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Current Issue of Cedar Street Times

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Appeal goes against Canterbury

By Editor | August 27, 2010

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.”

Topics: Current Edition, News | No Comments »

And the winner is. . .

By Editor | June 1, 2010

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.

Topics: 06-01-10, Current Edition, News | No Comments »

Pacific Grove joined by Monterey in promoting JPA

By Editor | May 27, 2010

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.

Pacific Grove anticipates, for example, being able to hire out to other JPA members the services of staff mechanics who are experts in their field, while smaller jobs such as oil changes can be relegated to less skilled, and thus less expensive, people.

The cost of training new recruits can also be shared by all the departments.

Both Pacific Grove and Monterey’s city councils directed their respective staffs to work on the agreement and bring a final draft back for approval soon.

Topics: 05-28-10, Current Edition, News | No Comments »

About Matter of Trust

By Editor | May 19, 2010

Matter of Trust is an ecological, public, 501(c)(3) charity that concentrates on manmade surplus, natural surplus and eco-education.

Matter of Trust currently organizes shipping, storage and distribution of boom-making materials to regions affected by the Gulf oil spill. Other activities include media presentations on the current spill program, ongoing environmental education and continued partnership with Phil McCrory to produce the Otti Mat, a key component in the Hair Mat Oil Spill Program. Since 2000, Matter of Trust has helped thousands of salons recycle hair and create more green jobs.

Matter of Trust sparks community action on issues such as water decontamination of spills and soil erosion. The organization offers many grassroots ways to get involved in environmental cleanup, from direct donation of supplies -hair and nylons - to cash donations to help pay for netting and hair boom stuffing parties. Currently, thousands of salons and groomers across the country support boom stuffing and hair mat manufacturing efforts by sending hair trimmings and recycled nylons.

Hair stylists and pet groomers can help by contacting the website www.MatterOfTrust.org or by calling 415-242-6041. All of us can help by getting our hair cut and donating nylons to local participating salons. For information on the mats: www.ottimat.com

Topics: 05-14-10, Current Edition, News | No Comments »

From hair to there: PG haircutters assist with Gulf cleanup

By Editor | May 19, 2010

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.

Oil booms are commonly used to contain offshore oil spills. Hair booms work much the same way, except they are stuffed with hair and made of recycled/reclaimed materials instead of 100% petroleum-based plastics. Hair booms are basically a nylon stocking stuffed with hair and encased in nylon netting. The donated hosiery provides a container and structure for the hair, while outer netting prevents tearing.

Donated warehouse space receives hair and hosiery shipments in areas potentially most affected by the spill. Volunteers in Gulf communities use these supplies to construct hair booms. Stocking-stuffing parties called “Boom-B-Q’s” are producing mountains of stuffed nylons. Matter of Trust supplies the outer netting and does the final assembly of booms to be deployed at the spill site.

Make no mistake; the method is effective. And the principles are simple. Hair draws oil to itself without the use of chemicals. Hair also sheds water naturally, leaving the water behind while the oil clings to it. During the San Francisco Bay tanker spill of 2007, hazard mats made of hair cleaned up beaches and were then composted. The oil-soaked hazard mats were completely broken down to non-toxic compost with the addition of green waste and mycelium mushroom components. Videos of this process and the hair boom in action can be seen on the Matter of Trust’s website (see sidebar).

Several PG stylists said they had wondered about uses for hair clippings. Larry Wagner described working at a New York salon many years ago that stockpiled hair in a warehouse stacked to the ceiling, hoping for the day it would be used. Coincidently, the original Hair Mat inventor, hair stylist Phil McCrory, got the idea in 1989 while watching the Exxon Valdez oil spill on television. McCrory watched scenes of oil-soaked otter fur and the idea of making an oil-soaking hair mat hit him. This vision eventually became the Otti Mat.

Today, salons in Pacific Grove and throughout the United States and Canada are keeping that vision alive by recycling hair and graciously taking the initiative to ship it to where it can do the most good, namely our exposed coastline and fragile marshlands. According to the Matter of Trust website, all salons, groomers, wool and alpaca fleece farmers and individuals can sign up to donate hair, fur, waste wool, clippings, nylons and funding. The signup link is right there on the MOT home page. This nationwide grass roots effort connects thousands of businesses to immediate environmental benefit.

Participating local businesses include Danielle’s Hair Design; Capelli Salon; Boomerang Hair Studio; Ivy’s Beauty Salon; The Hair Specialist; Adara Salon; Hair Affair; Setsuko’s Beauty Salon; Wave Lengths; Jae’s Molibang; Wildflowers Hair Salon; Royal Paws Pet Grooming; and “new kid on the block,” Lonny McDaniel at Just 4 U Hair Salon.

