Photo by John Ruddock, High Orbit Media
"Addressing this challenge will be a major goal for all of us."
Message from the City Manager
WINTER 2023 Volume XXXVIII, no. 1
A Report from the City of Monterey to its Citizens and Friends
Welcome to 2023! The new year came with three weeks of relentless rain and storms – so-called atmospheric rivers. Our crews in Public Safety, Public Works, and Urban Forestry were busy all-around town, often 24/7. Downed trees had to be removed in various locations – most of them in the forested areas in the Skyline neighborhood. Extended power outages tested the patience of many residents and businesses – bringing forward renewed suggestions to demand undergrounding of our utility lines. My thanks goes out to our crews. We were prepared for these series of storms. But, my thanks also goes out to you, our residents and non-residents: Measure P/S, our 1% sales tax measure, has been allocating funding to improve, replace and repair our storm drain infrastructures. The work over the past 8 years paid off as we experienced hardly any noteworthy flooding issues. Why do I thank our non-residents as well? The visitors coming to our town to shop and dine contribute around 62% of our sales tax revenues. As we move into March, we will also be starting our process to put together the budget for the next fiscal year. Another large initiative has started: the 6th Regional Housing Need Assessment (RHNA) cycle! Our City is tasked to plan for 3,654 new additional housing units. The planning process is mandated by State law and has to be completed by December of this year. Already we have conducted several public outreach workshops. What we have done and what we plan on doing can be all found on our website https://haveyoursaymonterey.org/monterey2031. I encourage all of you to stay involved in this project. Our planning efforts to rezone our neighborhoods for 3,654 additional housing units will be successful. However, what we do know today is, that even with an imminent implementation of the Monterey One Water (M1W) expansion project, the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District will not be able to provide enough water to allow the actual construction of those housing units in Monterey. Addressing this challenge will be a major goal for all of us. Thank you for you continued support. Our staff is proud to work for you. Please enjoy this edition of our City Focus! ANDA! Hans Uslar City Manager
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TACKLING THE HOUSING CHALLENGE
CITY FOCUS
State of the City Address, February 15 Join City of Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson and City Manager Hans Uslar for a ‘State of the City’ address on Wednesday, February 15 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Steinbeck 1 at the Monterey Conference Center. Join in-person or online via Zoom. Visit monterey.org/stateofthecity for details.
state of the city 2023
Message from the City Manager continued...
Have a topic idea for the next issue of City Focus? Email suggest@monterey.org and let us know!
CULTURE CORNER - art, history, culture
PAGE STORY Cover Message from the City Manager 2 State of the City Address 4 New City Council 5 Staff Work Program ADA Transition Plan Update 6 Wildfire Protection Plan Survey 7 Monterey 2031 - Get Involved 8 Wireless Ordinance Update 9 Marina Lot Improvements Pothole Repairs 10 Storm Readiness CERT Training in April 11 Laguna Grande Regional Park 12 Affordable Connectivity Program COVID-19 Emergency Ends 13 Community Police Academy Police Monthly Report 14 Easy Recreation Registration 15 Spring Sports Camp Now Hiring 16 Summer Recreation Jobs and Camps 17 MSC Voted Best Personal Training at the MSC PAGE STORY 18 Flood Monitoring 19 HEAL Report 2022 20 100% Renewable Energy is Here Harbor Survey 21 Collection of Historic Photos 22 History at City Hall 23 Navy Band Sea Chanters in Monterey Chocolate & Wine at the Library 24 Sister City Update 25 Employee Spotlight on You
CITY BRIEFS
IN THE NEWS
PARKS & PLAY - to health, wellness, activity, and fun
Inside this issue
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GREEN SCENE - stewarding our environment
CITY FOCUS - Winter 2023
New Year, New City Council BY CITY CLERK CLEMENTINE BONNER KLEIN
Councilmember Alan Haffa At Large, Reelected Nov. 2020 Term ends Dec. 2024
Councilmember Ed Smith District 2, Reelected Nov. 2022 Term ends Dec. 2026
monterey.org/citycouncil
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Councilmember Gene “Gino” Garcia At Large, Appointed Dec. 2022 to fill a vacancy set to expire Dec. 2024
Mayor Tyller Williamson At Large, Elected Nov. 2022 Term ends Dec. 2024
Councilmember Kim Barber District 1, Elected Nov. 2022 Term ends Dec. 2026
The City Council in Monterey consists of a Mayor and four Councilmembers. The City Council changed in big ways in 2022. In February, the City Council set in motion a transition from at-large to by-district Councilmember representation. In November, voters elected a new Mayor and the City’s first two district Councilmembers; and in December a new Councilmember was appointed to fill the at-large short-term vacant seat. The City Council is excited and honored to begin the 2023 calendar year fully seated and ready to work for the City of Monterey. All biographies will be posted soon under monterey.org/citycouncil.
