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Message from the City Manager
WINTER 2024 Volume XXXIX, no. 1
A Report from the City of Monterey to its Citizens and Friends
Dear Friends of Monterey, The City of Monterey is proud of our sixteen distinct neighborhoods, stretching across the City’s 8.62 square miles, each with their own distinct character and charm. They also each have a neighborhood association - many of which have been active for decades. The associations work as independent organizations, and are not organized like official city boards, commissions, or committees. Neighborhood association leaders play a key role in community-building. They provide valuable input to elected officials, City staff and the City's Neighborhood Community Improvement Program (NCIP). Often, the level of resident participation in the neighborhood associations correlates with their effectiveness. Neighborhood presidents work hard as volunteers to increase membership and meet the needs of their neighbors. They want to hear from their neighbors - how they feel about where they live, what are their concerns, and ideas for improvements. Today I want to encourage you to check out your neighborhood association. Who are these resident advocate volunteers? How can you participate, meet more of your neighbors, and make your neighborhood the best it can be? Please take a moment to check the current list of neighborhood associations and their contact emails at on the City’s website under the Residents tab. There's also a map of neighborhoods for reference. Together, the City Council and City staff, and the independent neighborhood associations managed by volunteers, can find ways of meeting resident needs and keep Monterey a wonderful place to live.
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YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION
CITY FOCUS
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.org.
State of the City Address 2024
monterey mornings with the manager
Message from the City Manager continued...
City of Monterey Mayor Tyller Williamson and City Manager Hans Uslar will host the State of the City Address 2024 on Thursday, February 15, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. The event will be streamed on the Monterey Channel, cable channel 25, and on the City's YouTube channel. To participate, join in-person or online via Zoom. This information is posted at https://monterey.org/stateofthecity.
Have a topic idea for the next issue of City Focus? Email suggest@monterey.org and let us know!
CULTURE CORNER - art, history, culture
Cover photo: Full rainbow over Colton Hall
Message from the City Manager State of the City Address 2024 City Staff Work Program Rental Inventory Registration Quick Reference Save the Dates Rental Assistance Program Input Budget Priorities Community Engagement Special Events Support Grant Program Open Community Wildfire Protection Program Final Report Automated License Plate Readers Measure S and P Citywide Road Resurfacing Active Attacker Awareness Storm Center CERT News Affordable Connectivity Program Holiday Food Distributions Winter/Spring Recreation Programs Summer Jobs in Recreation Summer Camps Saturday Pajama Storytime Parks & Recreation Family Favorites Winners Monterey Sports Center Membership Options Personal Training Packages Youth Boys and Girls Activities Meals on Wheels Pickup at Scholze Park Center
CITY BRIEFS
IN THE NEWS
PARKS & PLAY - to health, wellness, activity, and fun
Inside this issue
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Volunteers help with storm drain messaging Buying recycled paper Happy Birthday Colton Hall Update on Earthquake Recovery in Nanao World's Toughest Row Returns to Monterey Did you know? Historical Newspapers Spotlight on You Chocolate and Wine Event
GREEN SCENE - stewarding our environment
CITY FOCUS -WINTER 2024
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CITY FOCUS - WINTER 2024
The City of Monterey Rental Inventory program initial enrollment period is open through March 1, 2024. All residential rental property owners must register or claim an exemption. The cost of registration is $50 per unit. DROP-IN ASSISTANCE DAY AT THE MONTEREY PUBLIC LIBRARY For any residential rental property owner or property manager who wants help registering their Monterey properties, we are hosting a drop-in assistance day on Thursday, February 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monterey Public Library's Solarium Room, 625 Pacific Street. If you have questions, please contact email rentalinventory@monterey.org, or call the hotline number, (831) 242-8740. Details on the this program including the exemptions are posted at monterey.org/rentalinventory.
The City has established cascading goals, where the Vision is a description of Monterey’s “desired future”; the Mission identifies the role of the City of Monterey in pursuing the City’s Vision; Value Drivers identify 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; and the City Staff Work Program is a set of specific program, policy, or projects that support the City’s Strategic Priorities. A presentation at the January 24, 2024 City Council Study Session took a look back at the many accomplishments of 2023, as well as a look forward at many, but not all, initiatives in store for us in 2024. The Staff Work Program reflects the City Council and community's goals and priorities. Staff executes these priorities into each of the work program items. You can see a copy of the City Staff Work Program in the City Council section of the website at monterey.org/citycouncil. COUNCIL VISION: Monterey: A beautiful, special place to live, work, and visit. Anda! COUNCIL MISSION: In partnership with our entire community, the Monterey City Council provides visionary leadership ensuring a safe, healthy, historic, economically vibrant, and sustainable environment.
