Salinas' first pooch park set to open next week

Salinas city administrators have converted an unused acre at Natividad Creek Park to welcome off-leash dogs and their owners starting Saturday, July 30, officials announced.

The City's Animal Services and Recreation and Community Services Division will hold a grand opening ceremony at 10 a.m.

Admission is free and open to the public for grand opening. Light refreshments will be served.

More information is available at 831-758-7306.

Salinas to present plan for a greener city

Salinas city officials will unveil their plans to create more green spaces on Monday, June 27 at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend event.

The Neighborhood Vibrancy-Urban Greening Plan was prepared for Creekbridge, Alisal and Maple/Monterey Park, which were chosen for their physical and cultural diversity.

"Great cities have great neighborhoods," Mayor Joe Gunter said in a statement. "Our intent is to make our neighborhoods great by making them more walkable, greener and safer. We want to create places that connect people with each other and with nature. More parks and street trees will help us achieve that."

The Greening Plans took two years to create. A twelve-member Plan Advisory Committee, comprised of local community groups and technical experts, worked to put it together utilizing community involvement.

The presentation will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, June 27 at the Salinas City Hall Rotunda, 200 Lincoln Av. For more information about the Neighborhood Vibrancy-Urban Greening Program, call Salinas City Hall at (831) 758-7450.

Two theaters back at it

ARIEL Theatrical's Karen Wilson Children's Theatre in Oldtown Salinas sustained water and electrical damage
from the Dick Bruhn fire in February. It has reopened after four months of repairs. (Courtesy of ARIEL)

Four months after the Dick Bruhn fire in Oldtown Salinas forced ARIEL Theatrical out of its home, the youth theater company is back where it belongs.

The Karen Wilson Children's Theatre, where ARIEL has been housed for the past 15 years, sustained water and electrical damage as firefighters worked to control the blaze at the former men’s clothing store next door on Feb. 13. In addition to structural work to repair the theater, thousands of costume pieces had to be professionally cleaned.

The first show back on the home stage is "Disney's 101 Dalmatians KIDS," with four showtimes this Friday and Saturday. See www.arieltheatrical.org for details.

The theater is not the only one back in commission. The Outdoor Forest Theater in Carmel has reopened after closing in April 2014 for renovations. The Forest Theater Guild's Films in the Forest series returned June 1, Pacific Repertory's School of Dramatic Arts program moves in for the summer on Monday, and the first play to return to the stage, "The Borrowers," opens June 23. More information at www.foresttheaterguild.org.

Police chiefs to retire in Monterey County's two largest cities

Seaside Police Chief Vicki Myers shown here at a news conference at the Monterey Police Station in 2015, announced she will retire in May 2017.  (Vern Fisher - Monterey Herald)

Seaside >> When Seaside Police Chief Vicki Myers announced Monday she will retire in May 2017, it meant the two largest cities in Monterey County will have new top cops in the next year.

Salinas Police Chief Kelly McMillin announced last month he plans on retiring in October. Pacific Grove and King City also have police chief openings. Myers said she spoke with McMillin while considering when to retire.

"We had different idle conversations and we jokingly have said, 'Police officers who don't retire when they can, it's because they're bad at math,' " Myers said. "We just talked about it and he said he was looking at (retirement) for different reasons and I know that he was going to meet with (the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training). He talked about it and the different things and opportunities; you just kind of talk about those things."

When he announced his retirement, McMillin explained it wouldn't make financial sense for him to continue in the position. Like Myers, he said he looks forward to being able to spend more time with family and friends.

Myers mentioned it was time to make way for a "new generation of leadership" in Seaside in a press release announcing her retirement. A majority of the police chief positions in Monterey County will have turned over in the past few years once she retires.

Monterey Police Chief Dave Hober took over as the permanent chief less than a year ago and Greenfield selected Adele Frese to head its police department in 2014. Brian Ferrante took over as Sand City chief in 2015, 

When Reuters spoke to the Police Executive Research Forum in December, the nonprofit group told the news organization that big city police chiefs last an average of 2.5 to 3.5 years on the job. Police chiefs of smaller cities last an average of just over four years. According to the 335 chiefs surveyed by PERF, their predecessors lasted slightly longer, from five to six years.

By the time Myers plans on retiring in May 2017, she will have been on the job 6.5 years. McMillin will have been chief for about 4.5 years when he retires.

The present and future of bicycling in Salinas, the topic of a panel discussion

“Bicycling in Salinas – Now and in the Future,” will be the topic of a discussion to take place at Destination Salinas, 222 Main Street in Oldtown Salinas at 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 19.

The panel will include Matthew Sundt of Velo Club Monterey and Eric Petersen of Pedali Alpini, Inc. The purpose of Velo Club Monterey is to foster and encourage bicycling activities and opportunities. Members regularly volunteer during Bike Month, Sea Otter Classic, bicycle rodeos, local group rides and centuries throughout the year. Matthew Sundt is president.

