City of Monterey Government News

Increasingly, the housing crisis has become a major political issue in California, and nowhere is that more true than the city of Monterey, where about two-thirds of the residents are renters and where the economy is driven by the hospitality industry, which is staffed by employees that often travel from afar to get to work.

David Schmalz here. Just over three years ago in this newsletter, I offered a defense for the much-maligned bike path running down the center of North Fremont Street in Monterey, aka the Bike Lane to Nowhere.

David Schmalz here. Short-term rentals have long been a sticky subject locally, as opponents argue they hurt the fabric of the community and take vital housing units off the market, while its proponents broadly argue that a property owner should be able to use their property as they see fit, and besides, they create tax revenue for local jurisdictions.

It is a sight—and a smell, and a sound—to behold. Hundreds of sea lions have gathered in Monterey Bay, and when they're not swimming and hunting for fish, are resting on small beaches in the city of Monterey.

To say things got testy at a July 18 joint special meeting with the Monterey City Council and the Neighborhood Community Improvement Program Committee might be understating it.

The future of the Old Capitol Site is actively being dreamt about, as the City is going through a process to ask the public how they’d like to see the property utilized.

Dispensaries will soon open their doors in Monterey, following the city council’s May 21 decision to approve the permits for four cannabis retail stores.

Soon, Monterey One Water customers will no longer receive a bill in the mail every other month.

Usually, Monterey’s history is an asset, something to highlight, but in some cases, it’s complicated.

To combat the rising number of drug overdoses, the Monterey Police Department and Central Coast Overdose Prevention coalition have installed boxes at three areas in Monterey that dispense lifesaving medication known as Narcan.

On March 19, the Monterey City Council approved a pilot program to allocate $250,000 toward assisting renters with making payments for rent or deposits, or other associated housing costs.

Many key city facilities – a lot of them built in the 1950s – are either in need of replacement or complete overhaul, including the Library and Police and Fire headquarters.

Peter Coniglio described himself as a “Monterey guy,” and he was, with deep roots that run back to his Italian immigrant grandfather.

Over the past few months, Jennifer Robinson has fielded many questions regarding the anticipated opening date of the Tipsy Putt in Monterey. Some even wondered if the unique miniature golf pub would open at all.

Monterey Fire Chief Gaudenz Panholzer is retiring from the leadership position he’s held since 2013, the city announced. Less than two weeks ago, Monterey Firefighters Association Local 3707 shared that 87 percent of its members had voted “no confidence” in Panholzer’s leadership.

California State Parks, the Monterey Museum of Art and the city of Monterey are working together to bring a concept they call the Island of Adobes to downtown Monterey, turning the historic district into a hub for arts and culture.

On Nov. 7, 87 percent of the 71 members of the Monterey Firefighters Association Local 3707 took a vote of “no confidence” in Monterey Fire Chief Gaudenz Panholzer, the union announced.

By day, the derelict San Xavier Fish Reduction plant at 484 Cannery Row looks exactly like what it is: ruins of a bygone era when sardine fishing was king on the Monterey Peninsula.

The city councils of Monterey and Pacific Grove have each approved ordinances allowing retail cannabis in the past few weeks, with Monterey best poised to issue business licenses on a faster timeline than its neighbor. Monterey could begin reviewing cannabis…

The city councils of Monterey and Pacific Grove have each approved ordinances allowing retail cannabis, with Monterey best poised to issue business licenses on a faster timeline.