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Message from the City Manager
SPRING 2024 Volume XXXIX, no. 2
A Report from the City of Monterey to its Citizens and Friends
The solar eclipse on Monday April 8, 2024 was quite an event. Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth. What does this have to do with our City Focus? In our State of the City address in February, I shared with you the City’s need to reinvest in our many existing infrastructure assets. It appears that our funding patterns and our funding needs have aligned to an eclipse of some sort, casting shadows over many of our on-going maintenance demands. To be clear: our City does not have a revenue challenge. Our revenues, specifically visitor generated taxes such as hotel tax and sales tax, are solid and stable. Over the past three years we have increased the fund for economic uncertainty from $12.2M to $20.3M, representing 20% of our General Fund. We created a $6M pension reserve to help balance the anticipated swings in Monterey’s contribution to the CalPERS system that are outside the City’s control and are largely based on performance of the market. Reserves for our flagship operations (Sports Center, Library, Conference Center) in the amount of $5.2M will help future generations of decision makers to upgrade or rehabilitate those facilities. All in all, more than $20M were allocated to reserves since Fiscal Year 19/20, including a new Sea Level Rise Reserve. That is significant progress, and it was possible due to higher-than-expected revenues, leaner staffing levels, salary savings due to recruitment challenges, as well as underspending in many operational accounts. Fiscal Stewardship is one of our City Council’s value drivers. The City Councils since 2020 deserve a lot of credit in authorizing the creation of those important reserves. Our staff will present soon to the City Council and to our residents our anticipated capital needs for the next five years and beyond. Our Fire stations are in dire need of upgrades and our combined Public Safety Facility that houses our police station, two fire companies, fire administration, and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Pacific Street is in dire need of replacement. Across the street from my office is our beloved but aging library. Our active community centers are in disrepair, yet still important community hubs, inviting residents to interact, take classes, and build community. This year the Neighborhood Capital Improvement Program (NCIP) has more than $10.5M available to allocate towards neighborhood and citywide oriented projects. It is my hope that many projects, such as proposed projects to rehabilitate/repair our Fire Stations and Community Centers, will receive support from the appointed neighborhood representatives. These Fire Stations and Community Centers benefit our neighborhoods tremendously. Our City Council also expressed their support for those worthy projects. I’ll share one more thought with you. Just imagine this: In 1951, the City built and opened the two fire stations (Hawthorne and Montecito) I mentioned above; the library was built in 1958; in 1959, the Police/Fire Station across the library was built and opened. In 1968 the tunnel was built and opened, and more. How was that all possible? It was possible because previous generations knew how to focus on real community needs. (Unfortunately, funds were not set aside to repair these facilities or make significant improvements to them.) Now is the time to focus our efforts back to the essential needs of our community. In this City Focus you will also find a report on how well we are doing with our road maintenance. For the very first time in many decades, our road condition index is scoring very high. This was made possible through the voter approved Measure P & S allocating funding into our streets. The Measure S article on page 15 also shares with you what neighborhoods we invested millions of dollars to fix streets. We are now at a point where we need to evaluate all of our programs. Our staff is obligated to bring forward these (sometimes uncomfortable) questions and provide various options to address these challenges. We expect to be criticized and supported. In the end, it is my hope that our community and our City Council will provide our City with balanced decisions which will help us sustain our high quality of life. In the end, I know that together we can break this City eclipse we appear to be in. Thank you for allowing us to serve you. Enjoy this issue of the City Focus!
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investing in INFRASTRUCTURE assets
CITY FOCUS
Photo by Linda Tulett
Tune-in to the City's YouTube Channel every third Wednesday for the latest edition of Monterey Mornings with the Manager. Get your questions answered on the spot by the City Manager - submit through the chat feature, or send questions in advance by email to suggest@monterey.gov.
monterey mornings with the manager
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
Message from the City Manager Rental Assistance Program Rental Inventory Program NARCAN® Now Boxes now in Monterey Old Capitol Site Listening Session and Master Plan State Law to Improve Pedestrian Safety Housing Element Update Fire Rings at Del Monte Beach New Emergency Alert System Monterey Fire Department Hiring Firefighters Meet the Detectives ALPR Approved for Monterey Police Measure S Road Condition Report City Council Meeting Reels Community Engagement Survey Results Defensible Space Requirements CERT April News Board, Commission, and Committee Openings Bunny Hop Photo Op by the Numbers Travel Program Relaunches at Scholze Park Center Time to Register for Summer Recreation Camps Sports Center Upgrades In the Works
CITY BRIEFS
IN THE NEWS
PARKS & PLAY - to health, wellness, activity, and fun
Inside this issue
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Environmentally-friendly Gardening The Recycling Center at Monterey City Disposal The FREE MST Trolley is Back for Summer Paying it Forward - Artist of No Smoking Signs Tell Us What You Think - MPL Survey Cannery Row Days 2024 World's Toughest Row Coming Soon Spotlight on You MIIS Graduate Intern Perspective Military Spouse Employment Partnership
GREEN SCENE - stewarding our environment
CITY FOCUS - SPRING 2024
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Information is available in English and Spanish.
Monterey City Council passed a resolution at the March 19, 2024 City Council meeting to designate $250,000 from the General Fund for rental assistance to eligible Monterey households that are faced with housing instability issues. The program’s online application period opened for one day, Wednesday, April 17 from 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 8:00 p.m. The application period will be open during the middle of each month (as long as program funds are available). The application link we be posted at https://monterey.gov/rentalassistance. Complete instructions in English and Spanish are part of the application, and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section is also available on the website. The City will provide up to three months of rental assistance in an amount not to exceed $5,000. Other assistance may include one-time legal assistance, housing counseling and will be capped at $3,000 per applicant. In addition, other assistance, such as help paying a deposit (in the form of a loan), will also be provided to the same applicant if the client needs multiple types of assistance. Total assistance will not exceed $8,000 per applicant. Housing Manager Anastacia Wyatt said, “We understand there is a strong need for housing assistance from the community, and we are proud to be a city stepping up to provide this critical help. While we realize we don’t have the capacity to help everyone who applies for this program assistance, we will continue to help as many people as we can.” The applications will be accepted on a first come/first served basis. Each month, the first ten eligible applicants will be selected for review and assistance. The City expects to receive more applications than there are funds available and will open the application window open for an eight-hour period. Should the City not receive enough applications, the application window will be open until enough eligible applications are received. Applicants not selected can reapply in future months.