A Look at the City Staff Work Program for 2024 BY CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
monterey.org/citycouncil monterey.org/rentalinventory
Rental Inventory enrollment portal now open BY HOUSING STAFF
FEBRUARY Rental Assistance Program Drop-in Sessions Wed., Feb. 7, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hilltop Park Center Sun., Feb. 11, 12 to 2 p.m. at Laguna Grande Park Mon., Feb. 12, 6 to 7 p.m. at El Estero Park Center Sun., Feb. 18, 12 to 2 p.m. at Montecito Park Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) Town Hall Thu., Feb. 8, 6 p.m. at Monterey City Council Chamber NCIP Nominations deadline for the 2024 – 2025 cycle. Fri., Feb. 9 - Nominations submitted after will be included in the 2025 – 2026 cycle. State of the City Address 2024 Thu., Feb. 15, 7 p.m. at Monterey City Council Chamber Chocolate and Wine Benefit for the Monterey Public Library Sat., Feb 24, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Library Budget Priorities Listening Sessions Mon., Feb. 26, 6:30 p.m. at Scholze Park Center Thu., Feb. 29, 6 p.m. at Monterey Public Library Kickoff for the Old Capitol Site Master Plan Tue., Feb. 27, 6 p.m. at Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center MARCH Budget Priorities Listening Sessions Sat., Mar. 2, 10 a.m. at Casanova Oak Hill Park Center 67th Annual Cutting Day and Horticultural Faire Sat., Mar. 16, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Friendly Plaza, City Hall Campus Budget Community Survey Closes on Sun., March 10
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https://monterey.org
SAVE THE DATES! February and March quick reference list BY COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER LAURIE HUELGA
TAKE THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE SURVEY (English)
haveyoursaymonterey.org/rentalassistance
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TAKE THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE SURVEY (En Español)
In response to ongoing housing challenges in our community, the City of Monterey is establishing a new Rental Assistance Program to provide rental assistance to eligible households that are faced with housing instability issues. Funding is anticipated to be available starting in Spring 2024. As part of this process, the Housing Office is hosting community outreach opportunities and a survey to gather information on how the City of Monterey can help renters with housing costs. We encourage renter and property manager participation in both the survey and in-person drop-in sessions - no pre-registration is required: Wednesday, February 7, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hilltop Park Center, 871 Jessie Street Sunday, February 11, 12 to 2 p.m. at Laguna Grande Park, 401 Virgin Avenue Monday, February 12, 6 to 7 p.m. at El Estero Park Center, 777 Pearl Street Sunday, February 18, 12 to 2 p.m. at Montecito Park, 220 Montecito Avenue The survey is posted in English and Spanish at haveyoursaymonterey.org/rentalassistance. In addition, the City’s Housing staff will be at the Downtown Tuesday Farmers’ Market on Alvarado Street on February 6 and February 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Postcards with the dates are being sent to Monterey residents. Previous City Rental Assistance programs have provided financial relief for members of our community. As a first in the county, Monterey launched an Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) in April 2020 spending almost $1 million (162 households) in City housing program funds in response to financial hardships resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the City of Monterey administered the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds totaling approximately $1.25 million on behalf of the United Way of Monterey County, benefiting 128 households. Combined, the two programs benefited 290 households.
Rental Assistance Program input 2024 BY HOUSING STAFF
It's that time of year again to focus on the next City budget, and we want your participation! We need you to tell us what programs and services matter to you. Resident input is vital to building a budget that reflects what's most important to residents. The community engagement process will include a survey and in-person listening sessions. Results from the survey and sessions will then be presented to the Monterey City Council in Spring 2024 and residents will have another opportunity at the Study Session to provide additional comments. COMMUNITY SURVEY - The survey will close March 10, 2024 The Finance Team just launched a survey for residents that will focus on three primary questions: How important are various City services to you? In an environment of strong fiscal health for the City, which services should be added/expanded? In an environment of declining fiscal health for the City, which services should be eliminated/decreased? TAKE THE BUDGET SURVEY ------------------------------------------- LISTENING SESSIONS Residents will be invited to attend a ‘Listening Session’ hosted by the Finance Team. The “Listening Sessions” will focus on the questions below, as well as be shaped by the results of the online survey. What are the top needs of the City in the next 12 months? What do you think the City can do to meet its top needs in the next 12-months? For example, should the city increase taxes or fees? Decrease a service area? Name a service the City currently provides that you would like to see it maintain or improve over the next 12-months? Our goal is to make these “Listening Sessions” interactive, educational, and engaging. After an introduction and background, we will break up into small groups to listen to community members, and discuss and identify residents’ needs and priorities that will help develop the budget picture. The community meetings are tentatively scheduled for the following dates: Monday, February 26, 6:30 p.m., at Scholze Park Center, 280 Dickman Avenue Thursday, February 29, 6:00 p.m., at Monterey Public Library, 625 Pacific Street Saturday, March 2, 10:00 a.m., at Casanova Oak Hill Park Center, 735 Ramona Avenue Listening sessions will be approximately 90 minutes - look forward to seeing you there!
