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« Previous EntriesAppeal goes against Canterbury
On August 27, 2010, Judge Thomas W. Wills ruled in favor of the City of Pacific Grove’s position relating to its ability to bring a civil action against Episcopal Senior Communities, Inc. (“ESC”) for zoning violations.
ESC holds a use permit to operate its retirement facility, Canterbury Woods, in Pacific Grove. In 2009, the City initiated an administrative enforcement process against ESC, contending ESC expanded its commercial use into adjacent residential zones. A neutral hearing officer found in favor of the City.
ESC filed a petition for review of the hearing officer’s decision, as well as a Complaint asserting several causes of action against the City. The City filed a Cross-Complaint, which was challenged by ESC. ESC is represented by John Sanger of Sanger and Olsen, a San Francisco-based law firm.
City Attorney David C. Laredo, of De Lay & Laredo stated, “This ruling affirms the City’s multiple remedies to enforce its Municipal Code. I am pleased the court validated the City’s position.”
And the winner is. . .
The Pacific Grove City Council entertained six applicants at a special meeting Tues., June 1, all vying for the seat on the council vacated by Deborah Lindsay. The top three candidates were Dan Miller, Rudy Fischer and William Fredrickson. Miller, who had missed a seat on the council in the last election and was not chosen when two other seats became vacant, was the choice this time around.
Miller did not list a vocation on his application. He is 54 and a native of Pacific Grove. Among the issues he wishes to see the Council address during his tenure — five months — he listed completion of the Bath House, restoration of the lighthouse, funding of the library, stabilization of the city’s finances, paying down unfunded liabilities, and a “fair” tree ordinance.
Miller will serve until the general election in November, when six of the seven seats are up for election. The only councilmember not facing election will be Bill Kampe, whose term expires in 2012.
Pacific Grove joined by Monterey in promoting JPA
The Monterey City Council decided Wednesday to seek a Joint Powers Agreement for a Peninsula-wide fire department, following the lead of Pacific Grove which voted unanimously to approve the concept on May 12, 2010.
The cities of Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel and Seaside are exploring the JPA for fire services, which proponents say will save each city money as well as provide better services. Pacific Grove and Monterey have had a joint service agreement for many months. Read more…»
About Matter of Trust
Matter of Trust is an ecological, public, 501(c)(3) charity that concentrates on manmade surplus, natural surplus and eco-education. Read more…»
From hair to there: PG haircutters assist with Gulf cleanup
By Darci D’Anna and Cameron Douglas
The April 20 explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oilrig, and the rig’s subsequent sinking two days later, created an undersea oil gusher that some are calling the worst environmental disaster of our time. Viewing aerial photos of the spreading oil plume can impart a feeling of helplessness, but not for the people at an organization called Matter of Trust. And not for a growing group of Pacific Grove businesses.
Many of our local haircutters and some pet groomers are finding a way to help with the Gulf oil spill. Under the guidance of distribution facilitator Matter of Trust, an ecological charity, these local businesses are helping other communities by sending hair clippings to warehouses along the Gulf Coast to be made into oil capturing “hair booms.” Vigorous response from salon owners shows a very caring attitude and willingness to make an active contribution towards stewarding the environment. Read more…»
JPA for fire services signed: PG is first to do so
By Marge Ann Jameson
Pacific Grove has become the first city to sign onto a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) for fire services on the Monterey Peninsula.
In a special city council meeting on May 12, the council chambers filled with dignitaries from nearby cities as well as the upper echelons of most local fire departments – Chiefs Rawson of Carmel, Hutchison of CalFire and Wombacher of Seaside joined our own Chiefs Mazza of Monterey and Andrew Miller.
Mayors Chuck Della Sala of Monterey, Ralph Rubio of Seaside and Bruce Delgado of Marina were in attendance, as well as the city managers of Monterey, Fred Meurer, and of Seaside, Ray Corpuz. Jason Burnett, newly elected to the Carmel city council was also on hand.
It was a unanimous vote. Read more…»
Publisher’s Blog: Treasurer candidate lied
I read with interest correspondence I received from an anonymous, but obviously informed source concerning misstatements made by Ron Holly in his campaign literature, in a public forum and in his statement to the electorate in the voters’ pamphlet for the June, 2010 election.
Mr. Holly represented in his voters’ pamphlet statement that he is a lawyer. Most potential voters would likely assume that he had obtained a degree in law and had passed the California State Bar Exam. When questioned on his credentials at a recent forum, he admitted that he had not, in fact, passed the bar exam but that it was not a prerequisite for the job of Treasurer for which he is running in the upcoming election. Read more…»
Publisher’s Blog: Desal alone won’t solve water woes
Last night, May 7, I attended a slide presentation by Jim Heitzman of Marina Coast Water District. We, as a newspaper, sponsored the talk and question-and-answer session afterward with Heitzman and Craig Anthony, CEO of California-American Water.
While I’ve seen the bulk of the presentation before, there is always something new to glean in reviewing a subject. And what I gleaned from this presentation came as a bit of a shock.
