Monterey County Community Reports This community report was written by a student from California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), as part of a volunteer program at LandWatch. The purpose of this collaboration is to engage students in their local communities, and to stimulate their interest in and knowledge about local land use issues. Participants in this program research issues and attend meetings in various communities in Monterey County, reporting on important agenda items and other items of interest. Community reports are written from the student's point of view, and do not necessarily represent the official position of LandWatch Monterey County. LandWatch is committed to offer information to the public, and we are happy to make our website available for these student perspectives. Please enjoy the following community reports from the various communities of Monterey County. Finding Our Way Through The County Submitted by Kim Takacs and Darcie Warden Every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m., the Monterey County Board of Supervisors meets in the East Wing of the Monterey Country Court House for their weekly meeting. These sessions are open to the public, unless specific issues are otherwise noted as closed sessions. As you walk into the conference room, the Supervisors are seated on a raised platform behind big desks with microphones to assure that all people attending can hear them. The general public is seated in rows of benches behind the waist high dividing wall. Security guards keep a watchful eye during the days events. It is a bit unnerving to the novice participant of the board meeting allowing one to reflect on the power structure that exists within the local government. With my continued attendance to the board meetings, the original unnerving feelings are beginning to dissipate. The Board's weekly session opens with corrections and additions to the agenda, which is available to the public via the County web page, or hard copy in the Board of Supervisor's County Office, located at 240 Church Street in Salinas. The first portion of the meeting moves swiftly, with no participation from the public, with yeas, nays, and abstentions voiced from the Board. Scheduled into the agenda is a public comment period, which allows citizens to make a statement, regarding a particular issue or issues. Those who are prepared have three minutes to voice their opinion during the public comment period, not knowing if what they are saying is going to make a difference in the decision making process. This public comment period is a very important part of the democratic process. Not only does it give a chance for community members to be heard but these comments are collected and kept on official record. During the Board of Supervisor's meeting held March 13, 2001, two major concerns were voiced during the public comment period. 1) Robert Kennedy, a local Salinas resident, addressed the Board regarding Monterey County's economy and the potential economic impacts of urban sprawl on the agricultural industry. He praised the Board on identifying the unique local assets of the County and the effort to capitalize on them. Consequently, a potential development call Sunridge Views in the North County threatens the agricultural industry. A Combined Development Permit is required: To develop Sunridge Views, a 10 lot housing subdivision For the demolition of a barn, greenhouse and conversion of an existing mobile home to a senior citizen's unit. The site is located west of Maher Road at 250 Maher Road, (Assessor's Parcel Number 127-252-009-000), North County, Coastal Zone. Continued public hearing to be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2001 at 2:30 p.m. for the Combined Development Permit for Sunridge Views (PLN990391). 2) Hans Jongens, also a local Salinas resident, addressed the Board concerning the development of housing in Monterey County and on the health hazards of the gas additive called MTBE. He stated that he has brought this subject up at past board meetings and has gotten no reply from the board and seen no action taken. He suggests that the board begin to look at models of counties that have chosen not to allow MTBE as an additive in their gasoline. On March 20, 2001 the Board of Supervisors altered their standard agenda and meeting place to accommodate for a brainstorming session with the Heads of County Departments. Each of the four points listed below will be the basis of a set of objectives or goals the Board wishes to fulfill. The points as a whole are very broad, but the board will try to meet their goals by using these objectives as a standard. I. Assure a sustainable and diversified economy that builds on our unique local assets. II. Enhance and improve County services to assure an adequate safety net and quality of life for all county residents. III. Assure a strong public safety system, which protects the public and minimizes the fear of crime. IV. Assure the fiscal stability of the county. From 9:15 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., brainstorming was focused on points I and II. Specific phrases were reiterated through the session. For point I those thoughts were; intergovernmental collaboration public summits economic diversification improvements upon local governmental infrastructure. For point II those thoughts were intergovernmental collaboration baselines measures public education opportunities to learn from the public. Discussion will continue on points III and IV in May.   You can contact Kimberly Takacs at: Kimberly_Takacs@monterey.edu You can contact Darcie Warden at: Darcie_Warden@monterey.edu  [Return to Community Reports]
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