Topics: 05-14-10, Current Edition, News | No Comments »

JPA for fire services signed: PG is first to do so

By Editor | May 13, 2010

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.

“The reality is that we can’t go back to the way it was,” said Mayor Carmelita Garcia. “I ask myself, ‘What can I do to ensure that our services remain the same if not improved?’ We’re going outside the box. It’s the thing to do.”

The JPA continues the process begun when Pacific Grove made an agreement with the City of Monterey to provide fire services some 18 months ago. The aim of consolidation is to provide the best fire protection available at the least cost for the cities that sign on.

Since combining forces with Monterey, the result for Pacific Grove has been just that: lower cost, a reduction in workers compensation premiums and claims, according to city manager Tom Frutchey. Those reductions in cost, said Frutchey, are directly attributable to better training and larger administrative staff which Pacific Grove could not afford as a stand-alone fire department.

Mayor Ralph Rubio of Seaside was pleased with the prospect of saving money by reducing duplication of training costs. He also pointed to the possibilities of pooled equipment purchases. Rubio said that with the recent establishment of the Special Response Unit for the police agencies on the Peninsula and now the fire service JPA, the next steps could be consolidated police and public works.

Fred Meurer said that building officials and vehicles services were also shared, but that the cities involved would probably not combine planning departments. “It’s what makes each of us unique,” he said.

There will a single fire chief under the JPA, and for now it’s Sam Mazza. Each jurisdiction will still own its own firehouse. Under the cost allocation model, each city will pay based on its own population and the number of calls.

Most calls are medical response.

Mayor Chuck Della Sala of Monterey pointed out that LAFCo had encouraged a JPA as long ago as 1981. “This could mark history,” he said. “Electeds can begin to work together to deliver services at the best level of service and the last cost possible.” He celebrated new ways to deliver services while “maintaining the identities” of the individual communities which will likely join the JPA.

It was this issue of individual identity that was on the mind of some at the meeting. Pacific Grove City Manager Frutchey assures that, while firefighting personnel will wear an insignia of the JPA, their sleeve badges and hats will mark the name of their individual communities as will the fire engines and trucks. He also pointed out at in the bidding process among firefighters in Monterey, a increasing number have bid for the Pacific Grove station.

Pacific Grove had disbanded its volunteer fire department, but reinstated the volunteer fire association recently. Under the JPA, each jurisdiction will have the option to maintain volunteer and/or reserve departments at their own expense.

“We’re already working on bringing back pay-per-call volunteers to go with the volunteer association,” said Frutchey.

A two-tier system for retirement benefits will likely be enacted, reducing fears of budget crises around CalPERS failures. “We shouldn’t demonize police and fire for having a good labor contract,” said councilmember Ken Cuneo.

CalFire had also presented a proposal to provide fire service, but fears of the State’s budget deficits and unfunded liabilities were the greatest factor in Pacific Grove’s choice to go with the JPA model instead.

The JPA will take effect July 1 and should be fully implemented within a year. Other cities are expected to vote on the consolidation soon.

Topics: 05-14-10, Current Edition, News | No Comments »

Publisher’s Blog: Treasurer candidate lied

By Editor | May 13, 2010

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.

And yet he represented to voters that being a lawyer was material to that position and made him the best-qualified candidate.

This is a man who states that he worked as a compliance examiner for the Oklahoma Department of Securities and for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as the Senior Compliance Specialist: Should he not be examining himself?

He told a reporter from the Salinas Californian that he made the misstatements in the rush to get his papers filed in time. Then he compounds the problem by saying that, when he worked for the Securities and Exchange Commission in the 1980s, one did not have to have passed the bar exam in order to work as a lawyer. We will have to look into that one: To my knowledge, the bar exam is the one prerequisite to practicing law that can’t be circumvented. One could pass the bar exam without having a degree in law, but one could not practice law even with a degree if one had not passed the bar. This bears further examination.

I also want to know whether Mr. Holly represented himself as a lawyer in order to obtain his current employment as Chief Deputy Auditor-Controller/Debt Manager.

He also told the same reporter that his law degree came from a correspondence course offered by a company that “defrauded a few people” and “went out of business in 1987.” No wonder he didn’t take the bar exam. But do we want a man who was “taken in” by a fly-by-night correspondence school to be handling our hard-earned tax money and investing it for us?