Rental Assistance Program Application Opens BY HOUSING STAFF
monterey.gov/rentalassistance
monterey.gov/rentalinventory
Rental Inventory Program enrollment shifts to enforcement in May BY MANAGEMENT ANALYST MARK ACKERMANN
The City’s Rental Inventory program officially launched in January, and it is off to a promising start. As of mid-April, more than 4,330 residential rental units have been registered, roughly 970 of which have been registered as claiming the rental inventory exemption. Based on Housing Office estimates of 7,800 rental units in the City, the number of registered units indicates an overall compliance rate of over 55%, exceeding the first-year compliance rates of several other California cities with similar programs. Additional units continue to be submitted daily, and every major property management company operating in the City of Monterey has participated to some extent. The City has held weekly workshops in the library from February 8 through April 18 to assist property owners and managers in registering their rental units. Beginning in May, the program’s focus will switch from processing incoming submissions and outreach to enforcement. Staff will begin identifying and contacting property owners suspected of having unregistered rental units in the City of Monterey to help them register their units. Residential rental property owners that have submitted incomplete or unpaid registrations, or have not submitted at all, will have thirty (30) days to become compliant before penalties go into effect. For each thirty (30) day period after a delinquency notice has been issued, the registration fee will increase by 10%. If Rental Inventory fees remain unpaid for 180 days, an administrative citation may be issued to the responsible owner. Any questions or requests for assistance should be directed to rentalinventory@monterey.gov or the Rental Inventory Hotline at (831) 242-8740. Details on the program including the exemptions are posted at monterey.gov/rentalinventory. Any questions or requests for assistance should be directed to rentalinventory@monterey.gov or the Rental Inventory Hotline at (831) 242-8740. Details on the program including the exemptions are posted at monterey.gov/rentalinventory.
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NARCAN® Now Box at the Monterey Police Department, 351 Madison Street
The Monterey Police Department's (MPD) Multi-Disciplinary Outreach Team (MDOT), in collaboration with the Central Coast Overdose Prevention coalition, has launched a critical initiative to combat the alarming increase in overdose deaths in California and Monterey County. As part of this effort, the installation of NARCAN® (Naloxone) Nasal Spray Now Boxes at key locations within the City of Monterey will provide free access to lifesaving opiate overdose reversal medicine. NARCAN®, an opiate antagonist, acts rapidly to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. It is a crucial intervention that can mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations. Importantly, NARCAN® has no effect on individuals who do not have opioids in their system, ensuring its safety and efficacy. The strategic placement of NARCAN® Now Boxes at three prominent locations in Monterey highlights the City's commitment to public health and safety: the Monterey Transit Plaza; the Monterey Police Department at 351 Madison Street; and the Monterey Outreach and Navigation Center at 401 Camino El Estero. The decision to install NARCAN® Now Boxes comes in response to alarming statistics released by the California Department of Public Health. Preliminary figures for 2023 reveal a stark escalation, with the first half of the year alone nearly surpassing the total for all of 2022. In California, drug-related overdose deaths in the second quarter of 2023 reached 10,985, just shy of the 11,002 recorded for the entire 2022. Similarly, in Monterey County, the second quarter of 2023 saw 109 deaths, surpassing the total of 88 for 2022. As the remaining quarters of 2023 are calculated, experts anticipate further increases in overdose deaths, underscoring the severity of the drug overdose crisis in California and Monterey County (2023 Q2-10,985). The City of Monterey is committed to addressing this crisis head-on and is actively working to implement comprehensive strategies to save lives and support individuals affected by addiction. Central Coast Overdose Prevention (CCODP)—an overdose prevention coalition of care providers, nonprofit organizations, and community members that serves the Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties—shares in that goal by coordinating a wide range of education, prevention, and community outreach programs. For more information on the NARCAN® Now initiative or to inquire about participation and support, please contact CCODP at contact@ccodp.org. Together, let us take decisive action to combat overdose deaths and build a healthier, safer community for all.
