out of the race barely a month later.

Mayor Garcia has promised an interview on Monday, Nov. 28. Both Monning and Garcia have Facebook pages for their respective campaigns.

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History presents the annual family-oriented event, “Monarch Magic.”

At this free event, participants are invited to: See live monarch butterflies in all stages of their life cycle, including egg and chrysalis; Listen to live music―for kids and adults; Make monarch butterfly crafts; Get your face painted like a monarch butterfly; Find out about current research on migrating monarchs; Purchase milkweed (monarchs’ host plants) for inland gardens

Monarch Magic will be held on Sat., Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.At the  Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove. There is no cost to attend.

By Marge Ann Jameson

Monterey County District Attorney Dean Flippo announced Nov. 15 that Stephen Phillip Collins, former director on the Board of Directors of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency, is charged with two felony counts of conflict of interest because he allegedly profited financially from his involvement in making contracts pertaining to the Regional Water Project. The acts of conflict of interest allegedly took place between Jan. 8, 2010 and Dec. 30, 2010.

Collins will be arraigned on Nov. 16. Read more…»

Thomas Pollacci, age 52 and a resident of Pebble Beach, was sentenced to 6 years in state prison on one count of forcible rape by Judge Adrienne Grover on Nov. 15. This 6-year sentence is to be served consecutively to an 8-year state prison sentence that had been previously imposed by Judge Russell Scott for a total state prison term of 14 years. Pollacci also agreed to waive any appellate rights in the current case as well the previous case in which he had been convicted by a jury of rape. Read more…»

Monterey Fire Department and California American Water Co. will conduct fire hydrant flow tests in various areas of Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel and Sand City starting Tues., Nov. 15 through Fri., Dec. 2 between 10:00 a.m. and 5:oo p.m. There may be some discoloration and turbidity of your tap water as a result. Officials assure Cedar Street Times that the condition is only temporary and is not dangerous to your health.

The tests are conducted to ensure that there is adequate water pressure to meed demand should there be an emergency.

If you have questions about your tap water quality, contact Cal-Am at 831-373-3051.

Renovations reflect the seamless merging of historic detail and modernization

Asilomar Conference Grounds’ new dining option, Phoebe’s Café, will open to the public on Nov. 15, 2011.  Located in the common area of Phoebe A. Hearst Social Hall, the café was constructed during the Hall’s recent renovation. A ceremony will be held on Dec. 8, 2011 to officially mark the completion of the Hall’s renovation and the opening of the café. Read more…»

Twenty years in the planning, the dream of acquiring 100-plus acres of land adjacent to the York School campus is now a reality. The addition of the “York Outdoor Laboratory,” located on 101 acres of maritime chaparral in the former Fort Ord, increases the size of the campus fivefold, paving the way for expanded academic and athletic programs. Read more…»

Early returns: Byrne, 61.12%, Doyle 38.88%; Measure U 71.4% for, 28.6% against; Measure V 59.65% for, 40.35% against. Looking for another update soon, perhaps at 11:00. Not very many voters. These figures may not change appreciably, which means that Measure V probably goes down as it needed 66%. Pacific Grove is counted among the last — what we’re seeing is mostly absentee ballots which are normally fairly conservative.

York School presents All About York on Sat., Nov. 12 from 1-5 p.m. on the York campus.
The “IQ” Session – ice cream and questions – from 1:00-2:00 p.m. provides an opportunity to ask questions of students, teachers, parents, and alumni in an informal setting. At 2:00 p.m. the structured program provides a detailed overview of everything at York: academic courses, athletics, arts, college counseling, admissions, and financial aid.
The event is free and open to the public. For information, visit www.york.org or contact Catha Smith, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, at 831-372-7338 x 115 csmith@york.org.

Note: We have noticed a lot of readers coming to our website as a result of certain search engine queries. These searches indicate to us that you, our readers, are looking for information and opinion about the water board candidates running in tomorrow’s election. Many, we know, have already voted. But for the others, we have taken all of the letters from our print version and lumped them here in this post to make it easy for you and, we hope, easier for you to make up your minds. The latest are the ones at the top and from there they go back in time. Editorials are at the end.