City seeks input on next budget BY FINANCE ANALYST KYLE OLSEN
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haveyoursaymonterey.org/budget-priorities
https://monterey.org/fire
Monterey Firefighters responding to the River Fire, a wildfire that broke out from a lightning storm early on August 16, 2020 in Monterey County, south of Salinas, near River Road and Mount Toro.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan final report BY FIRE STAFF
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The City of Monterey will be accepting applications for the Special Event Support Program (SESP) from Thursday, February 1, 2024 through 5:00 p.m., Thursday, February 29, 2024, for events scheduled during Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025). There is a total of $100,000 to distribute through this program to qualified applicants. Program guidelines, criteria and the application are available at monterey.org/events/grant-program. The grant program focuses on not-for-profit events, events free to the public, and events that encourage educational opportunities for Monterey youth, cultural or arts experiences, provide recreational or social activities, promote economic vitality, and enhance community identity. The Special Event Support Program started in 2015 but was put on pause at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic due to its impact on the City’s budget. The program has been reestablished and provides an opportunity to have special events considered for funding support by the City of Monterey. In 2019, we assisted 28 organizations in funding a total of 41 events including the Monterey County Pops!, Monterey Firefighters Association, Monterey Jazz Festival, Tuba Christmas, and the Old Monterey Business Association’s 4th of July Parade.
City of Monterey accepting Special Event Support Program Grant proposals For FY 2024 - 2025 BY MANAGEMENT ANALYST VICKIE RAHMAN
The City of Monterey, in conjunction with the cities of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pacific Grove completed a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) project in November 2023. The purpose of the project was to identify priority projects and action items for the areas intended to protect lives property, critical infrastructure and resources, mitigate wildfire risk, and increase community resilience. The final report which includes recommended action plans is now available haveyoursaymonterey.org/cwpp. The three cities will use this report and recommended action plans as a guide for future projects and budgeting. Thank you to all the community members from the three cities who participated in the workshops and provided feedback to help with this important report.
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monterey.org/police
Automated License Plate Readers - Town Hall, Feb. 8 BY LT. GABRIEL KASTER
Monterey Police hosted a dozen residents at a town hall on January 22, 2024 to learn about and discuss Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR). The community is invited to a second town hall for another opportunity to provide feedback on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 6 p.m. at Monterey City Council Chamber, Few Memorial Hall, 580 Pacific Street. Bring your questions and concerns. Zoom link: https://monterey-org.zoomgov.com/j/1606041265 What is ALPR? An Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) System is a searchable computerized database resulting from the operation of one or more fixed cameras combined with computer algorithms to read and convert images of registration plates and the characters they contain into computer-readable data (CA Civil Code §1798.90.5(d)). ALPR technologies will assist the Monterey Police Department (MPD) in locating vehicles that have been used in violent crime, retail theft, and other criminal activity. ALPRs and Privacy Concerns - ALPR technologies have addressed privacy concerns by creating systems that are intended to identify vehicles, license plates, and/or makes and models of vehicles, but not vehicle occupants. The ALPR system would not capture personally identifiable information; it would only capture the images and license plates already visible in public. How would Monterey Police Use ALPRs? In addition to the procurement of a fixed ALPR camera system, MPD patrol vehicles are currently equipped with an in-car ALPR system that could be activated and will work in conjunction with a fixed ALPR system. A mobile ALPR system scans and captures license plates from cameras mounted on police vehicles. A fully functional fixed and mobile ALPR program that provides cameras placed at strategic locations throughout the City and in vehicles will add significant investigative leads to help solve and deter crime in Monterey. Technological advancements assist in all endeavors, including detecting and deterring crime. There are numerous existing state legislative mandates for public agencies that operate ALPR systems. These state legislative mandates will be addressed in MPD Policy 433 – Automated License Plate Readers. Many communities in Monterey County are utilizing ALPR technology and finding success in apprehending suspects and deterring crime. In Monterey County, the following agencies are utilizing ALPR technology: Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Sand City, and Salinas. An investment in a fully functional ALPR solution will ensure the City is equipped with technology that can help to identify vehicles associated with criminal activity, thus deterring and helping to proactively suppress crime and reduce the fear of crime in Monterey. Follow this project at https://haveyoursaymonterey.org/alpr.
MEASURE S citywide road resurfacing set for spring 2024 BY DEPUTY PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/ENGINEER ANDREW EASTERLING
monterey.org/fixingsteets
in the news
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Phases 4 and 5 of MEASURE S and P Citywide Road Resurfacing are planned to get started again in Spring 2024, weather permitting. Both projects include asphalt spot repairs and a final slurry seal coat with refreshed striping. 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 Street, Spencer Street, Terry Street, Via Joaquin, and Withers Avenue. Phase 4 began construction in Fall 2023 and was suspended during winter due to weather conditions but is expected to begin construction again in February. Phase 5 just began construction in January 2024, with work expected to ramp up in February. The work will be one lane closure at a time in one direction. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (no work on weekends, holidays, or special events that could be impacted). Residents and businesses directly impacted will receive printed flyers from the contractor with contact information. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we continue to upgrade our transportation system and provide smooth, safe roads! Schedule updates are posted at monterey.org/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.org. ABOUT MEASURE S AND P - Thanks to voters for passing Measure S, the City of Monterey continues to fix streets and sidewalks. Measure S was approved by 82% of voters in November 2018 as a continuation of Measure P. It authorized a 1% local district tax (sales and use tax) to be used to address significant deferred maintenance by fixing streets, sidewalks, and potholes; improve related access and safety for senior citizens, disabled residents, and others; and repair its 100-year-old storm drain system to protect our beaches/Monterey Bay. Measure P was approved by 74% of voters in November, 2014, and expired in March 2019. The tax is effective from April 1, 2019, through March 31, 2027.