monterey.gov/police
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NARCAN® Now Boxes installed in Monterey to address alarming opioid overdose deaths BY MONTEREY POLICE LIEUTENANT ETHAN ANDREWS
Have Your Say Monterey - About the Old Capitol Site Master Plan BY MONTEREY RECREATION MANAGER SHANNON LEON
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In 2019, the Pebble Beach Company dedicated and transferred the 135-acre Old Capitol Site property to the City of Monterey for parkland purposes. The Old Capitol Site permanently preserves one of the few remaining Monterey Pine Forests, a critically important ecological resource. One of the Monterey City Council’s Value Drivers is to “protect and preserve our natural environment by addressing climate change through ecologically responsible and pragmatic solutions. The City Council recognizes the necessity of bold, pragmatic, and thoughtful solutions to protect our natural environment for future generations. Community decisions on transportation, land use, sea level rise, coastal protection, forestry, and city government operations can have a positive impact on our environment locally, regionally, and globally.” The City has begun the process to develop an open space and parkland master plan for the Old Capitol Site with BFS Landscape. The Old Capitol Site property is comprised of three parcels and is generally located south of Highway 1. Several streets bisect the property, including Viejo, Sylvan, Barnet Segal and Iris Canyon Roads. Upon the transfer, the City re-designated the property in the General Plan Map from Very Low Density Residential to Parks and Open Space, and the Zoning Map designation from Planned Community to Open Space. Since the transfer, the City of Monterey has overseen clean-ups and fuel removal efforts on the property. Included in the transfer agreement are two Special Attention Areas (SAAs) providing permanent preservation and management of Monterey Pine forest, Yadon’s piperia and supported habitat in perpetuity. In addition to the SAAs listed above, other areas of the property may have limited development potential due to, but not limited to, the topography, protected plants found on the property, and limited water access. (continued next page) The Old Capitol Site Master Plan process will be divided into four main phases; PHASE I: Project Kickoff and Familiarity with Site, PHASE II: Public Engagement, PHASE III: Design Options and Cost and PHASE IV: Final Presentations. It is important to the City that the master plan design represents a general consensus of the community regarding a shared vision and goals for open space and natural parkland. It is equally important that the plan engages with community members who are not typically well represented in public forums and discussions. The Old Capitol Site Master Plan will include design options, which can include elements such as walking/hiking trails, dry camping area, camping area with limited access to water through wells, picnic area, nature discovery, community garden, etc. Design options would include minimal traditional park space and take into consideration the Special Attention Areas, as well as natural barriers such as ravines and lack of access to water. Each design would include an estimated cost for implementation and annual ongoing maintenance costs. Successful site master plans will integrate with the 2016 City of Monterey Parks and Recreation Master Plan and take into consideration the best use of the space to complement existing parks and recreation services. Following the selection of the preferred design, the BFS Landscape will prepare a final plan document, which would include accurate implementation and ongoing costs be presented to the community during Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council meetings. Follow the Old Capitol Site Master Plan project on haveyoursaymonterey.org/oldcapitolsite for the latest updates. Funding for the Old Capitol Site Park Master Plan was provided by the City of Monterey's Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program.
Old Capitol Site Master Plan Listening Session, Tuesday, April 23 BY MONTEREY RECREATION MANAGER SHANNON LEON
Please join us for this second, in-person community meeting on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center, 735 Ramona Avenue in Monterey to help us determine community preferences and craft the plan you would like to see guiding the future of the Old Capitol Site. An online survey opportunity to provide input will also be posted to haveyoursaymonterey.gov/oldcapitolsite. Acompáñenos en esta segunda reunión comunitaria en persona el martes 23 de abril de 2024 de 6:00pm a 7:00pm en Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center, 735 Ramona Avenue en Monterey para ayudarnos a determinar las preferencias de la comunidad y elaborar el plan que le gustaría que guiara el futuro del Antiguo Capitolio. También se publicará una oportunidad en línea para dar su opinión en haveyoursaymonterey.gov/oldcapitolsite.
haveyoursaymonterey.org/oldcapitolsite
Aerial Map of Old Capitol Site
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monterey.gov/parking
New Citywide Pedestrian Safety Guidelines
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Beginning in 2024, the City of Monterey began implementation of the “Daylighting Bill”, State Assembly Bill (AB) 413, with the law coming into full effect January 1, 2025. Daylighting is the practice of removing parking spaces near crosswalks and intersection to improving public safety by increasing the visibility of pedestrians and bicyclists for drivers. Daylighting is considered best practice and is a frequently used tool in cities across the country. Cars parked close to the corners of intersections can block the field of vision for drivers, obscuring the corners where pedestrians are waiting to cross the street and making it the more difficult for anyone, including drivers, trying to pass through the intersection. The City of Monterey Public Works Department is reviewing all projects in design and construction phases to ensure that they are consistent with the new State standard and will then address existing marked parking spaces to ensure they are in compliance. Engineering Assistant Marissa Garcia explains, “Every intersection is affected by the new State law; however, many intersections currently have signage or markings which are consistent with the newly adopted law.” “We wanted to start early to get the word out to the community about these changes coming to on-street parking,” said Parking Superintendent Cristie Steffy. “We have a year to create awareness and understanding of the new parking rules before motorists will begin getting cited for non-compliance.” Prior to January 1, 2025, citations can be issued to vehicles in violation where it is marked or signed. Warnings may be given to those in violation but in unmarked areas. After January 1, 2025, citations can be issued to any vehicle in violation. No additional red curb or signs are required. This information is posted on the City’s website at monterey.gov/traffic and monterey.gov/parking.
City of Monterey Implementing New AB413 "Daylighting Bill" to Improve Pedestrian & Cyclist Safety BY ENGINEERING ASSISTANT MARISSA GARCIA
One of the great things about Monterey is we can get outside all year long. Beach activities are popular most days of the year, albeit some days needing a jacket. Did you know - the City of Monterey permits and provides for a wood-burning fire on the beach, so long as it is a small warming or recreational fire located in one of the City’s three designated fire rings? These fire rings are available on a first-come, first-served basis whenever they are out on the beach. The fire rings remain based on conditions determined by the Parks Division, with removals typically happening in winter or when fire risk is high. The rings are located on a specific portion of the Monterey Beach along Del Monte Ave between the intersections of Figueroa Street and Camino El Estero. The City also permits propane or charcoal barbecues for cooking that are fully contained, so long as all debris is disposed of inside a City fire ring or removed and disposed off-site on your own property. No fires are allowed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Full city code regulations regarding beach fires in Monterey are linked on the Beach Use and Permits page at monterey.gov/parks. The City is also adding links to other local state and municipal beaches and their beach fire policies for easy access to beachgoers. The City of Monterey is working to create safe ways for residents and visitors to enjoy fires and community-building while honoring our environmental needs. Be sure and visit the City’s fire rings the next time you want a beach night with friends!