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Community members joined City officials and Jensen Hughes consultants for two Town Hall sessions on January 26 to review the latest progress and gather additional information regarding the ongoing American's with Disabilities (ADA) Transition Plan Update. Additional site surveys of leased properties and audits of previously inspected City facilities are planned for this spring. More Town Hall sessions will be scheduled in March to give community members additional opportunities for input. In the meantime, you can join the Have Your Say Monterey engagement portal and provide comments and ideas - https://haveyoursaymonterey.org/ada-transition-plan-update
At the beginning of each calendar year, the City’s executive team and staff refine its list of major initiatives and priorities. Short and long-term policies, programs, and projects that are not part of the City’s routine service delivery are items that make up the City Staff Work Program. Each work program item falls into one of the City’s Strategic Priorities. At a Study Session on January 25, 2023, the City Council received an update on the 2023 City Staff Work Program which are categorized based on the City’s Value Drivers and Strategic Priorities. View the presentation slides The discussion on January 25, 2023 was part of an annual effort of the Monterey City Council to review and discuss the City’s priorities for the year. Review of the City’s annual priorities have taken place during January workshops in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The City established cascading goals, where the: Vision is a description of Monterey’s “desired future,” Mission identifies the role of the City of Monterey in pursuing the City’s Vision Value Drivers identifies what is important to the community to support the City’s Mission Strategic Priorities describes how the City can advance its goals in support of the Value Drivers City Staff Work Program is a set of specific program, policy, or projects that support the City’s Strategic Priorities. Program goals include to: 1)Keep the City Council focused on their priorities; 2) Keep staff focused on what's important to the City Council and community; 3) Provide a mechanism to update City Council and community at regularly scheduled intervals; 4) Amplify the need to balance what is important and urgent, and less important and less urgent; and 5) Show the community the wide span of City initiatives. See https://monterey.org/city_hall/city_council/vision,_mission,_value_drivers.php for more information.
Annual Update to the City Staff Work Program
ADA Transition Plan Update - We Want Your Input BY CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE INTERN MARK ACKERMANN
https://haveyoursaymonterey.org/cwpp
Monterey Fire Department responding to a fire in Carmel Valley, summer 2020.
With the increased severity and frequency of wildfires in California, community wildfire planning is increasingly important to help prepare for and adapt to wildfire. Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) are a tool to help reduce the severity and impact of wildfires and increase community resilience. A CWPP is being developed for the Cities of Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pacific Grove (Plan Area), with input and direction from stakeholders, agency representatives, and community members. Plan area The plan area encompasses the cities of Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Plan Area has an estimated population of 49,000 (U.S. Census 2020). The majority of people reside in the City of Monterey with an estimated population of 30,218 people, compared to 3,220 people in Carmel-by-the-Sea and 15,090 people in Pacific Grove. Get involved! To ensure that the CWPP reflects the priorities and concerns of the local community, the project team will be conducting a three-tier public outreach approach including a public survey, a stakeholder working group, and community workshops. Please visit the project CWPP Storymap at to find out more about how to get involved!
SURVEY IN ENGLISH
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ENCUESTA ESPAÑOLA
Want to Play a Role in Community Wildfire Preparedness? Please Take the Survey!
Listening Session Participants at the Monterey Conference Center in December 2022.
haveyoursaymonterey.org
Monterey 2031 Listening Sessions - Summaries and Recordings from December 2022 BY ASSOCIATE PLANNER CHRISTY SABDO
The Community Development Department and planning consultant, Dyett and Bhatia, held fourteen listening sessions between December 6 to December 8, 2022, to connect with community members and provide a forum for members to learn about the Monterey 2031 General Plan Update. Held at the Monterey Conference Center, each listening session garnered discussion on topics such as housing, land use, community character, climate resilience, and emergency preparedness. Approximately fifty-six (56) individuals, including community members, professionals, land holders, housing developers and service providers, non-profit leaders, military liaisons, and interested residents participated in the sessions. Review summaries and recordings of the sessions are posted at on the Monterey 2031 web page of Have Your Say Monterey. Looking Ahead - Join us on February 21, 2023 for a Joint Planning Commission and City Council Meeting - Monterey 2031 General Plan Update Study Session. Sign up for Monterey 2031 project updates under "Stay Informed" on the project website: haveyoursaymonterey.org/monterey2031
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Timeline
in the news
Council to Consider Wireless Ordinance on February 7 BY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR KIMBERLY COLE
monterey.org/wireless
Next City Council Meeting on Wireless is February 7 - find the agenda at isearchmonterey.org
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At the October 25, 2022 meeting, the Planning Commission adopted a resolution recommending an ordinance to the City Council repealing and replacing City Code Chapter 38 Article 17 Section 112.4 related to Wireless Communication Facilities. The City Council on January 17, 2023 received a presentation update from staff, and an ordinance adoption will be on the February 7, 2023 City Council Meeting agenda. Visit monterey.org/wireless for past presentation slides, and a chronology of the ordinance update process. Background The City of Monterey is working on updating the Personal Wireless Service Facilities Ordinance. Per the ordinance, this section is enacted to reasonably regulate, to the extent permitted under California and Federal law, the placement, design, construction, and modification of wireless facilities within the City of Monterey. These regulations are designed to protect and promote public health, safety, community welfare, aesthetics, and the unique historic setting and views of the City, which attributes benefit residents, attract visitors worldwide, and protect the City of Monterey from financial loss.