Active attacker/active shooter awareness BY MONTEREY POLICE SERGEANT JEREMIAH RUTTSCHOW
VIDEO: Run, Hide, Fight® Surviving an Active Shooter Event
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The Monterey Police Department (MPD) plans, prepares, trains and exercises to deter and respond to any type of “Active Attacker/Active Shooter” incident that occurs in our community. Part of the MPD readiness is continuously reviewing incidents and debriefings to ensure we are aware of and implementing the most contemporary readiness capabilities. Part of the preparedness includes ensuring MPD staff have the proper equipment to address an incident of this type. Examples of this on-going preparedness and training include: A dedicated training team, certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, to instruct officers on the appropriate response to an active attacker incident. Scenario based training at live locations to reinforce classroom instruction. Training on first aid and Tactical Trauma Care, so officers can aid those with injuries. Safety equipment necessary to protect the officers and ensure they can proactively engage an active attacker. Supervisory level exercises focused on the coordination of multiple regional assets during an event. Facilitated discussions with stakeholders to include: all public safety entities; the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District; County Office of Education; private educational institutions, Monterey Peninsula College, DOD Locations, health care facilities; hospitality and retail facilities; private entities; etc., related to response within each of those systems. A presentation program to aid organizations within the community in the response to an active attacker event. The MPD is committed to the safety of our community and has placed an emphasis on ensuring our staff are properly trained and equipped to respond to an incident of this nature. For information on a presentation on the civilian response to an active attacker event, contact Sgt. Jeremiah Ruttschow at ruttscho@monterey.org. Visit the the Active Shooter web page on montereypolice.org to get more resources.
monterey.org/cert
Did you know, the City of Monterey's website has a page for local storm updates? You can find it in Emergency Resources under the Services tab at monterey.org, or go directly to monterey.org/stormcenter. In times of heavy storms, we will post timely information in list form for easy access, with the very latest news right at the top. It's a helpful way to follow road closures, power outage impacts, community resource options, tips for how residents can be prepared, and other storm-related news. The City of Monterey is prepared to support community needs through major weather events. Thanks to all the first responders, including Monterey CERT volunteers, for all you do during storms and other emergency calls.
Follow the Storm Center for latest local storm updates BY COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER LAURIE HUELGA
CERT Monterey's February 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 Read the February 2024 newsletter. Featured in the February edition: 42 CERT members participate in winter preparedness training; download the CERT grid maps to your phone; a special thanks to CERT responder Richard Ruh; Upcoming training events; CERT provides traffic control at Monterey structure fire; natural gas explosion video; visit the Monterey CERT FACEBOOK page. Find this and past newsletters on the CERT web page under the Preparedness tab at montereyfiredept.org.
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The registration window for the Affordable Connectivity Program, providing discounted internet service for residents, will close on February 7, 2024. If more funding becomes available, the registration window will reopen. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps eligible households get online with a $30 monthly discount for Home Internet as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 for a computer or a tablet. If you are enrolled in Medi-Cal or other government assistance programs like CalFresh, Lifeline, SSI or your household has 4 people with an income less than $60,000 then you qualify! The latest enrollment numbers are posted at monterey.org/acp. To sign up for the ACP benefit, visit internetforallnow.org/applytoday, call 866-745-2805 or scan the QR Code below.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): Reduced Broadband Service enrollment deadline, February 7, 2024 BY COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER LAURIE HUELGA
monterey.org/acp
Thank you for holiday meal distributions team BY RECREATION MANAGER SHANNON LEON
Register now for Monterey Recreation Winter/Spring Programs BY RECREATION MANAGER SHANNON LEON
parks & play - to health, wellness, activity & fun
monterey.org/rec
The City of Monterey, lead by the Monterey Recreation division, distributed over 2,000 meal kits (for 2-4 as well as 6-8 people) plus 750 sandwich meals between the two meal drives in November and December. We also coordinated over 150 home deliveries with Monterey Fire and Police as well as Seaside and Marina Fire Departments. Overall, we served over 13,800 individuals at both food drives. This would not have been possible without support of the City Team (Monterey Fire, Police, Streets, Traffic Engineering and Parks) and our partnerships with the Food Bank for Monterey County, the Kiwanis Club of Monterey, Monterey High and Trinity Christian High Schools and the DLI. This was the 4th annual holiday the City supported holiday meal distribution efforts.