This is a replacement water project. It does not increase the supply to Pacific Grove nor provide any additional water Read more…»
No decision on support of Farmers Market move
Hot potato still up in the air at council
By Marge Ann Jameson
Despite testimony from former Mayor Dan Cort and Marina Mayor Bruce Delgado – who is on the board of Farmer’s Market operator Everyone’s Harvest – plus two former councilmembers (Scott Miller and Ron Shenk) the Pacific Grove City Council could not find a majority to approve support of a change of location for the market.
Instead, they will continue deliberating at the May 19, 2010 meeting. Read more…»
Deborah Lindsay resigns from City Council
Council member Deborah Lindsay announces her resignation today from Pacific Grove City Council effective May 6th, 2010 due to family issues. “It is with deep regret that I must make this announcement. It has been my greatest honor to work with the Citizens, Council and Staff of Pacific Grove.” While on council Lindsay served on the Transportation Agency of Monterey County, the Pacific Grove Natural History Museum Board, and Chaired the Ad Hoc Water Alternative Subcommittee and was a strong proponent of sustainability and natural resource conservation on the Monterey Peninsula.
Publisher’s Blog: Pacific Grove: Home of Monarchs, Victorians and Thrift Stores
Yet another second-hand store has approached the Powers That Be about the possibility of opening a store in Pacific Grove. And they have been sent on their way yet again. Sally Ann apparently isn’t welcome in PG. Or is she? When does Used Stuff become an antique. . .or even Lovely Junque? Who buys that stuff anyway? Read more…»
Saturday, May 8 2:00 p.m. 2010 Feast of Lanterns High Tea & Fashion Show Canterbury Woods $20 The Works 667 Lighthouse Cedar Street Times 324-4342 Royal Court Presentation 1:00 Free
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Tuesday, May 11 6:00 p.m. Colors of the Rainbow Reading, Writing & Rumba? (Take the Lead & Mad, Hot Ballroom) Dancing Classrooms Monterey Bay Pacific Grove Performing Arts Center
Info: Shall We Dance 649-6726 Free
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Sundays, May 9 & 16 Art & NatureDrawing from Collections Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History info: 648-5716 ext 17 Registration $95
• Sunday, May 16 2:15 p.m.MPC Spring Concert St. Angela’s Church Donations Appreciated
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Saturday, May 15 11 - 2:00 p.m. Belle Yang Forget Sorrow Book Signing Hauk Fine Arts 206 Fountain Avenue Free
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Tuesday May 18 5:30-8:30 PM “Solution Seeking Session” TM Community Center on Junipero The facilitated session will provide an opportunity to gather more citizen input regarding the City’s Tree Ordinance.
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Wednesday, May 19th 6:00 PM City Council Meeting Fair Housing Contest Winners Poetry Reading 300 Forest Avenue
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Saturday, May 22 2:00 p.m. Science Art Lecture From Cave Walls to Computer Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Free
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Sunday, May 23 2:00 p.m. Isaiah Bindel Tribute Recital Fundraiser Pacific Grove Performing Art Center Pacific Grove Donations Appreciated
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Monday, May 24 8:00 p.m. Carol Kuzdenyi Spring Concert MPC / Marina Choir Bethlehem Lutheran Church 800 Cass Street @ El DoradoMonterey Donations Appreciated
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Ongoing Mondays Certified Farmers Market 4 - 7 p.m. Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove For Info: 831-384-6961 Free
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March 28-September 28 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Exhibition, The Liturgical Arts of E. Charlton Fortune 1885-1967 Mora Chapel Gallery 3080 Rio Road Sundays are Complimentary
Ongoing Tues. & Thurs. Salsa Dancing 7 p.m. Chautauqua Hall
Central & 16th Avenues
Free
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Ongoing Tues. & Thurs. Salsa Dancing 7 p.m. Chautauqua Hall Central & 16th Avenues Free
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Ongoing Mondays Certified Farmers Market 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove Free, For Info: 831-384-6961
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Publisher’s Blog: Good Old Day 2010
Another year of Pacific Grove’s Good Old Days celebration has come and gone, and though this year it was Good Old Day, it pointed out all that is quintessentially Pacific Grove.
My mother, wrapped in a borrowed jacket, perched in a lawn chair in front of the police station and waving her American flag donated by Sahin Gunsel at Union Bank, commented that the parade was better this year than ever – and not just because I was in it with our restored muscle car. Horses and clowns, Snick in his lobster suit, crowds of children, floats, flags and bagpipes, politicos and military. . .it was all that a small town parade ought to be, and the Rotary are to be commended for the clockwork efficiency and near-perfect mix. Read more…»
Final vote is in: Measure J goes down by less than 1%
With all the votes counted, including the late ones and the questionable and damaged ballots, Monterey county Elections reports that Measure J, which would have funded our library with a $96 parcel tax, missed passage by a very scant margin.
Yes votes were 2,747 or 65.91%; the measure, being a special parcel tax, required 66.66%. No votes were 1,421 or 34.09%. Total votes were 4,168.
Supporters of the measure are understandably disappointed and will meet soon to decide what next steps to take. The city council has said that they will no longer fund the library to the extent needed to operate at what most would term “decent” levels after this fiscal year.