Waterfront Lot Phase 2 - Marina Parking Lot Improvement Project
The Marina Lot Improvement Project is under construction! The project will: Realign the parking lot to improve vehicular and pedestrian circulation Rehabilitate the pavement, and Implement stormwater control measures to improve water quality discharged to the Monterey Bay The project includes a revised recreation trail alignment to eliminate multi-lane vehicle conflict points, raised crosswalks to improve bike and pedestrian crossings, and an enhanced lighting configuration. Once complete, the parking lot will circulate directly with the phase 1 waterfront parking lot rather than serving as a separate lot. A primary goal during construction will be to maintain access to all facilities, including the Waterfront parking lot, the Monterey Coastal Recreational Trail, the Marina boat launch, Fisherman’s Wharf (1) and Municipal Wharf II, and all associated businesses to the maximum extent feasible. The project is anticipated to be completed prior to Memorial Day, May 29. We are excited to celebrate the new lot with the community when upgrades are complete. Sign up for email updates at monterey.org/waterfront-lot-ph2
See a pothole? We can fix that! Our Monterey Streets crews are running the hot mix asphalt truck weekly to catch up on potholes that have been created from the recent storms. In fact, between January 19 and January 26 our street crews patched 117 potholes in the roadways! Our crews put down five tons of 3/8" hot mix asphalt during that time frame. Now that's great team work! To report a pothole, send us a general location - address, landmark - details are posted at http://monterey.org/stormcenter. Thank you!
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Temporary pedestrian detour
Area blocked off during construction
Street crews patched 117 potholes between Jan 19 and Jan 26!
See a pothole? We can fix that!
monterey.org/construction monterey.org/streets
Find a Friend or Neighbor to Enroll in the April CERT Class! BY MONTEREY CERT
The February class is full, but find a friend or neighbor to enroll in the April CERT Class! Help protect your city and neighborhood by finding one person to participate in CERT training. The April CERT class is scheduled over three consecutive Saturdays, April 1, 8, and 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a break for lunch. There is NO cost to participate. Interested Peninsula residents can send an email of interest to: training@montereycert.org Read the January 2023 CERT newsletter, and the Training Flyer with more information about the class starting February 25. Find them both on the CERT web page under the Preparedness tab at montereyfiredept.org.
monterey.org/cert
Presidio of Monterey Storm Article Cover
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Storm Response a Community Effort
The major storms we experienced in January were something we haven't seen for a long time. Still, teams were ready and mobilized to respond to the storm impacts that included downed trees, power loss, and some flooding. The Public Affairs Office at the U.S. Army Garrison Presidio of Monterey, located between downtown and New Monterey, wrote an article about how, as Col. Sam Kline, USAG PoM commander said in part, "...local military organizations and municipalities, came together during the storms to ensure life, health and safety of our service members and families while keeping the mission going." It's the challenging times that give us the opportunity to show our resolve, work together, and use our skills and experience when we need it most. That's a nice feeling, and shows once again, the great community we live. READ THE FULL ARTICLE
The Planning Division published a Notice of Intent to Declare a Negative Declaration for the Laguna Grande Regional Park Improvement Project. The proposed Negative Declaration and Initial Study, as well as referenced documents, are available for review and written comments on this Mitigated Negative Declaration and Initial Study will be accepted through February 17, 2023. The proposed project involves updates to the Laguna Grande Regional Park Trail Maintenance Strategy by way of maintenance and enhancement of the existing trail system. The purpose is to provide the Joint Powers Agency (JPA) with a clear set of priorities and means for maintaining the trails and vegetation throughout the park. The project will implement maintenance strategies to create a more accessible, safe, and long-lasting park for the surrounding community and region. The following are some of the key items the project will include: Seasonal Trail Development Vegetation Clearing Trail Maintenance and Improvements Accessibility Improvements Invasive Species Removal and Restoration Planting Lighting The project provides direction to meet the regulations for maintenance of sensitive habitats and around bodies of water set forth by the state and federal government agencies. The stated goals of the project are: Address Encampment, Health and Safety Concerns Improve Personal Safety, and Maintain and Improve Quality of Natural Resources Visit monterey.org/planning or haveyoursaymonterey/laguna_grande_park_plan to review all association documents.
