MEASURE S FACTS - monterey.org/Measure-S-Facts
I wanted to personally reach out to thank you for your patience during this busy year of road construction and improvements. I realize residents are being challenged with detours, traffic jams, noisy back-up alarms caused by backhoes, and temporary parking restrictions while streets in our neighborhoods are being repaired. Unfortunately, sometimes during repairs we find aging utilities such as water or gas lines that also need to be addressed and replaced. It adds a little more time to the original job, but it proves more efficient to make the new repairs when they're found. I hope you are seeing the results, with many of our streets looking brand new, thanks to Measure P. The voter approved Measure P (2015 - 2019), which designated funds to repair streets, sidewalks, storm drains, and improve ADA ramps and signals, was a necessary investment for the City's future. The City has efficiently managed Measure P funds and we are on target to achieve the four year goals that sunset in March 2019. When you drive around, you will find many upgraded streets, many intersections now have ADA ramps and traffic signals now have ADA accessible push buttons. We will continue to upgrade our streets, which were inherited from previous generations. Our patience now will pay off for our future, and future generations to come. Our goal is to have all streets in Monterey in good condition. We will continue to inform you in advance when work in your neighborhood will begin by door hangers, social media and media releases. Information will also be posted on the City of Monterey website at monterey.org/construction. This November, Measure S, which is an eight year continuation of Measure P, a one cent per dollar sales tax measure dedicated to road, sidewalk, ADA, and storm drain repairs and improvements, will be on the ballot. We have a new web page at monterey.org/Measure-S-Facts with a map and facts sheet. I hope you take the time to learn more. Thank you for your time and support in keeping Monterey a wonderful place to live and visit. ~ Hans Uslar
A Report from the City of Monterey to its Citizens and Friends
City Focus Fall 2018 volume XXXIII, no. 4
Fixing streets today for a better tomorrow - a message from the City Manager
Available in a mobile version or a printable PDF also available at monterey.org/fixingstreets
Oct 22 - Last day to register to vote Oct 30 - Last day to request a mail ballot Nov 6 - Election Day - polls open 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Campaign financial statements (https://monterey.org/City-Hall/City-Clerks-Office/Elections /Campaign-Financial-Statements) Check voter registration status in Monterey County (http://montereycountyelections.us/regStatus.htm) State of California Voter Status (http://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/) Register to Vote (http://registertovote.ca.gov/) Request a Mail Ballot (http://montereycountyelections.us/pdf/ VBMApp_UD03Aug17-CC.pdf ) Find your polling place (http://montereycountyelections.us/Locator.asp) Vote-by-mail drop-offs are available during business hours in the City Clerk's office (8-5 M-F, closed 12-1 for lunch) and Monterey Public Library (M/T/W 12-8, Th/F/Sa 10-6, Su 1-5).
INSIDE THIS ISSUE FEATURE STORY Message from the City Manager PAGE STORY 2 Election Dates and Links Measure P Third Year Report 3 Measure S Impartial Analysis 4 Wireless Ordinance Update Community Development 5 Stop for School Buses Police Monthly Report 6 Recycling App Roundabout Wins Again 7 Help Protect the Bay Reader's Poll Picks Monterey 8 Monterey turns 250 in 2020 Winter/Spring Activities 9 Happening at the MSC 10 Runcation to Dubrovnik Sister City Partnerships 11 Featured New Videos 12 Submit an NIP Project NIP Meetings Videotaped 13 Drone Map Be prepared 14 Discover & Go Colton Hall ADA Upgrades 15 Battle of Monterey 16 Photos from Civil War Camp Reenactment
The Measure P third year report is now available in print at public city offices, and online at monterey.org/fixingstreets. This report provides a cumulative status update of Measure P work completed since April 2015. The report includes a map that shows what streets are done and what's left to do. Measure P expires in March 2019, and there's more work to be done.