Tomorrow I will check with the Monterey County Elections office to learn whether they will be pursuing the matter. Mr. Holly himself has stated that he will advise before the weekend whether he will remain in the race for Treasurer of Monterey County.

Topics: 5-7-2010, Current Edition, News | No Comments »

Publisher’s Blog: Desal alone won’t solve water woes

By Editor | May 8, 2010

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 for new projects so dearly loved by the Chamber of Commerce. No new water credits for restaurants in vacant retail spaces downtown. No water for increased numbers of hotel rooms in spite of the city council looking at Measure C again.

Nor will there be new water for second bathrooms in outdated homes to increase real estate values, sales and taxes.

No increased population density to make better use of the limited space available to us here in Pacific Grove – Grandma can’t move in when she can’t live alone. Odds of walking to work in PG just went down. Forget hopes of roses in the garden, concentrate on xeriscape landscaping instead.

California-American Water will ask for a moratorium on all new water very shortly.

I fully support the project, don’t get me wrong. I’m not happy about the price tag, but I understand better now why Marina will pay so much less than Pacific Grove for their water: Pure and simple, they won’t have to pipe it as far.

I believe Craig Anthony when he says the average water bill on the Peninsula will increase from the present $40 to $80 or so. They’re already paying $63 in Alisal, and around $150 in San Diego. I’m waiting for the other shoe to fall as Ratepayers justifies the figures they used to project an exorbitant bill, and that may come next week in discussions before the PUC, or it may come later in June after hearings.

But compared to some other communities, we’ll be getting off pretty cheaply. And there’s not a lot we can do. Conservation remains top of the list.

Like it or not, the state-of-the-art desalination plant is coming and it’s the quickest, most effective, ecologically-sound and cheapest solution that we have. Compared to the two other projects which were examined, this is the one. As a city, we’ve supported the project since former Mayor Cort first got involved in the discussions, in meetings facilitated by Supervisor Lou Calcagno.

But no new water? Everything status quo but the water bill?

How do we get more water to do the things we want, as a community, to do? There’s a finite amount on earth, you know. We need to look at every single drop we use. And at some point the cost is moot. There may come a point where, as a population, we’d pay anything for more water.

Conservation is one answer, of course. It gets tiresome to hear about, but that’s one of the first steps and the one that will endure. Eventually, it becomes a way of life. It’s also the cheapest. And we’ve done an absolutely stellar job of conserving water, especially compared to some other communities.

In our individual homes, we need to look at fog catchers, rainwater cachement and cisterns. The less we take from the municipal system, the more will be available for other uses.

But as long as we continue to water our lawns, the cemetery, the golf course, our parks, ballfields and schools with potable water no amount of turning the water off while we brush our teeth or sharing our flushes is going to make an appreciable difference.

One city council member even suggested we use artificial turf in the El Carmelo Cemetery. Be careful, Pacific Grove, or you may find plastic growing on the golf course as well!

Underneath Pacific Grove is a granite slab. And running along the top of that slab is a freshwater river. It goes out to the ocean and we never see it. We need to capture that water with spring boxes, use it and send it on its way. We have plenty of rainfall in the winter, but in the dry months we depend on water from other sources. We need to store that rainfall and make it available in June.

We need to look at the David Avenue Reservoir again. We’ve spent $90,000 as a city, in grant money and matching funds, to prove that it’s viable, and where did did the project go? Dan Cort left office and the ball was tossed to the ad hoc water committee. Now council member Deborah Lindsay is moving to Santa Cruz and Lisa Bennett says she will not run for office again in November, so who’s going to carry the ball?

Just because we’re surrounded by water doesn’t mean we can ignore it. Water is more important than CalPERS, Measure C or traffic bulb-outs. Without it, those things don’t matter. So who will pick up the fumble?

Topics: 05/07/10, Current Edition, News | 1 Comment »

No decision on support of Farmers Market move

By Editor | May 7, 2010

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.

Many members of the public also spoke, the majority of whom urged the Council to put the matter to rest no matter which location they chose. Speakers agreed that the matter has gone on long enough.

The agenda item called for the council to direct the Planning Commission, next to receive the hot potato, to hold public hearings at the time Everyone’s Harvest applies for an amendment to its use permit to allow it to move to a location on Central Avenue at Grand, in the area of Jewell Park and the Museum.

It should have been simple, as the Planning Commission technically has the first role as regulator while the City, as landowner, is in second position.