New playground equipment at Laguna Grande Park
city briefs
Review open at Have Your Say Monterey through February 17, 2023
Laguna Grande Regional Park Improvement Project Update BY SENIOR ASSOCIATE PLANNER CHRIS SCHMIDT
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"Get Connected California!" Campaign Update BY LAURIE HUELGA, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
ACP Enrollment Data
monterey.org/acp
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Governor Gavin Newsom announced last October that the COVID-19 State of Emergency will end on February 28, 2023. The end of the emergency does not mean COVID-19 is no longer a concern or strain on the health care system. Infections are still happening, but not at the levels they were during the height of the pandemic. Measures to reduce the chances of contracting COVID-19 are still encouraged - washing hands, maintaining an up-to-date vaccination status, wearing a mask in high risk locations, and staying home if you are sick. As the state ends the emergency, so will Monterey County, and cities will follow. The City of Monterey Emergency Operations Center was opened for the longest period in its history during the pandemic. At the February 21 City Council meeting the City Council will consider terminating the emergency order in Monterey. We appreciate the community's strength throughout this unprecedented emergency event.
Together, the City of Monterey and Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) are committed to helping low-income households afford and connect to high-speed Internet service. The goal of the Get Connected California! Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is to get 90% of eligible Californians connected by 2024. An estimated 60% of MPUSD families currently qualify for free or reduced lunch - one way to qualify to participate in the ACP. In the fall 2022 issue of City Focus, we reported that City of Monterey has 13,681 eligible households, and only 422 enrolled in this program to provide qualifying families affordable, high-speed Internet. We just posted new data for Monterey - as of December 2022 enrollment increased from 422 to 456. This is still only 18% of qualified households, so we have more work to do - let's keep moving these percentages higher! Eligible households could receive: Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service A low-cost service plan that may be fully covered through the ACP Eligible households interested in applying for ACP can do so online, or if needing assistance completing the application, enrollment applications will be available in English and Spanish at upcoming events in 2023. Staff will be available to support eligible households, answer questions about the ACP benefit, and provide hands-on assistance with the application. Families will be required to bring with them the required documents to apply. Details and a calendar of upcoming events will be available at https://monterey.org/acp Program information is also available at https://affordableconnectivity.gov/
California to End COVID-19 State of Emergency on February 28 BY LAURIE HUELGA, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
montereypolice.org
Text
The Monterey Police Department is bringing back the Community Police Academy after a break due to the pandemic. Space is filling up fast for the next class that begins March 15. Our Community Police Academy is a dynamic, exciting, and informative program that runs three hours, once a week for eleven weeks. The program is designed to provide Monterey residents with an interactive, hands-on, comprehensive overview of policing, and to provide participants an understanding of the job, knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the modern day community-focused police officer. SEE THE FLYER | COMPLETE THE APPLICATION Learn more at https://monterey.org/city_hall/police/community_policing/community_police_academy.php
Community Police Academy Starts March 15 BY SERGEANT MICKEY ROOBASH
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The Monterey Police Department (MPD) compiles a monthly report that includes short narratives of highlights of MPD activity including statistical data of the work the MPD accomplished during the preceding month. This information is provided to the City Council, City Manager and through this website, to the public. Just published is the December Monthly Report. You can find this and an archive of previous Monthly Reports on the Monthly Reports page under Get Informed at montereypolice.org. You can also connect with the Monterey Police Department @montereypolice on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For emergency text alerts from the Monterey Police Department, text 93940 to 888777.
Monterey Police Monthly Reports BY MONTEREY POLICE
Monterey Recreation and Sports Center Switch to New, Easy Registration Software BY RECREATION MANAGER SHANNON LEON
Register Now for Winter/Spring Recreation Programs BY RECREATION MANAGER SHANNON LEON
parks & play - to health, wellness, activity & fun
monterey.org/rec
Monterey Recreation and the Monterey Sports Center are delighted with the new recreation management software, SmartRec by Amilia, now in full use! What’s in it for you? Ease of use You can now register and pay for activities, see your schedule (and your family’s) at a glance and update account information ALL on one online platform. Simply access your user account on your desktop or mobile device. Or download the Amilia app through your app store. No more waiting in lines! Transparency all the way View each family member’s activities, memberships, and billings so that you can keep track of payments made, upcoming payments, as well as balances due. Filing paper copies of invoices and receipts is a thing of the past! An activity hub for your family Explore, discover, and sign up for Monterey Recreation and Monterey Sports Center programs, activities, events, and permits from one centralized hub. Updated in real-time, they are now accessible anytime, anywhere.
