Cedar Street Times
Recently published articles from the Cedar Street Times.
Cal Am discusses plans in closed-door meeting
At a closed-door meeting today, Jan. 27, California American Water Company outlined for the select attendees what may be its ultimate plan for solving the Peninsula’s water woes before the looming 2016 deadline imposed by the State to replace water being overdrafted from the Carmel River. Read the rest of this story »
Supreme Court rules new CA Senate districts legal – for now
The California Supreme Court has ruled this morning that California state Senate boundaries set by a 14-member citizens’ commission are legal for the June, 2012 primary and the November, 2012 general election.
The High Court ruled on the matter as a result of a Republican Party-backed signature drive seeking to overturn the Senate maps, which they contend are unfairly weighted and would give Democrats a chance at two extra seats in the State Senate – and the chance at holding a supermajority required to raise taxes or fees. Read the rest of this story »
Weekend fire puts Favaloro’s out of commission
What started as a problem with a transformer in last weekend’s wind and rainstorm wound up putting Favaloro’s Big Night Bistro out of business for weeks. PG&E crews working on the transformer turned the power back on and heard a popping sound. Seems a fire had started in the electrical panel in the rear of Favaloro’s. PG&E workers immediately called the fire department, which responded with four engines and a ladder truck plus other equipment. The kitchen and rest room at the restaurant have sustained a lot of fire, smoke and water damage but the fire was contained in the back of the building.
No one was injured in the incident.
It could have been a lot worse. Favaloro’s is one of a row of Victorian-era Read the rest of this story »
Council agrees to join Mayors’ JPA in 7-0 vote
By Marge Ann Jameson
Pacific Grove City Council members were reassured at the Wednesday, Jan. 18 meeting by City Manager Tom Frutchey that most of the concerns they expressed at the emergency meeting last Thursday would be met in the early stages of the Regional Water Authority, the JPA proposed by six Peninsula mayors. But it was the news coming last Tuesday that California American Water had pulled its support for the Regional Water Project, the desalination plant in Marina, that buoyed their hopes that something might get done. They voted 7-0 for the JPA. Read the rest of this story »
Local lady’s hip hop video goes viral: Find the link here
We first gave Carol Kuzdenyi a shout-out in our June 11, 2010 issue when she got rave reviews for a concert ending the MPC spring semester. At the time, she was taking hip hop lessons at Shall We Dance, the dance studio which has since given up its spot above the liquor store on Lighthouse. She was just the other side of 60 years old. Read the rest of this story »
We Pass This Way But Once
Many of you have asked for a reprint of the serialized feature by Les Gorn, We Pass This Way But Once. We have made it into a single PDF. You can find it here: http://www.cedarstreettimes.com/newpdf/WePassThisWayButOnce.pdf
REPRINT FROM OCT. 2010: Water solution report
Consultant study: Regional Water Project most cost-effective
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 another, from various desalination plants (Marina, Moss Landing, Sand City, Monterey near the Naval Postgraduate School) to filtration plants and groundwater recharge.
Cal Am withdraws support for the Regional Desalination Project
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 the rest of this story »
Monarch counts Jan. 10-11: Pacific Grove down
Erica Krygsman (Monarch Alert Field Coordinator for Monterey County) and Carly Voight (Xerces Society Butterfly Conservation Specialist) conducted this week’s Monterey County counts on Jan. 10 and 11. The average number of monarchs counted at the Pacific Grove Sanctuary was 10,270, a decrease from last week’s count. Read the rest of this story »
Pacific Grove City Council says “not yet” to JPA
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 the rest of this story »
Regional parks classes for this week: Go outdoors!
FOR JANUARY 13, 2012, CEDAR STREET TIMES
MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT OFFERING CLASS IN MIXED-MEDIA ART AT GARLAND PARK ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 15
The Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (mprpd.org) is offering a class on mixed-media art on Sunday, January 15, at Garland Park.
For full information on this class, please see below. Details on all winter programs may be found in the Let’s Go Outdoors! guide or online at mprpd.org.
–
Mixed-Media Art in the Park
Bring your artistic passion outdoors! Gain a palette of resources and tap into nature as your limitless source of inspiration. Hone your senses and explore practical ways to approach drawing, sketching and painting, from color exercises to composing with thumbnails. Share your work in a creative and supportive environment. All levels of experience welcome. Instructor: Jonathan Wolf.
