City of Monterey Focus In The News

In the News

Council to Consider Environmental Impacts of Modified Public Service Center
Background
During the past couple of years, we have evaluated plans to build a one-stop Public Service Center to consolidate related City services. Many of our offices are located in crowded, dilapidated bungalows scattered around the community.
An upgraded Civic Center would improve customer service levels and staff coordination.
In summer 2002, a conceptual design for a two-story building proposed for the corner of Madison and Van Buren streets was approved. Additional community input and changes in the economy led to a re-evaluation of the project.
In fall 2003, a modified, scaled-down design was approved. This new proposal reduces the building size by 25% and decreases costs by some 20% and proposes two separate structures. It also retains more Cypress trees and allows for more parking. In late spring 2004, a report on how the modified project will affect the surrounding neighborhood was distributed for public review.

Community feedback has been gathered on the modified design and neighborhood impacts of the proposed Public Service Center.
This spring the draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) became available for public review, and we are now preparing responses to the issues that were generated.
Depending on the number of public comments on the draft EIR (at press time, the review period was still open), a final report is scheduled to be ready in July.
The Final EIR will go before various boards and commissions for public review, and the City Council is expected to consider the document in August.

For more info, visit the City online at www.monterey.org/civiccenter.

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Community Welcomes New Library Director
The journey from book shelver to library director is a dream come true for Kim Bui-Burton.
“I have been a library supporter for over 30 years,” says Bui-Burton, newly appointed Monterey Public Library Director, “and this is the fulfillment of my dream job.”
Bui-Burton first worked as a book shelver with the Library during her student days at Monterey High School. She also worked in Youth Services as a library assistant in the early 1990s before leaving to complete her master of library and information science degree. Bui-Burton returned to the City as the readers services manager in 1998. Kim Bui-Burton was appointed in April to the position of library director, replacing Paula Simpson, who left the City in March to manage library services in the City of Palo Alto.

Meet your new library director. Join Kim Bui-Burton for coffee at the Library on Sun., July 25 at 2 p.m. or Mon., July 26 at 7 p.m. She wants to hear your ideas about library service!

ON EDUCATION -
Cooperative Efforts Support Schools Within Legal Limits
Background
Education is key to a healthy, vital community. To that end, the City has supported the Monterey Peninsula School District (MPUSD) in a variety of ways throughout the years.
MPUSD serves the cities of Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Sand City and Seaside, as well as portions of Monterey County. It is a separate organization governed
by a voter-elected board.
The City is committed to the success of our youth and MPUSD. However, it is inappropriate, and illegal, to simply bail the District out of its fiscal crisis.

Monterey has invested more than $875,000 in developing partnerships with MPUSD. These resources have improved campuses for shared community use; helped maintain athletic fields; granted use of City athletic facilities for no charge; and installed a fiber optic institutional network that will save MPUSD hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment and telecommunications costs.
In addition, the City funds services, including afterschool programs at school sites (pictured above); Monterey Public Library programs geared for school-age children; as well as the Homework Pals, Youth Diversion and School Resource Officer activities. Library cards are also provided free to nonresident students and teachers through a City/MPUSD contract.
Process for school district restructuring Community discussions continue on the potential reorganization of MPUSD. If pursued, any proposed changes would involve an extensive, lengthy process – analysis, environmental review, public hearings and an election.
At this juncture, it would not be appropriate for the City to become involved in an active discussion to reorganize MPUSD. However, to help address community questions, we hosted a town hall meeting in late spring (cablecast on Ch. 25) with Monterey County Office of Education administration staff.
Collaborations among the City, MPUSD and others are ongoing in order to ensure the highest quality education opportunities for our youth.

For more details, call the City Manager’s Office at 646.3760 (cohn@ci.monterey.ca.us).

PROJECTS UPDATES -
Commercial Construction Projects Bring Car Dealership, New Gas Station
Background

Former Tynan Lumber site on corner of Franklin Street and Camino El Estero – An Infiniti car dealership has been approved for development on this property and is scheduled to be completed later this year.
During design review, we paid special attention to the side of the project that faces Lake El Estero to ensure that it fits in appropriately with the area’s existing ambience. Look for construction there this summer.
The City considered purchasing the land for affordable housing, however, there were not enough water credits assigned to the site to move forward. As a result, it was sold for commercial use.
Cypress Center on North Fremont at Casanova Avenue –
The 24-hour Chevron gas station with mini-mart and new two-story office/retail building are going in on North Fremont. This project, which sits between the existing Safeway and Ralph’s grocery stores, has received design approvals for this portion of the development. Construction is underway and is scheduled to be completed in early 2005. A restaurant, subject to design approval, is also scheduled to be built on the property; however, a specific restaurant has not yet been selected.

For more info on any of these or other planning projects, check with the Planning Division at 646.3885 or send an email fell@ci.monterey.ca.us.