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CITY FOCUS -Winter 2023
Programs at Hilltop Park and El Estero Park Centers include: Spring Break camp, gymnastics, chess for kids, dance classes for toddlers and youth, watercolor painting, ceramics for adults, Pilates, Youth Track and Field, Adult Co-Rec and Men's Softball and much more! Please check our website frequently or follow Monterey Recreation on Facebook and Instagram (@montereyrecreation) for the latest updates. Please check our website frequently or follow Monterey Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. Questions? Email: montereyrecreation@monterey.org Register Online Now! See the online Amilia/SmartRec store for additional class information.
Now Hiring! Part-time Job Opportunities at the Sports Center MONTEREY SPORTS CENTER MANAGER ANDREA WILLER, Ed.D.
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Spring Sports Camp is just around the corner and online registration is open. Spring Sports Camp includes two action-packed weeks of camp: March 20-24 and March 27-31 for campers ages 6-12 years old. Activities include basketball, floor hockey, wiffleball, soccer, flag football, and more. Campers will have a blast shooting down the 112-foot corkscrew water slide or conquering the 75-foot-long floating obstacle course during camp swim hours. For everyone's safety there are age & height restrictions, and participants must pass a swim test. Space is limited. Program fee is $220, or $198 for City of Monterey residents, per week. Early drop off and late pick up is available for an additional fee. Visit the Gym & Camps for Youth page and register at montereysportscenter.org.
parks & play
The Monterey Sports Center is looking for outgoing, community-spirited, hard-working individuals for part-time employment. Ready to provide your time and talent? APPLY TODAY at montereysportscenter.org!
The Monterey Sports Center is looking for outgoing, community-spirited, hard-working individuals for part-time employment. Ready to provide your time and talent? Apply today! Open positions include: Supervisor on Duty: a higher-level, part-time position, responsible to assist in facility and staff supervision, customer engagement, conflict resolution and emergency response. Marketing Specialist: design and edit e-newsletters, digital flyers, social media posts, and print ads to assist in the marketing and promotion of memberships, programs, and services. Up to 20 hours per week. Pay up to $26 per hour. Photographer: be a part of the action and capture the best moments from all MSC programs and help build the digital catalog of images to promote the #1 Fitness Facility in Monterey! The Sports Center is also recruiting for Facility Attendants, Front Desk Attendants, Lifeguards, Swim Instructors, Personal Trainers, Group Exercise Instructors, and Camp Counselors. Download an application at montereysportscenter.org. If you have any questions, please call the Sports Center Front Desk at (831) 646-3730.
montereysportscenter.org
Spring Sports Camp - March 20-24 and March 27-31 MONTEREY SPORTS CENTER MANAGER ANDREA WILLER, Ed.D.
Registration for Summer 2023 Camps Opens Soon BY RECREATION MANAGER SHANNON LEON
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Some exciting camps to look forward to include: Camp Quien Sabe Youth Overnight Camp Whispering Pines Day Camp Summer Fun Playground Program Tiny Tots Summer Camp Sports Camps including Challenger International Soccer, Flag Football, Basketball, Beach Volleyball Playwell LEGO, Chess, Woodworking, Gymnastics Camps and much more! Stay Tuned! More information will be coming soon. Check our website at monterey.org/rec or follow Monterey Recreation on Facebook and Instagram @montereyrecreation for the latest updates. Don't forget to create your Amilia/SmartRec account if you have not used our new online store before. It’s time to play!Monterey.
monterey.org/sportscenter
In order to offer our award winning summer camps, we need to hire amazing staff. We are looking for dedicated and positive people that want to make a difference in their community. The following positions are available: Playground Senior Leader/Recreation Leader Day Camp Counselor Camp Quien Sabe Resident Camp Counselor, Support Staff (Kitchen Helper, Handyperson, Crafts Assistant), Crafts Leader, Lifeguard and Cook Field Sports Recreation Leader Email montereyrecreation@monterey.org for more information and to request a job application.
Monterey Recreation Hiring for Summer and Beyond BY RECREATION MANAGER SHANNON LEON
Monterey Sports Center Voted Best in County for 9 Years Straight BY MONTEREY SPORTS CENTER MANAGER ANDREA WILLER, Ed.D.
Ever wonder if personal training is right for you? Regardless of your current fitness level, most can benefit from working with a certified personal trainer. Consider this service if you are: A fitness beginner who is unsure of correct exercise techniques, effective programs, exercise safety, or proper use of gym equipment An experienced fitness enthusiast who is training hard but not getting the results you want Interested in losing body fat or gaining strength and muscle Having a hard time sticking with a program Bored with your current routine Training for a special event, such as a 5k, 10K or even a marathon Appreciate the difference expert guidance can make! Partner with a Certified Personal Trainer educated to help people of all fitness levels reach their goals safely and effectively. Training packages and pricing are now available at the Monterey Sports Center. All services may be purchased online at montereysportscenter.org. The Personal Training Office will call you to schedule an appointment once a service is purchased. Email Marcia DiMercurio at dimercurio@monterey.org or call (831) 646-3495 if you have questions, or visit the Personal Training page at montereysportscenter.org.