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Monterey Recreation is now taking registration for Winter/Spring leagues and programs. Programs are offered for all ages and interests: Toddler and Youth Programs: Spring Break Camp, Preschool Programs at Hilltop Park and El Estero Park Centers including Stories and Adventures, Gymnastics, Chess for Kids, and Theater for Youth Dance Classes: including Preschool Dance Collage, Music Movement and Hip Hop, Ballet, Youth Hip Hop Dance Adults: Drawing and Painting, Watercolor Painting, Ceramics for Adults, Pilates and Modified Pilates, Field Sports: 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 for the latest updates. Questions? Email: montereyrecreation@monterey.org Register Online 24/7! See the online Amilia/SmartRec store for full class information.
Summer 2024 Camp Registration coming soon BY RECREATION MANAGER SHANNON LEON
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 and Track and Field 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 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.
parks & play
Before we can 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 or go online to monterey.org/summerjobs.
Monterey Recreation - We are hiring for Summer 2024 and beyond! BY MONTEREY RECREATION MANAGER SHANNON LEON
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Monterey Parks & Recreation Department wins Monterey Bay Parent Family Favorite Awards BY RECREATION MANAGER SHANNON LEON
Monterey Recreation and the Monterey Public Library are now offering a Saturday Morning Pajama Storytime at the Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center. Roll out of bed and join us on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. for stories and other fun activities. This program is FREE, No registration required. This is an exciting partnership with Recreation and the Library, and more events are planned for Spring 2024 including STEAM in the PARK and Story Walk in the Park. Follow Monterey Recreation and the Monterey Public Library on Instagram or Facebook for the latest updates.
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Saturday Pajama Storytime at Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center BY MONTEREY RECREATION MANAGER SHANNON LEON
The City of Monterey Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce we are the winner in multiple categories for the annual Monterey Bay Parent Family Favorites this year. The Monterey Sports Center has been selected as the Monterey Bay Parent Family Favorite in the categories of “Sports Lessons/League,” “Sports Summer Camp,” “Gym/Trainer," and “Place to Swim." Monterey Recreation has been selected as the Monterey Bay Parent Family Favorite in the category of “General Summer Camp.” Our Park Operations Division was also honored for the Dennis the Menace Playground which was also selected as best “low cost or free family fun” and "favorite park". Congratulations to our Parks and Recreation Department team!
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With New Year’s resolutions, Personal Training packages always spike in popularity starting in January. MSC has an excellent, certified staff to help folks look to recommit to fitness goals this year. The team has a wide variety of expertise to provide the best guidance for your personal exercise objectives. For more information about Personal Training packages and MSC certified trainers view the Personal Training page at https://monterey.org/sportscenter. Group exercise participation hit post-pandemic levels as we finished up in 2023 and opened up to 2024. Popular classes such as Spinning, Yoga, Zumba, Water Aerobics and more continue to show full attendance and expansion of the class schedule is warranted to meet the increasing demand. New classes added in January include Yoga Flow, Stages Cycling, Ai Chi, and HardCore Fridays as the Sports Center is now featuring over 75 classes every week, the most on the Peninsula. Coming soon is a highly anticipate the weight room remodel project to be implemented by late Winter/early Spring along with a redesign of the fitness spaces to make the area more accessible and the experience more enjoyable. We have also increased resources for cleaning and maintaining the equipment and we greatly appreciate all the feedback we have received on these efforts!
monterey.org/sportscenter
Membership options at the Monterey Sports Center BY MONTEREY SPORTS CENTER MANAGER BILL ROTHSCHILD
The Monterey Sports Center continues to bounce back from the challenges of the Pandemic with strong membership growth as we transition from 2023 to 2024. With another week to go, MSC saw an increase in 1,176 memberships from November 2023 through January 25, 2024. The diversification of the memberships demonstrates that the Monterey Sports Center truly serves all ages and abilities in the Monterey area. Over 4,000 families have ongoing or annual memberships to use the Sports Center along with more than 1,300 seniors, 1,100 adults, and 250 youth. In addition, the Monterey Sports Center also continues to be strongly connected to local businesses with 245 corporate members. On any given day, the Sports Center also sees up to 2,000 individuals and families paying drop-in to swim, work out, or play in the gym. For membership information, check out the Memberships web page at https://monterey.org/sportscenter.