The discussion bogged down around questions of public input from the surrounding neighbors on the location choice, and on the question of whether the Market should be allowed to open its doors to vendors outside of Pacific Grove. The council also requested clarification on requests by Everyone’s Harvest to respond to certain other needs they have before they actually apply for the amended Use Permit.

City Attorney Dave Laredo pointed out to the Council that it is not within their purview to conduct the public hearings, that it is the function of the Planning Commission. Everyone’s Harvest had requested that the city council hold the hearings to provide public input.

Community Development Department has the function of arranging for input from Public Works, Police and Fire regarding questions fire and safety clearance requirements, Laredo said. Preliminary individual input from each of those departments has been gathered and mitigating measures which prevented the Market from using that Central Avenue location in the first place can be put into effect, making the Central and Grand location viable in the future.

Everyone’s Harvest has also requested signage, which, according to City Manager Tom Frutchey, was approved two years ago and never put in place.

A two-week delay will allow time for public input from neighbors living within the prescribed distance from the Market. One neighbor, the Museum, has already weighed in and is enthusiastic about the move. Museum Director Lori Mannel, according to testimony, will ask her board to consider opening the Museum on Mondays when – and if – the Farmers Market moves in.

The council lined up with Deborah Lindsay, Lisa Bennett and Bill Kampe voting no, and Ken Cuneo, Alan Cohen and Mayor Carmelita Garcia voting for the agenda item. Councilmember Robert Huitt was on an excused absence from the meeting.

“If the city really does want to make this work it still needs the requirement that the Farmer’s Market has to initiate the amendment and we have not made it attractive for them to do so. I think we need to do that first,” said Bill Kampe.

Topics: 05/07/10, Current Edition, News | 2 Comments »

Deborah Lindsay resigns from City Council

By Editor | May 2, 2010

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.

Topics: 4-30-2010, Current Edition, News | No Comments »

Publisher’s Blog: Pacific Grove: Home of Monarchs, Victorians and Thrift Stores

By Editor | May 1, 2010

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?

Back when middle school was called junior high school and I was in it, I lived in Waukesha, Wisconsin. It was a small city of 30,000 then, with one junior high and two high schools – the public one and the Catholic one. Today, the population is pushing 70,000 and there are five high schools and three middle schools. Important people came from Waukesha: Les Paul, Steve Miller, and Donald Goerke, for example. Who’s Donald Goerke? He invented Spaghetti-Os.

The center of activities for the town back then was the high school, at least the part that was called “South Campus.” A new (then) sprawling complex of buildings, it included a huge auditorium. We went to travelogues there on Sundays during the winter. There were musicals, and the City Symphony (now a philharmonic) played there. There was an indoor pool (hey, it gets really cold in Waukesha) and a wonderful gym (they called it a field house) that seated 3000 on two levels, and where boat shows and expositions were held as well as basketball games.

One of the activities many of us looked forward to each year was the Symphony Fair, a fund-raiser that took place in the field house. The very best part was what seemed to me to be acres of white elephant sales. It was my first exposure to Used Stuff.

Piles of books, lamps, tools, dishes, clothing, hats and shoes . . . and all of it nice because it had been donated by the Symphony Auxiliary and those were wealthy ladies who still wore gloves and hats when they went to lunch with their friends. And all of it cheap because they didn’t want to haul it home.

My friend, Susie and I each received 50 cents a week in allowance. We also babysat – 35 cents an hour before midnight and 50 cents after, no bonuses for changing diapers and part of the job included emptying the ubiquitous dehumidifiers most homes had lurking in the basement. With that glorious salary, we could buy amazing amounts of Used Stuff for pennies on the dollar. We’d make up what we thought were outrageous outfits and parade around town till the fun wore off. Sometimes it was a zoot suit, sometimes we did Hedda Hopper with big hats. We’d go back a second day and get a 1940’s suit and pretend to be Ingrid Bergman. No one ever asked for our autograph, but we had a good time.

At some point, I supposed we’d have outgrown the dress-up phase and gone for serious shopping, but my family moved to California and the Symphony Fair became a memory.

But I never got over the thrill of rooting through mounds of Used Stuff. There was Ed’s Square Deal in downtown San Jose, the Salvation Army (Sally Ann to those in the know) and the odd garage sale. No white elephants in California, but there was the king of them all, the San Jose Flea Market.

I furnished my room at the sorority house and then my first apartment with Used Stuff. Mismatched plates, broken jewelry I learned to repair, a yellow rocking chair that someone had applied fake antiquing to back when that was popular, musty smelling books that I thought made me look well-read. The bulk dry cleaner guy gave me frequent customer discounts. The amazing part – to me anyway – is that I still have some of that Stuff. And I still go hunting at thrift stores.