Ages 12-adult, Sunday, January 15, 11 AM-2 PM, Garland Park Visitor Center, 700 W. Carmel Valley Road, $25 (district resident), $28 (non-district resident). Materials list available online.
To register online, go to mprpd.org and register with Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Walk-in registrations are accepted Tuesday-Friday from 11 AM to 1 PM at the MPRPD office, 60 Garden Court, Suite 325, Monterey (checks, money orders and credit cards accepted). Pre-registration is strongly recommended. There will be an additional charge of $5 to register on the day of class (space permitting). On-site registration will begin 20 minutes prior to the start of class. All check-in and registration closes 5 minutes before the class begins. For more information, please call Joseph at 372-3196, ext. 102, or send an e-mail to narvaez@mprpd.org.
Admin. Office (831) 372-3196 E-mail: HYPERLINK “mailto:info@mprpd.org” info@mprpd.org www.mprpd.org Fax (831) 372-3197
Traffic to be rerouted on Ocean View Wed. 1/11/12
Wed., Jan. 11, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., traffic will be rerouted on Ocean View where the contractor for Pump Station #12 will install the new waste water line from the existing pump station and connect it to the new pump station. This will require closing Ocean View between 7th St and Monterey Ave. Westbound Ocean View traffic will be detoured south on 7th St to Central and west on Central to Monterey and then north on Monterey to Ocean View Blvd. East bound traffic will be detoured south on Monterey to Central and east on Central to 1st St then north on 1st street to Ocean View Blvd.
Pacific Grove Monarch count is up
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 the rest of this story »
Blakeslee not likely to run for re-election
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 the rest of this story »
Heroes honored with Carnegie Medal
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 the rest of this story »
Year In Review
Here, by popular demand, is the Year in Review 2011 as a PDF document. We even ran a spellchecker. Feel free to download it, and to read the full stories (and so much more) in our Back Issues section, where all PDFs of the full issues are archived. Click here to read our look back at 2011.
Pacific Grove Monarch Numbers Still Healthy
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 the rest of this story »
Parking “sensors” to be explored to control timed lots
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.
Model train show coming
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.
Judge in “golf hours” case denies TRO
At Dec. 1 hearing
By Marge Ann Jameson
Judge Kingsley, after hearing an hour and a half plea by the plaintiff’s attorney, denied the petitioner’s request for a preliminary injunction in the case John Troth brought against the City of Pacific Grove to keep the Pt. Pinos Grill at the golf course from extending hours past nautical twilight. hearing began at 1:30 Fri., Dec. 2 and lasted until about 4:00. Thus, the Pt. Pinos Grill may operate with extended hours for the near future. Read the rest of this story »
Golf consultant presents report, asks some hard questions
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 the rest of this story »
Pacific Grove High School And Pacific Grove Middle School
are honored to invite you to an
Award-Winning Film on
BULLYING & SCHOOL VIOLENCE -
WHERE
Pacific Grove Performing Arts Center
Pacific Grove Middle School, 835 Forest Ave
WHEN
December 5th, 2011 – 7:00 – 8:00pm
Mayor Carmelita Garcia announces run for Assembly
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.
Monarch Magic Nov. 26
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.
Hot shooters advance
Elks and Pacific Grove Recreation Dept. hosted the annual hot shot competition at Pacific Grove High School. Winners in their division go on to the next level.
Pacific Grove City Council approves temporary extension of hours at Pt. Pinos Grill
Five of the seven people on the dais agreed with the City Manager and the City Attorney that an “urgency ordinance” allowing the temporary extension of hours at Pt. Pinos Grill immediately and for 120 days was the most solid way the City could gather empirical data as to whether or not extended hours would work out. There would still be no hard liquor, no amplified music and no permanent lighting outside – matters that will doubtless be taken up by the Planning Department in February, 2012. But leaseholder Aqua Terra will now be allowed to test the waters for special events during the Holiday season. More tomorrow in the print version of Cedar St. Times.
Stephen Collins to be arraigned on multiple felony counts
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 the rest of this story »
Pollacci sentenced in second rape case
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 the rest of this story »
Turbidity in your tap water may occur
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.
Asilomar Conference Grounds Announces Opening of Phoebe’s Cafe Nov. 15
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 the rest of this story »