Personal Training packages BY MONTEREY SPORTS CENTER MANAGER BILL ROTHSCHILD
The youth boys and girls basketball leagues have expanded this year to 25 teams as youth make the Sports Center their destination for evening and weekend play. With practices throughout the week and weekends and games all week long, our kids are engaging in healthy activities that promote wellness and social skills. Winter Sports Camp was again a bit hit with 100 happy campers having fun and enjoying the facility during their break from school. With a great diversity of activities and an engaging staff, the kids get to experience fun, fitness, and learning to work together in a supportive and safe environment. The staff hired to supervise the kids learn valuable supervision and mentoring skills that will help promote leadership and growth. Sports Camp will return over spring break starting March 18 and registration is open now. Did you know that MSC offers a Home School Physical Education (PE) program for 1st-12th grades? The fun-filled activity entails a wide variety of instructor-led sports and games such as Capture the Flag, soccer, badminton, basketball, floor hockey and much more. The sessions are divided by grade level and take place in the gym on Tuesdays and Thursday from 11:30 am –12:30 p.m. or 12:30 –1:30 p.m. Martial Arts had one of the largest group of students entering January with a full enrollment of 35 students for the beginning and intermediate level students. The older students entering the advanced training also continues to be very popular. The drop-in sessions for volleyball, basketball, futsol, and badminton all continue to be strong and require great flexibility on the part of the staff to accommodate all the demands. Along with that, there is a growing demand for pickle ball. MSC recently hired a couple of outstanding pickle ball instructors to get interested community members started with learning the popular game. Stay tuned for pickle ball opportunities! For a MSC Gym activities and a schedule of drop-in Sports visit https://monterey.org/city_facilities/monterey_sports_center/gym___camp_youth_programs
Are you over 60 years of age and in need of a warm meal? If so, Monterey Recreation and Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula is offering a DRIVE THRU meal pick-up program. Meals for seniors are now offered Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m.to 12:00 p.m. at the Scholze Park Center. For more information and to make a reservation, please email montereyrecreation@monterey.org or call the Scholze Park Center at (831) 646-3878 and leave a message for staff.
Drive-Thru Meals on Wheels 5 days a week at Scholze Park Center BY RECREATION MANAGER SHANNON LEON
monterey.org/sportscenter monterey.org/rec
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Youth boys and girls activities BY MONTEREY SPORTS CENTER MANAGER BILL ROTHSCHILD
Report sanitary sewer spills and illegal dumping BY ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS MANAGER TRICIA WOTAN
green scene - stewarding our environment
monterey.org/environmentalregs
Each year, Save The Whales, with the help of local student volunteers, installs storm drain emblems citywide in coordination with the Public Works Department. These emblems are affixed to curbs above storm drains found in the street. The emblems educate the public about how storm drains work – anything that goes into them flows to a local stream or waterway, such as Lake El Estero and the Monterey Bay. The emblem’s bilingual message of “No dumping! Drains to Bay” helps to make the connection for us all about how the City storm drainage system directly connects our urban environments to our local, natural environments. The message hopefully also dissuades the public from illegally dumping into the drain or street, which may cause harm to the environment downstream. In January 2024, educational emblems were installed at 24 storm drains in a high visitor- and pedestrian-use corridor of Downtown. Many thanks to Maris Sidenstecker (Save The Whales), Amanda Good (Save The Whales, pictured) and Danielle Drygas (CSUMB student, pictured) for your hard work and efforts in support of protecting our local waterways!
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Volunteers installing storm drain messaging BY ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS MANAGER TRICIA WOTAN
To report sanitary sewer spills and illegal dumping to the street, waterways, or the storm drain system, please call one of the following: 831-646-3921 (during business hours) 831-646-3914 (during after hours) 9-1-1 (county-wide, anytime) Dumping any pollutants or trash into the gutter, catch basin or the storm drain system is ILLEGAL. Please report sanitary sewer spills and any dumping to the City. Local ordinances limit storm water flows to clean rain water and non-polluted incidental flows like groundwater. Please do your part to protect local waterways! Public Reports of City Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) may be found in the SWRCB California Integrated Water Quality System Project (CIWQS) database, available at waterboards.ca.gov/ciwqs/publicreports.shtml.
green scene
Household paper purchasing - buy recycled BY SUSTAINABILITY ASSISTANT MALLORY PANKRETZ
monterey.org/sustainability
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As part of SB 1383, CalRecycle requires jurisdictions to purchase recycled-content paper products that are recyclable. An example of jurisdictional compliance with state requirements includes utilizing copy paper that contains a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, as the City of Monterey does in its offices. Why is purchasing paper with high levels of PCR content impactful? Purchasing products with PCR materials reduces the amount of virgin resources required to make the product. Products with PCR also “close the loop” by utilizing materials recovered from the recycling. PCR products therefore reduce the amount of waste being landfilled, while reducing the amount of trees that need to be harvested to make the product. An additional consideration is whether the product has Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certification. These certifications pertain to how resources are managed and how materials for a product are harvested. The FSC is an independent, non-profit organization that developed its certification system in response to concerns about deforestation and unsustainable logging practices. Conversely, SFI was established by the American forestry sector. Over two dozen leading environmental organizations oppose the SFI due to its approval of irresponsible (sometimes illegal) practices, while most groups support the FSC. This report from the Sierra Club further discusses the differences between FSC and SFI.