In September of 2023, the City sent the initial Draft Housing Element to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for a legally-mandated 90-day review period. In the interest of expediting certification of the Element, HCD provided a preliminary checklist to the City on November 30, 2023, which requested some clarifications and additions to the Draft Element. On December 8, 2023, the City submitted the second version of the Draft Housing Element to HCD for comments. Since then, the City has been working directly with HCD to satisfy their latest comments in preparation of submitting the third version (and hopefully final version) of the Draft Housing Element to HCD. The City will be submitting this version to HCD on Friday, April 26 and will be requesting an expedited review by HCD in anticipation of a June 2024 Joint Planning Commission and City Council meeting where the Monterey 2031 General Plan Update and EIR will be considered for adoption. View the latest Draft Housing Element to be submitted to HCD on April 26, 2024: https://haveyoursaymonterey.org/monterey2031.
Housing Element Revised Draft Cover
monterey.gov/planning monterey.gov/parks
Fire ring on Del Monte Beach
Third version of the Draft Housing Element to be submitted to the HCD BY SENIOR ASSOCIATE PLANNER CHRISTY SABDO
Recreational fire rings on Del Monte Beach BY CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE STAFF
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The County of Monterey Department of Emergency Management has introduced an advanced Alert and Warning System for the community, developed to keep you informed and safe during critical events. This collaborative effort, initiated in 2022, has undergone rigorous testing to ensure comprehensive coverage across the county. Public Alerting transitioned to this new state of the art system as of April 7, 2024. This system marks a significant advancement in public safety and emergency preparedness, supported by numerous emergency response agencies. WHAT IT IS The new system offers a multi-channel approach, utilizing SMS (text), phone calls, and emails to deliver timely updates on emergencies such as fires, floods, power outages, and evacuation notices. Residents, visitors, property owners, and their loved ones in Monterey County can register for alerts via their user-friendly portal at alertmontereycounty.org. The portal name (Alert Monterey County) has been around for many years, but the technology behind it is brand new.
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Watch the short video to learn more about Alert Monterey County and discover what it offers, who can register, and how to sign up to receive alerts. Stay Informed, Stay Safe: Alert Monterey County Animation Video (English) continued next page
monterey.gov/emergency
County of Monterey's New Emergency Alert System INFORMATION SHARED AND ADAPTED FROM THE COUNTY OF MONTEREY'S DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO The City of Monterey is a participating agency in this emergency alert system. Residents can opt-in via SMS (text) to get Alerts from the City, including Police and Fire departments. You can choose to opt-in to receive both text and email or email only. Opting into email allows subscribers to get Alerts sent to their email address and places them on a countywide list for reverse 911 calls. Currently, this only sends to landline numbers. This new system will reach cell phones as well. For City of Monterey specific alerts, text 65513 to 93940. We encourage residents to also follow the instructions below to opt in to County alerts. To ensure you never miss an alert, add the County's official contacts to your address book: emails will come from noreply@genasys.com with "Alert Monterey County" as the sender name, voice calls will originate from (831) 308-4911, and text messages will display sender ID 65513. Rest assured, your contact information is strictly confidential and will not be shared or sold to third parties. It's crucial to keep your information up to date to ensure the effectiveness of the system. If you encounter any issues receiving alerts, please check your spam/junk folder. Additionally, you should add noreply@genasys.com to your contacts. You can also reach out to the County by email at alertmontereycounty@co.monterey.ca.us for further assistance or inquiries. For more information on Alert Monterey County, please visit: readymontereycounty.org
The Monterey Fire Department is hiring firefighters! $84,840 to $103,152 - Starting annual salary* *Base pay not including additional premiums for eligible employees such as paramedic premium, education incentive pay, etc. PLUS EXCELLENT BENEFITS: MEDICAL, CALPERS RETIREMENT, AND MORE! Apply by Tuesday, April 30, 2024 monterey.gov/jobs The Monterey Fire Department (MFD) serves the cities of Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Sand City, as well as the Naval Postgraduate School, La Mesa Village and the Monterey Regional Airport. The department operates out of six stations strategically located to achieve the shortest response time to emergency calls. The Monterey Fire Department prides itself as being a customer service organization by providing excellent emergency services as well as additional public safety support through Fire Prevention, Public Education and Special Operations (Urban Search and Rescue, Marine Safety, and Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting). Learn more about the Monterey Fire Department at monterey.gov/fire.
Hiring firefighters - join our team! BY MONTEREY FIRE
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monterey.gov/jobs
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Lieutenant Jake Pinkas
The Monterey Police Department is proud to provide a full complement of law enforcement services to our residents, business community, and visitors. Part of this robust program includes officers who have been selected to serve as detectives in the Monterey Police Department’s Investigations Division. Lieutenant Jake Pinkas serves as the supervisor of the Investigations and Administration Division. A member since 2007 and a U.S. Navy veteran, Jake’s role includes the oversight of all Investigations staff members. He is the direct liaison between the Monterey Police Department and outside resources, such as the FBI, DEA, District Attorney’s Office, and other allied agencies. Sergeant Greg Galin joined the MPD in 2006, and completed a tour as a detective prior to his promotion. As the Detective Sergeant, Greg reviews cases and assigns them to a detective for investigation. He works directly with his team to formulate a response plan to significant investigations, approves reports that are submitted for filing of criminal charges, and coordinates the submission of evidence, including fingerprints and DNA, to the appropriate forensic lab. Detective Mike Garcia joined MPD in 2007. A two-time recipient of the Officer of the Year award, Mike is currently on his second tour as a detective. A former member of the Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Team, Mike is a court certified narcotics and gang expert. Detective Lidio Soriano came to the Monterey Police Department in 2015 after serving the Stockton Police Department and the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office. Lidio is a certified child forensic interviewer, and his prior service as a School Resource Officer has directly benefited his current role as a juvenile crimes expert and the department’s Internet Crimes Against Children liaison. Detective Sabrina Perez joined MPD in 2017, shortly after graduating from UC Berkeley. An excellent communicator known for her upbeat personality, Sabrina’s experience as a former member of the department’s Community Action Team has helped her develop a close relationship with many of the local resource providers, as well as members of the unhoused population. Reserve Officer Bill Clark retired from the Monterey Police Department in 2020 as the Assistant Chief. Throughout Bill’s career, he developed a reputation as one of the premier major crimes investigators in Monterey County, and returned from retirement to continue serving. Bill represents the Monterey Police Department on the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office Cold Case Homicide team. His tireless efforts to bring justice to victims and closure to families has directly led to the identification of the suspects responsible for the murder of Christina Williams in 1998 and Anne Pham in 1982.