CITY FOCUS - FALL 2018
Important election-related dates and links:
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MEASURE S - Impartial analysis by City Attorney Christine Davi
The City Council of the City of Monterey voted unanimously to place Measure S on the ballot to ask voters to continue, without increasing, the existing special tax for the rehabilitation, repair, and improvement of the City of Monterey's streets, sidewalks, and storm drains, and American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements (for example, curb ramps), for an additional eight years. The current sales tax was initially approved by the voters in 2014, and it authorizes a one-cent per dollar (1%) transactions and use ("sales") tax. The authority for the sales tax is set to expire on March 31, 2019 unless it is extended by the voters. Measure S would authorize continuing the special tax for another eight years without increasing the rate. As a special tax, use of the funds collected from Measure S is restricted to the rehabilitation, repair, and improvement of the City of Monterey's streets, sidewalks, and storm drains, and ADA improvements, such as curb ramps. The tax may not be used for any other purpose. The tax will automatically end in eight years and after collection begins, unless extended by voters. State and local sales tax on retail sales in the City of Monterey is currently 8.75% of the purchase price, which includes the 1% sales tax that is the subject of the extension. Of this, the City of Monterey receives 2% of the revenue. Funds generated from the continuation of the 1% sales tax proposed by Measure S would only go to the City, and not to the State or any other governmental entity. It is estimated that the tax would raise $9.5 million annually for the City. A "YES" vote is a vote to continue the 1% sales tax for eight years, to be used exclusively for the rehabilitation, repair, and improvement of City's streets, sidewalks, storm drains, and ADA improvements, with a citizen Oversight Committee and annual independent audits. A "NO" vote is a vote not to extend the existing tax and the existing tax would no longer be collected after March 31, 2019. Measure S will be approved if two-thirds of voters vote "YES" on the measure. A full copy of the ordinance is printed in the ballot materials.
The City Council created a Wireless Ordinance Subcommittee in early August 2018 to review wireless regulations, ordinances, and policies and make recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council. The Subcommittee consists of five residents and two Planning Commissioners. The Subcommittee has had ten meetings between late August and early October. Meetings included consultations with attorneys and engineers who work on these issues in California and nationally to help address resident concerns with companies applying to install additional wireless facilities in Monterey, as well as to analyze the current wireless ordinance and how it can be improved to ensure as much local control over wireless installations. Federal and state laws currently establish the regulatory framework for wireless facilities . The Subcommittee presented wireless ordinance revisions to the Planning Commission on Sep 25 and then to the City Council Oct. 2, 2018. In a related and significant step, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is poised to reduce the amount of the time allowed for cities to approve or deny the small cell permit applications for attachments to existing structures from 90 days to 60 days. Accordingly, the ordinance revisions require Planning Commission review of all facilities to streamline the permit review process and reserve appeal rights. Streamlining the process by amending the City's current ordinance will ensure the City is doing all it can to maintain as much jurisdiction as possible. The Wireless Subcommittee will continue to meet on further revisions. Meetings are broadcast live on the Monterey Channel, Cable Ch. 25, streamed live (link at monterey.org/tv), and rebroadcast on the Monterey Channel at Fridays at 4 p.m. Meeting agendas, minutes, and correspondence is posted at monterey.org/wireless.
To align with recent department restructuring, the City's website has a new Community Development Department web page at monterey.org/Services/Community-Development. Headed by Community Development Director, Kimberly Cole, the department encompasses five main divisions: Housing Programs, Leasing & Property Management, Permits & Inspection Services, Planning, and Sustainability. The department mission is to preserve the past while shaping the future to provide a safe, healthy, and attractive environment for growth. Some recent key projects that reflect this mission include the Van Buren Senior Housing Project, the Monterey Hotel Apartments affordable housing project, and the mixed use JS Work Building project on Alvarado Street - all part of the revitalization of downtown. Much is happening with implementation of area specific plans, changes to the wireless ordinance, reducing the City's carbon footprint to move toward zero waste generation, and with providing opportunities for jobs and housing. We encourage all residents to get involved with this exciting process to continue to improve the quality of life in Monterey. Visit monterey.org to learn more.
Wireless Ordinance Subcommittee Update
New Community Development Department page on monterey.org
Stop for school buses with flashing red lights MPD Monthly Reports
MontereyPolice.org
The Monterey Police Department has received several complaints from school bus drivers that vehicles are not stopping for their flashing red lights. With school back in session, now is a good time to freshen up on when you can and can’t drive past a school bus with flashing red lights. California Vehicle Code 22454(a) says you cannot overtake a school bus from any direction, if: (1) The school bus is stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading any schoolchildren and the school bus (2) Displays flashing red lights. The approaching vehicle should stop immediately. The vehicle shall not proceed past the school bus until the flashing red lights (and signal arm if equipped) cease operation. The exception to this is if the roadway is: (1) A divided highway or (2) There are two or more lanes in each direction of travel; then the driver of the roadway opposite of the school bus does not need to stop. (CVC 22454(b)(1) and (2)). Failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights, is not only dangerous, but it can be costly. Fines can be as high as $1,000. Let’s keep our children and school bus drivers safe!