State Water Board issues CDO but delays harsher measures 1 year
By Marge Ann Jameson
Water customers on the Monterey Peninsula have won a brief reprieve from the State Water Resources Control Board, which has imposed a cease and desist order (CDO) against California-American Water. The Board has enjoined Cal-Am, the water utility for Pacific Grove and most of the Monterey Peninsula, from exceeding pumping limits on the Carmel River of 10,496 acre-feet per year effective immediately, but extended the effective date of further reductions to October 1, 2011.
“They met us halfway and let us take ownership of the problem,” said Aengus Jeffers, a local attorney who was asked by several of his Pebble Beach water entitlement clients to become involved.
Pebble Beach was perhaps the biggest winner of the day. The CDO allows Pebble Beach water entitlements to remain valid until 2016.
Peninsula projects that had all permits as of Oct. 20 will be “grandfathered.” Owners of vacant lots with no permits as of Oct. 20 are probably out of luck, barring the development of new water sources, though developed parcels outside of Pebble Beach may have some room to maneuver. Pacific Grove itself is essentially out of water.
As of October 1, 2011, no additional water from the Carmel River can be used by the utility for new service connections or increased use of water at existing service addresses. An additional 121 acre-foot reduction in pumping will also be required at that time.
Clarifications are forthcoming. “Are they going to credit water brought online from the aquifer storage project and the Sand City desalination plant?” asked Jeffers.
Jeffers was among two busloads of Peninsula people who went to Sacramento on Oct. 20 to attend the hearing and make presentations; Peninsula business and community members formed a loose coalition they called “Our Water, Our Lives.” Among those who testified were Richard Stillwell, former Pacific Grove volunteer fire chief, and Moe Ammar, president of the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce. A number of associations and elected officials also testified, including Pacific Grove Mayor Carmelita Garcia and Councilmember Ken Cuneo.
State Senator Abel Maldonado pointed out that “finding a balance isn’t easy,” but finding a balance has become a distinct possibility with area-wide cooperation among state agencies, citizen groups and utilities over the past few years. The California Public Utilities Commission was represented by Cynthia Truelove, who drew applause when she said, “The PUC proposes a formal process to . . . manage the situation without having to enforce the CDO.”
A Regional Water Project is under development to work toward a goal of providing up to 15,200 acre-feet of potable water per year for the Monterey Peninsula, the former Fort Ord and Marina. A number of projects are already under way and approved, including conservation efforts, a desalination plant in Sand City and a regional desalination plant, which is likely to be built south of the Salinas River and pump seawater and brackish groundwater. Also in the works is aquifer storage and recovery in Seaside and a system to deliver recycled water for urban irrigation.
An additional 10,400 acre-feet are sought in the second phase of the project which includes water catchment and percolation ponds for stormwater, additional wells in north Monterey County and expansion of projects developed in the first phase.
Cal-Am provides some 89 percent of its customers’ water by directly diverting water from 21 wells downstream of the San Clemente Dam on the Carmel River.
Many who testified on Oct. 20 cited efforts at conservation already undertaken by area users and asked the Board not to “punish” Peninsula residents by imposing the CDO. Peninsula water users are among the most conservative in the state, having reduced usage 30 percent to an average of 70 gallons per person per day as compared to 300 for the rest of the state.
While many were satisfied with the one-year extension, believing that it offers the Peninsula enough time to get projects completed, others were not as happy.
“This was really a minimum,” said Brian LaNeve of the Carmel River Steelhead Association - and a building contractor - “A lot of people wanted more strict guidelines.”
The CDO makes Cal-Am subject to immediate reduction of 549 acre-feet per year. The cutbacks amount to three gallons per person, LaNeve said, and opined “That’s not a lot.”
The Carmel River Steelhead Association was instrumental in bringing the overdraft problems in the Carmel River to the attention of the State Water Resources Control Board. LaNeve, speaking for the Association, he said, “We’re not anti-growth, but you have to control it.”
LaNeve cited estimates that 10 percent of the customers use 40 percent of the water. “Those are the people we need to find” and convince to retrofit for water conservation and to use more conservative practices in water usage.
A building moratorium hurts people in his business, he said, but he pointed out that a retrofit to more water-conservative appliances and fixtures is only required locally when there is a remodel.
“Could there be an incentive for retrofitting?” he asked.
Catherine Bowie, Public Information Officer for Cal-Am, was also among those who went to Sacramento for the hearing and stands with the Steelhead Association in underlining the importance of finding new sources of water.
“It was very important to note how many people went to Sacramento, to show the Board how important this issue is to us. Water is our most vital resource and cutting back water allocations is really hurtful all the way around,” she said. “New water projects are the main thing. We hope the state and other agencies will not stand in our way but will help us get these projects approved and under way as soon as possible.”
Customers have been asking Cal-Am about the potential of rationing in Pacific Grove, she says. Cal-Am will soon meet with the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District about ways to impose rationing, said Bowie. “We’re hoping to put it off as long as possible,” she points out. She also stated that if and when rationing is placed into effect, it would likely be a per capita reduction rather than a percentage of current use. A per capita reduction, she feels, would be more equitable to those who already conserve.
The other 13 candidates
An impressive group of 15 candidates applied for the two vacant positions on the PG City Council. All care for the city, and each has something to contribute. Many have said that they will consider running for the city council in November, 2010. Here’s a look at those candidates and what they said on their resumes. Watch this space when filings begin for the 2010 elections. We present them in the order they were presented to the city council, which was a random choice by the deputy city clerk and the city attorney.