Pedali Alpini is one of the oldest and bicycle organizations in the United States. It promotes the annual Salinas Criterium bicycle race, as well as other activities during Bike Month. This year, Pedali Alpini celebrates its sixtieth anniversary.

Further information can be obtained here , or 831-442-8356.

State estimate shows Monterey County grew by 1 percent in 2015

The University Village Apartments in Marina was completed in 2014. Marina's population grew by 2.4 percent in 2015. Vern Fisher — Monterey Herald

Monterey >> According to provisional estimates from the California Department of Finance, Monterey County's population grew 1 percent in 2015 from 432,637 to 437,178.

Soledad's population grew by 3 percent, the largest growth rate in the county and one of the 16 highest growth rates in the state, going from 24,809 to 25,556. A news release from the Department of Finance explained Soledad was among the cities that experienced some of the largest proportional population gains in 2015 due to increases in local correctional facilities. The Salinas Valley State Prison is located in the city.

Greenfield's population grew at a similar rate to Soledad, expanding 2.9 percent from 16,947 to 17,446 in 2015. Marina's population expanded by 2.4 percent from 20,496 to 20,982.

The only city in Monterey County that saw its population shrink was Seaside, where the number dropped 0.3 percent from 34,185 to 34,071. Only 43 other municipalities in the state saw their population decline.

The city of Monterey saw minor population growth, increasing 0.1 percent from 28,576 to 28,610. Pacific Grove grew 0.7 percent from 15,251 to 15,352. Sand City's population grew a whopping five people, increasing 1.3 percent from 376 to 381. Carmel expanded 0.2 percent from 3,824 to 3,833. Del Rey Oaks added 11 people to grow 0.7 percent (1,655 to 1,666).

Salinas, the county seat and by far the largest city in the county, added about 1,500 people to increase its population 1 percent (159,486 to 161,042). Gonzales grew 0.7 percent from 8,411 to 8,473. King City's population grew 1.5 percent, going from 14,008 to 14,221.

The rest of the county expanded 0.9 percent from 104,613 to 105,545.

The state's population grew by 0.9 percent, adding 348,000 residents to the new total of 39,256,000. San Joaquin County grew the most (over 1.3 percent), followed by Yolo, Riverside, and Santa Clara counties, which all expanded by just under 1.3 percent. Los Angeles, the state's largest city, added more than 50,000 people to break the 4 million mark for the first time (4,031,000).

San Jose, with a population of 1,042,000, added more than 12,000 people, while San Francisco, with a population of 867,000, added more than 9,000 people in 2015.

The population estimates are produced annually by the Department of Finance for use by local areas to calculate their annual appropriations limit.

Fracking issue in Monterey County advances towards the November Ballot

James Herrera - Monterey Herald

An anti-fracking proponent speaks to a reporter as volunteers and supporters of the Protect Our Water initiative pose for a group photo after a press conference at a trail head to the Fort Ord National Monument in Salinas on Wednesday.

Salinas >> The group Protect Monterey County held a press conference Wednesday morning before delivering 16,108 signatures, more than double the amount needed to get the measure in front of voters in November, in support of an initiative to ban fracking and dangerous oil production practices in Monterey County.

The Protect Our Water: Ban Fracking and Limit Risky Oil Operations initiative:

• Bans fracking, acidizing, and other risky well stimulation treatments.

• Bans new, and phases out existing, wastewater injection wells and wastewater ponds. 80 percent of Monterey County’s wastewater injection wells are currently injecting contaminated water into protected aquifers, in violation of the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act. There are safer alternatives for disposing of wastewater from oil production. For example, San Ardo’s wastewater treatment facility can currently clean up to 1/3 of the oil field’s wastewater using reverse osmosis technology. Why not clean up the other 2/3 instead of injecting it into protected aquifers? Wastewater ponds are a well-known hazard for surface water, groundwater, and wildlife. These should be phased out.

• Bans new oil and gas wells within Monterey County. The easy-to-extract oil has been removed. Any new drilling would rely on high-risk methods, which endanger our water, health, and economy. 

The initiative does not prohibit Monterey County’s more than 1,500 existing oil and gas wells. They can continue to operate.

But a group called the Monterey County Citizens for Energy Independence opposes this initiative.  It says that Senate Bill 4, signed into law in 2013 by Governor Brown, created the most transparent and stringent environmental protections in the country for well stimulation.

According to the Energy Independence website, Senate Bill 4 requires:

• An independent, science-based study of fracking

• The development of a comprehensive EIR

• A mandatory public disclosure of all chemicals used

• Well integrity testing before and after fracturing

• Regular testing of nearby drinking water sources

• Prior notification of surrounding land owners.

The initiative was drafted by a coalition of concerned citizens with the help of the environmental law firm of Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger.

After the press conference, the Protect Monterey County group headed to the Monterey County Elections Office to submit the petitions for consideration.

Salinas celebration day planned for April 16

Salinas government, community and faith Leaders will host a city wide volunteer day on April 16 at Sherwood Park in Salinas. The purpose of the event is to celebrate living in the City of Salinas while also promoting community service and neighborhood safety.