Check out the Monterey Sports Center and see why it has been voted “Best Health Club in Monterey County” for 9 consecutive years! Experience the wonderful sense of community in a fitness environment appropriate for all ages and abilities. Swim some laps in the expansive indoor pool, relax in the 92-degree therapy pool, or zip down the 112-foot water slide during recreation swim time. Bring some friends for drop in basketball, volleyball, badminton, pickleball, ping pong, or futsol. If group exercise is more your style, check out a new class from a variety of over 60 classes offered each week. From yoga to group, indoor cycling to Aqua Zumba, there’s something for everyone. For the fitness enthusiast, there is a wide assortment of cardio machines, free weights, and resistance equipment and more! Information, registration and memberships now available online at sportscenter@monterey.org.
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Personal Training at the Monterey Sports Center MONTEREY SPORTS CENTER MANAGER ANDREA WILLER, Ed.D.
During storm events such as the atmospheric river conditions experienced in the last month, large river systems such as the Salinas and Carmel Rivers are actively monitored by federal, state, and local agencies to proactively understand the amount of water moving through these systems and identify potential flood risks to public safety. These agencies utilize real-time data communicated from equipment installed at key field locations throughout a watershed to monitor water levels (“gage height”) and flow quantities (“discharge”) along a river’s length during and after storm events. Commonly referred to as streamflow gaging “stations”, each station has been previously studied to correlate gage heights to specific discharges. Similar to the qualified professionals helping to protect this region, you too can actively track this information online in (near) real-time. To explore available information from the US Geological Survey, visit their USGS Daily Streamflow Conditions for California webpage. Select any of the gaging stations illustrated to learn more about current water levels and streamflow. Once selected, each station’s information is initially charted as ‘water level over time’, illustrated as gage height on the vertical axis (y-axis) and date on the horizontal axis (x-axis). Moving the cursor over the charted flow line, or “hydrograph”, the gage height at that particular point-in-time is displayed. You may also toggle the gage height to elevation above NAVD 1988, or chart discharge, instead. Also examine the interactive map there to identify the station’s exact location, the river’s upstream basin, its upstream and downstream flowlines, and other active monitoring locations. Additionally, a station’s webpage may also include information about when the river’s height at that location is entering an Action Stage, Minor Flood Stage, Moderate Flood Stage, and Major Flood Stage condition. This information, along with weather forecasts and watching the river’s upward (rising) and downward (falling) trend, provides insight into how riverine systems rise and fall in real-time with passing storms. It also provides a small glimpse into the complexities involved in flood forecasting, and highlights the importance of heeding local, knowledgeable official’s alerts, warnings, and orders to ensure we all stay flood-safe and dry this winter! To receive USGS-specific water level alerts for any river station, use the “Subscribe to alerts” on that station’s web page and following the instructions to sign up.
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green scene - stewarding our environment
monterey.org/environmentalregs
Understanding Riverine Flood Monitoring BY ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS MANAGER TRICIA WOTAN
green scene
Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) Report 2022 BY SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER TED TERRASAS
monterey.org/heal
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The Sustainability Program Division of the Community Development Department has just published the 2022 Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Annual Report. In November of 2017, the City Council adopted a HEAL resolution to join hundreds of other cities in California to address healthy eating and active living lifestyles. This was in response to the significant threats to public health from obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease that have become prevalent in the United States. While the HEAL Initiative is focused on nutrition and exercise, many aspects of HEAL fall under the umbrella of healthy cities. In 2018, the City of Monterey published its first HEAL report with the direction to continue annual reporting based on new or updated programs. For 2022, the HEAL Report continues to provide information on citywide programs and events that supports the HEAL initiative. Visit monterey.org/heal to read the current and past HEAL reports. Print copies are also available in some public City offices.
Harbor and Marina Survey
Historic Monterey Harbor is located in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We want to hear from boaters or other visitors that use the Harbor. The survey is only eight questions. Your perspective is very helpful in setting our course forward.