Jonathan Wizard is a Pacific Grove firefighter. His stated objective in applying for the appointment to City council is “to become an effective and productive member of the city council and make a positive contribution that positively affects the residents, guests and employees of the city as well as the city as an entity. He graduated from Pacific Grove High school and has an AS in Fire Science, plus California State firefighter II certification and other related certificates. In his oral presentation, Wizard said he would like to see a “change in the way Pacific Grove does business.” He believes that younger, working people and new citizens are effectively disenfranchised and that a “younger representative” is needed on the city council. Read more…»
It’s Cuneo, Huitt
No coin flipping this time, but it took five roll call votes for the sitting councilmembers to finally seat Ken Cuneo and Robert Huitt to fill the vacancies left when Vicki Stilwell resigned and Carmelita Garcia was appointed mayor to fill Dan Cort’s position. And no wonder — there were 15 very qualified candidates, any one of whom would be an asset to the city. It took three rounds of nominations and votes to appoint Cuneo, and when the council appeared (on the fourth vote) unable to garner the four votes necessary to fill the vacancy left, they swore Cuneo in and added his vote. He promptly nominated two additional candidates — Dan Miller and Richard Ahart, both of whom ran unsuccessfully in the November, 2008 election with Cuneo — but when it came down to the vote, Cuneo went for Robert Huitt, as did the rest of the council. Huitt previously served on the council for eight years but was ‘term-limited’ out seven years ago.
Woman, 63, beats her mother to death
Jean Danvers
A 63 year-old Pacific Grove woman has been charged with homicide in the beating death of her mother, 96. Jean Danvers allegedly called in a medical emergency on Thursday evening, September 24, and told the communications center that she had beaten her mother. The mother, Charlotte Danvers, was found lying on the floor when medical personnel and police arrived.
She was taken to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula where she later died. The younger Danvers was arrested and charged with assault by force likely to produce great bodily injury, battery against an elder and crimes against an elder. The homicide charge was added after her mother succumbed.
Jean Danvers was unable to post bail and was lodged in Monterey County Jail.
Planning fee recovery: Community input is vital
Pacific Grove’s Community Development Department (CDD) set a goal of “preserving services through the economic storm,” meaning that, after large budget cuts, staff layoffs, contracting with other agencies, reducing staff by 43 percent and instituting voter-approved taxes, there is still a budget gap of $1.5 million.
One area being examined is the large general revenue subsidy for fee-based services that Pacific Grove has, particularly in the planning department. Staff estimates that 73 percent of the cost for service, on average, is borne by General Revenues – the public.
Staff, looking for ways to recover costs, reached out to the community for input. Read more…»
Loading zone on Lighthouse is going away
Parking on the north side of Lighthouse Avenue between 13th Street and 12th Street will soon be converted to 90-minute parking. Currently, it is a mixture of 90-minute parking, loading zones and 20-minute parking. Read more…»
New 4-way stop coming at Gibson and Fountain
At its July 14 meeting, the Traffic Safety Commission decided to ask staff undertake a study of the intersection of Fountain Avenue and Gibson Avenue. Gibson had previously been designated a through street from Eardley Avenue to Alder Street while traffic on cross streets, including Fountain Avenue, were required to stop at Gibson.
“A lot of times people (traveling on Fountain) think that you (traveling on Gibson) are coming to a stop,” said resident Karen Sheppard at that meeting. She also expressed concern for middle school students going home at the end of the day.
Conversely, there was also testimony that traffic on Gibson does, in fact, stop as if there were already a stop sign there.
Staff took traffic counts, a peak-hour hand count and an accident analysis. They noted that the presence of many senior citizens from Canterbury Woods and Forest Hill Manor, the presence of a medical office and the fact that the area is a walking route for students from Robert Down and Pacific Grove Middle School result in higher than expected vehicle traffic and pedestrian traffic at the intersection.
The installation of four-way stop signs at the intersection was approved on the consent agenda at the city council’s September 16 meeting.
They’re on their way
Jack Beigle was the first to report a Monarch sighting in Pacific Grove — a single “scout” seen last week.
“It would be interesting to know if the Monarchs sort of glide down a freeway route to the Sanctuary, or if it is a random distribution of arrival all over town” said Helen Johnson of Monarch Alert.
Anyone spotting a Monarch in Pacific Grove over the next few weeks is urged to call Monarch Alert at 1-877-7740, Mailbox 7. If the butterfly is tagged, the tag number would be helpful but it is not vital. Or spotters may call Cedar Street Times at 831-324-4742. We’d like to know where it was seen.
Monarchs were seen last week in coastal Marin as well. There were five sightings in one day at Muir Beach and three in the Marin Headlands.
Butterfly bond renewed
Debt service on the 1990 Butterfly Habitat Bonds has come up again, and the City Council voted unanimously to renew the special property tax with a levy of .004 percent on assessed value.
Based on a median assessed valuation of about $260,000, a property in Pacific Grove would pay $10.40 per year at that rate.
