New Police Chief Sworn-In
Monterey Police veteran Tim Shelby was sworn-in as Chief of the Monterey Police Department during a ceremony at the Maritime Museum on July 9.  Shelby, a Deputy Chief since 1998, is the first Monterey Police Officer to come up through the ranks and be named Chief in several decades.
   Chief Shelby is a 28-year veteran of the Monterey Police Department with more than 10 years experience in police management and administration. He joined the Monterey Police Department as a Patrol Officer in 1979. Learn more about Chief Shelby and the Monterey Police Department.

Fire Consolidation Study Issued
A feasibility study on consolidation of the Monterey, Pacific Grove and Carmel fire departments found that the three cities could provide more cost effective fire services by merging operations. The study found that the cities would save $1.3 million by sharing a Fire Chief, Command Staff and administrative support. Each city would retain its current fire stations and firefighting staff.
   A joint meeting of the Monterey, Pacific Grove and Carmel City Councils and Fire Chiefs reviewed the fire consolidation feasibility study at a special meeting on June 18, 2007. Staffs from the three cities will continue to work with key stakeholders to evaluate the report findings and develop recommendations for future consideration by the respective councils.  Fire Consolidation Feasibility Study - Final Report | View Video of Meeting

City Council Sets Vision & Priorities
The City Council established its vision for the future of Monterey during a series of meetings from March through June 2007. The vision shaped the Council's newly adopted strategic initiatives. Those strategic initiatives are the Council's short- and long-term priorities. Council Vision.

Council Adopts Budget for 2007-2008
The Monterey City Council adopted a $94.8 million operating budget for the 2007-08 fiscal year during its mid-June meeting. The budget balances pay raises for police, fire and some city staff with increased funding for infrastructure improvements. For an in-depth look at the budget, check monterey.org/budget in late July.

Affordable Condos for Sale
Condominiums with affordable price tags are available for purchase by anyone who lives or works in Monterey. The condos are located in recently renovated conversion projects at 116 Mar Vista, 1330 Skyline Drive, 300 Glenwood Circle, 820 Casanova Avenue and 585 Laine Street. View Video on Affordable Condos.

Body & Mind - Enjoying the Sun
by Monterey Sports Center Fitness Manager William F. Rothschild

More than 1 million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States every year. Most of these cases are related to over-exposure to the sun.
   Melanoma, considered the most serious type of skin cancer, accounted for more than 62,000 cases of skin cancer in 2006 and most of the over 10,000 deaths due to skin cancer each year, according to information from the American Cancer Society.
   Fortunately, early detection and treatment for skin
cancer is highly successful. Understanding what to look for is important to determining the need to seek further treatment and diagnosis. When looking at moles, brown spots and growths, these are the signs that can signal skin cancer:
   1)  Asymmetry: If you draw a line through a mole, the two halves don’t match.
   2)  Border: The borders of an early melanoma tend to be uneven. The edges may be scalloped or notched.
   3)  Color: Having a variety of colors is another warning sign. A number of different shades of brown, tan or black could appear. A melanoma may also become red, blue or some other color.
   4)  Diameter:  Melanomas are usually larger in diameter than the size of the eraser on your pencil (1/4 inch or 6 mm), but they may sometimes be smaller when first detected.
   5)  Evolving:  Any change in size, shape, color, elevation or other trait, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting points to danger.
   In addition to the risk of cancer, sun exposure causes signs of premature aging, including wrinkling, sagging, brown spots and discoloration.
   Dermatologists recommend that all outdoor enthusiasts use a lotion that is SPF 30 or higher. Parents should ensure that the children and infants are protected with a high SPF lotion appropriate for children. Some experts recommend no less than two coats of sunscreen before heading outdoors. Kids who are reluctant to using sunscreen may be okay with trying a spray-on sunscreen.
   Look for lotions with Helioplex which protects against both UVA and UVB rays and sunscreens with avobenzone and oxybenzone. Another recommended product are lotions containing Mexoryl SX which is an FDA-approved organic filter designed to protect against short UVA rays with high photostability, meaning it lasts longer.
   Ask your dermatologist about free cancer screenings which are being offered throughout the country this summer.

Trash Talk – Vacation Reminder!
 by Solid Waste Program Manager Angela Brantley

Volunteers Plant Pines in Veterans Park

by Volunteer Leslie Ricketts

Vacation Safety
by Monterey Police Public Education Officer Eric Stidham

Festive 4th, 2007! - for current July 4th information, go to www.monterey.org/four
An estimated 50,000 people attended 4th of July festivities in Monterey this year. From the parade downtown to the concert on the lawn and fireworks over Del Monte Beach, here's just a glimpse of the fun! View Video

Monterey's July 4th celebration is coordinated by the City's Recreation & Community Services Department with help and support from Police, Fire, Parks, Harbor, Building Maintenance, Parking, Streets, Traffic and Museum staff.

Many City staff worked long hours to ensure that everything ran smoothly.

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