https://monterey.gov/police
Meet the Detectives BY MONTEREY POLICE SERGEANT JEREMIAH RUTTSCHOW
At the April 2, 2024 Monterey City Council Meeting, City Council approved to Monterey Police Department to proceed with the Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) program implementation with the following stipulations: that the audit report be shared with the City Attorney by the Police Chief after a year into the program; that any changes to the policy be brought to the City Council; and that the Police Chief bring a report to Council a year into the program. Watch the City Council Meeting - this agenda item started at 2 hours and 15 minutes in. The next step is implementation of the technology. We will keep the public updated as this new program rolls out.
KION News, 2022: Police Chief Dave Hober, Reserve Officer Bill Clark, and Seaside Police Chief Nick Borges.
haveyoursaymonterey.org/alpr
Automated License Plate Readers Policy Approved by City Council BY LT. GABRIEL KASTER
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MEASURE S citywide road resurfacing continues on major roads BY DEPUTY PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/ENGINEER ANDREW EASTERLING
monterey.gov/fixingstreets
in the news
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Phases 4 and 5 of MEASURE S Citywide Road Resurfacing have both resumed work and will be on-going off and on through May, finishing up before the busy Memorial Day weekend. Phase 4 includes portions of Abrego Street, Aguajito Road, Alta Mesa Circle, Alta Mesa Road, Don Dahvee Lane, Fremont Street, Lighthouse Avenue, and Munras Avenue. Phase 5 includes portions of Alice Street, Alma Street, Archer Street, Belden Street, Boronda Lane, Cortes Street, Cypress Street, Davis Lane, Drake Avenue, Filmore Street, Grace Street, Hoffman Avenue, Irving Avenue, Jessie Street, Laine Street, Lily Street, Line Street, Lobos Street, Lyndon Street, Major Sherman Lane, McClellan Avenue, Newton Street, Robinson Street, Sargent Court, Spencer Street, Terry Street, Via Joaquin, and Withers Avenue. SEE A FULL LIST OF STREET SEGMENTS The City of Monterey uses a Pavement Conditions Index (PCI) report which provides a snapshot of the pavement health of a road. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 100 (where 100 means a newly paved road). Our current overall score is 79. Here's a report of road PCI by neighborhood:
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Recent Measure S night work on Lighthouse Avenue.
Many factors affect a city's or county's PCI score. PCI has seven classes, as explained in the chart to the left. We are pleased with the current overal score of 79, and will continue to see that number increase. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we continue to upgrade our transportation system and provide smooth, safe roads! Schedule updates will be posted at monterey.gov/fixingstreets and at monterey.gov/construction. If you have any questions concerns, you can reach out to the Public Works Engineering Office at (831) 646-3921, or email suggest@monterey.gov.
City Council Preview on Instagram and Facebook BY CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT HAYLEY GOODWEIN
Read full survey results at monterey.org/engage
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Our 2024 Engagement Survey ran for three months between October 18, 2023, and January 21, 2024. We promoted the survey in the weekly newsletters, the quarterly City Focus newsletter, multiple posts on social media channels, as well as our monterey.gov website. We received a total of 106 responses. Overall, respondents feel the City is communicating well, with a median score of 8 for its communication and 7 for connectedness. About double the respondents expressed liking City staff and governance versus disliking. Areas of communication that could improve were mostly related to Council in wanting better dialogue during Council meetings. Communication between the City and residents via email should continue to be a priority, with a focus on quick responses from staff and suggest@monterey.gov as well as more lead time on event announcements distributed via email and social media.
Engagement Survey Results BY COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER LAURIE HUELGA
Instagram Reel announcing next City Council Meeting Agenda Items of Interest.
The City of Monterey is featuring new 30-second "Council Preview" videos on Instagram and Facebook. These "Reels" will publish prior to upcoming City Council meetings and feature meeting agenda items of interest, note times of meeting sessions, and where to find the full agenda online (isearchmonterey.org). We heard from the responses in the Community Engagement Survey that people wanted more City Council updates. These short form videos are a new way for us to get the information to you, our residents! We hope you check them out and if you don't already, we encourage you to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @cityofmonterey. Also watch for updates in our weekly email updates.
monterey.gov/engage
Defensible Space graphic
monterey.gov/cert
With wildfire season just around the corner, the City of Monterey Fire Department wants to remind all residents about Defensible Space. Defensible Space is your property’s front line defense against wildfire. 100 feet of defensible space is required by law for all homes in California. Not sure how to maintain proper defensible space around your home? Visit fire.ca.gov/dspace to learn how. Monterey Fire Inspectors are also available at (831) 646-3908 to assist homeowners with questions. In May 2024, Monterey Fire Department Inspectors will begin completing Defensible Space inspections and working with residents to maintain compliance in the "Very High" fire hazard areas (as designated in the city’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan). Inspectors will then work their way through the decreasing fire severity areas. Thank you for helping reduce the impacts of potential wildfires!
Maintaining defensible space to prepare for wildfire season SUBMITTED BY FIRE DEPARTMENT
CERT Monterey's April newsletter BY MONTEREY CERT
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Using a nationally published FEMA curriculum, CERT educates individuals at the local level about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, triage, and disaster medical operations. Using training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT volunteers can protect their family first, and then others in their community following a disaster, storm, major fire or other emergency when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also assist in searches for lost persons, particularly children. Peninsula residents interested in being part of CERT can send an email to: training@montereycert.org Featured in the April edition: CERT responds to search for missing at-risk elder subject on March 26; New CERT basic training course offered in May; Downloading the CERT grid maps to your phone; Visit the CERT FACEBOOK page. Find this and past newsletters on the CERT web page under the Preparedness tab at montereyfiredept.gov.