The funds can only be spent on debt service of the Butterfly Habitat Bonds, which were issued in 1990 to acquire and rehabilitate the Monarch Sanctuary.
Police log
A good son?
The word was that a young man from Pacific Grove had acted poorly toward his mother. The subject had struck mom in the head, causing injury. After a PGPD officer arrived and gave the subject an order, the young man refused to comply. Eventually, a jolt of pepper spray was required to get the subject in line. The young man was then transported to Monterey County Jail where he is being held in lieu of bail. Whether mom would be interested in posting bail is questionable.
Faulty alarm?
PGPD responded to a business alarm. After arrival on site, officers toured the area, inspected the building, and found … nothing. They reported the incident as a false alarm. And then came a second alert. Better to respond and be right than to not respond and be wrong. Off went the officers, with the same results. Asking to have the alarm repaired may be next on their list.
Need to listen while we play
A mother called PGPD in behalf of her daughter. It seemed that the family car had been broken into during the night. The daughter was most concerned about what had been stolen. It was the young lady’s iPod. In another break-in, the victims also reported a theft. This time is was a Nintendo.
Need more security?
A woman called who identified herself as a full-time care provider. She works for a disabled individual who is confined to a wheelchair. The provider pulled on an apron and prepared to fix dinner. She lit a fire, and then stepped out of the kitchen for a minute. While she was absent, the kitchen filled with smoke and an obnoxious smell. She called the police. Working with the caretaker, officers discovered that chili peppers had been placed on and around the burners. The provider was as surprised as were the officers. PGPD offered the provider suggestions for improving home security.
We were just talking … again!
PGPD responded to reports of a quarrel taking place between a man and woman who are married. The man was located standing on a corner near the given address. He said he had left his home to get away from his wife. But he also said that the couple had just been talking, and their dispute had been only verbal, a heated discussion of work-related problems and stress. After being contacted, the wife agreed. She admitted having had a drink, but was not obviously intoxicated. The couple admitted to having experienced a similar incident, several years ago.
Ladies only
A female caller complained about a male “Peeping Tom” who had been standing outside her apartment at about four o’clock that morning watching while the woman used the toilet. She advised police that another apartment dweller had experienced the same thing. After contacting a knowing informant, police learned that all residents in the apartment complex are female.
All’s well that ends well
A mother telephoned PGPD to advise that she was very worried. Her son, who was on probation for another matter, had not returned before the hour set by terms of his release. Later, mom called again. Everything was okay. The lad had returned home … just a little late.
Gone missing
A juvenile requested and was granted permission to participate in a party. The youngster was dropped off at Forest Grove School at about 11:30 a.m. Unfortunately, the lad failed to return home at the appointed hour. He is still missing. He whereabouts are unknown.
On the lam
Another mother reported that her son had run away from home. She also reported that the boy was out later than the terms of his probation allowed.
Make certain adult has not been drinking, too?
A concerned citizen reported that a male subject had been at an Ocean View address, drinking. In spite of being intoxicated, the subject departed on foot. While searching the area, the subject was found. He was too drunk to care for himself. Officers transported him to the station where he was held until a sober adult could be found to take custody.
Too many pills
A husband telephoned to report that he was concerned about his wife. She had taken too many prescription pills and was now lying on the floor, semi-conscious. Officers summoned AMR to take the subject to CHOMP for treatment and mental evaluation.
Want the entire building mailed?
Vandals got busy the other night. They decorated the side of the U. S. Post Office with graffiti that read: “Donkeys for Life!” No stamps were attached.
Was it your imagination?
A woman from a residential home telephoned PGPD and stated that she had been alarmed after hearing two loud noises that might have been gunshots. Then she reported seeing a male, about 50 years of age, dressed in blue jeans, a blue shirt, and white tennis shoes. She said the man appeared to be “retarded.” A search of the area revealed nothing. Staff at the home said no one had been “missing” right then, nor was there a resident who answered the woman’s description.
Didn’t want to hear it
Officers were summoned to Prescott Lane to check on a verbal domestic dispute in progress. Rather than communicate with police, the male half of the dispute turned and walked away. The subject had to be physically restrained so that the investigation could be finished.
Retrospective
When we set out to start a weekly newspaper, we did it because we believe that Pacific Grove needs and wants an unbiased, locally-run, Pacific Grove-oriented newspaper. We weren’t running for City Council, we weren’t backed by anyone who was; we just wanted to provide Pacific Grove with straight news, photos, and events coverage. We didn’t reckon on an economic meltdown, either locally or on a national level, but we’ve been able to keep our heads above water.
Cedar Street Times has been very well received. We have more than doubled our original press run and we have picked up a number of subscribers to our email version. We have a number of contributors, regular and not-so-regular, who offer us news of interest to the city’s population of all ages and interests.
We’re pleased to offer a regular “Green Page” on ecology and nature issues and a regular page on arts events. We have provided, joyously, space for student poets, writers and photographers. We have reported on every City Council meeting and many committee meetings. We’ve offered profiles of local businesses and reviews of restaurants, plus regular food columns on cooking. We responded to requests for a police log, and we happily provide a look in Pacific Grove’s past on a weekly basis. We’ve offered some outstanding photo essays, if we do say so ourselves.
