Community participation is vital to a healthy and vibrant city.
The City of Monterey has a defined pension benefit in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). This CalPERS system is underfunded. In January 2018, CalPERS reported that it had only 68 percent of funds to pay the estimated benefits. To adequately fund this benefit, the City’s contribution to CalPERS is expected to rise substantially in the next few years. As a matter of fact, our contribution will almost double within the next 8 years. In addition to the City’s contribution towards CalPERS, all of our employees have been paying into the retirement system as well. Monterey’s system stands out as our employees are contributing roughly one third (1/3) of the annual pension obligations. A City Council study session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 25 at 4p.m. to inform the public and City Council about Monterey’s unfunded liabilities in CalPERS. This study session will also serve as the kick-off meeting for a multi-phased approach by the City to develop measures for a Fiscal Health Response Plan. We encourage all community members to attend. While no decisions can be made at a study session, it does provide an opportunity for ideas and dis- cussion, and to learn the facts about this important topic that has potential long term impacts on city programs and services. Monterey has a proud history of solvency, as well as being smart in budgeting and forecasting. We strive to be transparent and we want the community to be part of the decision-making. The agenda will be posted 72 hours in advance at I-SEARCH Monterey, isearchmonterey.org.
A Report from the City of Monterey to its Citizens and Friends
City Focus Spring 2018 volume XXXIII, no. 2
Residents encouraged to attend April 25 Study Session to learn more about the employee pension program
Here's an original video with a great description of Measure P https://youtu.be/9HQLzc4tfLM
Thank you to the whole community for your patience during these important infrastructure improvements!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE FEATURE STORY Employee Pension Program Study Session PAGE STORY 2 Measure P Summer Update 3 Housing Resources Snapshot Short-term Rentals Ordinance 4 Protect the Monterey Bay Report Spills and Dumping 5 Celebrate Earth Day Reading Takes you Everywhere 6 Monterey Bay Community Power Videos Small Cell Facility Applications 7 Bicycle Safety Junior Police Club video 8 Strategy to reduce traffic Arbor Day Celebration 9 Holding a Special Event in Monterey Upgraded video services on the Monterey Channel 10 Colton Hall Accessibility Upgrades 11 Amberjacks Youth Baseball Camps Summer Trolley Schedule 12 Monterey Sports Center Summer Camps 13 Great Pacific Race Summer Recreation Programs 14 Art in the Park Featured Public Art 15 Big turn out for Egg Hunt
As we move into summer, residents can look forward to another round of Measure P project construction to improve Monterey streets, sidewalks and storm drains. The sixth phase of street reconstruction and ADA ramp improvements will begin construction in Veteran’s Memorial Park and the Monterey Vista and Alta Mesa neighborhoods in mid May. In addition, approval of the construction contract for the sixth phase of street resurfacing will be brought to Council for approval in May. This project includes approximately 750,000 square feet of slurry seal in Ryan Ranch and the Monterey Vista, Skyline Forest, Alta Mesa, Deer Flats, and Aguajito Oaks neighborhoods. The work indentified in these phases of construction has been planned to minimize impacts to residential neighborhoods while school is in session. To date, the Measure P program has completed over 4.6 million square feet of pavement resurfacing and reconstruction, with street improvements completed in every neighborhood within the City of Monterey. If you have feedback about the work done, please let us know. Call 646-3470, email us at suggest@monterey.org, or complete the online comment form found on monterey.org under the About Monterey tab. Sign up for a weekly email of project updates at monterey.org/ fixingstreets and to view maps, annual progress reports, and more.
CITY FOCUS - SPRING 2018
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Measure P summer update BY CAPITAL PROGRAMS COORDINATOR MEGAN BECKMAN
Housing Resources SNAPSHOT BY ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST MARYN LJUBIMOW Short term rentals ordinance
Advertising of short term residential rentals is prohibited in Monterey neighborhoods. Report addresses that are potentially in violation. Thank you for your awareness, interest and support in ensuring advertising of short term rentals doesn’t adversely impact Monterey neighborhoods and residents’ abilities to find affordable housing options. Host Compliance Hotline: 435-STR-HELP (787-4357) hostcompliance.com/tips Learn more about the Monterey City Code and Code Compliance on the web at monterey.org/Services/Planning/Code-Compliance
The Housing Programs office made some significant milestones this year. To help explain all that was accomplished, we made a "Housing Programs Snapshot" flyer that outlines what we do and what we accomplish. You can ask for a print copy, or view and print an online version at monterey.org/housing. If you have any questions, please contact the Housing Programs office at (831) 646-3995, or visit the office at 353 Camino El Estero next to the Visitor Center in Monterey.
