Cameron Douglas
The resignation: Cort and Council under fire
By Marge Ann Jameson and Cameron Douglas
Stunning his constituents - and most of the rest of the Monterey Peninsula — Mayor Dan Cort has offered to resign in the face of what appears to be a narrowly based recall effort on the part of some disgruntled citizens.
Many in Pacific Grove awakened Tuesday morning, August 4, to the mayor’s email, which stated that he himself had received an email from David Dilworth threatening that if Cort did not resign by 11:45 a.m. that morning, Dilworth would go forward with a recall campaign. Cort stated that he believes it was an attempt to keep him from voting on the Police Officer Association contract on the council agenda for the August 5, 2009 meeting. Read more…»
Latest Issue
Tom Pollacci To Stand Trial
Judge Russell Scott has ordered Thomas Ronald Pollacci to stand trial in Monterey County Superior Court on charges of forcible rape, rape of an unconscious person and sex with a person incapable of giving consent. On March 3 of this year, a warrant was issued for Pollacci, who turned himself in to Seaside police. He was released on $300,000 bail.
The preliminary hearing took place on the afternoon of July 10, eight days after Pollacci’s 50th birthday. Prosecutor Christina Johnson brought testimony from investigators and officers who served with the Pacific Grove Police Department at the time of the incident, which began to unfold in the early morning hours of April 21, 2008. Read more…»
PUC conducts hearings on water plans
By Joe Fabeets
The California Public Utilities Commission held four public hearings this week - two in Monterey and two in Seaside - with the purpose of gathering public input to help select the best plan for solving the Peninsula’s water shortages. The last of the hearings took place at the Oldemeyer Center with nearly 100 people in attendance.
Representatives of California-American Water and the Marina Coast Water District greeted the audience. “California-American Water’s objective in this process is to secure a new, reliable source of supply that’s sensitive to the environment and reasonably priced for the customers,” according to Cal-Am Vice President of Operations Tom Binowski. Read more…»
Green Building Starts at Home: Max Perelman’s, to be exact
By Cameron Douglas
At a time that many see as a financial downturn, there are also many who see nothing but opportunity for long-term growth through a commitment to the environment. Green building, graywater irrigation, storm water reclamation, improved forest management, lower carbon footprint, solar power, wind power and incentives for green industry are terms we are going to hear more and more. On the Monterey Peninsula, a grass-roots movement is pushing for our area to lead the way in sustainable living. One of those dedicated individuals lives in Pacific Grove. His name is Max Perelman.
For a young man, Max Perelman has a long list of titles: LEED-accredited professional; MBA; graduate student; member of the Pacific Grove Planning Commission; president of American Environmental & Agricultural, Inc.; husband and dad. Read more…»
Safety & sidewalks: Traffic and Safety Commission tackles pedestrian safety
By Cameron Douglas
To stop or not to stop? That is the question many drivers seem to ask themselves at the intersection of Gibson and Fountain. Currently, those traveling on Fountain are required to stop: those traveling on Gibson are not. But they want to - most of the time. This and other safety concerns crossed the agenda of the Traffic Safety Commission on July 14. Read more…»
Traffic Commission will tackle pedestrian safety in school zones
By Cameron Douglas
At the recent Traffic Safety Commission meeting, Commissioner Winston Elstob expressed concern about the safety of children dropped off in front of Robert Down School. He witnessed incidents where parents pulled up alongside parked cars and allowed their kids to get out on the traffic side of the vehicle. “Why do parents do that?” said Elstob. “We used to have traffic wardens. I don’t know why they can’t do that again.” He also noted that many cars made U-turns in front of the school, but PG Police Chief Engles said that U-turns are legal in a residential area if they commence from the lane nearest the center of the roadway. Read more…»
PG Library Board: Coping with cuts
By Cameron Douglas
It’s final: On May 20, City Council approved a library budget of $610,389. This includes a General Fund appropriation of $401,025; $65,000 in program revenues; $70,000 for books and materials from the Book and Trust Funds; $50,000 from Friends of the Library and $23,000 from the Building Fund. The Friends have also agreed to donate another $8,000 to the part-time library staff budget. Read more…»
Pollacci Jailed for Violation of Release; then freed
Thomas Pollacci spent several days in jail after spending too much time at church last Friday. Superior Court Judge Russell Scott ruled that was a violation of Pollacci’s release.
At his attorney’s suggestion, Pollacci had been under GPS surveillance and confined to his parents’ home in Pebble Beach except for meetings with lawyers and to attend church. The surveillance showed he had stayed away too long last Friday. Scott raised the bail from $300,000 to $400,000, but did away with the electronic surveillance and lifted the home confinement. Pollacci was no longer in custody as of Wednesday.
Pollacci has pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape from an incident at Ron’s Liquors, where he worked in April 2008.