HARBOR SURVEY
100% Renewable Energy Available to Central Coast Community Energy Customers BY SUSTAINABILITY ASSISTANT MALLORY PANKRETZ
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Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) offers 100% renewable energy from wind and solar through the 3Cprime service. 3Cprime is available to all customers, and only costs an additional $0.008/kilowatt hour (kWh). For average residential customers using approximately 300-500 kWh per month, the switch to 100% clean and renewable energy would only cost about $4-5 extra per month! In 2018, all PG&E customers that did not opt out were automatically enrolled with 3CE (previously known as Monterey Bay Community Power). 3Cchoice is the default service, with 31% of the energy mix coming from eligible renewables. Customers who have opted out may re-enroll with 3CE at no cost if it has been more than one year since opting out of 3CE. For more information and to enroll in 3Cprime, visit: 3Cenergy.org For sustainability resources and updates, visit monterey.org/sustainable and follow the Sustainability Office on Instagram at @montereysustainability.
monterey.org/sustainable
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Rey Rupell Collection & Historic Monterey Photos BY MONTEREY PUBLIC LIBRARY AND MUSEUMS DIRECTOR BRIAN EDWARDS
monterey.org/library
On July 7th, 1846 Commodore John Sloat arrived by ship and declared California for the United States at the Monterey Custom House. 100 years later, the community held a re-enactment with Reynold J. “Rey” Rupell in attendance taking photos. After Rey’s passing in 2011, over 10,000 photos depicting events and people of the Monterey Peninsula were donated to the Monterey Public Library California History Room where they now reside in our archives. Since that time, volunteers have been reviewing, scanning, and cataloging images to make them more accessible for researchers and our community to view our Monterey Peninsula history. Cataloging content is similar to how a general web search works – it helps the user find the search term that they are looking for, and it keeps our content organized. The Monterey Public Library has received a grant to create a digital collection from Rupell's photos of the 1949 Monterey Centennial and we are excited to have these publicly viewable starting later this year! The California Constitutional Convention was held at Colton Hall and the California Constitution was signed in 1849. To celebrate the centennial, a series of events and a parade were held in Monterey. Luckily Rey Rupell was in attendance and documented the event. This will be the first in a series of digital collections to raise awareness of the treasures within our California History Room Collection and the storied behind them.
Photo: July 7, 1946 Sloat's Monument of Decision at the Custom House. Rey Ruppel
culture corner - art, history, culture
The arrow points to one of the bricks with a CH stamp.
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culture corner
Every day, staff walk by this tile art piece embedded in the wall at City Hall, and it sparked my curiosity about it's origin. So I asked our Artifacts Specialist Jordan Leininger if he could tell me about it. It was a fun history lesson. He told me the piece is actually a mystery! "Our records show that it is probably a WPA project, but we do not know who or when it was installed. Our records read, 'Wearing a top hat and tails, Colton stands at the left, holding blueprints for his new hall; in distance are mountains, Monterey Bay, and a sailing ship.'" My next question to Jordan: "What does WPA stand for?" Jordan explained, the WPA or Works Progress Administration, was a work program for the unemployed that was created in 1935 under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR). Friendly Plaza was built under a similar program of the time called the PWA, or Public Works Administration. Others say it was built under the WPA. Regardless, they were federal projects that helped the unemployed during the Great Depression. On top of the WPA and PWA, the City Hall Complex has some neat history. A favorite is the brick pathway from Few Memorial Hall to Pacific Street. The bricks were made in the 1870s in Oakland and SF by numerous manufacturers. The bricks were made for the construction of the San Francisco City Hall. Construction began in 1870 and was finished in 1897. The building was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and the bricks were salvaged and reused in different locations. You may have noticed that some bricks are stamped with a CH. The CH stands for City Hall, since they were made for the SF City Hall. Just another fun fact about the amazing history in Monterey. Thanks Jordan!
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Fun History Facts About City Hall BY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER LAURIE HUELGA
Tile art piece of Walter Colton. We are not sure of the artist.
U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters 2023 National Tour is coming to Monterey, March 19! Get Your FREE Tickets!
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Navy Band Sea Chanters are the United States Navy’s official chorus. They are performing in the Serra Ballroom at the Monterey Conference Center on Sunday, March 19 at 3:30 p.m. Free admission with general seating and open to the first 1,000 guests. Tickets required. Fun for families of all ages! GET YOUR FREE TICKETS - https://usnavyband.ticketleap.com/us-navy-band-sea-chanters-monterey/ ABOUT The Navy Band Sea Chanters are the United States Navy’s official chorus. The ensemble performs a variety of music including traditional choral music, sea chanteys, patriotic fare, opera, Broadway and contemporary music. The Sea Chanters regularly perform for the public in the Washington, D.C., area and throughout the United States while on national tours. At home in Washington, they perform for the president, vice president and numerous congressional, military and foreign dignitaries. In 1956, Lt. Harold Fultz, then the band’s assistant leader, organized a vocal group from the Navy School of Music to sing chanteys and patriotic songs for the State of the Nation dinner. Recognizing the ensemble’s immediate success, Adm. Arleigh Burke, then Chief of Naval Operations, transferred the group to the Navy Band, named them the Sea Chanters and tasked this all-male chorus with perpetuating the songs of the sea. In 1980, the group added women to its ranks and expanded its repertoire to include everything from Brahms to Broadway. Information is posted https://monterey.org/navyband
18th Annual Chocolate & Wine Live Event, February 25 BY MONTEREY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Monterey Public Library Friends & Foundation presents the 18th Annual Chocolate & Wine Benefit, held live in person on Saturday, February 25 at 4:00 p.m.! Celebrate with chocolate, wine, beer, and snacks among the stacks while supporting your local library. Tickets are on sale NOW at https://investinmpl.org. Space is limited, so be sure to buy your tickets early.
