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3/11/2025 - 10:00 AM
MISSION: We seek to provide timely, informative updates on regional topics relevant to our members.
Recap:
COUNTY OF MONTEREY
CITY OF MONTEREY
- The Monterey City Council will soon hold a study session on economic development and discuss the possibility of creating and implementing a structured approach based on analysis and data
- Your Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce—an expert group on this matter—has been invited to play a leadership role in the development of a plan
- At its next meeting (on Tuesday, March 18), the Monterey City Council will discuss the following issues:
- A second reading of an ordinance that would restrict camping in public areas such as parks, beaches, and open spaces. This ordinance is based on a 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision (Johnson v. Grants Pass) that clarifies the authority of municipal governments to prohibit camping on public property. The City of Monterey is trying to respect human rights and remain sensitive to the realities of life for people without a home, while also working to ensure health and safety for the community and offering people alternatives to camping and sleeping on public property. There has been strong local support for laws that restrict outdoor camping.
- Expanding coverage of the City of Monterey Rental Property Inventory Program as of July 1, 2025 to cover all rental properties (including owners of 1 to 3 units). The City of Monterey believes that small landlords may comprise 20%-25% of the rental market and officials want to record their status and their data. With complete data on rental properties, the city council can make more informed decisions on what policies it wants to change or add to ensure renters can remain in their homes
- Plans for putting utilities underground in various neighborhoods. The City of Monterey expects $2 million from the Neighborhood Community Improvement Program (NCIP) for this kind of project, but it needs to establish staff resources and a plan
- An agreement with the Pecos League of Professional Baseball Clubs regarding a baseball team based in Monterey to pay at Frank E. Sollecito Jr. Ballpark
- The Pecos League is independent of the minor league system affiliated with Major League Baseball. There was a Pecos League team called the Monterey Amberjacks that was based in the City of Monterey from 2017 through 2023
- Continued deliberation on the lease arrangement between the City of Monterey and the Presidio of Monterey for the Lower Presidio Park, which is open to the public
- CalFire has published new maps of Fire Hazard Severity Zones that include land in the City of Monterey. After analysis, the City of Monterey will issue a media release.
HOSPITALITY
- The See Monterey President and CEO has just returned from the Visit California tourism industry conference, where hospitality leaders discussed economic uncertainty and the future of international tourism
- A Denver-based magazine promoted last-minute travel to Monterey (It’s Not Too Late to Book the Perfect Spring Break Trip for You) and noted direct flights from Denver to Monterey Regional airport
- See Monterey has a project to promote Big Sur to Scandinavian tour operators.
UTILITIES
- Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) had a booth at the Wildfire Ready Monterey Town Hall held on Thursday, February 27. The booth included explanations of Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS), which shut down transmission lines immediately when falling tree branches, animal interactions, and other incidents occur that could start a wildfire
- Monterey County is not part of the PG&E 10,000-mile undergrounding program established in 2021, but perhaps this will change with the release of new maps for Fire Hazard Severity Zones
- The two Vistra Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility battery energy storage systems (BESS) located outdoors (the 100 megawatt Moss Landing Phase II Moss100 and the 350 megawatt Phase III MOSS350) battery storage system have been offline and not storing power since the fire at the indoor Vistra 300 megawatt Phase I (MOSS300) battery storage system
- The 182.5 megawatt Elkhorn Battery Storage System operated by PG&E with Tesla is also offline and will remain offline until further notice
- PG&E is working with Monterey One Water (M1W) on getting approval for discharge of stormwater, which is now stored in tanks on site
AIRPORT
- At their meeting on Monday, March 10, your Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee received a report from a Monterey Regional Airport official about the status of the multi-phase MRY Metamorphosis safety enhancement construction program
- The Airport board has selected a Construction Manager-as-Constructor for the next phase, a replacement terminal estimated to cost $88 million
- The Airport continues its effort to bring federal Customs personnel on site to process international travelers and imported goods
MPCC
- Sponsorship opportunities for the Annual Awards Dinner are now available — from event sponsorship to silent auction donations and program ads, there's something to fit every business and budget! Increase your visibility by sponsoring this special event. View Sponsorship Form
Next teleconference will be held Tuesday, 3/25/2025 at 10:00 AM.
If you are interested in participating on the teleconference or being added to the list, please contact monica@montereychamber.com. Your feedback is welcome.
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RIBBON CUTTING: Breakthrough Men's Community
Tuesday, March 11| 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
248 Pearl Street, Monterey
Join as Breakthrough Men's Community celebrates 38 years of service. View their new office space and learn about their 2025 curriculum and workshop series.
Register Now >>
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RIBBON CUTTING: Wellspring Psychological Services, Inc.
Thursday, March 13| 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
9829 Blue Larkspur Lane, Suite 2, Monterey
Please join us in celebrating Wellspring Psychological Service's 10-year milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Enjoy lite bites and refreshments, tour the facilities and meet the team.
Register Now >>
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Annual Awards Dinner presented by Monterey County Bank
Saturday, March 29| 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey
The Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will honor several distinguished citizens and one yet to be named business at the 116th Annual Awards Dinner. This elegant annual event provides excellent exposure to a wide array of business, elected and community leaders while recognizing the contribution of individuals who have made a lasting impact to our region. This signature event is expected to sell out.
Register Now >>
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In Celebration of:
2024 Citizen of the Year
Jeff Davi
The Monterey Peninsula Home Team
and A.G. Davi, Ltd.
2024 Community Impact Award
Sandra Button
Chairman, Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
2024 Ruth Vreeland Memorial
Public Official of the Year
Mary Ann Carbone
Mayor City of Sand City
2024 Robert C. Littlefield Award
for Lifetime Achievement
Shawn Adams
Owner, Monterey Signs
Business of the Year Award
To Be Announced During The Event
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Volunteers Sought for the 15th Annual Whalefest Monterey
Community volunteers are invited to participate in the 15th Annual Whalefest on April 12 and 13, 2025 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. This free family-friendly event will be held at and around Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the Custom House Plaza - Monterey State Historic Park. The always fascinating Symposium with world-renowned marine experts will be held in the nearby theatre at the Monterey History & Art Stanton Center, 5 Custom House Plaza.
There’s something for every volunteer ages 18 and older! From arts and crafts to marine mammal costume ambassadors, merchandise booths to survey teams – there’s no shortage of fun ways to contribute to the event.
Whether volunteering solo, with friends, or as a group, this is a fantastic way to get involved, give back, and make some unforgettable memories!
Volunteers will enjoy:
- Hands-on experience helping out at a beloved community event
- Fun roles like arts & crafts, photo ops with costumes, and more!
- Lunch vouchers for those who volunteer for 4 or more hours
Sign up at https://signup.zone/whalefest-monterey
For more information about Whalefest Monterey, go to www.whalefest.org.
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It’s about to be on! Don't miss Monterey Bay F.C.'s electric home opener against Oakland Roots this Saturday!
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SBDC Central Coast is accepting Exhibitor Applications for the first-ever SBDC Day Business Expo, hosted in collaboration with the City of Soledad! Showcase your business, connect with local entrepreneurs, and be part of a one-of-a-kind event celebrating small business success!
Important: Completing and submitting this application does not guarantee your registration or participation in the event. Our team will reach out to confirm your participation. Applications are DUE March 12th by 5:00 PM PST.
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Please forward this e-blast to your colleagues, customers, clients, friends, family and fellow community members!
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