Water Allocations Dry, Waiting Lists Available
Currently, there is no water available for new development or remodels. However, if your project requires more water, it can still be submitted and go through the review process for consideration and possible placement on the City’s water waiting list.
Due to the lack of water, we maintain three water waiting lists for construction projects. The following categories have been established: 1) new residential; 2) residential remodel; and
3) commercial/industrial. The waiting list is set on a first-come first-serve basis.

The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) does allow single-family residences on single parcels to have two full baths. If you are remodeling and adding
a second full bath, you won’t necessarily need to be put on the City’s waiting list to secure extra water credits before applying for a water permit with MPWMD.
MPWMD is also considering accepting certain “water credits” that may result in some water coming to the City in the future. Stay tuned to the Web and future City Focus issues for updates.

For more info, visit www.monterey.org/commdevelop or call the Planning Division at 646.3885 (rerig@ci.monterey.ca.us).

General Plan Update Nears Final Review Stages
Background
Monterey’s General Plan, which guides growth and development within the City limits, has been undergoing review for the past couple of years and an updated plan has been crafted.
The various goals, policies and programs address housing, transportation, social and economic issues, public facilities and land use planning.
A report analyzing how the updates and proposals will affect the general community was developed and circulated for public review this past spring.
Public comments on the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) have been collected and responses have been drafted. The EIR was scheduled to be completed in June. The General Plan goes through a major revision about every 20 years.

Update of the General Plan is almost complete and the draft planning strategy is scheduled to be considered by the City Council later this summer.
A number of key policies and programs are outlined in the updated proposal. Among them are “mixed-use neighborhoods” slated for major commercial areas. The plan is to concentrate Monterey’s future residential growth in these business districts, in combination with commercial development to avoid significant impacts to neighborhoods. An example of this type of mixed-use housing project can be found at the corner of Prescott and Lighthouse avenues, on the former Dream Theater site (pictured above). Other significant policies in the plan address water issues and transportation in the mixed-use areas.

Visit www.monterey.org/boards for meeting info and other updates or call 646.3885 (fell@ci.monterey.ca.us).

Traffic Upgrades Proposed for Highway 68, Ragsdale
Access in and out of Ryan Ranch Business Park will be smoother and safer thanks to the new traffic signal and lane expansion scheduled for Ragsdale Drive and Highway 68.
A dedicated left-turn signal would ease ingress, and a right-turn signal would assist with egress.
Highway 68 would be expanded to two lanes in each direction from Ragsdale Drive through the intersection at Canyon Del Rey. Telephone lines will also be placed underground to make the corridor more scenic.
Construction on the project is scheduled to begin once property transfers are complete and utility lines are relocated.

For traffic updates, visit www.monterey.org/traffic.

Pals Devote Time to Homework Help
It’s 2:30 p.m. and kids are pulling out their books at afterschool programs in elementary schools and recreation centers all around the City.
It’s time to do homework and Homework Pals are ready to help.
Homework Pals are volunteers who listen to children and give them undivided attention. Pals strive to understand student questions and find ways to answer them.
“One of the most important things Pals do is help kids tackle homework that sometimes seems overwhelming at the end of the day,” says Homework Pal Leona Smith, a four-year veteran. “We can help children know they can find answers on their own.”
Rookie Pal Harvey Brodsky found that his first year was very rewarding.
“This work enriches my life and puts it in perspective. It shows me what’s really important.
And it’s fun.”
Pals are community members who care about children and work to help them succeed in school. To become a Homework Pal and volunteer two hours a week during the school year, call Homework Pals Coord. Dina Stansbury at 646.5604 or send an email to stansbur@ci.monterey.ca.us. The next Homework Pals’ orientation is scheduled for August.
For additional volunteer opportunities, see article below.

Get Them While They're Hot - Volunteer Positions

Born to Read – Assist children’s librarians with storytimes twice each month as part of the Monterey Public Library’s Born to Read program. Participants must enjoy parents, babies and believe reading aloud to infants is important!
July 4 Parade – Support the City’s annual July 4 parade through traffic control or parade promotion.
July 5 Beach Clean-up – Take part in transforming Monterey Beach after the “party” and restoring it to its natural state.
Parks and Gardens – Maintain flowers and foliage (pictured) around the City on Tuesday mornings. Join the VIPs, aka Volunteers in Parks.
Law Library – Help update and organize legal documents in the City Attorney’s Office.

To learn more or to volunteer, visit www.monterey.org/volunteer or call the City’s Community Resources Coordinator Tish Sammon at 646.3719 (sammon@ci.monterey.ca.us ).

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ABOUT YOUTH...
Student Volunteers Care for Local Creek
Some of the youngest City volunteers are doing their part to protect the marine environment!
For almost a year, a dedicated group of 24 fourth graders has been monitoring the water quality of their local stream, which the students have named “Dolphin Brook.”
Twice a month the class from the International School of Monterey measures pH, air and water temperature, turbidity and dissolved oxygen; makes visual observations of the creek; and picks up trash and records the data. The collected info is then discussed with the
entire class.
Dolphin Brook flows into the City’s storm drain system and from there into Monterey Bay. By collecting data upstream, these young volunteers are
making a valuable contribution to help us learn more about the health of the watershed.
Urban runoff is one of the leading sources of coastal water pollution. When rainwater flows over streets and into the storm drains, it often carries debris and pollutants into our local creeks and storm drains, which lead to the Bay. Storm drains are not connected to sewage treatment plants. These pollutants can include motor oil, antifreeze, paints, fertilizers, pesticides, pet waste, detergents and trash.