We’re proud of what we’ve done and how far we’ve come, and we look forward to a long and . . . is “interesting” the word we want? . . . tenure.
The following are examples of the stories we covered during our first six months, though this is certainly not the entire gamut. We hope you will join us in our future endeavors.
Where I Call Home
by Jade Hage
Pacific Grove, deemed by some as the “Last Hometown,”
Where I can wander through downtown,
Running into everyone I know.
Pacific Grove, where all of the students can
Fondly recall elementary school music class with
Ms. Sanfort;
And where every student has had the experience
Of Mr. Bell as their principal, and Ms. Anton’s
Riveting exploration through world history.
Pacific Grove, where the innate rivalry between
The Otters and the Falcons can be noticed even
At the high school;
And where Breaker pride is thick in the air on
Every spirit day, and at every athletic event.
Pacific Grove, where the sweet aroma of kettle
Corn wafts through the brisk April air at the
lively Good Old Days celebration;
Where the Feast of Lanterns and its Royal Court
Are the highlight of the fog-blanketed summers;
And where each kindergartener marches through
Town dressed as a proud monarch butterfly in the
Lively Butterfly Parade.
Pacific Grove, the sweetest little town, where I call
Home.
Jade Hage is a member of the PGHS Young Writers Club which submits its best poetry during the school year to grace the pages of Cedar Street Times. We thank all the students as we use Jade’s poem for our retrospective.
Retrospective: The first 6 months
Vol 1 Issue 1, 09/05/08
Ikana plane helps on the Basin fire
Reservoir could solve some of PG’s water woes
Candidate profiles: Carmelita Garcia, Deborah Lindsay
Steve Hauk: Steinbeck’s conceal/carry permit
Vol 1 Issue 2, 09/12/08
City finds water for most on Water Waiting List
Introducing Daniel Gho at the golf course
Anne Meyer Cook joins Gateway Center
Recidivist great whites
Candidate profiles: Bill Kampe, Richard Ahart
Feature on Sparky’s Root Beer
Profile on the Herzog family’s summer vacation in their Winnebago
Vol 1 Issue 3, 09/19/08
Police equipment grant
Progress on Breaker Stadium
Profile of Lori Mannel, PG Museum’s new director
Mountain lions seen in town
Lectures on climate change
Photo essay: Triathlon
Candidate profiles: Daniel Miller and Ken Cuneo
Blake Russell back from the international Olympics
On our website 09/26/08
B’s Coffee profile
PG Alumni annual meeting 9/20
Heritage Bird House contest
Firefighters get to see the AMA free
Letter Jim Willoughby on public nuisances
Butterfly etiquette
Vol I Issue 4, 10/03/08
Fire department merger with Monterey
AFRP gets 4-legged victims of Katrina
Asilomar cleanup stats
Picture essay: Heritage houses for the birds
Council candidates David Dilworth and Susan Goldbeck
Rags to Riches car show quits PG
Vol I Issue 5, 10/10/08
Museum financial woes
Picture essay: Butterfly parade
Leatherback turtles in the bay
Candidate profiles: Mark Hood, Todd Hornik
Vol I Issue 6, 10/17/08
Tagging Monarchs, growing milkweed
Fiction: Lady G of PG
Bath House lease
Farmers Market review
NOAA’s mural
Coyotes
Candidate Profile: Dan Cort, Ted Hollister
On our website 10/24/08
Rods on the Wharf benefit for Gateway
Patron’s Show is coming to the Art Center
Process for hiring a new city manager
Monarch Update introduced
Vol 1 Issue 7, 10/31/08
Reconfiguration of grade schools not happening
Rec Trail repairs
Measure X
MST rate increase
Gardening Angels
Carmel River Steelhead Association
Art Center’s show
Vol. I Issue 8, 11/7/08
Election results: Dan Cort, Bill Kampe, Carmelita Garcia, Deborah Lindsay
Citizens want to get out of CalPERS
City’s budget update
Young Writers corner begun
Big Sur Half Marathon
Seafood Watch profile
Deep Sea photography exhibit
Online issue, 11/14/08
Meet Pierre Dulaine - Dancing classrooms
Downtown Holiday schedule
Proposed raises for city staff
Parking on Ocean View Blvd.