The Monterey Police Department (MPD) compiles a monthly report that includes short narratives of some highlights of MPD activity and includes some statistical data regarding the work the MPD accomplished during the preceding month. This information is provided to the City Council, City Manager and through the website for the public under the Get Informed tab at montereypolice.org.
Photo by Omni-Means
Holman Highway Roundabout wins CalTrans Excellence in Transportation Award
The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) announced the 2018 Excellence in Transportation Awards, and the Holman Highway 68 Roundabout won in the Transportation System Operations Improvements category. This award is the eighth in a series of recognitions received for this important regional transportation project. The annual Caltrans Excellence in Transportation Awards Program highlights the best of its work and the work of its agency partners. The CalTrans Excellence Awards website at http://dot.ca.gov/ctawards/2018-eit-winners.html, states, “The Holman Highway Roundabout represents a new paradigm in transportation design. The roundabout solution addressed all of the unique characteristics of the area while relieving congestion, improving emergency response times, and creating a sustainable gateway to the Monterey Peninsula and Pebble Beach Community.” The project was completed on time and on budget in September 2017. This project is the result of a collaborative effort and a public-private partnership between the City of Monterey, Pebble Beach Company, Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District, County of Monterey, City of Pacific Grove, Caltrans and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County.
For iOS and Android, What Goes Where App is Monterey County’s guide to help you determine how to recycle everyday materials. Plastic containers, pizza boxes, coffee cups, bags, paint – the app will guide you to curbside programs and nearby drop-off locations to maximize reuse and recycling options. Play the What Goes Where Sorting Game to learn how to separate materials in your carts! Get this informative and helpful app today. Find out more at whatgoeswhere.info/get-the-app/
"What Goes Where App" now available for iOS and Android BY SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR TED TERRASAS
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary covers 6,074 square miles of ocean. Areas of Special Biological Significance (ASBS) are a fraction of this area and represent some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems of the Sanctuary. They provide habitat for unique and endangered species such as sea otters, whales, fishes, sea turtles and birds. What we do on land impacts marine life in the Monterey Bay, home to many remarkable species. YOU CAN HELP protect this special ASBS ocean area by: Washing cars at a car wash to prevent soap and bits of metal from entering storm drains, which flow to the Bay. Using alternatives to pesticides and fertilizers Picking up pet waste and disposing in the trash Never littering Your simple actions will protect our special area for future generations. PDF of Poster
Condé Nast Traveler readers cast hundreds of thousands of votes for the best cities in the U.S. in the 2018 Readers' Choice Awards survey. Not surprising, Monterey came in at the #7 spot for small cities (under one million population). https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-cities-us
photo by Curt Tipton
Monterey wins Best U.S. Cities reader's choice poll
What you can do to help protect the Monterey Bay
Fans of Monterey Recreation's programs look forward to the unveiling of each season's Activities Guide. Our four community centers and the Monterey Sports Center offer programs to improve health and fitness, inspire creativity, provide childcare and youth education and much more. From field sports leagues to social activities, camps, cooking classes, travel programs, gymnastics to group exercise, check out the diverse and expansive list in the play! Monterey Activity Guide. Registration for the Winter 2018/Spring 2019 issue begins Wednesday, October 24 for programs offered from December through May. Pick up a copy at the Monterey Recreation Administration Office, the Monterey Sports Center, the Monterey Library and all four community centers. You may also view our guide online at monterey.org/rec . Registration is available in-person, by mail, fax or online. Online registration is available 24/7.
The City of Monterey is currently in the process of planning our 250th Birthday celebration on June 3, 2020. Throughout the entire year of 2020, ongoing cultural activities, events, and festivities will commemorate this historic occasion. Our goal is educate the public, especially the younger generation on the vibrant history of Monterey and how it shaped who we are today. This past June, we formed a committee comprised of local leaders and city staff to establish and begin the development of the celebration. We have held numerous committee meetings and have also started applying for grants to help fund these events. We held our first event this past month to unveil the newly created Monterey 250 logo as well as welcomed the Golden State Warriors championship trophies to Monterey. For questions, comments, or ideas about Monterey 250, please visit monterey250.org.
Planning for 2020 to celebrate a bold past and a golden future BY SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR TREVOR PAGE
Winter/Spring Recreation Guide available Oct 22 for activities scheduled December 2018 through May 2019
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Latest in the lecture series and upcoming activities at the Monterey Sports Center
Much is happening at the Monterey Sports Center! To learn more, click on the individual flyers or links, visit them online at monterey.org/sportscenter, connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, call them at 646-3730, or visit in-person, 301 E. Franklin Street.
