Grizzly Bears Back in California

This California grizzly bear sculpture was unveiled this fall to mark the 150th anniversary of California’s admission to the Union on September 9, 1850.
Two cubs, also by sculptor Kris Swanson, have now joined their mother in front of Colton Hall.

Holiday Partnerships Community Tradition

Holiday lights illuminate Monterey’s historic past as City, State and community organizations present “Christmas in Monterey,” a series of citywide events.
For more than 16 years local organizations have joined together to provide a continuous series of holiday activities held early each December.

The Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall
• La Posada and the Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival
• An exhibit of artists’ miniatures at Monterey Museum of Art, thru Dec. 31
• Old Monterey Market Place, presented by The Old Monterey Business Association,every Tuesday
• Shop in downtown until 8 p.m. on Fridays in December
• Brighten the Harbor, the annual lighted boat parade
• Christmas in the Adobes, presented in cooperation with California State Parks and the Old Monterey Preservation Society

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At the Library

Sharing System Makes Sense for Library
A collaborative effort between the libraries in Monterey and Pacific Grove some six years ago integrated records for the holdings and customer records of both organizations.
By entering into the unprecedented agreement to share the costs of purchasing a computerized library cataloging system, Monterey was able to share and, in turn, reduce the costs to purchase and maintain a much-needed new computer system. The P.G. Library was able to computerize their own system for the first time.
The agreement included a contract to provide library services for residents of both cities, which greatly increased the selection of materials available to all customers.
As a result, when you search the Library’s catalog you see the materials in both libraries’ collections. Library cards are valid at both sites. Staff members regularly cooperate on purchasing decisions and in filling holds. Both libraries agree on the lasting value of working for improved library services at lower costs. For info call Library Director Paula Simpson at 646-5601 (http://simpson@ci.monterey.%20ca.us/).

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New Resources to be Added to Library Catalog

The Library has received a grant to catalog the books in Monterey History & Art Association’s Mayo Hayes O’Donnell Library.
In the next year, Library staff with help from History & Art staff and volunteers will work to inventory the Mayo Hayes O’Donnell collection and record each book in the Library’s catalog. The catalog will be available in the Library and via the Internet at www.monterey.org/library
An element of the “Historic Monterey” project, this is another step in building a shared catalog of resources about the rich and diverse history of Monterey and the Peninsula.

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Neighborhood Reaps Rewards of Well-kept Yards

Beautiful, well-kept yards and gardens promote community pride and spirit in our historic neighborhoods, according to the Old Town Neighborhood Association (OTNA).
That’s why the group awards Home and Garden Award Certificates to residents who take the time to enrich their homes and, in turn, the neighborhood with flowers and greenery.
Over the past five years, residents from various parts of “the hill” have received visits from OTNA members who stop by to inspect the Sweet Alyssum, royal blue Bachelor Buttons and Verbena in purple, yellow and orange. Some of those were found in Steve and Christa Allen’s garden on Bowen Street – one of the summer 2000 award winners (see photo above). Awards are presented to two residents each spring and summer.
“Many hours are spent caring for all of the well-loved flowering plants in our neighborhood,” says OTNA President Mary Ann Finocchi. “The board felt that an expression of appreciation should be shown for the efforts of the Old Town residents who maintain their property and gardens.”
At the Allen home, “the garden is a veritable potpourri mix of many plants,” according to the OTNA newsletter.
For more info on this program, call OTNA President Mary Ann Finocchi at 649-0141.

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Maintenance Shared for State Beaches and Custom House Plaza.

Thanks to cooperative efforts, residents and visitors can enjoy beautiful, well-maintained beaches, parks and historic facilities owned and operated by other agencies within the city limits.
We worked with California Department of Parks & Recreation on the renovation of the Custom House Plaza and Causeway as well as the Lower Presidio Historic Park Museum, soon to be reopened on the Presidio of Monterey.
Currently we are working together on the Casa Del Oro Garden at the corner of Pacific and Scott streets. State Parks has also been a partner in the Window-on-the-Bay project.
We also work with the State on maintenance of their many facilities, allowing the State to keep historic properties in good condition while utilizing trained City staff.
In addition, the City maintains the State Beach area adjacent to Window on the Bay, and last year, State Parks began paying us to maintain the Custom House Plaza and Causeway areas.
For more info, call the City’s Parks Division at 646-3860 (stafford@ci.monterey.ca.us).

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New City Team Tackles Challenges

A new citywide problem-solving team was recently formed to deal with community issues that involve many City departments.
The team is composed of city employees from across the spectrum – public works, building safety, code enforcement, recreation, fire, housing, planning, volunteer services, traffic, community education/outreach and police.
The team will work together with members of the community to solve long-term issues. The group is currently focusing on the changing needs in the North Fremont business and residential community. Neighborhood maintenance and community revitalization are two of the concerns being addressed.
For more info on the team, call Lt. Fred Hardee at 646-3965 (http://hardee@ci.monterey.ca.us/)

Survey Update

Nearly 700 individuals and families responded to our Citizen Survey distributed in September.
Community members rated City appearance and services and told us what they thought about traffic, parking, safety issues and broadcasting City Council meetings on local cable TV.
Thank you for your input. Your responses are currently being tabulated and will be summarized in upcoming editions of the City Focus

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Rev. 02/19/08 L. Huelga  http://www.monterey.org/focus/winter00_01/citybriefs.html