Encouraging visitor awareness and good stewardship of the Monterey Bay BY ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS MANAGER TRICIA WOTAN
Report Sanitary Sewage Spills and Illegal Dumping 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 here: www.waterboards.ca.gov/ciwqs/publicreports.shtml
The Monterey Bay is unique and important in so many ways, and as such is designated by the state of California to be an Area of Special Biological Significance (ASBS). There are 34 ASBS ocean areas monitored and maintained for water quality by the State Water Resources Control Board. ASBS cover much of the length of California's coastal waters. They support an unusual variety of aquatic life, and often host unique individual species. ASBS are basic building blocks for a sustainable, resilient coastal environment and economy. (Per the State Water Resources Control Board website.) The City of Monterey and other local agencies play a major role in protecting Monterey Bay. Every resident and visitor can do the same. Check out these tips in this new community outreach flyer just published: monterey.org/Portals/0/News/Visitor-Guide.pdf
MontereyRecycles.org
Monterey Public Library’s Summer Reading Program (SRP) provides books and reading-rich programs to stimulate your child’s reading potential and imagination. Research shows that children who read an average of 2-3 hours per week over the summer score higher in reading and math when they return to school. This year’s theme, “Reading Takes You Everywhere!” celebrates the excitement of exploration and new discoveries to be found in books, libraries and beyond. Through art, creative play, science and technology, Monterey Public Library’s Summer Reading Program will lead kids to new discoveries and fresh perspectives. Summer Reading is free and open to everyone. The program is made possible through funds raised by the Friends of the Library through the MCGives! Campaign, and with the support of readers like you.
Reading takes you everywhere BY MONTEREY PUBLIC LIBRARY DIRECTOR INGA WAITE
@MontereyPublicLibrary!
April 22, 2018 is Earth Day, which means it’s that time of year again to take a moment and reflect on the world around us and our place in it. It is a good time to take note of how we can lead healthier, more sustainable lives and ideally make those changes last all year. Here are some ideas for how to get started: Complete a Household Check-Up: Does your home have efficient lighting, water saving features, recycling, composting, natural cleaning supplies or solar panels? If not, consider making some changes or educating yourself on the benefits of a more sustainable home. Donate: Consider going through the closet and taking stock of those items you just don’t wear or use anymore. There is always someone that can put those items to good use, and plenty of venues for donations such as churches, the Salvation Army, Goodwill or the Last Chance Mercantile at the Marina Landfill. Repair: In today’s world we have often been taught to favor cheap, disposable items over long lasting ones. In the long run, not only is that usually more costly, it is definitely more impactful to the environment as those items are usually thrown away. Consider buying longer lasting items and repairing them rather than replacing them. Carpool, Walk and Bike: Transportation is often the largest contributors to greenhouse gas production in a region. Utilizing public transportation, walking, carpooling, biking and purchasing electric vehicles can all potentially reduce the negative impacts of one person driving a fossil fuel powered car. Attend a cleanup event: Just a web search away you can find events going on all over the world! Save Our Shores, Monterey County, the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority and the California State Parks Foundation are all examples of local organizations planning clean up events all over the County. Most of all, Earth Day is about celebrating life and lasting positive change - be sure to enjoy it!
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Celebrate Earth Day, April 22 BY SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR TED TERRASAS
At the April 17, 2018 City Council meeting, Councilmembers directed the Planning Commission to consider options for strengthening the City's wireless applications requirements. They also asked the Planning Commission to make a recommendation to the City Council that remains consistent with federal regulations. This direction was based on recent wireless permit applications submitted to the Planning Office last year. ExteNet Systems did not submit an appeal of the March 15, 2018 Planning Commission decision by the deadline. The Planning Commission, at a special meeting, unanimously denied the small cell facility application. Just a day prior to the meeting, ExteNet withdrew 12 of their 13 applications. ExteNet submitted the applications to the City of Monterey Planning Office in June 2017 on behalf of the telecommunications company Verizon in order to install small cell facilities to improve cellular service coverage and data capacity in the Monte Vista neighborhood. While ExteNet may resubmit new applications for the 12 applications that were withdrawn at a later date, or submit applications for new facilities at other locations, at this point they have not expressed to the City of Monterey their intent to do so. A request to reopen the application for the facility located adjacent to 277 Mar Vista Drive and 7 Cuesta Vista Drive within one year of the denial would be processed consistent with City Code section 38-166(B). Background information, including the application materials, an FAQ, and video-on-demand playback of past meetings is available on the City of Monterey website at monterey.org/smallcellfacility.