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Here is a chance to get more involved in your beautiful city! Starting July 1, new appointments will be needed for many seats on Monterey’s boards, committees, and commissions. In addition, there are a number of current vacancies. The City Clerk is seeking applications from interested and qualified residents to fill these seats. We hope Monterey residents will be interested, ask questions, and apply! Current members with expiring terms must reapply to be considered for reappointment. The bodies with seats to fill are: Appeals Hearing Board, Architectural Review Committee, Board of Library Trustees, Building and Housing Appeals Board, Disabled Access Appeals Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Measure P & S Oversight Committee, Museums and Cultural Arts Commission, Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) Committee, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Planning Commission. For those interested in applying, please visit our Boards, Commissions, and Committees page at https://monterey.gov/bcc and follow the “Learn More” links on the left side to learn more about each individual board, commission, or committee’s responsibilities and meeting schedule to be sure it is a fit for you before applying. Click the green buttons on each page to review recent agendas and agenda materials. When you are ready to apply, the application is available on the same web page. Dates to keep in mind: Public outreach meetings will be held April 27 (in person) and April 29 (online via Zoom) Priority review will be given to applications received by Friday, May 3, 2024 at noon (12 p.m.) To receive information on the outreach events, and be notified of future vacancies, please join our boards and commissions interest email list at https://monterey.gov/subscribe. With any questions, reach out to the City Clerk’s Office by email at cityclerk@monterey.gov or by phone at (831) 646-3935.
Big Recruitment Underway for Monterey’s Boards, Commissions, and Committees BY CITY CLERK CLEMENTINE BONNER KLEIN
monterey.gov/bcc
Thank you for an awesome Bunny Hop Photo Op +EGGStra Fun! Event BY RECREATION MANAGER SHANNON LEON
play!Monterey Travel Program returns to Scholze Park Center BY RECREATION MANAGER SHANNON LEON
parks & play - to health, wellness, activity & fun
monterey.gov/rec
The 4th Annual Bunny Hop Photo Op was a huge success. Over 150 children and their families took a photo with our bunny friend and enjoyed face painting, the MyMuseum Wheelie Mobilee and more! Save the date for next year’s Bunny Hop on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Monterey Recreation is busy planning for more events this coming year including our 3rd Annual Halloween Movie Night and Trunk and Treat on Saturday, October 19. Check our website at monterey.gov/rec or follow Monterey Recreation on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on upcoming events and programs.
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We are happy to announce that the very popular play!Monterey Travel Program is back! Trips are scheduled for May and June to enjoy shopping trip, a day in Sausalito or visit the de Young Museums Bouquet to Art exhibition. Registration is open online 24/7 at monterey.gov/rec. For more information or questions, please call (831) 646-3878 or in-person Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Scholze Park Center. Contact the Scholze Park Center to be added to the play!Monterey mailing list for updates. More trips will be offered for Fall 2024.
Monterey Sport Center remodels fitness areas BY FITNESS SUPERVISOR LAURI ATAIDE
parks & play
Get ready for a summer of excitement with the City of Monterey Recreation Summer Camps! Beginning June 3 to August 2, we've got something for everyone. There's a camp for every interest! Camp Quien Sabe Youth Overnight Camp Whispering Pines Day Camp Summer Fun Playground Program at Casanova, Hilltop and Via Paraiso Parks Tiny Tots Summer Camp Sports Camps including Track and Field, Challenger International Soccer, Flag Football, Basketball, Beach Volleyball and Youth Baseball Clinics LEGO® Engineering, Art, Gymnastics Camps and much more! For the best summer ever, sign up now at monterey.org/rec Register Online Now! See the online Amilia/SmartRec store for additional camp information.
Register for Monterey Recreation Summer 2024 Camps BY MONTEREY RECREATION MANAGER SHANNON LEON
monterey.gov/rec monterey.gov/sportscenter
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The Monterey Sports Center is improving services and amenities in the fitness areas. Cardio equipment has been relocated to make room for an expanded functional training area in the Concourse. The weight room will be closed for remodel from Tuesday, April 23 through Friday, May 3. The new weight room will be ready for use on Saturday, May 4. A personal trainer will be available to assist you with the new equipment from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on May 4 and May 5 and free weight room orientations for ages 16 and over begin Monday, May 6. Sign up online or at the front desk. Come check out all the upgraded equipment including new machines, dumbbells, benches, plates, platforms and much more. We hope you are as excited for the upgrades as we are!
Camp Quien Sabe campers
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monterey.gov/sportscenter
Photos of new locations for cardio equipment.
When gardening and landscaping this spring, let’s all consider solving pest and weed issues and fertilizer needs with less- or non-toxic products and measures; doing so better protects our family, pets, and the environment! Some environmentally healthy and beneficial strategies may include planting diverse native vegetation (climate-appropriate), amending soils with compost (for drought resistance and soil microbe aid), fertilizing with ‘compost tea’, practicing grass-cycling, implement ‘wild’ buffer strips, spot-checking irrigation systems (prevent over-watering), and replacing the use of outdoor toxic chemicals with natural methods and mechanical practices. The great news is, alternative gardening methods abound! Some techniques may include hot water dousing of weeds (in a safe manner), placement of weed cloth, covering bare soil with mulch, using mechanical barriers to pests, beneficial insects (adding ‘good’ bugs), eco-friendly mineral oil spray, and the list goes on! Many garden stores carry less- or non-toxic gardening solutions to replace traditional chemicals and approaches in gardens and landscapes used in the past. As described by the University of California Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM) online web resource, the general term “pesticide” may refer to all sorts of “-cide” products, such as insecticide, herbicide, fungicide, rodenticide, miticide, or molluscicides, for example. They’re typically poisonous with some being more toxic than others, with risks to humans and non-target organisms and may contaminate or harm the natural environment. They can be made of natural, organic, or synthetic ingredients, and are generally used to control, prevent, suppress, repel, or kill pests. Once applied in a landscape or garden, these products can move with soil or water away from their originally intended location or issue, and result in potential contact with non-targeted species, migrate to food gardens, or flow to local creeks, lakes, rivers, and the ocean, which may cause harm. If fact, various pesticide products have been/are being detected in urban runoff and waterways throughout California. Accordingly, if we use them, it’s important to be mindful of their proper use, handling, storage, safety, and disposal requirements. As a result, it’s important to consider alternative eco-friendly products in our gardening this spring season. To do this, look for specific store tags noting alternative earth-friendly products or ask for store assistance to identify the best alternative and least harmful product for your needs. Fortunately, non-toxic alternative products, methods, and strategies exist in more abundance today than ever before. To learn more on this topic (in both English & Spanish), visit Our Water Our World and UC IPM.
