Diversity a Source of Community Strength

Take a close look at Monterey. There is more here than first meets the eye ...
Yes, we are a world-class visitor destination, and the visitor industry does fuel much of the local economy.
At the same time, our area has emerged as a prominent center for research and higher education activity, and our institutions of study in language, international business and environmental sciences are among the finest in the world. In fact, Monterey is widely accepted as the Language Capital of the World.
The people that make up our com-munity are as diverse as our economy.
If you look closely at our citizens, you will find people from all walks of life, a broad range of incomes and a rich mix of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. We have a number of distinctive residential and commercial neighborhoods, each with its own special flavor.
All in all, Monterey truly reflects the enormous demographic changes taking place in our State and Nation. Most of the time our diversity serves as a source of strength and is a major contributor to the success that Monterey enjoys.
At times, however, our diversity can cause tension and friction and can even lead to acts of violence.
As we work on a variety of issues dealing with safety, our schools, our economy and the future form of our City, it is important to remember to take pride in our community’s diversity, and use it as a source of strength to help resolve community issues and concerns.
There is no question this will help keep Monterey the truly great place that it is.

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And the Survey Says ...

Results from the Community Survey distributed in the City’s last Annual Report are in. More than 600 responses were collected! Thank you for taking the time to let us know what you think.
The survey asked questions about the following five areas: 1) City Tree program; 2) Parks and Recreation; 3) Public, Education and Government Access TV; 4) Taxi service; and 5) City Web site.

Here’s what we learned ...

• About Trees: We often receive questions about the maintenance and removal of trees on both public and private property. Of those who have asked the City for help, more than 80% rated the response they received as “average” or better.
  More than 80% indicated that the City did an “average” or better job in maintaining trees on City property in the downtown area as well as in the neighborhoods.
• About Parks and Recreation: More than 70% of respondents frequently use local beaches, the Coastal Trail and local parks. When asked what improvements community members want to see at these sites, 35% said “none” while 24% requested more tables, 17% more barbecue equipment and 16% more play equipment.
  In regard to the need for additional programming for various age groups, the top three groups listed were teens, elementary school children and seniors, respectively.
  
• About Public, Education and Government (PEG) Access TV: Respondents said they want to watch the following types of programming on local cable: programs about community events (73%), Monterey organizations (38%) and Monterey government (36%).
  Many of the respondents said they or an organization they belong to or know of were interested in learning how to make programs for broadcast on a PEG TV channel.
  
• About Taxi Service (not including Airport pick-up): More than 50% of respondents rated “arrived on time” and “courteous driver” as “above average” or “excellent.” Eighty-two percent rated the “cleanliness” of local taxis as “average” or better.
  
• About the Web: More than 70% of respondents have access to the Internet and of those more than 25% have visited the City’s Web site (http://www.monterey.org/).
  When visiting the site, respondents are looking for special event updates, City news and information on public meetings. The department pages visited most often include Monterey Public Library, Recreation and Community Services, City Parks and Volunteer Opportunities.

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Much-Needed Childcare Center to Open this Summer

The Monterey Center for Children and Families is scheduled to open this July bringing childcare space for 144 children – from infants to preschoolers.
Realizing a community dream and City priority, the Center is located at 1608 Pvt. Bolio Road in the former Child Development Center on the Presidio of Monterey.
“A dire need is being filled in the community,” says Mez Benton, coordinator of Peninsula Partners for Childcare, a group that helped spearhead this cooperative effort.
“The need for childcare is universal because women are going to work – for a variety of reasons – and people have a very hard time finding childcare.”
The newly renovated Center is a reality thanks to dedication and a collaborative effort by Peninsula Partners – made up of community members and organizations, the U.S. Army and the City. Forty slots have been earmarked for military families and a percentage will be reserved for low-income families. Funding sources to assist the needs of low-income families are being pursued.
To register or for more info call Center Director Nancy O’Neal at 642.9265.

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Public Open Space Expands

Now, more than ever, it’s your Window on the Bay.
Here’s what is happening along Del Monte Avenue.

• The popular Monterey Bay Park/ Window-on-the-Bay project just got much bigger and better.
  This spring the City successfully completed negotiations for the purchase of the privately-owned, 7.5-acre “Catellus properties” adjacent to both sides of Municipal Wharf II, on the west end of Window on the Bay.
  These properties, site of the former Sante Fe and later Southern Pacific Railroad depots, will be a valuable addition to this public project. The parcels more than triple the size of open space available for Window on the Bay. A lengthy planning process will determine how best to use the property to meet community needs for recreation opportunities and public access. Keep an eye out for the public meeting schedule so that you can give your input to the City on what you’d like to see happen there!
• Another parcel is being added to Monterey Bay Park – 851 Del Monte, site of Vapor Sudden Service Cleaners.
  This long-standing (since 1926), locally owned and operated family business worked closely with the City to relocate out of the Window-on-the-Bay project area.
  The business has been approved by the City for relocation to 1193 10th Street, Monterey.

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History Stewards Work Together to Bring Past to Life Historic structures, resources and landmarks are scattered throughout our City. How do they relate to each other? How do the stories interconnect and make up the Monterey we know today?
Three organizations – the City, Monterey State Historic Park and Monterey History and Art Association – all work to answer these questions using our own resources.
However, plans are underway to identify ways we can all work more closely together and present Monterey’s history as one seamless account.
The group’s goals include

1. Improving how the public experiences Monterey’s history;
2. Improving the preservation of historical resources in the City;
3. Encouraging both residents and visitors to enjoy learning about this City’s history.

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Rev 02/19/08 L. Huelga http://www.monterey.org/focus/summer00/features.html