Win a Runcation to Dubrovnik, Croatia - Sister City to Monterey Sister Cities - "Connect Globally. Thrive Locally."
Monterey's Sister City, Dubrovnik Croatia, hosts the Du-Motion Runner's Day and Half Marathon each April. In 2019 they will host their fifth presentation. The Big Sur Foundation hosts a Monterey Bay Half Marathon each November. Du-Motion and the Big Sur Foundation have teamed up for the past three years for a runner exchange. One lucky female and one lucky male winner from each race wins a trip to the other's race. This November the lucky winners from Dubrovnik are Dubravka Nebergoj and Tonći Šarić. After the race here on November 11, they will help draw the names of the next two lucky winners to run next April in Dubrovnik. Check out the Du-Motion booth at the Health and Fitness Expo at the Monterey Conference Center, Friday or Saturday, November 9 or 10, to learn more about this exciting runner exchange. Visit montereybayhalfmarathon.org/race-weekend-schedule/ for details.
The City of Monterey is proud of it's sister city partnerships throughout the world. To support these connections, Monterey is a member of Sister Cities International (SCI). SCI's mission is to promote peace through people. Sister Cities International was created at President Eisenhower’s 1956 White House conference on citizen diplomacy. Eisenhower envisioned an organization that could be the hub of peace and prosperity by creating bonds between people from different cities around the world. By forming these relationships, President Eisenhower reasoned that people of different cultures could celebrate and appreciate their differences and build partnerships that would lessen the chance of new conflicts. Learn more about Sister Cities International at sistercities.org. Learn more about Monterey's sister cities at monterey.org/About-Monterey/ Community-Partnerships/Sister-Cities
New, featured short videos produced by the City of Monterey
#FunFishingFacts Squid Fishing in Monterey & California
youtube.com/watch?v=7JPlI-wEeog
CITY FOCUS -FALL 2018
Defense Language Institute & Language Day Learn more about the Defense Language Institute, the premier language provider to the Department of Defense. Watch performances from Language Day, where students and faculty showcase the dance, music and clothing of various cultures. Monterey has rightly been named the "Language Capital of the World."
youtube.com/watch?v=z9V1rxH7WL4
The City of Monterey's government access television station, the Monterey Channel, features live and re-broadcasts of City meetings, special events, and fun, informative, custom programming on a variety of topics for locals and visitors alike. Residents interested in the Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) can watch many of the meetings on their cable channel, or through live streaming. Just go to Monterey.org/TV for the live link. Rebroadcasts of NIP meetings are played on Fridays at 7 p.m. on the Monterey Channel. The calendar for the next NIP funding cycle will be posted in early 2019 at monterey.org/nip. Contact the Engineering Office if you have any questions, (831) 646-3921.
Submit your Neighborhood Improvement Project today BY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT II ALYSSA HUERTA
Now is the time to submit your idea to the Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP)! An NIP project is any public improvement that improves streets, storm drains, sewers, sidewalks, walkways, lighting, traffic control devices, landscaping, parks, recreational facilities and other public buildings. Complete the NIP Project Nomination Form and submit your idea. The deadline to submit a project is February 8, 2019 but we encourage you to send it in by December 1, 2018. Established in 1985, the Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) directs tourist-generated dollars directly back into the City's residential neighborhoods. Under a Charter Amendment, at least 16 percent of the money collected through hotel taxes (Transient Occupancy Tax) must be spent on neighborhood and community improvements. This fiscal year, it is anticipated that more than $3 million will be allocated to the NIP. Over the past thirty years the NIP has invested over $65 million into the City for the benefit of the community. Watch for the schedule of upcoming meetings beginning in spring 2019. The form is also available at monterey.org/nip.
Montecito Park's New Entry – Villa Del Monte Neighborhood
The Monterey Channel - watch videotaped NIP Meetings
Featured GIS Project - flying drones in Monterey BY GIS COORDINATOR URSULA GLICK
Being prepared and informed during a natural disaster or other emergency is important. The City of Monterey has many resources to help you get prepared and stay informed in the event of a local emergency. Register your cell phone with Alert Monterey County - go to AlertMontereyCounty.org Get text notices from Monterey Police by texting 93940 to 888777 Follow the City of Monterey and Monterey Police on Twitter @cityofmonterey & @MontereyPolice Bookmark monterey.org and read through monterey.org/emergency - local emergency information will be posted on both pages Sign up on Nextdoor.com for your neighborhood Visit ready.gov and make a plan. Get involved in CERT - learn more at montereycert.org Take these seven steps and you and your family will be better prepared in case of an emergency.