https://youtu.be/PCwOBIrDkHA
Interested in learning more about Monterey Bay Community Power? Here are two videos that can help. One is a four minute short about Monterey Bay Community Power, and the second video runs the full length of the March 1, 2018 press conference, including speeches by government representatives and featuring Congressman Jimmy Panetta. Also check out: monterey.org/Services/Environmental-Programs/Energy/Community-Choice-Energy
https://youtu.be/2EUkrdPB9m8
Small cell facility applications update
Monterey Bay Community Power – "Flipping the switch" video
Bicycle safety BY MONTEREY POLICE SERGEANT FRANK RUSSO
NEW! Junior Police Club Video https://youtu.be/TMCYfttgLtc
MontereyPolice.org
Spring is upon us, and it’s time to get out and enjoy our beautiful peninsula! An abundance of people will choose to enjoy the outdoors by riding their bicycles. Here are a few tips to make this recreational activity a safe and memorable experience for all! But first, some hard facts. In 2016, National statistics show that 18,477 people were injured while riding a bicycle. 102 were killed; eight of them being children. Help reduce these numbers and keep your community safe by following or encouraging your loved ones to follow these simple tips: Wear an approved helmet and ride defensively. Obey ALL traffic laws, including stopping for traffic signals and stop signs. Ride with traffic on the right side of the roadway. Use bicycle lanes when available. Use caution when going by parked vehicles and driveways. Wear reflective gear and use front and rear lights when riding at night. Because of their size, bicycles can be difficult to see, at night or during the day. So it is important that riders be predictable. Keep in mind that many riders are injured by car doors or when vehicles pull into or out of driveways. And remember, riders are subject to the same vehicle laws as motorists. So bike safe! The Traffic Engineering office has also implemented a Walk and Bike Safety program. You can find more information at monterey.org/Services/Engineering/ Traffic-Engineering/Walk-and-Bike-Safety
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Congestion. Rush hour. Gridlock. Logjam. Bottleneck. Traffic. We may not all use the same word for it, but we all have a similar opinion of it. Luckily, the City of Monterey has several solutions on the ground and in the works to address it locally. One vital set of solutions is called Transportation Demand Management (TDM). TDM is just a fancy way of saying: improving transportation outcomes for everyone by maximizing smart mobility choices that meet or exceed travelers’ needs. Forward-thinking cities like Monterey are supplementing infrastructure investments with TDM’s dynamic, flexible and rapidly implemented strategies to benefit the community. We invite you to learn more about how TDM in Monterey benefits you by visiting our website at monterey.org/tdm today. Be sure to check back often for more features as those three little letters, T-D-M, grows to serve Monterey’s residents, commuters, students, businesses, and visitors.
A solution for traffic congestion BY SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER ANDREA RENNY AND TEAM
The community is invited to celebrate Arbor Day with a tree planting at Quarry Park on Friday, April 27, 2018. At 9:30 a.m. an area will be prepared to plant smaller native trees, and then at 11 a.m. a large California Buckeye will be planted. Shovels will be available for attendees to help plant the large tree. Monterey has been an official member of the National Arbor Day Foundation’s "Tree City USA" for 36 years. The National Arbor Day Foundation writes, “Arbor Day is an annual observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care. As a formal holiday, it was first observed in 1872, in Nebraska, but tree planting festivals are as old as civilization. The tree has appeared throughout history and literature as the symbol of life.” Eighth graders from the Salesian Elementary and Junior High School in Corralitos, a TK-8 private Catholic elementary and junior high school working cooperatively with the Diocese of Monterey, will be there to volunteer. Quarry Park is in the Monte Vista neighborhood on Via del Pinar near Via Paraiso Park. Learn more about Monterey’s trees at monterey.org/ Services/Parks-and-Beaches/Trees-and-Urban-Forestry and learn more about the National Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org
Arbor Day Celebration on April 27 at Quarry Park
Monterey.org/TDM
Holding a special event in Monterey BY SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR TREVOR PAGE
Access Monterey Peninsula (AMP) recently upgraded their streaming video services. Now there's an easier format for finding and viewing video playback of City of Monterey Council and Boards and Commissions meetings. Find links to the new format at monterey.org/tv. The Monterey Channel broadcasts a wide array of programs about the City and its services as well as City Council, Planning Commission, Neighborhood Improvement Program Committee and other meetings. Watch the Monterey Channel on cable TV channel 25, streamed LIVE and on-demand on the web. Let us know how you like the new format! Email us at webmaster@monterey.org, or call (831) 242-8750. The Monterey Channel is operated by Access Monterey Peninsula, a nonprofit organization contracted by the City to provide media services to our community. To reach AMP, call at (831) 333-1267 or visit www.ampmedia.org, and see all the great community television locally broadcast.
