City Briefs
Focus on Trees | Caring
Acts Seen 'Round Community
Parking Permits Sold on 12-Month Cycle |
Legal Beagle
FOCUS ON TREES -
Tree City USA, 23 Years and Counting
Monterey’s urban forest
contributes greatly to our quality of life. And because of our commitment
to maintaining the flora and fauna, we continue to be a
Tree City USA by exceeding the National Arbor Day Foundation
standards. To meet the Foundation
qualifications, a community must have a board or
department that oversees tree issues; a tree
ordinance; a comprehensive community forestry program; and an Arbor Day
observance. “Trees have long been recognized for
their beauty. At the same time, those trees conserve energy, help clean
the air, protect rivers and streams and provide a home for wildlife in our
towns and cities,” says John Rosenow, National Arbor Day Foundation
president.
Caring Acts Seen 'Round Community
Thanks for daring to care. People from
all around the Peninsula met the challenge this past spring as part of Community of Caring Monterey
Peninsula’s Dare to Care Day.
More than 2000 students, staff and teachers took
the time to care for their community.
Another 250 participants gave time on their own or as part of a business,
nonprofit or government agency.
Community members cleaned up parks and planted seedlings, foliage and
trees. Some created and shared cards with those in hospice care, and
others took flowers to seniors and donated children’s books.
Dare to Care Day was a chance for individuals and organizations to stand
up and be counted for making a difference around
the Peninsula. The event, produced in
collaboration with the City, was dedicated to
the memory of the late Councilmember Ruth Vreeland and her passion
for kids and community.
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Parking Permits Sold on
12-Month Cycle
Enhancements to the “two hours
free” resident parking program mean big value.
As of July 1, residents and active military personnel can purchase
resident parking permits that will be valid on a “rolling year” 12-month
basis. Previously permits were valid for a calendar year, January thru
December. Permits cost $10 and grant two hours
of free parking (per stay) in these key parking
facilities when an attendant is present:
- West Custom House Garage, 340 Tyler
Street
- The Waterfront Attendant Lot, adjacent
to
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Cannery Row Garage, Foam Street
- Cannery Row Lot #7, David Avenue between
Foam and Wave streets
For more info, call the Parking Office
at 646.3953 or visit
www.monterey.org/parking
LEGAL BEAGLE
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Access to Public Records, Protection of Personal Privacy Must be Weighed
The right of access to
information is a fundamental liberty. Along with the right
to know, there is a competing but equally important right to personal
privacy.
Government agencies often have access to material that, if disclosed,
could threaten reputations, careers and even lives.
The California Public Records Act attempts to balance these two divergent
interests. The act requires government agencies to release any and all
public information as requested with a few important exceptions. According
to the law, it is illegal to reveal certain items, including trade
secrets, personal financial data and home addresses of police officers.
In addition, it is unlawful to release records if the public interest is
best served by keeping the material private.
City public records requests should be submitted in writing to the City
Clerk’s Office.
The City Clerk maintains copies of all City ordinances, resolutions and
other records dating back to the City’s origins.
Community members can browse through files of interest and obtain copies
of documents for a nominal fee.
If there is a question as to the confidentiality of a particular document,
the request will be forwarded to the City Attorney’s Office for review.
For more info on the Public Records Act, call the City Attorney’s
Office at 646.3915 or send an email
conners@ci.monterey.ca.us
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