Letter writers are wrong about Byrne and ‘scare tactics’
Editor:
Vicki Pearse, in her letter (October 21 issue) accused Jeanne Byrne of using “scare tactics” in her campaign. Time to set the record straight with facts.
The Cease and Desist Order states as of December 31, 2016 Cal Am pumping from the Carmel River is limited to its legal right of 3,376 acre feet. Fact.
The adjudication order for the Seaside Basin states Cal Am pumping from that basin is limited to 2,299 acre feet for 2017 and 1,820 acre feet in 2018. Fact.
Residential water use will be limited to 35 gallons per day per person (current use, 60 gallons per day per person). Fact.
This means the hospitality industry, for example, could be out of business without replacement water. 20,000+ jobs lost. $40 million of local tax revenues generated gone and TOT revenue drastically diluted, directly impacting city services. All fact. Read more…»

Varsity Boys • 3.0 miles

Conrad HainCarmel16:44401932251942Tom KochvarCarmel 16:50Addison MillerPG16:52Galen LanierCarmel17:13Andreas SpanosStevenson17:19Les Girard Carmel17:39Timmy MatthewsPG17:39Garrett WashburnStevenson17:51Cody OsbornStevenson17:53Justin DepalatisCarmel17:55Joshua DormanyCarmel18:11Max SchrockCarmel18:17Stephen KatzPG18:37Pall MarienPG18:4415.Skyler LewisPG18:5416.Corey CroneStevenson19:0517.Dashiell StokesPG19:0718.Matt Mounteer PG19:3419.Bryan LouieStevenson19:5920.Gabe Fuente Stevenson20:0921.Jake VillarrealStevenson20:10

Varsity Girls • 3.0 miles

Michelle Watkins PG20:0433415989Mackenzie DoonerCarmel20:25Camille Herhusky Carmel20:26Lizzy TardienCatalina20:52Maddie McKenzie Carmel20:53Isabella FenstermakerPG21:30Carolyn BruckmanStevenson21:59Kaitlyn AltPG22:10Stella ParkPG22:33Brenda MelandCatalina 22:47Katie Wilcox Carmel22:52Kaitlin DavisCarmel 23:21Lucy Scattini Catalina23:23Lily Patterson Catalina23:36Emma Miguel Carmel23:41Emily Quinn Stevenson 23:45Mary ModisettePG23:49Ines BorromeoCatalina24:00Erika De PalatisCarmel24:07Megan MathewStevenson25:27Laura ColoskyCatalina25:5022.Mikaela Welton Stevenson 26:2223.Katherine KoulourisCatalina26:2824.Katie Fahrion Stevenson26:3325.Lauren MurphyPG26:33.526.Marie Vastola PG28:1627.28.

Junior Varsity Boys • 3.0 Miles

Max Iles Carmel 19:14441527321742Nick Girard Carmel 19:31Austin Robertson Carmel 19:44Drew Davis Carmel 19:48Kevin Zischke PG20:05Eric O’Hagan PG20:33Zach Owings Carmel20:34Michael GaoStevenson20:50Austin Kwon Stevenson 21:02Eddie Park Stevenson21:13Aidan McIntyrePG21:23Hunter IngleCarmel 21:26Cole AgenbroadCarmel21:43Yohei MizobuchiStevenson22:03Jamie ChoStevenson22:15Will JohnsonCarmel22:30Austin GillespieStevenson22:35Sean HaStevenson23:00Connor MooneyhamCarmel23:21Miles LawStevenson23:28Andy FooStevenson23:3222.Emmett Ferry Carmel23:4023.Tyler GelzieichterPG23:4324.Duc DangStevenson24:1925.Joseph JooStevenson24:4226.Chris ChuStevenson24:4327.Gamba DialloPG25:2428.Blake RovaiStevenson 25:3629.Baer VanaCarmel26:1030.Kevin Lee Chan Stevenson 27:27

Junior Varsity Girls • 3.0 Miles

Maddie Salvati Carmel25:07Inc.Inc.15Inc.Krista Sedgwick Carmel26:13Aniela GrychCarmel26:34Ireland BarnesCatalina29:23Lauren JohnsonCatalina29:24Jessie WibisonoCatalina29:24.5Cristina MuscoCatalina29:51Veronica LopezCatalina29:51.5Annie KellerCatalina29:52Janet KibonekaCatalina32:05Karen ReinaCatalina32:06

By Cameron Douglas

Hundreds of citizens in the Monterey-Salinas area took part in Occupy Wall Street rallies on Sat., Oct. 15. Demonstrations were held in many parts of the world that day, more than 1,500 protests in 82 countries, according to the website, occupywallst.org/. The Oct. 15 event served as an opportunity for others to stand in solidarity with those in New York, who have protested for four weeks straight.

At 10 a.m. in Salinas, a small group of 30 or so set up in front of the Bank of America branch at 405 South Main. A bank manager and a security guard promptly came out and talked with organizer Dan Eyde, explaining that only the outer part of the sidewalk was public property and for the protestors to stay off the part leading to the entrance and clear of the driveway. The bank manager’s wishes were respected and the protest continued without incident.