There will be a hearing in Scott’s courtroom on July 10 to determine if there is enough evidence for a trial. “He’s free to leave his house,” said prosecutor Christina Johnson. “Under the court order, he’s not to be with any unrelated females without supervision, not to give any false names and not to work in any capacity where he is checking anyone’s identification.” It was not made clear what the judge considers to be proper supervision, other than the presence of another adult. The Pacific Grove Police Department has been advised of these developments.
Big Sur State Park: June Update
By Cameron Douglas and Darci D’Anna
With reports coming in of deeper budget cuts and possible state park closures, there’s a lot of concern about local revenue in the Big Sur village. Many are wondering what the summer will bring in the way of camping and tourism. This week, Cedar Street Times visited Big Sur to talk with locals and officials.
Teresa Bradford, owner of the Heart Beat Gallery at River Inn, suggested there might be ways to keep park maintenance happening if regular park workers are laid off. Bradford pointed out that California has an untapped labor resource in the prison system. “Put the low-risk inmates to work,” she said. “We’re already paying their living expenses.” Read more…»
PGHS Class of ‘09 Valedictorian: Jeehee Cho
By Cameron Douglas
In the summer before her seventh grade, Jeehee Cho moved from Pleasant Grove, Utah, to Pacific Grove, California. Since then, her academic and athletic achievements have accelerated to the honor of class Valedictorian for 2009. Jeehee took time out from her busy schedule to stop in and chat with Cedar Street Times.
CST: What motivates you?
CHO: Education is a big part of the Korean culture. My dad came to the U.S. to go to graduate school at Brigham Young University, and decided to stay because there are so many educational opportunities in this country. He wanted his children to have that. Education has been a really big part of our family. My parents have always supported me through it. They’ve never pressured me. They just told me to do my best. Going off to college, I take that same idea. I want to gain a better understanding of everything that’s going on. I want to have enough education to educate my children as well.
CST: Are you thinking of home schooling at some point? Read more…»
City Council Reviews Fire Hazard Zone Ordinance
VHFHSZ. What is it? Some new-fangled television signal? No. It sounds ominous, but Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone is the California Department of Fire’s designation for areas where certain factors - thick, flammable vegetation, hilly terrain and abundant housing - could result in many homes being destroyed in a fire. Read more…»
Meet Molly Speacht: PGHS Salutatorian
By Cameron Douglas
When the Pacific Grove High School Class of 2009 holds its Commencement, the Salutatorian will be Molly Speacht. (For those who don’t know her, it’s pronounced “Speck.”) Salutatorian is an academic achievement akin to winning a silver medal at the Olympics - no small accomplishment. It’s the latest in a string of successes for Molly, who served as Princess Amethyst in the 2007 Feast of Lanterns Royal Court. Cedar Street Times managed to catch up with Molly and her very busy mom, Lisa Maddalena, of the Pacific Grove Library. Read more…»
Heritage House Awards 2009
(pictured award-winning home on Lobos)
By Cameron Douglas and Darci D’Anna
More than 60 residents, council members, architects and guests enjoyed the annual awards presentation of the Pacific Grove Heritage Society at the PG Natural History Museum on May 8. Donna Stewart, Maryanne Spradling and Steve Honegger presented awards and thanks to homeowners, architects, builders and others for their hard work. Read more…»
Flashing crosswalk in the works: traffic commission
By Cameron Douglas
At its May 12 meeting, the Pacific Grove Traffic Safety Commission heard Public Works Director Celia Perez-Martinez update the installation of a flashing crosswalk on Sunset Avenue near the high school. That project is waiting for one piece of equipment that is three weeks away. “The electrical work that’s been able to be done so far has been done,” said Martinez. Read more…»
Low on water
By Joe Fabeets
Winter is over and the results are in. If this year’s precipitation were a homework assignment, the student would be getting a C minus. According to the California Department of Water Resources website, 2008-09 is the third consecutive dry year for the state, with below average precipitation and runoff beginning in the fall of 2006. The current drought is rated “severe,” which means communities without adequate water supplies may have to enact mandatory conservation practices. The next stage would be a full-scale, “extreme” red alert. Read more…»
PG City tree ordinance review continues
By Cameron Douglas and Bruce Cowan
Members of the city’s Beautification and Natural Resources Committee and the general public are waiting for a single, definitive version of Pacific Grove’s controversial tree replacement ordinance. Mayor Cort asked the committee to review the ordinance after recent brou-ha’s regarding the law’s specific provisions and penalties for non-compliance. Read more…»
PG Family portrait: The Sweigerts
By Cameron Douglas
Readers of this newspaper may recall a poem that appeared in our April 24 issue as part of our Young Writer’s feature. The poem, penned by PGHS student Julia Sweigert, was titled, “Ellen.” The words carried such a strong feeling that we wanted to learn more about Ellen and her family. The Sweigerts - Jan, David, Joshua, Ellen and Julia - generously agreed to an interview. Their house sits on a hill in what could be called, “Pagrovia Heights.” Here is the Sweigert family, starting with Mom. Read more…»
Camp Okizu
Ellen Sweigert’s leukemia treatment took a turn for the better with the family’s discovery of Camp Okizu, a summer camp for children with cancer. The camp is located at Berry Creek, California, 70 miles north of Sacramento. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, things change. It becomes very hard for that child to engage in activities the rest of us take for granted. Camp Okizu was set up to provide a “level playing field” for kids who have lost their hair during chemotherapy, had to face a limb amputation or suffered a relapse after months or years off treatment. Okizu is the only place other than the hospital where children undergoing treatment for cancer can interact with others in the same situation. It provides them with a true camping experience, free from having to be the “different” kid. Read more…»
Ellen
She walks with the rest
The same, yet different.