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green scene - stewarding our environment
monterey.org/environmentalregs
Gardening for a healthy environment BY ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS MANAGER TRICIA WOTAN
Monterey City Disposal's Recycling Center BY SUSTAINABILITY ASSISTANT MALLORY PANKRETZ
The FREE MST Trolley is the best way to get around the City and avoid parking and traffic congestion. The free MST Trolley operates daily 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Memorial day weekend, Saturday, May 25 through Labor Day, Monday, September 2. The route serves Downtown Monterey, Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Look for the green MST Trolley signs to board along the route. The MST Trolley departs from the Downtown Parking Garages at Tyler Street and Del Monte Avenue every 10 to 15 minutes. All day parking is available for $12.00 in the Downtown Garages. Parking is also available at the Cannery Row Garage on Foam and Hoffman streets for $20 daily. There is no cost to ride a classic MST Trolley! Note: All day parking until midnight, and then the meter resets for the next day. The Trolley Shuttle Program is funded by the City of Monterey, with contributions from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. For more specific information on the Trolley, call the Monterey-Salinas Transit at 1-888-MST-BUS1 (1-888-678-2871).
Recycling is the process of converting waste into reusable material, which allows for the conservation of natural resources. Products with post-consumer recycled (PCR) content then utilize this material rather than virgin resources. Purchasing products with PCR content reduces your carbon footprint and helps to create a market for recycled material. When recyclables are picked up in Monterey, they are hauled to the Monterey City Disposal Service (MCDS) recycling center at Ryan Ranch (pictured). Be mindful about what you put in the recycling, use What Goes Where, and don't "wishcycle" (meaning putting something in the recycling bin and hoping it will be recycled)! Plastic bags do NOT belong in the blue recycling container. Film plastic gets tangled in the equipment and can halt operations. A primary contributor to global policy changes affecting our local recycling market has been non-recyclable contaminants turning otherwise marketable material into garbage. MCDS receives recyclables, they are often sorted before being compacted into bales. It’s important to ensure that your recyclables are clean, empty, and dry – containers with food residue can contaminate an entire load of recyclables (especially when they are compacted)! Check out monterey.gov/sustainability for more from the Sustainability Team.
Photo Credit: World's Toughest Row
The MST Trolley rides again! BY PARKING STAFF
green scene
monterey.gov/sustainability monterey.gov/trolley
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Michael showing the new signs to give to his father.
In March, the Public Works-Streets Division, Sustainability Office, and City Manager's Office collaborated in a joint effort to grant the request of resident Michael Coleman. Michael's father, 89-year-old Mahlon Coleman, won the City of Monterey's 'No Smoking' Fisherman's Wharf sign designing contest in 2014. The signs have since worn and are no longer being used on the Wharf. Michael had hoped he would be able to have any remaining signs to gift to his father as a way to brighten his spirits after recently losing his wife, Michael's mother. Seeing none, he asked the City for help, and the Streets Division was able to print new signs! Some interesting background about the artist: Mahlon Coleman was the second forensic sketch artist in the history of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, most notably sketching Richard Ramirez, aka "The Night Stalker". He still draws or paints everyday. His paintings are in museums, the Carmel Mission, private collectors and the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. Michael says his father is very proud to have painted the "No Smoking" signs on Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf. We all were very happy to help Michael in his request and provide a bit of joy to his father.
A sample sign that used to dress the Wharf.
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monterey.org/sustainability
Honoring the artist behind the message BY CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT HAYLEY GOODWEIN
Monterey Public Library celebrates 175 years of service this year! Throughout the decades, the library has adapted to community needs and listened to what residents told us is important for their quality of life. We value your input in shaping our future priorities. What do you wish your library offered? Where are we falling short? How can we exceed your expectations? Contribute and share what matters to you! Participate by taking the Library’s online survey, joining an in-person Community Conversation, or talking with our staff at upcoming events in the community. What might we create together? Join us, and let’s find out!
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Cannery Row Days 2024 BY MONTEREY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Cannery Row Days 2024, Beyond Tortilla Flat, takes place April 18 – May 11. Where was Tortilla Flat? Who were its people? Was it entirely fictional? The Library has a stellar line-up of speakers and programs to engage your curiosity and learn! While you're learning, stop by the Library and check-out some seeds to plant this spring. Lastly, Save-the-Date! Sunday, June 9, the Monterey Public Library Friends & Foundation will host a trivia benefit featuring Jeopardy winner and trivia emcee, Sam Buttrey. Don’t miss this fun!