Measure Y, Measure Z
In lieu water fee
Vol I Issue 9, 11/21/08
McIndoo Bequest apportioned
Staff pay raises denied
PG Liquors
Half Marathon
Review: Henry’s BBQ
Julian Collingwood handmade chocolates
Patron’s Show
Vol. 1 Issue 10, 11/29/08
Phil Bowhay’s book on growing up in Pacific Grove
Wearable Art at Back Porch Gallery
Annie Holdren, new Education & Volunteer Manager at PGMNH
Poetry House - repairs to begin
Charlene Wiseman staying around as interim city manager
A Celtic Winter’s Eve
Revisions to the Museum’s Mission Statement
Vol. 1 Issue 11, 12/05/08
Nov. 4 election votes certified, new council seated
Exit interview with Jim Colangelo
Introducing High Hats & Parasols
Mad about Monarchs Museum Event
Frank Penner, Association’s new president
Tsunami zone in PG
Garland Thompson: PG’s Poet in Residence
D.A.R.E. students visit police department
Vol. 1 Issue 12, 12/12/08
Holman Building up for sale
Holiday activities downtown
Jayne Gasperson goes on an airship ride
PGPD breaks up a mail theft and check fraud ring
PG rotary fixes up the gazebo
Vol 1 Issue 13, 12/19/08
Snow in Pacific Grove
Reservoir update
Ad hoc water committee established
Introducing Max Perelman and Jeff Edmunds as commissioners
Holiday goings-on
Vol 1 Issue 14, 12/26/08
Early morning fire tests the new consolidated fire department
PG Art Center’s new exhibits
Monarch tagging
All the committee and commission members
Vol 1 Issue 15, 01/02/09
PGPD joins regional “tactical team”
Guy Cheney joins as rain gauge person
A look at PG’s economy
Breaker Stadium progress
Ice cream parlor v. the military
Vol 1 Issue 16, 01/09/09
Emergency funding for the library
Coyote on the loose
Arrests in counterfeiting ring
Mike Nilmeier profiled
Lunchroom recycling begins
Feast of Lanterns looking for a volunteer craftsperson to make a sedan chair
Vol 1 Issue 17, 01/16/09
Dog park
City will hire CalPERS consultant
Profile: Cypress Cleaners green machine
More on the coyote
Vol 1 Issue 18, 01/23/09
Grand Jury report
The mayor goes to the inauguration
Dot program lauded by Grand Jury
New Committee and Commission members: Michael Kapp, Sarah Lewis, Tony Prock
Road trip to look at butterfly sanctuary
Vol 1 Issue 19, 01/30/09
Gang activity in PG
History of the Lighthouse
PGHS Honors concert
Workday at the Green Spot
Photo essay on Farmers Market
Vol 1 Issue 20, 02/06/09
School budget cuts
Chamber sets up Business Attraction Task Force
Intern Anna Spade writes on the Obama inauguration
Photo essay on the lighthouse
Sudz profiled
Operation Yellow ribbon
Vol 1 Issue 21, 02/13/09
Lilly Clements and Mock Trial
Celebrating volunteers: Bruce Cowan on the cover and many more on the center spread
Darwin exhibit at the Museum
Charlsie Kelly profiled
Steinbeck house on the market
Vol 1 Issue 22, 02/20/09
Butterfly Criterium race revived
Tony Marino, PGPD get Chamber awards
Museum garden passes council, work begins
State schools supe lauds Dot program
New commissioners: Kathy Anderson, Steve Honneger, Jim McCord
Photo essay on the Bay by Skyler Lewis
Vol 1 Issue 23, 02/27/09
60-day report card on Charlene Wiseman and the consolidated fire dept
Young entrepreneurs awards
AT&T films a commercial in PG
History: The 1909 death of Violet Maya Neill
Natural succession from Monterey pine to live oaks
Vol 1 Issue 24, 03/06/09
City budget woes
Schools budget woes
Dorothy Dean Stevens Dancing Through Life
- Marvin Sheffield comes on board to write about wildlife
Harbor seals
Vol 1 Issue 25, 03/13/09
Review of the Farmers Market
Snick ‘inherits’ the golden Steinbeck statue
PG Hot shots trophy
The monarchs are gone for the season
PGHS students take honors in culinary competition
Railroad right of way and the Rec Trail
Vol 1 Issue 26, 03/20/09
Businesses of the year: Tessuti Zoo, Pacific Gardens Inn, Adventures by the Sea, Petra, Rabobank, Prim & Proper
Tom Pollacci turns himself in after an 11-month investigation of rape allegations
New ad hoc water subcommittee members: Michael Bekker, Bob Davis, Regina Doyle, Alan Tegtmeier
Raising the flag
by Ashley Cameron
February 19, 1945
The day of invasion…
Staring at the battleships swarming the harbor of Iwo Jima,
Overcome by fear,
He tries to get her out of his mind - but fails!
Intricate tunnels underground, enable an “element of surprise”
Volcanic ash fills his lungs, making matters worse.
Pictures of her flash through his mind, refusing to dissolve.
His vision obscured,
His defenses weakened,
He refuses to give up.
Flamethrowers shoot death into the air while grenades fly like metal birds -
The atmosphere - a blur of confusion.
He watches as countless lives wither into crimson pools,
Into dust and smoke.
Ghosts advance slowly, risking what the day will eclipse.
His breathing deepens.
His heart pounds through his chest.
The image of her remains,
Not in his mind,
Amidst the confusion of death, and blood, and artillery,
But in his pounding heart,
As he fears not death,
But life without her.
Compelled by this love, he drifts forward with remaining troops,
The sinews of their hearts woven together
To create a force strong enough to vanquish this enemy,
To bring down the Rising Sun,
To watch it set behind the hills of Mt. Suribachi
On February 23, 1945.
He never wanted to let her go.
The tears he cried,
While watching his comrades stab his country’s flag into the soil
Of the mountaintop -
A star-spangled banner,
Standing proud above the sunset -
Were tears of hope,
For the daughter he left behind
On this triumphant day.