monterey.org/navyband monterey.org/library
U.S. Navy Band Sea Chanters Official Chorus
Fred Meurer receiving his award at the St. Blaise Festival in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Former City Manager Fred Meurer and Wife Phyllis Celebrated by Sister City Dubrovnik BY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER LAURIE HUELGA
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monterey.org/sistercities
Former Monterey City Manager Fred Meurer and his wife Phyllis Meurer were awarded the “City of Dubrovnik Award” for their long-standing dedicated humanitarian work, friendship with, and promotion of Dubrovnik during the annual St. Blaise Festival held January 24 through February 5, 2023. The City of Dubrovnik, Croatia is one of seven Monterey Sister Cities. It all began in 2005 with the program financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in cooperation with the agencies World Learning and Urban Institute. Fred and Phyllis fell in love with Dubrovnik the first time they visited and decided to do everything in their power to bring about the twinning of the two cities, which was accomplished in February 2007 when the Sister City Charter between Monterey and Dubrovnik was signed. As cities with many common characteristics, they learned from each other about balancing tourism and the environment, as well as historical preservation, among other topics. After the twinning was completed, protocols for cooperation were signed, which led to great and well-known results such as major sporting events, cultural events, development and construction of the new aquarium and other achievements. This cooperation, which Fred and Phyllis Meurer wholeheartedly worked to achieve, has brought about many more small and big achievements, and they continue to work in the same direction. ABOUT THE FESTIVAL OF ST. BLAISE The Saint Blaise festivity is also the Day of the City of Dubrovnik, which is why apart from religious ceremonies, these days are rich in various activities. The day dedicated to Dubrovnik's patron saint, Saint Blaise, an aged man who carries the City in the palm of his hand and whose statues decorate Dubrovnik city walls and entrances, has been a special day in Dubrovnik since 972 when it was first celebrated. The celebration is unique in itself, typical for Dubrovnik.
We are introducing a new edition to City Focus, the Employee Spotlight (ES) on You! Employee Spotlight on You started back in December 2002 as part of the CityTalk internal staff monthly e-newsletter as a way to introduce City employees to colleagues working in other divisions. Now, we are bringing it to the community. We figured it was another way to bring our community together to get to know one another. Staff members are nominated periodically throughout the year by their supervisors and then randomly selected to participate. There is no obligation to participate, and if a staff member accepts the nomination, they only answer the questions they wish to answer. We hope you enjoy this first edition of Employee Spotlight on You. Meet Melyssa Martinez, Administrative Assistant in the Recreation Division, Parks and Recreation Department Melyssa has lived in Monterey for the past ten years. She moved here for college in 2013 and has been here since. Melyssa started working for the City in July 2022. She has been here for almost 7 months, and she says she cannot wait to see her growth. Since the Recreation Administrative Office has not reopened since the pandemic, Melyssa’s office is at El Estero Park Center. ES: Do you have any pets? I have two rambunctious cats. One is a girl, her name is Cricket, and the other is a boy, his name is Chai. They love to play, eat and their most favorite activity, sleep! ES: What do you like best about working in your department/division? I immediately felt like part of the team. They were all very welcoming and helpful for my onboarding and training. ES: What’s your favorite thing to do in Monterey? My favorite thing to do in Monterey is to wake up and walk to a local coffee shop, grab a coffee and walk along the bike trail. ES: What do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies/interests? In my spare time I like to either hike, play beach volleyball or snowboard during the winter seasons. ES: Who’s your hero, and why? Like most people my heroes are my parents. I would not be anywhere without their love, guidance or support in everything that I do!
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Melyssa Martinez
Employee Spotlight on You - Meet Melyssa Martinez BY CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
@CityofMonterey
City Manager’s Office 580 Pacific Street Monterey, CA 93940 (831) 646-3760 Suggestions: Call (831) 646-3799 or email suggest@monterey.org monterey.org isearchmonterey.org haveyoursaymonterey.org
MAYOR Tyller Williamson COUNCILMEMBERS Kim Barber Gene 'Gino' Garcia Alan Haffa Ed Smith
Photo of a Purple Striped Sea Nettle (Chrusaora colorata) photographed underwater off San Carlos Beach.
City Focus is published by the City of Monterey's Communications & Outreach Office to inform citizens about the programs, services and activities of city government. City Focus is available by email subscription and is posted online in January, April, July and October. See back issues at monterey.org/cityfocus.
Winter 2023 volume xxxviii, no. 1 published since 1985
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