Before the summer weekend home became a year-round residence, my trips to PG always included a reconaissance of the thrift stores.

I have my little circuit, I know which racks might have things for me, and even when I’m on a mission for something in particular, I keep my eyes open for serendipity.

I tend to look at the prices as sort of a rental fee, because I feel a lot less guilty about giving it away if I didn’t pay very much for it. I can redecorate on a regular basis and still be able to afford groceries.

I’ve been to thrift stores in Dublin and London and Paris (oo la la, les flea markets!). I have a scarf I bought for half a Manx pound that saved me on a misty race day on the Isle of Man. I even found a Sally Ann in Hong Kong – talk about cheap!

I wish I could brag about finding treasures, but today the donations are very carefully examined and professionals scout the thrift stores on a regular basis, so there’s small chance of turning up hidden antiques or collectibles, but it does happen. Two week ago, a friend and I went to a thrift store together looking for a gate for my office. You see, there’s a step and people fall off it on a regular basis. I thought if I had a gate there, they’d pay more attention.

Well, I didn’t find a gate. My friend, however, turned up three first edition books at $1 each and which she researched out at $325 (for the lot) when she got home. I got a trivet with only three legs, shaped like a lobster and covered with something sticky. But it was only 35 cents.

The downtown Business Improvement District in Pacific Grove is on a perennial search for businesses to move to Pacific Grove and fill up some of those empty spaces. Now and then, a thrift – or resale, or consignment – store expresses interest in moving to the hallowed streets of PG, but for some reason they are discouraged from doing so. I think there’s an element that’s embarrassed by all the second hand stores here. But if one were to hang out at the store directory (which by the way looks pretty tatty and is in sore need of updating) by the rug store that used to be the Dyke’s drug store, one would realize how many people come to town just to go to our second hand stores. They ask for directions and I have a regular little spiel I give. Know why they come here? Same reason I used to love the Symphony Fair in Waukesha. There’s a perception that wealthy people live here and give away Good Stuff. If only they knew.

Topics: 04-30-10, 4-30-2010, Current Edition, News | No Comments »

By Editor | April 25, 2010

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” ^TMCommunity Center on Junipero The facilitated session will provide an opportunity to gather more citizen input regarding the City’s Tree Ordinance.

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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Topics: Current Edition | No Comments »

Publisher’s Blog: Good Old Day 2010

By Editor | April 17, 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.

I was pleased to run into an old friend, Phil Laidlaw, wearing his clan regalia and sporting a bagpipe. He was admiring my car and then realized he knew the driver. I remember when the tall, teen-aged boy with him was a newborn.

Downtown the blocks and blocks of booths were waiting for parade-goers to troop down the hill and bring cash. In years past, I’ve dropped as much as $500 on art (one more stunning photo of a sunset at Asilomar), crafts (I love my giraffe-shaped coffee mug), jewelry (who doesn’t covet my cufflinks made from old typewriter keys?) and clothing (OK, so that came from Marita’s, but it was bought during Good Old Days). Those things may be GOOD, depending on one’s outlook and whether one had to close a business for the duration of the event, but what was OLD (and good) was the plethora of non-profits and booths supporting causes. I signed up to be a blood marrow donor at a booth that was a Senior Project of Emily Riso, a Pacific Grove High School student. A few more years and they won’t want me, but for now my DNA is on record someplace besides the police station. Mom and I shared a tri-tip sandwich where the fire fighters were selling them in support of the library (total take amount to follow).

I lugged around some books I bought from the Middle School book sale and brochures for a free in-home estimate for something or another – windows? A bath tub? A new garage door? No sooner had I listened to their spiel than I ran into Jeff Kirkpatrick – I’ll see him again next week when SCRAMP orientation begins. I tried to dunk mayor Carmelita Garcia at the LaCrosse team’s dunk tank and then later spent some hours in a booth with her pushing a petition, across the aisle from the Sue Renz and Kristi Portwood at the Feast of Lanterns booth and someone giving out samples of garlic-stuffed olives. School board members Mike Niccum (fresh from a stint flipping pancakes for Kiwanis) and Tony Sollecito stopped by.

The music and entertainment ran the gamut from groups that made up for what they lacked in talent by pumping up the volume to good old acts of practiced musicians. I missed seeing my friend Katie Shain in the Tap Bananas because I was trying to find a safe place to park my classic car, but she tells me she had a good time and that they were well-received. I was especially taken by a group of young rockers called August Moon; or was it Autumn Sky? They were very good, even judged against older musicians, and are going places, I’ll bet.