monterey.org/GIS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Print page from PDF version, cut and save for reference
This map shows land (the area inside the blue circle) within 5 miles of the Monterey Airport. Anyone interested in flying a drone in the City of Monterey should note that the entire city falls within this 5-mile circle. FAA regulations apply to the operation of an "Unmanned Aircraft System" such as a drone, quadcopter, or model airplane. There are two options for flying a recreational UAS in accordance with FAA rules: 1) under the FAA's Small UAS Rule, which requires the operator to obtain a remote pilot certificate (or be supervised by a certificate-holder) and to register the aircraft, or 2) under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft. If flying under option 2, one of the requirements is to notify any airports and air traffic control towers within file miles of where you will be flying. The Monterey Airport requests that they be contacted at least 3 business days before the UAS is flown. More information can be found on this website: https://montereyairport.specialdistrict.org/ uas-and-drone-information.
Seven easy steps toward emergency preparedness BY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER LAURIE HUELGA
Colton Hall ADA improvements complete - museum reopens for special events
Would you like to visit the Academy of Sciences, Exploratorium, and de Young Museum for free? Did you know your Monterey or Pacific Grove library card provides you access to museums, science centers, zoos, theatres, and other cultural destinations? It’s true! Via Discover and Go, found on our website monterey.org/library or at https://monterey.discoverandgo.net/ you can find passes for a variety of institutions between Santa Cruz and Sacramento. It’s also true that we provide passes to the Monterey Bay Aquarium through their Shelf to Shore partnership. Low income Monterey and Pacific Grove residents with library cards are welcome to visit the Library to pick up one pass a year that lets in up to six people for one visit. Ask us for details on your next visit.
Discover & Go! BY MONTEREY PUBLIC LIBRARY MANAGER KIM SMITH
Accessibility improvements to historic Colton Hall are complete. The new features include an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lift to the second floor museum, reconstruction of the back stairs, deck, walkway, restroom, and a new, adjacent ADA parking area. "Colton Hall is a historic treasure that can now be shared with everyone who wants to visit," said Acting Community Services Director Dennis Copeland. After a four year absence, special events including Talking History Lecture Series, the Colton Hall Evening Music Series, and the California Constitutional Convention Reenactment can return. Besides Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) funding, which directs hotel taxes to community improvements, the project was also funded by the City of Monterey’s Capital Improvement Program and grants from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and the Community Foundation of Monterey County. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the improvement project will be announced soon. For more information about Colton Hall and future events, visit monterey.org/museums. Learn about NIP and CIP programs at monterey.org/NIP.
@MontereyPublicLibrary!
Captain Bouchard attacked Monterey and burned the Royal Presidio 200 years ago in November 1818. Relive this exciting historical event, November 17, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn about the attack on Monterey Watch the Battle of Monterey Hear about life in 1818 Monterey Monterey, the capital of the Spanish province of Alta California, has a long and unique history. In 1602 Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino celebrated mass under the same oak where Father Serra in 1770 founded Monterey. Monterey’s story includes the 1818 Battle of Monterey, the only Land-Sea Battle fought in California during the Wars of Independence of the Spanish colonies from the King of Spain. Independence from Spain brought huge changes in land, trade and immigration policies to California that are still important for us today. This exciting Bicentennial re-enactment and celebration of the Battle of Monterey on November 17, 2018 is sponsored by: City of Monterey Museum and Cultural Arts Commission Old Monterey Foundation Community Foundation of Monterey County and other local Monterey contributors Learn more about the tall ship Lady Washington visit, participation in the event, and find the tour schedule at monterey.org/harbor.
Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Monterey NOVEMBER 17, 2018
FOR MORE INFORMATION BattleofMonterey@gmail.com "Battle of Monterey 200th Anniversary" Brochure with details - also see monterey.org/museums
Civil War Camp Reenactment at Lower Presidio Historic Park HISTORY DAY CELEBRATION, OCT 5 - 6, 2018
MAYOR Clyde Roberson COUNCILMEMBERS Dan Albert Timothy Barrett Alan Haffa Ed Smith
Fall 2018 volume xxxiii, no. 4 published since 1985
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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.
City Manager’s Office City Hall 580 Pacific Street Monterey, CA 93940 (831) 646-3760 Suggestions: (831) 646-3793 MontereySuggest@monterey.org monterey.org/cityfocus
Monterey Sports Center Staff promote Healthy Eating and Active Living at (PARK)ing Day, Sep. 21, 2018
City Focus Newsletter
Here it is being introducedat the 4th of July parade on Alvarado Street.
