HOME PAGE WHAT'S NEW ABOUT CONCERNED RESIDENTS OF PEBBLE BEACH AND MONTEREY COUNTY MONTEREY COUNTY COUNTY ACTION ON MEASURE "A" MEASURE "A" -- NOV. 2000 HISTORY CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION PEBBLE BEACH COMPANY WATER ISSUES ON THE PENINSULA SIERRA CLUB INFORMATION OPEN SPACE AND SCENIC EASEMENTS DEL MONTE FOREST LAND USE PLAN AND ZONING ORDINANCES LINKS TO COMMITTEES AND ORGANIZATIONS   Please e-mail us with your questions & suggestions

MONTEREY COUNTY http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/ UPDATES Click here to read WHAT'S NEWEST with Measure "A" (November 2000) Dec. 5 2006 At Pebble Beach Co's request, County Supervisors RESCINDED their earlier approval of Pebble Beach Co's proposed major commercial expansion plans June 14 2006 Monterey County Supervisors WITHDREW P.B. Co's Measure "A" Initiative from a Coastal Commission Public Hearing Nov. 7 2000 See the 9000-word text of the P.B.Co. Measure "A" Initiative (on this website) July 18 2001 See the Pebble Beach Company applications for development projects in Del Monte Forest as posted on the out-of-date Monterey County website (external link) Click here for specific information to contact the Supervisors Click HERE for an internal link to MONTEREY COUNTY GENERAL PLAN and Controlled-Growth County General Plan Initiative (includes Del Monte Forest) Click HERE for an internal link to COUNTY ACTION on PEBBLE BEACH Co.'s MEASURE "A" INITIATIVE and Applications for MAJOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT projects in DEL MONTE FOREST Click HERE for an internal link to CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION pages covering action on Pebble Beach Co.'s Initiative and Pending Applications for Major projects in Del Monte Forest 9-26-07 - Supervisors hear public testimony about General Plan, then directed staff to return Oct. 16 with a draft of GPU5. For more details CLICK here for the Monterey County Herald's September 26, 2007 story, "Supervisors consider plans for growth" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (external link). 9-19-07 - Board of Supervisors schedules public hearing of Planning Commission's GPU5 recommendations for Tuesday, September 25, 2007. Supervisors and other speakers expressed differing opinions about accepting or making changes to the "package". For more details CLICK here for the Monterey County Herald's September 19, 2007 story, "GPU5 gets a warm reception" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link). 9-17-07 - The Monterey County Planning Commission Subcommittee on GPU5 has completed its report and recommendations. Resident's are encouraged to make their views known regarding GPU5 and to participate in the upcoming Board of Supervisor's meeting, Tuesday, September 18, 2007 (1:30 pm) or Tuesday, September 25, 2007 (TBD) at the Board of Supervisors Chambers, 168 West Alisal St in Salinas. Information regarding the report on GPU5 and LandWatch's recommendations are available at www.landwatch.org. 9-07-07 - An enviromental "biological report" now required by Monterey County to develop lots in Pebble Beach. For more details CLICK here for the Carmel PineCone's September 7th, 2007 story, "New habitat rules hit P.B. lot owners" on their web site, wwwcarmelpinecone.com (an external link). 8-29-07 - Calif. Coastal Commission has agreed to extend (or "toll") the deadline for 90 days, from Monday, August 13, 2007 to Tuesday November 13, 2007, for Monterey County and the Pebble Beach Co. to file suit challenging the Commission's June 13, 2007 action to deny the proposed amendment to the Local Coastal Program (MCO-1-07 Measure "A" 2000). This proposed amendment would allow major zoning and policy changes in the Del Monte Forest Land Use Plan to permit further expansion of commercial development in Del Monte Forest. For more details CLICK here to read the August 9th letter from Peter Douglas, Executive Director of the Coastal Commission to Monterey County and the P.B.Co. (on this website.) 6-14-07 - Coastal Commissioners VOTED to DENY PEBBLE BEACH Co's MEASURE "A" INITIATIVE which saved the Del Monte Forest. The Commissioners unanimously denied certifying proposed major changes in land use policies and zoning for the Del Monte Forest Local Coastal Program at the public hearing in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, June 13, 2007. After David Potter's motion to approve Measure A had failed 8 - 4, the commission then voted unanimously to deny certifying the ballot measure. For more information CLICK here to read the Monterey County Herald June 14th, 2007 story, "Pebble plan misses the cut" (on this website.) Also read June 14th article in Los Angeles Times on June 14, "Coastal Panel rejects Monterey golf project" (on this website.) 