“Bank of America is responsible for 15 percent of the foreclosures in Salinas,” said Eyde. “That’s about 750 homes.” He added that the foreclosures are a result “of their [Bank of America’s] predatory lending practices.” Read more…»

The SPCA for Monterey County’s Benefit Shop presents Glitz and Glamour – The SPCA Jewelry Event Friday, October 21 through Sunday October 23 with a special preview night on Thursday, October 20.  This exciting sale will feature vintage costume jewelry, gold, silver, designer purses, shoes, and more, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the many vital services and programs offered by your SPCA.

Join The SPCA for a special preview night on Thursday, October 20 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.  The SPCA Benefit Shop has been saving beautiful new and vintage donated jewelry exclusively for this exciting sale.

The SPCA Benefit Shop is located at 26364 Carmel Rancho Lane near the Barnyard Shopping Village.  Open Monday – Saturday 10:00 to 4:00, Wednesday 10:00 to 6:00, Sunday 12:00 to 4:00.  For more information, please contact The SPCA Benefit Shop at 831-624-4211 or visit www.SPCAmc.org.

The SPCA for Monterey County is your nonprofit, independent, donor-supported humane society that has been serving the animals and people of Monterey County since 1905. The SPCA is not a chapter of any other agency and does not have a parent organization.  They shelter homeless, neglected and abused pets and livestock, and provide humane education and countless other services to the community. They are the local agency you call to investigate animal cruelty, rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife, and aid domestic animals in distress. Online at www.SPCAmc.org.

Update on the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle which crawled out at Hopkins Marine in Pacific Grove and is now in the “infirmary” at the Aquarium: Condition, STABLE. Thank you Peter Mounteer. As of 10/11/11.

By Marge Ann Jameson
California American Water (Cal Am) ordered a study on the cost analysis of 11 water supply alternatives for the Monterey Peninsula, including Pacific Grove. The company plans to hold a public forum on the subject, set for Oct. 26, 2011.
Cedar Street Times has obtained a copy of the report, dated October 5, 2011.
In the cost analysis, RBF Consulting, authors of the report, outline the various alternatives which include some combinations of alternatives as well as stand-alone projects. Most have been suggested in some form or another, from various desalination plants (Marina, Moss Landing, Sand City, Monterey near the Naval Postgraduate School) to filtration plants and groundwater recharge.

The Regional Water Project, a desalination plant at Marina with delivery to the rest of the Peninsula, is the project which has won State approval.
Cal Am faces a Cease and Desist Order to cease pumping water for its customers from the Carmel River. By 2014, the company — and  those customers — must reduce use by 40 percent of what is currently used and by 2016 the reduction will increase to 60 percent of current use.
It is important to note that the current report only includes cost analysis and does not include permitting and schedule impacts for the various alternatives.
RBF advises that the permitting and schedule impacts report will follow.
The analysis uses the current favored project, the Regional Water Supply Project – also known as the Marina desalination plant – as a basis for cost estimating, stating “It is clear that the estimate is based on an assumption that all of the supply wells . . . are slant wells and that the costs are in October 2012 dollars.”
Demand for all alternatives except the last one, #11 in the list, is estimated at 15,200 acre-feet per year.
The Regional Water Project, Alternative #1, with costs for construction, start-up, contingency and other allowances including cost of indebtedness comes in at $297,470,000 in RBF’s estimate. It adds an estimate for California American Water’s regional project facilities at $132,000,000 “most probable capital cost with contingency,” a high-end estimate of $156,000,000 and a low-end of $118,000,000.
The cost cap for Cal Am had originally been set at $106,875,000 in the recent Settlement Agreement. That $107,000,000 includes conveyance facilities (pipes and pumps), a terminal reservoir, and an ASR system (Aquifer Storage Recovery).
Adding the California American Water facilities costs of $107,000 to the capital cost of $297,000,000 for the Regional Water Project results in a total capital cost of $404,000,000 for the Regional Water Project. The result is a cost per acre foot per year (AFY) of $2680.
Alternative #2 includes a lower-capacity desalination plant at Marina and groundwater recharge of advanced water treatment effluent from the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control authority’s regional treatment facility. The effluent would be used to recharge the Seaside aquifer. Cost/AFY: $2,980 Read more…»

By Peter Mounteer

Last Wednesday, October 5^th, Pacific Grove received an unlikely visit from an unlikely visitor, an adult Olive Ridley sea turtle that typically inhabits warm coastal waters. Although sea turtles occasionally visit Monterey Bay (most typically leatherback sea turtles that can withstand cold California waters) an Olive Ridley has “never been sighted ashore” on the central coast, according to Scott Kathey of NOAA.