When the wind came up and the sky threatened, we began to think about packing it in and eventually loaded up at 4:30. The Chamber of Commerce, organizers of the event, passed around a notice saying that, because of the dire weather forecast, we would be excused if we didn’t come back on Sunday. We didn’t. Kudos to those who braved it, and better luck next year to those who didn’t.

I had the feeling, as I wandered Lighthouse Avenue avoiding the regiments of little dogs on leashes that seem to be the hallmark of Pacific Grove, that people are finally coming out of the winter doldrums and perhaps even out of the fearsome recession. Money seemed to be flowing, there were long lines at the food booths, and vendors appeared happy even if we were all cold and windblown.

But my favorite part of the whole event was a moment while I was sitting at the petition table, talking with friends and neighbors and one old curmudgeon from Calaveras. The band at the Bank of America parking lot hit the unmistakable bass intro to “My Girl,” the anthem of my own personal Good Old Days. And as I looked around the crowd, there were people slowing and stopped, clapping their hands, swaying to the music and singing along:

“I’ve got sunshine On a cloudy day. When it’s cold outside, I’ve got the month of May.

Well, I guess you’ll say What can make me feel this way? My girl.”

Four pages of brilliant pictures of the 2010 Good Old Days event can be found in our street edition, on the stands and in 101 other locations around town until Thursday, April 22. You can always find the current edition as well as archives of old editions online at this website. The blog is not in the print edition. Publisher’s Blog will be posted as the Publisher thinks of things to say that won’t fit in the print edition. Our motto: All the news that fits, we print.

Topics: 04/16/10, Current Edition, News | 1 Comment »

Final vote is in: Measure J goes down by less than 1%

By Editor | November 13, 2009

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.

Topics: 11/13/09, Current Edition, News | No Comments »

State Water Board issues CDO but delays harsher measures 1 year

By Editor | October 21, 2009

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.

Topics: 10-21-09, Current Edition, News | No Comments »

The other 13 candidates

By Editor | October 1, 2009

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.

Darlene Billstrom was chair of the Architectural Review Board from 1997-2002 and from 2005-2008. She was a member of the Historic Resources Committee from 2003-2008 (and chair of that committee from 2005-2008). She is a member of the Heritage Society and served as its vice president from 2004-2006 and president from 2006-2008. She is currently the foreperson of the 2009 Civil Grand Jury, which will hold its final meeting in November. Billstrom states that her work on the HRC and ARB gave her valuable experience and knowledge of the city’s General Plan.

Richard Ahart, Jr. is currently the president and CFO of Gold Country Foods, Inc. He also has background in real estate and has done business with large companies including Citicorp, Bank of America and Chevy’s, Inc. His resume includes restaurant management/ownership, land acquisitions, leasing, tenant improvements, and residential and commercial development. His education includes undergraduate studies in business law/administration of justice.

Michael Gordon has more than 30 years of management experience, including strategic planning and operations, market identification, financial development, performance analysis and development and implementation of management reporting systems. As a current partner in a management consultant firm, part of his scope of work includes identification of non-traditional revenue resources and negotiation of partnering agreements. His wife is a teacher at Pacific Grove High school. He has a BS in Business Administration. Gordon told the city council that he believes it is time for the citizens to become involved in the governance of Pacific Grove. He believes that Pacific Grove can be “updated” without losing its “eclectic nature.”

Daniel Miller points to his combination of institutional knowledge of the city of Pacific Grove and financial acumen which he believes will contribute to the city council. He says that he has attended more than 100 Planning commission meetings and 250 city council meetings, and that he worked reviewing the city budget and brought to light many problems that had plagued the city and have since been corrected. Miller graduated from Monterey Peninsula College and attended UCLA Film School where he majored in Economics and Film. As at many city council meetings, Miller stated in his oral presentation that he wants to bring the fire department back to Pacific Grove.

Cynthia Garfield has a business and social service background. She has worked as program coordinator at the county level, and has many years of experience in education. Garfield has an MBA with concentrations in entrepreneurship and finance. She states that she believes her experience in the support of teams and her mediation training will support the collaboration processes and outcomes at the city council level.

David Haugen is an engineer and an attorney. He says that he has “met the challenge of balancing interests using limit resources.” He is currently a vice president, general counsel and corporate officer at Fox Factory, inc., responsible for the legal existence and operation of a $100 million+ company.

