New Monterey City Council May Appoint Someone to Vacant Seat at December 6 Meeting

As a result of the November 8 elections, there is now a vacant at-large seat on the Monterey City Council that will exist for two more years and then phase out (to be replaced by a district seat). The deadline to submit an application for a possible city council appointment was noon on Monday, November 28. News media reports that more than 20 people obtained application paperwork from the Monterey City Clerk’s office, and the Clerk’s office reported yesterday that by the deadline more than a dozen people submitted an application and a nomination form with 20+ signatures of registered Monterey voters.

The names of the applicants will be released to the public on Friday, December 2 when the city council also receives the complete set of applications for consideration at their December 6 meeting. Chamber leadership only knows the identity of one candidate: our own Government Affairs Liaison since 2016, Kevin Dayton, who has been public about his intention and application. Read his application here.

Your Chamber would be interested in knowing if anyone else affiliated with our membership has applied for the vacancy. Also, if you are interested in applying for a vacancy on any local government boards and commissions, your Chamber can help you prepare an application. For example, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is still seeking a Business Representative for its Bond Oversight Committee. Contact Monica Lal at 831.648.5350 or monica@montereychamber.com with comments or questions.

Economic Vitality Plans for 2023

Your Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has ambitious plans for its Economic Vitality Committee in 2023. This is the committee where Chamber members can explore, plan, and launch initiatives (ideally in partnerships) to benefit members and sustain the Monterey Peninsula's economic and business environment. Part of exploring our region’s economic potential is knowing where we are and where we’re going.

For example, it is not true that the region’s growth is “out of control” - a claim we hear made on occasion at public meetings. Here are population statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and the California Department of Finance.

Another example: it’s not true that the number of Monterey County residents living unsheltered or in an official shelter is “skyrocketing” and people without a home “move here from other places to get services.” The best objective attempt to count the number of unsheltered people and people in shelters has shown improvement in the past several years. And about four-fifths of people in Monterey County without a home lived in Monterey County at the time they lost their permanent housing.

The Economic Vitality Committee will try when possible in 2023 to use data to explore, plan, and launch initiatives. And the committee will rebut or debunk claims that are not consistent with data.

RIBBON CUTTING: Massage Envy

Thursday, December 1 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

595 Munras Avenue, Suite 101, Monterey

MPCC and Massage Envy would like to invite you to view their recently opened brand new facilities. Enjoy refreshments, local wines, appetizers, and raffle giveaways!

24th Annual Golf Classic - "Day at the Hay" Presented by Premier Hyundai of Seaside

Thursday, December 8 | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

The Hay, Pebble Beach Resorts, Pebble Beach

$100 per Player

Enjoy an afternoon on the newly redesigned Peter Hay course, followed by a post-event awards reception. Two-person scramble, individual players allowed, open to the public. Different local businesses will host each hole, with prizes to the winners. Join us for a fun day on the course in support of MPCC!

Register Now > 

HOLIDAY MIXER: Oscar's Playground

Thursday, December 15 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Oscar's Playground | Cannery Row, Monterey

FREE

Please join us for the Oscar's Playground Grand Opening Holiday Mixer! Enjoy local wines from Cannery Row wineries, beer, seltzer, soda, sparkling and still water provided. Food and refreshments provided by local catering company, light snacks, charcuterie boards, and holiday faire. There will be raffle giveaways and Carolers onsite.

Register Now > 

Submissions for consideration need to be sent by Nov. 30, 2022. 

Recipients will be announced Dec. 17, 2022.

To be considered, please submit your application to: PR@CoastalRootsHospitality.com. Please include the following information:

• Name of non-profit
• Contact name, email and phone number
• Link to website and all social media used
• Mission Statement
• Statement as to why your organization should be considered and how you would use the funds. (Less than 300 words)