LIVE Video Streaming anytime, all the time: http://cvp.telvue.com/player?id=T01629&video=186609&noplaylistskin=1&width=400&height=300
The Special Event season is upon us! Did you know that the majority of Special Events in the City of Monterey happen between the months of May through October? We are currently working on numerous approvals for many great events such as volleyball tournaments, art festivals, walks and runs, kid’s science camps, and even a new beer, wine, and food festival! Through our updated website we aim to streamline the process for those applying to hold a special event in Monterey. The first step is to complete a Special Event Proposal Form on the city’s website. https://monterey.org/Events. The Special Events Coordinator, Trevor Page, will then review the proposal and respond to the applicant within just a few days. "While several departments may be involved with specific permits, we are working to create a smooth process so the applicant has only one point of contact," said Special Events Coordinator Trevor Page. "This makes it easier for the applicant, and more efficient for staff." For more information on permits, fees, and recycling requirements at special events, please visit the Event Planning page on monterey.org under the About Monterey tab.
Upgraded video services on the Monterey Channel
Colton Hall Accessibility Upgrades
Accessibility improvements are underway to historic Colton Hall, where California’s constitution was written and signed in 1849. Home to a museum upstairs and the Planning and Museums and Cultural Arts offices downstairs, the upgrades include reconstructing the back stairs and deck and adding a vertical stair lift to provide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access to the second floor, replacing the current two restrooms with one ADA compliant restroom that will accommodate a wheelchair, adding an access ramp in the rear courtyard, and configuring an adjacent ADA parking area. "We wanted to make Colton Hall available to the whole community," said Acting Community Services Director Dennis Copeland. "Colton Hall is a historic treasure that should be shared with everyone who wants to visit." Colton Hall Museum is open to the public every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Colton Hall will remain open from the front stairs, and there are no plans to change the open hours during construction. Groups who wish to visit should call in advance (831-646-5640) to reserve a date and time. Both downstairs offices will be open regular hours. Expect some impacts to parking on King and Dutra streets (behind Colton Hall). The total cost of upgrades is $353,000, funded through a $100,000 grant from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, a $40,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Monterey County, and the balance from the City of Monterey’s Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) and Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Work is expected to be completed in July, 2018. Weekly construction updates, including unexpected impacts to access, will be posted at monterey.org/construction every Friday, or you can sign up to receive them by email at the same web address.
The FREE MST Trolley is the best way to get around the City and avoid parking and traffic congestion. The free MST Trolley operates on a daily basis Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. 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 summer schedule is out, and ready to use. Find it at under Parking Services at monterey.org/Services/ Parking/Ride-the-FREE-Trolley-Shuttle The Trolley Shuttle Program is funded by a partnership of the City of Monterey, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Monterey-Salinas Transit. For more specific information on the Trolleys call the Monterey-Salinas Transit at 1-888-MST-BUS1 (1-888-678-2871).
The Monterey Amberjacks professional baseball team is back for season two in Monterey. This year they are offering one-day camps for youth ages six to 17 years old. The camps are an exciting opportunity for boys and girls to play the game of baseball. Monterey Amberjacks coaches and players will give hitting, pitching, fielding and base running instruction to all participants. Five, one-day camps are scheduled for June 8, June 15, June 22, July 6 and July 13, from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Sollecito Ballfield. Fees are $50 per camp, or $40 for Monterey residents. “Participating in a baseball camp with professionals is fun, and offers a wonderful learning experience, no matter your age or ability level,” said City of Monterey Sports Coordinator, Kyle Susic. “We are so happy to offer this unique summer baseball training.” Registration is available online at www.monterey.org/fieldsports, or at the Monterey Recreation Administration Office, 546 Dutra Street. For questions call (831) 646-3969. The Monterey Amberjacks are a Professional Baseball Team in the Pecos League of Professional Baseball Clubs. For more information about the Amberjacks Baseball team and season schedule visit montereyamberjacks.com.
Look for the wirelessly-charged all-electric trolley vehicle!