6-09-07 - Monterey Herald Editorial suggests supervisors think again about immediate implementation of GPU4. • CLICK here to read the Monterey County Herald's June 9th, 2007 editorial, "Slow down GPU4 plans" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (on this website ) 6-02-07 - The Monterey Herald reports the Coastal Commission staff recommends denial of Measure A, the Pebble Beach development initiative in 2000. Click here to read page one of the Monterey County Herald's June 2, 2007 story, "Denial of initiative urged" (on this website.) Or click here to search for the entire article, "Denial of initiative urged", using the SEARCH feature on the new Herald web site (an external link). 6-01-07 - The California Coastal Commission staff has recommended denial of the Pebble Beach Co.'s proposed redevelopment plan (Measure A) due to inconsistencies with state Coastal Act policies.  Click HERE to download the complete 197 page June 1, 2007 Coastal Commission Staff Report (1.6 MB pdf) from the Coastal Commission website. [top] 2-15-07 - Development is taking over California farm land, "setting a new state record for loss of farm land", according to manager of the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the Calif. Dept. of Conservation. To read this story CLICK here for the Monterey County Herald's February 15th, 2007 story, "Development claiming Central Valley land" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link). [top] 1-23-07 - On January 23, 2007 the County Supervisors directed their staff to RE-INITIATE the process of obtaining COASTAL COMMISSION CERTIFICATION of P.B. Co.'s MEASURE"A" INITIATIVE, a Local Coastal Program (LCP) amendment, including their Resolution No. 07-024, to the California Coastal Commission for commission consideration. To read the complete Supervisors' Resolution CLICK here for a link to the entire legal document posted on this website. [top] 1-18-07 - Pebble Beach Co. has not abandoned its pursuit of developing property in Del Monte Forest. Recent correspondence from the Coastal Commission staff indicates the Company continues to pursue their FOREST PRESERVATION and DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PDP) PROJECTS at the COUNTY level. For more information on Pebble Beach Co.'s plans, CLICK here to read the January 16, 2007 letter from the Commission District Manager to the Monterey County Planning Director. CLICK here to read the January 16th MEMO from the Commission District Manager to Appellants to the PB Co.'s past PDP projects. [top] 12-14-06 - "Supervisors are determined to force (this) wasteful development on residents by any means necessary" -- a line in Carolyn Anderson's Letter to the Editor in today's Herald. Since the October 21 Editorial, "Board vote on C. V. as example of arrogance", and the November 25 Editorial, "Board clearly ignoring voters", the residents in Monterey County have written more than 28 letters to the Editor with strong opposition to actions of the Supervisors. CLICK here to read more letters about Incorporation of Carmel Valley, Community General Plan and withdrawing P. B. Co's Measure "A" Initiative (on this website.) [top] 12-11-06 - The Monterey County BOARD OF SUPERVISORS "need to listen" and have made decisions that provide "grounds for recall" according to some County residents. These quotations and others criticize the Supervisors in recent Letters to the Herald Editor. They cover concerns about the Supervisors' action on: INCORPORATION OF CARMEL VALLEY, COMMUNITY GENERAL PLAN, and PEBBLE BEACH COMPANY'S WITHDRAWL OF MEASURE "A". CLICK on any of these following links on this website to read recent Letters to the Editor on each subject: Proposed INCORPORATION OF CARMEL VALLLEY Initiative on a COMMUNITY GENERAL PLAN Withdrawing PEBBLE BEACH CO.'s MEASURE "A" INITIATIVE [top] 12-7-06 - County SUPERVISORS voted themselves a couple of RAISES IN PAY last Tuesday. Next year they will be receiving more than $100,000 per year. They will receive a 4.9 percent increase on December 16, 2006 retroactive to July 1. And two weeks later, on January 1, 2007 the Supervisors will add another 8.5 percent pay raise to their salaries.They will be paid more than officials in Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Merced and Kern Counties. From the Letters to the Herald Editor, posted on this website, it seems many taxpaying residents do not feel they are entitled to these large increases. These raises were also criticized by members of the public at last Tuesday's meeting. For more information CLICK here for the Monterey County Herald's December 7, 2006 story, "Your Town column: Supervisors ratify salary increases" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link). [top] 12-06-06 - As reported earlier on this website, on December 5th County Supervisors rescinded their earlier approval of Pebble Beach Co.'s major commercial expansion plans