Local Governments Hold Virtual Community Meeting on Limited Coastal Trail Access in Construction Zone

As reported to you in the September 30, 2025 Chamber Connection, several construction projects are now happening adjacent to Highway 1 between Marina and Seaside, with more projects expected to start in 2026. Regrettably, simultaneous construction of the Ford Ord Dunes Campground Project and the SURF! Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project requires temporary closure of access to the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail between Reindollar Avenue and Palm Avenue in Marina and also the Beach Range Road Trail. For commuter and recreational bicyclists from the Monterey Peninsula and Salinas, these closures require rides on alternative routes that are more confusing, inconvenient, and dangerous.

A virtual meeting for the public was hosted on Monday, December 8 by City of Marina Mayor Bruce Delgado and Monterey County Supervisor Wendy Root Askew to explain what’s happening and take comments. Representatives of California State Parks, Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST), and Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) made presentations and/or answered questions. About 75 people participated in the meeting, with several posting multiple comments or complaints in the chat.

Supervisor Askew’s office will soon post the following on the Coastal Construction Information page of her website: (1) a video of the meeting, (2) slide presentations from the meeting, and (3) answers to questions from members of the public on the chat. Mayor Delgado is available to hear from the public via text at 831-277-7690 or email at bdelgado62@gmail.com. MST will post information on the SURF! BRT page of its website and encouraged people to contact MST about issues at 831-387-3500 or SURFinfo@mst.org.

Coastal trail users were encouraged to submit a comment at the Caltrans Customer Service Request website asking Caltrans to improve the pavement condition and safety of the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Also, it seemed that many participants had not seen an MST map of coastal trails that reflects current closures and alternative options. (See below.) A general Monterey County Bike Map (last updated in 2023) is posted on the TAMC website.

No Significant Changes Proposed for Chamber Government Affairs Goals in 2026

Your Chamber Government Affairs Committee met on Monday, December 8 to review 2025 committee goals and objectives and consider potential changes for 2026. It was noted that the committee continues to host relevant speakers at its monthly meetings and provides an important forum for members to know the details of public policy, especially at the local and regional levels of government.

For goals, the five top issues recommended by the committee to the Board of Directors remain the same as in 2025 (and in most years going back to the mid-2010s):

1. Ensuring a Long-Term Sustainable Water Supply

2. Housing Affordability for Local Workforce - A Balanced Choice of Options

3. Quality of Life Issues

4. Transportation Improvements

5. Promoting Military Capabilities of Existing Bases

For objectives, one significant change was proposed: under “Quality of Life Issues,” the committee recommended adding “Monitor impending closure of the  Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS) campus.” Numerous Chamber members have expressed concerns that without strong relationships between City of Monterey leaders and MIIS officials in Vermont, the buildings on the campus in Downtown Monterey could remain empty for many years without a plan or community consensus and deteriorate over time. This is what happened to much of Fort Ord after it closed in 1994.

Wall Street Journal Reports on Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) Leadership on Offering Workforce Housing

See the article "California’s ‘Teacher Village’ Model Spreads as Housing Costs Soar" in the December 6, 2025 Wall Street Journal. "The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District purchased 64 apartments for $35 million to rent to staff at reduced rates, over 30% below market." If you do not have access to the article and want to read it, contact Monica Lal at (831) 648-5350 or at monica@montereychamber.com.

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Holiday Mixer: Deja Blue

Thursday, December 18| 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

510 Broadway Avenue, Seaside

Please join us for the Deja Blue Holiday Mixer! Come check out the newly renovated event space open to all. Enjoy food, festivities and great company.

Register Now >>

The Fish Hopper Turned Pink in October and Donated 50% of Its “Pink Menu” Proceeds — Raising $13,803 for the Breast Cancer Assistance Group of Monterey County

The Fish Hopper Restaurant proudly concluded its annual “Fish Hopper Turns Pink” campaign in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout October, the restaurant donated 50% of all proceeds from its special Pink Menu, resulting in a donation of $13,803 to the Breast Cancer Assistance Group of Monterey County (BCAG).

“We were honored to once again support BCAG this year,” said owner Sabu J.R. Shake. “Seeing our guests embrace the Pink Menu and knowing that together we raised over thirteen thousand dollars for local breast cancer patients means a tremendous amount to our family and our team.”



“This event has always been very personal for us,” added Nicholas Shake, who worked closely on the campaign. “Every year when the restaurant turns pink, we see how many people have been touched by breast cancer. We feel grateful that we can contribute to the outstanding work BCAG does for families right here in Monterey County.”

KSBW invites you to be a part of the cherished tradition of Share Your Holiday, returning for its 39th year on Friday, December 12. This heartwarming annual event brings the community together to support local Salvation Army chapters across the Central Coast, offering crucial assistance to our neighbors in need. Throughout the day, KSBW will inspire viewers to open their hearts by donating non-perishable food, unwrapped toys, and financial gifts. Your generosity will light up the holiday season for local families, providing necessities like food, clothing, rent assistance, and joyful toys for children in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties. Donations are welcome via drop-off locations, credit card, or online at KSBW.com.

Community groups and businesses are invited to collect donations in advance and drop them off on Friday, December 12, from noon to 8 p.m. at any of our locations. Capture your team in action with photos or short videos and email them to community@ksbw.com. Selected submissions may appear during our live broadcast, on KSBW.com, our social channels, and in future KSBW promotions.

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