Ed Lake has more than 30 years of human resources recruiting and managing functions, chiefly in software/hardware engineering and product management for networking and wireless industries. He is currently a research specialist at Monterey Peninsula College. He is also a Pacific Grove Code Enforcement Officer. He claims strong communication and organizational skills, with an ability to develop and implement initiatives effectively. Lake told the council that he wonders if Pacific Grove is too restrictive and if that is a factor in the problems gaining and retaining downtown businesses.

Robert Carp has 34 years of public service. This includes fourteen years with the Pacific Grove Police Department. He retired as a sergeant in 2006. “I have a good knowledge of the city and a reputation of being fair and honest. I am a good listener and a strong problem solver.” Carp has served as treasurer for several organizations, including the Pacific Grove Police Officers’ Association, Z-Ranch Water Company and the Salinas Chevy Classic Car Club. He wants to make the city better and financially stronger. Carp favors a two-tier retirement system for new hires for the city but believes it needs to be CalPERS.

George Cullinan currently serves as chairman of the Pacific Grove Recreation Committee. He has been the CEO of several companies, including Savant Enterprises, Inc., Transpac Electronics, Fiber-optics and Telecommunication, and Machine Industries, Inc. He cites these skills, along with leadership and fundraising skills as qualifications for a council seat. Cullinan has done various forms of community service from 1976 to date. Cullinan retired in 2003. He stated that while he likes the Farmers Market and sees that it is established, he thinks it should be moved from Lighthouse Avenue in deference to business who complain about it.

Henry Leinen is a member of the Pacific Grove Traffic Safety Commission. He has lived most of his life in Pacific Grove. He has worked as a letter carrier and has served on the Feast of Lanterns Board and as Commissioner for the Boy Scouts of America units within the city. Leinen transferred to the U.S. Treasury Department and served a the last Port Director for the Port of Monterey. Since retiring in 2005, he has taught at the police Academy and is pursuing a Juris Doctorate degree. “I have no agenda that I wish to pursue with the exception of bringing more revenue into Pacific Grove, and to help develop a cohesive planning process by mandating that all applications be reviewed by the other relevant boards and commissions in the city.”

Rudolph (Rudy) Fischer’s goal is a significant role in helping the city of Pacific Grove become a better place to be; with a balanced budget, fiscal reserves and a city council that has a reputation for forward thinking. His work experience centers around human resources, most recently at Pulse Link, Inc. “With over 28 years of business experience, I think I can be sensitive to the needs of the business community in Pacific Grove.” His civic experience includes service on the library board in Mountain View, the Lakeshore Homeowners Association and the Station West Homeowners Association. He quoted Congressman Tom Campbell, paraphrasing David R. Berman, saying that “politics is the art is satisfying the irritated while not irritating the satisfied.”

James E. Quinn has owned property in Pacific Grove since 1997 and resided here since 2000. He and his wife have a number of real estate investments in other parts of California and Arizona. He has experience in the private sector as an executive at General Electric and as an owner of small businesses. He plans to be very visible in the community, meeting business owners and attending events. Quinn is involved in PG Rotary, the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center, and writes for a local publication.

Topics: 10-02-09, Current Edition, Marge Ann Jameson, News | No Comments »

It’s Cuneo, Huitt

By Editor | October 1, 2009

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.

Topics: 09-25-09, 10-02-09, Current Edition, Marge Ann Jameson, News | No Comments »

Woman, 63, beats her mother to death

By Editor | September 25, 2009

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.

Topics: 09-25-09, Current Edition, News | No Comments »

Planning fee recovery: Community input is vital

By Editor | September 24, 2009

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.

A public meeting was held Monday, September 23 and some 50 people – architects, builders, property owners and members of the Architectural Review Board among them – attended and gave their suggestions.

The meeting was divided into discussion groups, each of which outlined their ideas for reducing costs or recovering some or all. Several themes emerged:

• A desire to retain the Architectural Review Board as a separate commission, considering its value in preserving the “character” of Pacific Grove

• Suggestions to give more over-the-counter and staff approvals of uncomplicated matters

• A general agreement that 100 percent recovery was too much while the current rate of 27 percent was too little

• Continuing to look for ways of streamlining the process.

Some members of the public in attendance stated their belief that the major portion of the costs should be paid by the public because the public benefits from the planning process, while others stated a belief that the property owner was the major beneficiary and should bear the cost.

The use of volunteers for certain functions was suggested.