PG birders: Raptors on view locally
Fortunately, Pagrovians do not have to take lengthy or expensive trips to see multiple species of birds. I combine my birding with my photography walks in our Marine Sanctuary in P.G., and Spanish Bay. Raptors are among my favorite birds, and for those of you who can turn your head away from our splendid beach and Ocean and look inland, there are several raptor species of note which you may see. Of course, being in the right place at the right time is happenstance too. Birds will not be waving their wings at you, in anticipation of your visit; some days are more productive than others.
A pair of Red Shouldered Hawks may be seen fairly frequently, as they perch at lower levels in shrubs and trees, and they have three color phases, all of which are beautiful. Their larger Buteo cousin is the Red Tailed Hawk, which some of you may be familiar with. Red-tails soar more than the smaller red shouldered hawks do, but often can be spotted perched in trees near Pt. Joe. Another raptor of beauty is the White-Tailed Kite of which there are at least one or possibly two pairs. This predominantly white (crow sized) raptor has black on its wing shoulders ( it once was called the black shouldered kite). Almost the size of the Red-shouldered hawk, but more streamlined, it has black wing plumage, and an almost translucent white tail. Capable of hovering high up in the air like a helicopter, it can remain stationary as it searches for suitable rodents to prey upon. When seen with back lighting from the sun shining on its back as it hovers, it is a most beautiful bird to see. I have watched it plummet down and seize a gopher fat and large enough to make me wonder if it could get airborne carrying its prey. It is one of my favorites to photograph and “capture on slide film” as are the other two species.
Unlike the other two species, the kite plucks most of the fur from its prey before consuming it. Clamorous crows, in groups, frequently like to dive bomb kites and the other hawks, in the hope of chasing them from their perch, and hopefully getting the raptor to drop its prey. I witnessed an encounter of this type for 20 minutes before the very likely exasperated Kite raised one foot off its perch and held it with talons extended at the crows. The crows got the message and immediately veered off and away. A Coopers hawk, a fast flying accipitor, gave me the pleasure of photographing it, after it chased a frightened male quail into my picture window. The quail hit my window with a resounding thud and fell to the ground, but escaped the predator; however the Coopers hawk perched in one of my juniper trees as it scanned the area where the quail had fallen, and even hopped down to peer into the small crawl space where the quail had scrambled, before it flew off. It was a juvenile Coopers, based upon its eye (iris) color, but it was a beauty. The quail might not have been so lucky had the Coopers hawk been a more experienced adult. This sighting occurred when I was a resident of Carmel Valley, where quail were quite plentiful.
A most thrilling encounter was seeing a Peregrine Falcon flying rapidly at low altitude, and actually zooming over the Bay, before it banked like a jet fighter, and turned landward at great speed. Luckily I had my camera set at 1/4000th of a second and took several slides of it, before it was out of sight and telephoto range.
Another raptor, the American Kestrel, is the smallest member of the falcon family. This pretty little robin sized “Beau Brummel” of a tiny hawk has light and airy wing beats and is also capable of hovering. It feeds upon grasshoppers, and small mice, or other small rodents. The male is the gaudiest little fellow, with a chestnut/rufous-colored back and blue on the upper side of his primary wing feathers, with a boldly marked white face marked with dark feathers resembling sideburns, and more short dark feathers near the base of his beak as if he had a drooping moustache. This Kestrel has a habit of pumping his tail when perched. The females are more subdued in color, as are the immatures. Decades ago, he was also known as the sparrow hawk.
Watch for migrating species
As autumn is almost upon us, the migration season is about to begin. Many of the song birds such as the warblers will be passing through here in the weeks to follow.
My favorites among these Northern breeding birds are the Townsend’s Warbler, who will over winter here wherever pines and dense conifers afford them suitable cover. Primarily insectivorous, these perky little guys are delightful to watch as they dart around in their boldly striped yellow and black striped plumage, with the males having a black throat patch like an ascot, and olive colored feathering on their backs, and on the faces of the females. They often will come down from shrubs to search for insects on lawns, along with another small warbler, the Yellow Rumped Warbler, which is minimally larger. The Yellow-rumped Warbler is often easier to see, as it will frequent more exposed shrubbery; however it too will hunt for insects on lawns in the company of the Townsend’s Warbler. The Yellow- rumped Warbler will often perch on tall shrubs from where it will pursue flying insects. Its plumage is less flashy than the Townsend’s Warbler, but the bright yellow rump patch color is unmistakable, and it also has a small narrow yellow sash on its flanks. Unlike the Townsend’s Warbler, it is less dependent upon dense conifers for nesting sites and cover, however it will inhabit in willow thickets and similar sized shrubs in more open habitat.
Among the more familiar wintering birds will be the chicadees, nuthatches, and many other species, including waterfowl which will be discussed next time.
Coastal cleanup results for 2009
At Lover’s Point beach there were 27 volunteers who picked up 50 pounds of trash and 31 pounds of recyclables according to Jill Poudrette, Monterey County Coordinator of the Coastal Cleanup Day and Adopt-a-Beach Manager for the California State Parks, Monterey District.
At Asilomar State Beach 80 volunteers picked up 130 pounds of trash and 50 pounds of recyclables. Once again, it appeared that most of the trash was purposefully dumped or left as litter.
In 2008, Asilomar had 75 volunteers who picked up 36 pounds of trash.