“Thursday, March 8, 1849. The town hall, on which I have been at work for more than a year, is at last finished. It is built of a white stone, quarried from a neighboring hill, and which easily takes the shape you desire. The lower apartments are for schools; the hall over them - seventy feet by thirty - is for public assemblies. The front is ornamented with a portico, which you enter from the hall. It is not an edifice that would attract any attention among public buildings in the United States; but in California it is without a rival. It has been erected out of the slender proceeds of town lots, the labor of the convicts, taxes on liquor shops, and fines on gamblers. The scheme was regarded with incredulity by many; but the building is finished, and the citizens have assembled in it, and christened it after my name, which will now go down to posterity with the odor of gamblers, convicts, and tipplers. I leave it as an humble evidence of what may be accomplished by rigidly adhering to one purpose, and shrinking from no personal efforts necessary to its achievement.” – Walter Colton, Three Years in California When completed in 1849 the building looked quite different. The stairs in front of the building had not been added, Friendly Plaza was not the garden we see today, and the adjacent Few Memorial building was not constructed. In fact, you can still see the original construction from inside and outside of the building. The building is best known as the site of the California Constitution convention, where 48 delegates met over 6 weeks to debate and sign a State Constitution. In 1850 California became the 31st state in the nation. Over time Colton Hall has been used for a variety of purposes as the center of economic, political, and cultural prosperity in the area : celebrating local events, welcoming US Presidents, serving as the first public school, as an early courthouse, city hall, police station, beds during the Spanish Flu, public library, and later a backdrop in film & television. Since 1949 the upper floor of Colton Hall has been used as a Museum, and the lower levels as city offices. Join the Library & Museums and visit the Museum on Friday, March 8th to celebrate with us. Celebrate the past, present and future of Monterey! Anda! Museum events: https://montereypl.libcal.com/calendar/museums Monterey Walking Tours available on web, iOS, and Android: https://stqry.app/projects/3781
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Happy 175th anniversary to Colton Hall! BY MONTEREY PUBLIC LIBRARY AND MUSEUMS DIRECTOR BRIAN EDWARDS
monterey.org/museums
culture corner - art, history, culture
culture corner
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Recovery update for Sister City, Nanao, Japan after January Earthquake CONTRIBUTED BY THE MONTEREY PENINSULA NANAO FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION
We have been tracking the recovery effort from the devastating January 1 earthquake in Nanao, Ishikawa, Japan, Monterey's sister city. The recovery effort is continuous yet slow. Evacuees are now able to shelter in cardboard structures set up in school gymnasiums. Nanao High School students constructed the shelters. Water supply is limited as government officials warn that repairs may not be completed for several months. Businesses are starting to reopen, but shop owners have limited supplies. Restaurant owners are trying their best to make contributions to all their neighbors. The photo shows the cardboard sheds installed in the high school gym. Air mats are also distributed. Their Facebook page explains, "With the help of Professor Yusuke Kitagawa at Nagoya University of Industry, the Saitama high school students assembled an "instant house" made of cardboard inside the gymnasium. In other sports shelters, there is no ceiling even with cardboard trim!! ️ In other updates from friends in Nanao, we are hearing the people are in good spirits. Electricity and gas are now back online but the water supply is still affected with regards to toilets and bath facilities, which may take another two to three months before it is restored. They do have water for drinking and cooking, plus they are able to shop at the stores for groceries. With regards to the Fisherman’s Wharf area, there was extensive damage to the parking area as well as the area where the stage for the event was set. Local leaders are hopeful that these areas will be restored so that Monterey Jazz Festival in Nanao can take place this year. Additionally, they received letters of concern and support from many top musicians in Japan. This in turn gave our friends in Nanao some hope that if all goes well, they can do an event to “cheer and give hope” to the people of Noto Peninsula. There is still a need for donations. If you are interested in donated to the recovery effort, contributions can be made digitally at https://www.cfmco.org/cfmco_fund_list/mpnfa-nanao-earthquake-relief-fund/ , or by writing checks to the MPNFA Nanao Earthquake Relief Fund and mail to Community Foundation for Monterey County, 2354 Garden Road, Monterey CA 93940.
monterey.org/sistercities
The app tracks the rowing teams in real time.
World's Toughest Row returns to Monterey this June BY MANAGEMENT ANALYST MARK ACKERMANN
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On June 8th, 2024, teams of two, three, four and five rowers from all over the world will depart from historic Monterey Harbor on an epic journey to Hanalei Bay, Kaua’i. They will be participating in the Pacific leg of the competition known as World’s Toughest Row. These teams will have to overcome sleep deprivation, hunger, hallucinations, and the world’s largest and deepest ocean as they make the 2800-mile voyage. Teams will begin setting up a week or two prior to launch, so feel free to stop by, meet the crews, check out the boats, and offer some words of encouragement before they embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. At last year's inaugural event, Mayor Williamson was the official starter on launch morning, along with dozens of cheering fans. More information is posted at worldstoughestrow.com, and we will update our Harbor News & Events web page at monterey.org/harbor.