Sea turtles spend the majority of their lives in the water, only coming ashore to lay eggs. The Olive Ridley that came ashore on Wednesday—its gender has yet to be confirmed—is not here to nest, as its typical nesting grounds are only as far north as Mexico. According to Kathey, the turtle most likely was lured North in an unusual eddy of warm water that brushed California’s central coast.

The 72 pound Olive Ridley arrived ashore—conveniently—at Stanford University’s Hopkins Marine Station in Pacific Grove, just around the corner from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where it is currently being cared for.

Dr. Mike Murray, a veterinarian with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, is in charge of rehabilitating the sea turtle. “The animal is underweight and dehydrated,” he said, “potentially due to illness.” The Olive Ridley is being cared for in a heated 78-degree holding tank out of the view of the public eye. Dr. Murray confirmed that the animal will not be used for aquarium display at any point in time. Murray also said that the turtle is being given antibiotics and supportive therapy in order to restore its health and will likely remain at the aquarium under his care for an unknown number of weeks depending upon its response to rehabilitative treatment. A potential release site has not yet been chosen.

Last Wednesday’s rescue marks the fourth turtle rescue in the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s 27 year history and the first since 2005.

The Olive Ridley sea turtle is classified “endangered” by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a categorization most likely the result of a high frequency of egg collecting on nesting beaches and turtle hunting by humans throughout the world.

Dr, Mike Murray, a veterinarian with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, lifts the stranded Ridley sea turtle. The turtle is under Dr. Murray's care now at the Aquarium. Photo by Bob Yerena of NOAA

By Marge Ann Jameson

Shock and awe isn’t limited to the battlefield. It also might be used to describe everyone in the City Council chambers Wed. night, Sept. 21 as City staff presented unaudited financial results for the Pacific Grove Golf Links for the fiscal year which ended June 30, 2011. The City has lost some $413,000 on the goose that laid its golden egg.

The City’s reserve for the golf course of $625,658 is now down to $143,658.

The dollar amount pretty much blindsided the members of the Golf Links Advisory Committee, who have been hounding staff for a financial report for some months. It also surprised and angered the City Council members, one of whom – Dan Miller – said he hadn’t been as angry in 22 years of watching and participating in City Council meetings.

There was blame enough to go around for the losses. The economy has forced golfers to play less, either because they no longer have the discretionary funds or because they are working harder to make ends meet and do not have time to play 18 holes. In fact, the 20% reduction in rounds played by full rate players (“rack rates”) was listed as the primary reason for the decline. While there was a decrease in the number of rounds played by golfers paying discount rates, it was not as sharp.

The City had to operate the Pt. Pinos Grill for about six months in the absence of a concessionaire.

There were 19 more bad weather days than anticipated which cost an estimated $2,000-$3,000 each.

The fleet of leased golf carts had to be replaced at a cost of $22,000.

The marketing plan – with a budget of some $71,000 – went to marketing to out-of-town golfers who would pay rack rates, and little, if any, was spent to entice locals.

Holding of the US Open in the area affected the number of rounds played adversely.

Nationally, golf courses are experiencing similar problems, with Santa Cruz’s municipal course, DeLaveaga, showing a $2 million loss recently. But other nearby courses have slashed their discount rates and some go as low as $5 for twilight play. While Pacific Grove used to be one of the lowest priced courses in the area, courses such as Rancho Canada, Salinas fairway and Laguna Seca have undercut the local links and golfers willing to play at odd hours are dwindling away.

But it was more the surprise factor than the actual loss that seemed to anger Councilmembers and GLAC members most.

After the feathers quit flying around and staff had been chastened for not reporting sooner, by every member of the Council as well as the members of the GLAC who were on hand, the Council agreed to delay action until a report and recommendations could be had from Golf Convergence, the new consultant hired to help the City out. The current marketing consultant’s contract will not be renewed. A monthly Profit & Loss will be required, and some cost-cutting measures will be implemented, but there will likely be no salary cuts or requests for early retirement.

Revenue enhancement strategies will be explored as well. With warm “weather for locals” coming, it is hoped some of those revenue enhancement programs can be put into place at once, before the golden egg becomes merely more zeroes on the profit and loss statement.

Read more…»

Read more…»

On Aug. 24, Pacific Grove Police were advised that the large wood sign at the city limits on Hwy. 68 (Forest Ave. near Syida Dr.) was missing and had been forcibly removed from the wood studs that mount it to a stone base sometime Monday night.

The sign is approximately 4 feet by 6 feet and read “Welcome to Pacific Grove. Butterfly Town USA.” It is the property of the city of Pacific Grove and valued at an estimated $3500.

Anyone with information about the theft or the whereabouts of the sign is asked to contact the Pacific Grove Police Department at 831-648-3143.