Let's shape the future of the Monterey Public Library BY MONTEREY PUBLIC LIBRARY
monterey.gov/library
culture corner - art, history, culture
World's Toughest Row teams arrive at the end of May for a race start on June 8 SUBMITTED BY ATLANTIC CAMPAIGNS EVENT MANAGER NIKKI HOLTER
monterey.gov/harbor
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Our boats will start arriving into Monterey from May 29th, and soon the waterfront will start to bustle with everything World’s Toughest Row! Our teams start arriving from the 31st and then it’s all hands on deck (excuse the pun!). Mandatory inspections, fleet briefings, checking of all safety kit, media interviews, and general preparation will be on dry land, with all boats launching into the harbor on June 4th. Then the teams will get out to sea to ensure everything is how it should be and carry out any final tests before the big day, Saturday, June 8. We hope for a morning departure but this is, as always, weather dependent. We have nine incredible teams this year and for the first time ever, we have a predominantly female fleet. Also excitingly most of our fleet are flying the US flag so really bringing the race and the sport to the forefront! We can’t wait to get to Monterey, be welcomed by the amazing community as we were last year, and give our teams the incredibly warm and supportive send-off that only Monterey can give! More information is posted at worldstoughestrow.com, and we will update our Harbor News & Events web page at monterey.gov/harbor.
culture corner
Bart Bartoli
Employee Spotlight on You - Meet Bart Bartoli, Streets and Utilities Supervisor, Public Works Department
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monterey.gov
Bart was born and raised in Monterey. He started working for the City of Monterey in 2007. He worked as a seasonal parks maintenance worker and a streets maintenance worker until he was promoted to his current position full time in 2012. ES: Do you have family/relatives in the area? Bart: I have four kids one of my sons lives in Paso Robles, my daughter lives in Salinas with her husband, and my other two boys still live with me. ES: Do you have any pets? Bart: I have two dogs and I lost count on how many reptiles I have. Maybe 70 something reptiles. ES: What do you like best about working in your department/division? Bart: I love the work we do here and the interaction with the public. We have a great team. ES: What qualities/traits do you bring to the job, which allow you to excel at what you do? Bart: I really excel at customer service. ES: What’s your favorite meal? Bart: I probably have to say BBQ Brisket. ES: What’s your favorite thing to do in Monterey? Bart: Fishing ES: What’s your favorite band, movie and/or book? Bart: Some of my favorite movies are the Indiana Jones movies. ES: Are you a volunteer? If so, where and what do you do? Bart: I am football coach for Monterey High school. I coach the D-line (defensive line) and D-ends. I have coached there for the last seven years. EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT BACKGROUND Last year we introduced a new edition to City Focus newsletter, the Employee Spotlight (ES) on You! The 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.
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A MIIS Graduate Student Intern's Perspective BY MIIS MPA CANDIDATE ELIZABETH HAMMOND
Greetings from the City Manager’s Office (CMO) in Monterey! I am a Graduate Intern for the Communications Manager, Laurie Huelga, from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) finishing up my Masters in Public Administration (MPA). It has been a joy to serve in City government and see how committed City Staff are to the residents and governance of Monterey. When I was deciding whether or not to pursue a MPA, a successful MPA mentor of mine suggested I think about City government. Knowing my interest in service from my discussion of non-profits, she encouraged me that there were services only city governments provide and spoke highly of her times working with cities’ staff. This piqued my interest, and shortly afterwards I met Mark Ackermann, current CMO Management Analyst, then also a student at MIIS. He, too, spoke passionately about the importance of City government and working in that arena. Attending MIIS has given me a broad array of opportunities to learn about program management, data analytics, and policy research and implementation for around the world. However, my heart continues to beat most to serve those right in front of me in the communities in which I live. Therefore, city government became a more and more intriguing place to use my skillsets and talents, and I pestered Mark for about six months for the prospect of a City of Monterey internship like he had! To my delight (and his potential relief), the City opened up internships for MIIS students in the fall of 2023. Having worked closely with the executive leadership team at Pebble Beach Company in a unique role during the 2010 U.S. Open, I knew that working with management in the CMO would be an amazing place to learn and grow. I am thankful Laurie selected me for this opportunity and I get to work with her (near Mark!). I have had the opportunity to contribute to large portions of a recent grant application the City made for more neighborhood resources, build a Crisis Communications Toolkit for the City, keep our various Board and Commission lists up-to-date and organized, draft communication elements, and produce a report on our recently closed Engagement Survey. I also update the website and am helping re-vamp our contact lists and strategy for City communication engagement. I see many of your names and recommendations or concerns as I work to draft reports and keep City information up-to-date and easily accessible to you. The City works hard to provide opportunities for you to give feedback and input and epitomizes many of the best practices I have been learning about in my program. I am most grateful to the office for keeping a family-friendly atmosphere that works with my schedule as I need to adjust for my kids while my husband travels for work. It has made my return to work after being home with them much more manageable and joyful. Thank you CMO team for this opportunity!
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Military Spouses Employment Partnership BY MANAGEMENT ANALYST MARK ACKERMANN
We are proud to welcome service members and their families to the City of Monterey. As part of an effort to find new ways to make them feel more at home and connected to the community, we are pleased to announce that as of February the City is a partner in the Department of Defense's Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP). This partnership will allow the City to offer meaningful work to a vast network of military spouses seeking to pursue their career dreams. We know first-hand the level of education and talent embodied by this group, and we are also aware that the unemployment rate among military spouses is more than five times higher than the national unemployment rate. This opportunity is truly beneficial for all, and we are excited to see where it will lead.
@CityofMonterey
From Left to Right: Deputy Public Works Director/Engineering Andrew Easterling ; Public Works Director Andrea Renny, Deputy Public Works Director Thom Levendowski
MAYOR Tyller Williamson COUNCILMEMBERS Kim Barber Gene 'Gino' Garcia Alan Haffa Ed Smith
City Manager’s Office 580 Pacific Street Monterey, CA 93940 (831) 646-3760 Suggestions: Call (831) 646-3799 or email suggest@monterey.gov monterey.gov isearchmonterey.org haveyoursaymonterey.org
Spring 2024 volume xxxix, no. 2 published since 1985
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.gov/cityfocus.
Thank you for reading City Focus!