For more info on urban runoff and storm drain pollution, see page 10 or call the City’s Stormwater Program Coordinator Jennifer Gonzalez at 646.3920 (jgonzale@ci.monterey.ca.us).

Fire Sprinklers Required for all New Construction
Automatic fire sprinklers must now be installed in all new buildings and some remodels within the City limits.
The new law, adopted this spring, is designed to help keep our community more fire safe.
A sprinkler system must be included during a remodel when additions, alterations or repairs over a one-year period entail the removal or replacement of 50% or more of the linear length of existing walls (interior plus exterior). However, an automatic sprinkler system is not required when a house is less than 1500 square feet, and the changes do not increase the total square footage of the home to more than 1500 square feet or add a second story onto the building.

For more info about the new fire sprinkler law, call the Monterey Fire Dept. at 646.3900 (rodewald@ci.monterey.ca.us).

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Launch Ramp More User Friendly
Expansion of the Landfill Launch Ramp near San Carlos Beach Park marches forward.
The project includes removing the center boarding float and then building two much longer staging floats on both sides of the ramp.
This will substantially increase the waiting area for boats, creating a place where vessels can be tied while users retrieve trailers or other provisions.
In the project’s second phase, a very long wheelchair accessible ramp will be constructed. The ramp will end at a very wide and stable float to make it easier for the physically challenged to board vessels. The project is scheduled for completion in summer 2004.
Future plans call for installing a lift device on the wide, stable float for picking up people in wheelchairs and placing them into certain types of vessels.

For more info, call the Harbor-master’s Office at 646.3950 (scheibla@ci.monterey.ca.us).

BODY & MIND
Take Small Steps
Quality of life. We enjoy living on the Peninsula because of our quality of life.
The challenge for many is to place our “quality of life” ahead of the other demands and challenges.
Take “Joe” for example. Joe has three kids and works two jobs. His wife also works, and between them, they earn enough to get by.
Joe used to be in great shape, playing sports, cycling and hiking; however he just doesn’t have the time anymore. Twenty years ago, Joe had a 30-inch waistline but now wears 40-plus comfortable fit jeans. Once Joe could bench press more than 300 lbs., but his chronically sore back prevents him from lifting much these days.
Joe has fallen victim to the lifestyle pattern that now affects many Americans. Poor diet, an overabundance of fast food or prepared food and physical inactivity have made obesity an epidemic.
Some 400,000 deaths in 2000, a 33% increase from 1990, were caused by poor diet and physical inactivity, according to a study released this spring by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov).
Within the next year, physical inactivity and poor nutrition could become the leading cause of death, surpassing tobacco. National medical spending on obesity each year is nearly $50 billion.
However, you can take small steps, now, to improve your “quality of life” and reverse the trends. Use the stairs instead of an elevator or take a walk instead of watching TV.
A new interactive Web site, hosted by the federal government, www.smallstep.gov, encourages Americans to make small activity and dietary changes
Some key strategies for success:

Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains – and control portion sizes.
Get physically active at least five times a week, for 30 minutes or more.
Avoid tobacco and illegal drugs and use alcohol moderately, if at all.

Like our friend “Joe,” we have to make the commitment to walk more, play with our kids more, exercise regularly and watch what we eat.
With all our daily commitments, we might not train like an athlete, but to preserve our quality of life, we must take the small steps.

The Monterey Sports Center features a staff of physical therapists, trainers and fitness professionals who can advise on training and exercise routines.

For more info, call the fitness department at 646.3495 or visit www.monterey.org/sportscenter .

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At the Library -
Coffee's Brewing at the Terrace Café
Now open, the Terrace Café at the Monterey Public Library. Enjoy coffee, juices and baked goods while overlooking the treetops of Hartnell Gulch.
You can read a new book or peruse your favorite magazine, and take in the view from the upstairs outdoor seating area. The 1000-square-foot space was refurbished with funds from the Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP).

For more info, call Library Special Services Coordinator Jeanne McCombs at 646.3949 (mccombs@ci.monterey.ca.us).

cable
Ch. 25

CITY TV

City Council Meetings:
LIVE first and third
Tuesdays, 4 and 7 p.m.
Re-cablecast
Thursdays, 4 and 7 p.m.

Eye on Monterey:
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 p.m.
Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m.

Monterey up to date:
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m.

Missed the LIVE City Council meeting on cable Ch. 25?
Catch rebroadcasts on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 and 7 p.m. between meetings. Or check out a VHS tape copy from the Monterey Public Library.

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