Amberjacks Baseball is back and this time with youth camps BY RECREATION STAFF
Trolley schedule helps you plan for summer fun
Sports Camp, Cheer Camp, Teen Work Experience Sports Camp
monterey.org/sportscenter
Summer is almost here and the Monterey Sports Center offers several summer camp options to keep your kids active and learning. SPORTS CAMP - Want to play sports and make new friends? At Sports Camp Plus the emphasis is on fun and sportsmanship. Youths, ages 6-12 will participate in over 30 different sports activities each week such as swimming, basketball, football, capture the flag, soccer, floor hockey and more. Campers also take a field trip to Dennis the Menace Park. For only $22.00 per week Sports Camp Plus Swim lessons are available. DETAILS... CHEERLEADING CAMP - Come join the fun this summer at the Monterey Sports Center Cheerleading Camp! Youth ages 6-12 years will learn sideline cheers, crowd cheers, performance cheers and a dance routine. Campers also go swimming and take a field trip to Dennis the Menace park. The first session starts June 4. Sign up now for a fun filled week of camp at the Monterey Sports Center. DETAILS... TEEN WORK EXPERIENCE SPORTS CAMP - Gain experience working with kids in a camp environment. Work side by side with Sports Camp staff. This program provides teens an opportunity to develop leadership, organizational and supervisorial skills in a safe and fun camp environment. At the free orientation, teens learn how to get the most out of their work experience program with discussions about appearance, reliability, safety and communication. This program is great for earning Community service hours too. DETAILS...
https://youtu.be/5CQTZyhepOo one minute video from the 2016 race
Great Pacific Race coming back this June
Summer & Fall Recreation Programs Available Now! BY INTERIM RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES MANAGER SHANNON LEON
The Summer/Fall 2018 issue of play! Monterey (good through November) is available now. Sign up for summer camps, field sports, aquatics, gymnastics, tot classes, dance, music and drama, arts and crafts programs and much more! Guides and online registration are available online at www.monterey.org/rec Summer/Fall Registration – Open to All! – Register Now! Monterey Recreation Administration Office, 546 Dutra Street Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm Monterey Sports Center, 301 E. Franklin Street Monday - Sunday Don’t delay! Our summer programs are extremely popular and can fill quickly!
The Great Pacific Race organizers name it the World’s ultimate endurance challenge. Ocean row boats of two and four people compete against each other in the first and only rowing race on the Pacific. The next Great Pacific Race starts in June 2018 when teams from around the world will set out on a 2,400 mile journey across the world’s largest ocean from Monterey, California to Honolulu, Hawaii. This epic journey is expected to take between 30 and 80 days depending on the ability of the crew and the weather. Each boat carries no sails or engines and is only moved by the muscle of the crew pulling on the oars. The Great Pacific Race from Monterey to Hawaii has taken place in 2014 and 2016. Watch for details of the 2018 race via the City of Monterey's social media, and on the web at greatpacificrace.com and newoceanwave.com/great-pacific-race/
https://youtu.be/hKZIeJmmzPg
Featured Public Art - "The Grizzly Bears of Colton Hall" a sculpture by Kris Swanson
Enjoy free activities planned for the whole family at the Eleventh Annual Art in the Park which will be held at the Hilltop Park Center on Saturday, May 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Children, ages 3-12, and their families are encouraged to explore their creative side. Some of the fun activities are face painting, stamping, sandart, spin art and you even get to decorate your very own cupcake. All activities are FREE. For more information, please call 646-3975.
Art in the Park – Free! family fun! BY INTERIM RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES MANAGER SHANNON LEON
The life-sized sculpture in front of Colton Hall pays tribute to the grizzly bear of California, and portrays the size and massiveness of this largest of all bears. A formidable animal, the grizzly bear became the subject of legends. In the nineteenth century, they were hunted for their skin, meat and to protect the cattle herds. They were captured to provide animals for the violent spectacle of Bear and Bull fights. The grizzly bear was hunted to extinction in California by 1911. A Bear Flag was used as the symbol for California as early as 1846, but 65 years passed before it was officially designated as the state emblem. Various bear images appeared on the flag until the design was standardized in 1953 modeled after an 1855 watercolor by Charles Nahl. This image was used as a model for the sculpture. A copy of the water color is in the City of Monterey collection and can be seen in Colton Hall Museum. The Bear sculpture was created by Kris Swanson. Here's a video with more information about the Bear sculpture.
2,500 enjoyed family fun at the Sunday egg hunt
MAYOR Clyde Roberson COUNCILMEMBERS Dan Albert Timothy Barrett Alan Haffa Ed Smith
Spring 2018 volume xxxiii, no. 2 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
Stop by and check out the new Monterey Conference Center! Photo by Randy Tunnell
City Focus Newsletter
Here it is being introducedat the 4th of July parade on Alvarado Street.