Mayor Williamson at the start line..
monterey.org/harbor
Want to dive into Monterey’s history? Well look no further than the Monterey Public Library’s collection of digitized historical newspapers! The Historical Newspaper Collection spans 100 years of Monterey’s history, from 1864 to 1964. We find it a great resource here in the City Manager's Office - so much so that we wanted to share our discovery with you! There are 20 digitized periodicals for you to peruse at your leisure, including familiar ones like the Monterey Peninsula Herald and those less familiar like the Monterey Sentinel and The Monterey Argus. The articles in these papers have stories that aren’t too dissimilar to the issues of today, including one from the February 7, 1940 issue of the Monterey Peninsula Herald on undergrounding of phone lines. Stories from all over the world were also reported in Monterey’s newspapers, keeping those living at the edge of the West Coast connected with the rest of the world. Alongside stories from across the globe, there are advertisements for goods for sale, medical treatments, hotels, saloons, restaurants, steamer train trips, and many others! Some issues had serial stories that left off on cliffhangers, leaving you to wait until the next issue to find out what happened. Others had poetry, community events, and social club happenings. Not all dates are available digitally for every newspaper and there is a search function that can help you narrow down your inquiries to specific text. A help guide called ‘quick tips’ is also available on the ‘Historical Newspapers’ webpage to help you with your searches. Historical Newspapers | Quick tips
Discovering the Library's Historical Newspaper Collection BY CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT HAYLEY GOODWEIN
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monterey.org/library
Bill Moritz
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Employee Spotlight on You - Meet Bill Moritz, Inspector, Building & Safety Division, Community Development Department
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monterey.org/building
Bill was born and raised in Carmel. He moved away for college and moved back to Monterey in 2000. Bill started working for the City of Monterey in February 2020 as a Permit Technician (one month before pandemic shutdown), until July. Then he worked as for 15 months as the Code Compliance Coordinator. Next, he returned as a Permit Technician for 17 months, and was promoted to Building Inspector in March 2023. ES: Do you have family/relatives in the area? Bill: My son, Mason, just started work as a staff engineer in San Francisco. My daughter, Brynn, is starting junior year at UCSB in zoology. Both parents live within walking distance. ES: Do you have any pets? Bill: A Blue Merle Australian Shepherd -"Blue"(my 4th Aussie) and a Calico Cat - "Curry" ES: What do you like best about working in your department/division? Bill: The camaraderie with my colleagues in the Building Division and Community Development and seeing something new at every inspection. ES: What qualities/traits do you bring to the job, which allow you to excel at what you do? Bill: I am very inquisitive and a lifetime learner. I am always asking how and why something works and then learning the answers. ES: What’s your favorite meal? Bill: Sushi, although if it qualified as a meal, it would be Gelato. ES: What’s your favorite thing to do in Monterey? Bill: Sailing on Wednesday nights. ES: What’s your favorite band, movie and/or book? Bill: Band-Steely Dan, Movie-The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013), Book- The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King. ES: What do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies/interests? Bill: I do still enjoy construction and have added a 2nd story, built an ADU and continue to remodel my home. I also enjoy hiking, travel, good food and going to concerts. If I can combine all four it is the perfect vacation! ES: If you could be any animal, what would you be, and why? Bill: Peregrine falcon- flying 240 mph! Sign me up! ES: Are you a volunteer? If so, where and what do you do? Bill: I have volunteered with Scouts, and as a mountain bike coach. Currently, my volunteering is regular blood donation. I am getting close to the 5-gallon mark. ES: Who’s your hero, and why? Bill: It may be cliche, but it is my father, he is teacher and contractor who always goes above and beyond for others. ES: Which historical figure do you most identify with? Bill: Does Wile E Coyote count? Wylie is my middle name... ES: Which word or phrase do you most overuse? Bill: "Theoretically speaking...." ES: Anything else you’d like to say about your job, your interests, or your philosophy of life? Bill: I am really lucky to work with a group of like-minded people who care about the community and genuinely try to get to "yes" while having a few laughs along the way. EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT BACKGROUND This 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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What's that sound in the library? It's music, food, wine, and fun! BY MONTEREY PUBLIC LIBRARY AND MUSEUMS DIRECTOR BRIAN EDWARDS
Join us for the annual Chocolate & Wine benefit at the Monterey Public Library on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Every dollar raised goes directly back to your community Library. Held at the library, 2024 celebrates the 19th year of this annual benefit, where an individual can enjoy chocolate, wine, microbrews and nibbles, while supporting the library. All of the food and wine is donated to maximize the fundraising possibilities, and we invite you to snack between the stacks, while enjoying the company of like-minded individuals who share your love of either chocolate and wine, or supporting the library. The Monterey Public Library Friends and Foundation support through volunteer opportunities, library collections, speaker series, digital archiving, library space upgrades and more! Learn more about our Friends and Foundation and how you can support the library at investinmpl.org.
@CityofMonterey
Building Permits staff working at Montage Health's new Ohana Building in Ryan Ranch, October 2023. L to R: Building Technician Laura Fisher, Building Inspector Bill Moritz, Building Official Lori WIlliamson, Senior Building Inspector Kevin Morgan
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.org monterey.org isearchmonterey.org haveyoursaymonterey.org
Winter 2024 volume xxxix, no. 1 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.org/cityfocus.
Thank you for reading City Focus!