Serve Your Community as Business Representative on the Monterey Peninsula College Citizens Bond Oversight Committee

The public’s role in Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) construction projects did not end when voters in November 2020 authorized the college via Measure Q to borrow $230 million from bond investors to fund those projects. As required by state law, an MPC citizens bond oversight committee ensures MPC spends the borrowed money according to voter intentions. This committee meets quarterly on Mondays from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm to review and discuss expenditures.

Currently there is a vacancy for the committee position reserved for a BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE (and also a student representative). Contact Monica Lal at (831) 648-5350 or at monica@montereychamber.com, or apply directly for the position at this link: Monterey Peninsula Community College District Application for Independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee.

State of California Offers Assistance for First-Time Home Buyers

On April 3, 2024, the State of California began its application period for the "Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan." This is a down-payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers to be used in conjunction with the Dream For All Conventional first mortgage for down-payment and/or closing costs. Upon sale or transfer of the home, the homebuyer repays the original down-payment loan, plus a share of the appreciation in the value of the home. If you have an employee or colleague who is looking at buying a first home in the area, go to this link for more information: California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 29, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

California Coastal Commission Considers Appeal of Pacific Grove City Council Approval of Hotel at American Tin Cannery Site

On April 11, 2024, the California Coastal Commission will consider arguments that the Pacific Grove City Council did not adequately consider environmental impact when it approved a hotel for the American Tin Cannery site, near the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The Pacific Grove City Council approved the hotel more than two years ago - on January 12, 2022. This costly delay shows why it’s difficult to build anything on the Monterey Peninsula.

Your Chamber of Commerce supports this project. As usual, opponents cite insufficient water supply (now and in the future) as a reason to stop the project. Those objections are a warning to businesses: popular claims that the Pure Water Monterey program will provide enough water for future "needs" of the Monterey Peninsula are based on a presumption that needs do NOT include this kind of economic development. For documentation on this item (including public correspondence), go to the meeting website, choose the April 11 tab, and go to Item 15b - Appeal No. A-3-PGR-22-0004 (American Tin Cannery Hotel and Commercial Project, Pacific Grove). If you would like to comment on this item, contact Monica Lal at (831) 648-5350 or at monica@montereychamber.com.

Marina Planning Commission Considers Approval of Permits for SURF! Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project

Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) continues diligently to acquire the permits necessary to build a dedicated bus lane adjacent to Highway 1 between Marina and Seaside. The intent is to relieve congestion on Highway 1, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage development of multi-unit density housing near transit centers such as the Marina Transit Exchange. Your Chamber of Commerce supports the project, but opponents with numerous motivations have pecked away at it for years in an attempt to stop it. On April 11, the Marina Planning Commission will consider approval of permits for the project. See the meeting agenda item 8A at Marina Planning Commission - April 11, 2024 meeting. If you would like to comment on this item, contact Monica Lal at (831) 648-5350 or at monica@montereychamber.com.

Update: Big Sur Rocky Creek Slide

Evacuation Warning Lifted for Big Sur South of Rocky Creek

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office has lifted the Evacuation Warning for areas of Big Sur south of the Highway 1 Rocky Creek Slip Out (Post Mile 60) to the Dolan Slide (Post Mile 29.5). 

A hazard advisory remains in place for Highway 1 at Rocky Creek, as repair work at the site continues to limit access in and out of Big Sur. Visitors are recommended to avoid the area. Daily Caltrans convoys may be suspended due to storms or changes in site safety. 

Residents are encouraged to maintain adequate supplies of medications and medical equipment to ensure preparedness in the event of future impacts to EMS transportation and access to hospitals and medical services beyond the slip out. Continue Monitoring local media, social media, and Alert Monterey County for updates. Call 9-1-1 if you have a life-threatening emergency.

New Daily Convoy Times — 7:00 AM & 5:00 PM

Daily convoys on Highway 1 through the Rocky Creek repair site, previously scheduled for 8 am and 4 pm, will move to a 7 am and 5 pm schedule starting Wednesday April 10. The new 7 am and 5 pm convoy hours were decided on after consultations with community stakeholders and in collaboration with the Monterey County Department of Emergency Management. 

Convoys are intended for the use of local residents and essential workers only. Limiting the volume of vehicles through the repair site is one strategy which is helping manage the risks associated with conditions at the slip out and with emergency response.

Support from Assemblymember Dawn Addis, 30th District

“This incident is yet, another example of the vulnerability our coastal communities face. Chairing the Central Coast Caucus, my colleagues and I remain steadfast in advocating for critical funding for coastal resiliency, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness. It is vital for California coastal communities to have the resources they need to meet the challenges of climate change head on. I strongly encourage individuals requiring state assistance to contact our office promptly. We remain fully accessible for any assistance required, including support with EDD for those affected by job loss," Assemblymember Dawn Addis, 30th District told MPCC.

For support or assistance from the District Office, please call (831) 649-2832 or email alexis.garcia-arrazola@asm.ca.gov or mauricio.arias@asm.ca.gov.

montereychamber.com

Quarterly Business Insights Breakfast: Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center Update

Friday, April 12| 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Monterey Conference Center, Monterey

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MIXER: ARCpoint Labs

Thursday, April 18 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

635 Sanborn Place, Suite 24, Salinas

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MIXER: KRML Radio at Alvarado Street Brewery

Thursday, April 25 | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Alvarado Street Brewery, Beer Garden, Monterey

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County of Monterey Transitioning to New Domain Name for Enhanced Security and Accessibility

The County of Monterey is pleased to announce a significant upgrade to their online presence with the transition to a new domain name, in compliance with Assembly Bill 1637 Local government. Effective Friday, April 12th, 2024, the County of Monterey’s public-facing websites will transition from the current domain name, https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/, to the new domain name, https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/.

The move to the “.gov” top-level domain name ensures heightened security measures, including enforced multifactor authentication, exclusive use of Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) connections, and streamlined processes for addressing potential security concerns. By adopting the “.gov” domain name, the County is reinforcing their dedication to protecting the integrity of online services and fostering trust with our community.

The transition process will be seamless for users. All existing web addresses under the old domain name will automatically redirect to their corresponding pages on the new domain name. Whether accessing departmental resources, public services, or informational content, constituents can expect uninterrupted access and enhanced security across all County of Monterey websites.

In addition to the domain name transition, efforts are underway to establish a shortened URL, further simplifying access to County of Monterey websites. This shortened URL will provide a convenient and memorable gateway to online resources.

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