The event will feature a continental breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by volunteer activities, and a celebration planned beginning at 11:30AM. The celebration is free and will include various activities, performances and a free lunch for volunteers. Special attention has been dedicated to disaster preparedness. PG&E will have a special display and discussion. There will be emergency gas and water shut off tools distributed to neighborhood leaders as well.

The event began in 2011 under the leadership of Honorary Co-Chairs Bill and Betty Turner. “Salinas is a beautiful community and we are stronger when neighbors know neighbors and look out for one another,” shared Event Founding Co-Chair, Bill Turner. “I’m delighted we can do something for homeless children. They need our help,” continued Turner.

Salinas libraries celebrate National Library Week

There will be lots of books, cake and celebrations throughout the Salinas libraries during the week of April 10 - 16 in celebration of National Library Week. The events will include:

April 10:
#LibrariesTransform at each branch all day.

April 12:
100th birthday celebration of Beverly Clearly, beloved children's books author, at each branch from 3 - 5 p.m.

April 13: 
National Bookmobile Day at:
El Gabilan Library, 1400 N. Main St. from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Cesar Chavez Library, 615 Williams Rd., from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., with cake at 4 p.m.
John Steinbeck Library, 350 Lincoln Ave.,  from 4 - 5 p.m.

April 14: 
Book excerpts with Dark Surf author Tina Zmak at John Steinbeck Library from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

April 16: 
Cake at John Steinbeck and El Gabilan Libraries  at 12 p.m.

All the local Library Week events are free and open to all ages. More information is available here.

Tami Huntsman, Gonzalo Curiel make court appearance on murder, torture, child abuse charges

Public defender Jared Jefferson looks on as Tami Huntsman, 39, covers her face as she and Gonzalo Curiel, 17, top, are led away after their arraignment at the Monterey County Courthouse in Salinas, Calif. on January 8, 2016. The pair are being charged with murder and child abuse after two children were found in a storage locker in Redding. (David Royal - Monterey Herald)

Salinas >> Tami Huntsman and Gonzalo Curiel appeared in Monterey County Superior Court Wednesday for proceedings in the murder, torture and child abuse case against them.

Curiel's attorney requested for the search warrants in the case to be sealed for an extended period of time. Steve Somers, Monterey County deputy district attorney, said the judge hasn't made a ruling yet.

Hunstman's attorney filed a writ in the 6th District and documents in the case were transferred to the California 6th District Court of Appeal.

Huntsman, 39, and Curiel, 18, face multiple charges of murder, torture, child abuse and conspiracy in connection with the deaths of 6-year-old Shaun Tara and 3-year-old Delylah Tara, whose bodies were found in a Redding storage unit in December, and the severe abuse and torture of their 9-year-old sister. All three of the children were in Huntsman’s custody.

The two sides will be back in court at 1:30 p.m. May 11 for a calendar call and the preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 23.

Salinas starts recruiting police officers

The Salinas Police Department will be conducting an informative orientation for persons who are interested in becoming Salinas Police Officers. This orientation will allow potential candidates an opportunity to learn about the department, recruitment, and the hiring process.

The orientation will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, at the City Hall Rotunda, 200 Lincoln Ave, Salinas.

The Police Recruit position is now open and will close April 6. People interested are encouraged to apply through CalOpps here. Questions can be directed to Sgt. Kim Robinson at (831) 758-7120 or Salinas Human Resources at (831) 758-7254.

Salinas to crack down on flower and teddy bear vendors on Valentine's

Valentine's Day weekend typically sees an upsurge in the presence of unlicensed and unpermitted vendors on Salinas city streets, along with more complaints about them from residents and businesses.

So this weekend, code enforcement personnel will issue citations or possibly revoke vendor licenses when they find vendors without permits.

"We appreciate people trying to make a living, but it's important for all vendors to follow the rules," said Megan Hunter, the City's Director of Community Development, which handles code enforcement.

TULP forms and vendor information are available at the counter at the City Permit Center, 65 West Alisal Street, Salinas. The Center is usually open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., although it will be closed this Friday and Monday.

Information is also available by calling (831) 758-7157 during business hours.

Salinas to host second community meeting on charter update

The city of Salinas is in the process of updating its charter, and a community meeting to discuss proposed changes will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 11 in the City Hall Rotunda at 200 Lincoln Ave.

The City Council's Charter Update Subcommittee has recommended that the charter be reorganized to make it easier to read and more user-friendly.

Any proposed amendments to the charter would be presented to voters for approval in the November 2016 general municipal election.

The charter update process began on Sept. 15 last year, with a presentation to the City Council by the City Manager and City Attorney, followed by a community meeting on Oct. 10. The City Council considered a draft charter update on Jan. 26, without taking action.

Questions about the update or the Feb. 11 meeting can be addressed to the City Attorney's Office at (831) 758-7256 or legalwebmail@ci.salinas.ca.us. Information is also available on the city website here.