Trends in percentage of average or better ratings have remained steady and respondents continue to be very satisfied with City services, the exception being City street conditions—a drop of 12 points since 1998. City park maintenance (98% favorable), beach maintenance (95%), medians, greenbelts, and street trees (94%), and the Cleanliness of the City as a whole (94%) have very high ratings.

Sample Comments:

• "Too many dogs allowed to wander off-leash. Leash laws should be enforced."
• "Bury the utilities in Monterey (like Seaside)."
• "Please reconsider the ‘No dogs’ for Roberts Lake. It’s a great place for walking dogs on leashes."
• "We commend you on the excellent upkeep at Via Paraiso Park – it is always beautiful. Good idea to expand the hard-court area."
• "After Farmers’ Market the sidewalks and street are dirty. Sidewalks downtown need cleaning."
• "The tunnel looks like it is collapsing. It should be cleaned, the inside and checked out."

The City Focus newsletter and keeping you informed about City services, events and issues were rated highly, as are efforts to preserve parks/open space and historic resources. Coding/zoning regulation enforcement has declined from 85% average or better in 1998 and 2000 to 78% in 2002 – a seven-point drop, though fewer people responded to this item. Fewer people also rated two new items – the City’s Web site and City TV programs, and the ratings were favorable. Showing modest declines were Opportunities to participate in the City decision-making process and Considers/listens to citizen comments/input.

Sample Comments:

• "City Focus is great."
• "No zoning or codes enforced re: signs, banners, etc. on No. Fremont St."
• "I’m very unhappy about what the city has done with Cannery Row."
• "The Web site is amazing and wonderful."
• "Planning Department is no longer objective or listening to the residents."
• "Love Window on the Bay."