Lynn Burgess, Chief Planner, believes that the use of volunteers would have to be carefully balanced with the importance of the procedure. “In many cases,” she said, “we would still need to have staff involved.” She pointed out the need for careful attention to timing when considering notices, mailings, hearings, and other communications, stating a concern that volunteers wouldn’t always be available to handle these tasks.

A list of permit and variance tasks to give a sample analysis of staff time and costs per permit was prepared for attendees. It included such minute tasks as posting the agenda outside on the bulletin board, at the library and in a binder. Some tasks are routinely handled by an office assistant, but others are assisted or performed by planning staff. The total came to 28.25 hours, plus 2.5 hours to cover costs if the project is referred back to the applicant, totaling 30.75 hours. Also involved is the cost of advertising and mailing when a 300-foot radius mailing is required.

Burgess stated, “We have to be patient. This is a very complex issue.”

The item will likely be agendized for the October 13, 2009 meeting of the City Council.

Topics: 09-25-09, City Hall, Current Edition, Marge Ann Jameson, News | No Comments »

Loading zone on Lighthouse is going away

By Editor | September 24, 2009

Parking on the north side of Lighthouse Avenue between 13^th Street and 12^th Street will soon be converted to 90-minute parking. Currently, it is a mixture of 90-minute parking, loading zones and 20-minute parking.

The Traffic Safety Commission voted to make the change following a request by the owners of Diamonds and Rust, who pointed out the parking zone in front of their business was outdated. There is a 15-foot red curb, a 12-foot red curb, a 55-foot yellow loading zone, and a 17-foot 20-minute zone in addition to one single 90-minute parking space. Those designations had apparently benefited a business long gone, and the paint has become faded over the years.

The result should be at least four new 90-minute parking spaces.

Projected cost is minimal, consisting of paint plus staff time, and is within the Street Maintenance Fund.

Topics: 09-25-09, City Hall, Current Edition, Marge Ann Jameson, News | No Comments »

New 4-way stop coming at Gibson and Fountain

By Editor | September 24, 2009

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.

Topics: 09-25-09, City Hall, Current Edition, Marge Ann Jameson, News | No Comments »

They’re on their way

By Editor | September 24, 2009

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.

Topics: 09-25-09, Butterflies, Current Edition, Marge Ann Jameson, News | No Comments »

Butterfly bond renewed

By Editor | September 24, 2009

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.

Topics: 09-25-09, Current Edition, Marge Ann Jameson, News | No Comments »

Police log

By Editor | September 24, 2009

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.

Topics: 09-25-09, Current Edition, Features, Jon Guthrie, Police Log | No Comments »

Retrospective

By Editor | September 24, 2009

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.

Topics: 09-25-09, Current Edition, Features, Marge Ann Jameson, News | No Comments »

Where I Call Home

By Editor | September 24, 2009

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.

Topics: 09-25-09, Arts & Music, Current Edition, Features, Poetry | No Comments »

Retrospective: The first 6 months

By Editor | September 24, 2009

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

Raising the flag

By Editor | September 24, 2009

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.

Topics: 09-25-09, Current Edition, Features, Poetry, Schools | No Comments »

PG birders: Raptors on view locally

By Editor | September 24, 2009

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.

Topics: 09-25-09, Current Edition, Green: Nature & Ecology, Marvin Sheffield, DVM | No Comments »

Coastal cleanup results for 2009

By Editor | September 24, 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.

Topics: 09-25-09, Current Edition, Green: Nature & Ecology, News | No Comments »

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Contents

Current Issue of Cedar Street Times

Appeal goes against Canterbury

And the winner is. . .

Pacific Grove joined by Monterey in promoting JPA

About Matter of Trust

From hair to there: PG haircutters assist with Gulf cleanup

JPA for fire services signed: PG is first to do so

Publisher’s Blog: Treasurer candidate lied

Publisher’s Blog: Desal alone won’t solve water woes

No decision on support of Farmers Market move

Deborah Lindsay resigns from City Council

Publisher’s Blog: Pacific Grove: Home of Monarchs, Victorians and Thrift Stores

Publisher’s Blog: Good Old Day 2010

Final vote is in: Measure J goes down by less than 1%

State Water Board issues CDO but delays harsher measures 1 year

The other 13 candidates

It’s Cuneo, Huitt

Woman, 63, beats her mother to death

Planning fee recovery: Community input is vital

Loading zone on Lighthouse is going away

New 4-way stop coming at Gibson and Fountain

They’re on their way

Butterfly bond renewed

Police log

Retrospective

Where I Call Home

Retrospective: The first 6 months

Raising the flag

PG birders: Raptors on view locally

Coastal cleanup results for 2009