She stands out alone
Smaller, but so much bigger.
She lags behind while
Trying harder than anyone to keep up.
She holds a special place in my heart as in the
Hearts of so many others
Irreplaceable, she is so perfect
In her own unique way.
Some may talk about her or
Laugh or point at her.
*Does it care? Does she care?
Once they know her,
She becomes a precious jewel in
Their lives.
Amidst change and hardship
She remains the same,
Dependable and strong.
*Italicized line taken from Robinson Jeffers’ poem Carmel Point
Gateway Center proposes re-licensing of facility
Access to funding will be enhanced
By Joe Fabeets
The Pacific Grove City Council convened on April 29 and approved a recommendation from Senior Planner Sarah Hardgrave to re-license Gateway Center into three separate licensed facilities. These would be on the same site. The recommendation stated that, based on special local needs and conditions, a change in licensing structure will not result in an intensification of existing land use or an excess concentration of residential care facilities. Read more…»
Gateway Center Presents 3rd Annual Rock & Rod Car Show
by Cameron Douglas
Gateway Center will present the third annual “Rock & Rod Festival” at the Monterey County Fairgrounds May 29-31. This celebration of 50s & 60s rock and roll and custom and classic cars benefits the developmentally disabled adults of Monterey County. There will be lots of great food. Entertainment will run the entire weekend with music from Los High Tops, Jeremy “Elvis” Pearce, The Yard Dogs and the Chicano All Stars. Show goers can also look forward to a special appearance by Flo and Eddy of The Turtles, plus Ron Dante of The Archies. Read more…»
Reassessment Reality
By Cameron Douglas
Many property owners in Monterey County have received or will receive solicitations from private companies offering services to obtain a reduction in assessed property value. The private companies charge a fee for this, typically $100 or more. However, the County Tax Assessor’s Office performs this same service for free. The Assessor’s Office is required to assess real estate at its Proposition 13 indexed base year value, or its January First market value, whichever is less. If the market value of your property has declined below its indexed base year value, you will be assessed at that lower value - for no fee at all - when the Assessor finalizes the assessment roll in late June. Read more…»
Barber’s ‘Spirit Ride’: Amazing things happen
Each year, Fred Reynolds and three of his close friends save their money for a motorcycle trip, which they usually take in late September. On their journey, they stay vigilant for one thing - people needing help. And when they come upon someone in need, amazing things happen. Read more…»
The Jewel on the Hill: Barbershop serves in many ways
By Cameron Douglas
There is a rare red-white-and-blue gem in the Forest Hill Plaza shopping center, standing as tall and proud as the tradition it represents. A striped pole to the left of the entrance proclaims, “LOOK BETTER - FEEL BETTER.” Go through the door and find yourself transported to another place and time in a true sanctuary for men - although women come here too. Read more…»
‘Magic Carpet’ clean-up
By Cameron Douglas
More than 60 neighborhood volunteers donated their time and labor to spruce up a good portion of the rec trail on March 28. It marked the second year for this community team effort. Volunteers were seen all along the trail from Esplanade to Lovers’ Point, pulling weeds and trimming ice plant. Read more…»
City Receives Affordable Housing Report
by Cameron Douglas
Each year, the Housing Division of the Pacific Grove Community Development Department monitors properties that have received discretionary approvals for the creation of secondary housing and affordable housing units. This is to verify the terms and conditions related to the units created. In its annual report, the 2008 monitoring program found that of 65 approved Second Units in Pacific Grove, 58 property owners certified that they meet the on-site residency requirement. Read more…»
PG Planning Commission Reviews Farmers’ Market
By Cameron Douglas
The Pacific Grove Farmer’s Market, struggling through bad weather and a serious economic downturn, faced the Pacific Grove Planning Commission as part of its six-month review on March 5. Sounding like a replay of most other reviews the Farmers Market has faced, the same questions arose: How is the downtown Pacific Grove Farmers’ Market doing? Does it live up to its initial proposal? How is it affecting local businesses? Should it be moved to another location? Would it be better on a different day? Should it be opened up to other vendors in Monterey County? Should it continue at all?
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