in Del Monte Forest that included another new golf course, new Equestrian Center, additional hotel rooms, conference rooms, underground parking garages, new golf cottages and 30 new lots. During the public hearing, Charles McKee, County Counsel, said they expect to submit PB Co.'s Measure "A" Imitative to the Coastal Commission again at the Commission's public hearing in March, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Monterey. A revised PB Co. commercial expansion plan application is expected to be submitted to the Supervisors at a later date. For more information, with comments for and against Measure "A", CLICK here to read the Monterey County Herald's, December 6, 2006 story, "Project permits pulled back - Supervisors to wait for Measure A study" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link). [top] 12-06-06 - The California Coastal Commission District Manager, Steve Monowitz, sent the County Supervisors a Dec. 4th letter which provided important information for the Supervisor's concerning any future PB Co. development plans. The letter makes it very clear that the proposed Measure A Local Coastal Plan amendment is INCONSISTENT with the Coastal Act and refers to their June 14, 2006 recommendation to the Commissioners to DENY this proposed amendment. The letter also indicates they believe that there are significant opportunities for potential new visitor-serving redevelopment in the Forest that can be accomplished without adversely impacting sensitive coastal resources. CLICK here to read the entire December 4, 2006 letter from the CCC District Manager (on this web site). [NOTE: color added to highlight a strong recommendation subsequently ignored by Supervisors.] [top] 12-1-06 - Proposed widening of Holman Highway between Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula and Highway One discussed in a public meeting on November 30. Some Pebble Beach residents expressed concern with increased noise with two more highway lanes near their homes. On December 13, the Monterey Planning Commission will discuss and likely make its recommendation to Caltrans on the widening project. Public comments on the draft environmental impact report can be made until December 20. If approved, the bulk of the project won't start for at least seven years according to Rick Deal, Monterey City traffic engineer. To obtain more information CLICK here for the Monterey County Herald's December 1, 2006 story, "Highway widening plan criticized" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link). CLICK here to read the City of Monterey Draft EIR (an external link) CLICK here to read the original Public Hearing Notice on this web site. [top] 11-28-06 - PEBBLE BEACH COMPANY DEVELOPMENT PLANS (2001 Applications) to be on County Board of Supervisors December 5th agenda. The PB Co. and the County Planner for this project, Carl Holm, will ask the Supervisors to rescind their final approval of Coastal Development Permit, 2001 Applications for their Del Monte Forest development plans. The PB Co. will then ask the Coastal Commissioners to review their Measure “A” Initiative (rezoning of Del Monte Forest.) Later they will resubmit modified development plans to the County. Details of the PB Co.’s modified plans for Del Monte forest will be published later. The changes will include a new location for the proposed new Equestrian Center and changes in the proposed Golf Academy and driving range along Congress Road near the Spanish Bay Resort. For more information CLICK here to read the Monterey County Herald's November 28, 2006 story, "Pebble Beach Co. tries new strategy" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link). [top] 11-25-06 - Monterey County SUPERVISORS WERE ELECTED TO LISTEN AND LEAD, NOT TO DICTATE! Today's "Herald's View' sends an important message to all concerned residents, service clubs, everyone who believes in fair play and democracy and to the County Supervisors. Voters in Monterey County want to vote on an overarching version of land use in the County. The lengths to which the Supervisors have gone to block a public vote, and what angles they're willing to try next, raise issues much larger than zoning. CLICK here to read The Herald's View editorial, "Board clearly ignoring voters" in the Monterey County Herald on November 25, 2006, on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link). CLICK here to read the full editorial, "Board clearly ignoring voters" (on this website.) [top] 11-01-06 - Caltrans and City of Monterey have scheduled a PUBLIC HEARING for November 30, 2006 in City of Monterey Council Chambers on the Intent to adopt an EIR on planned widening of Holman Highway (State Route 68) in area of Community Hospital and Pebble Beach Hwy #1 Gate. CLICK here to read the full Public Hearing Notice on this web site. [top] 10-23-06 - Pebble Beach Co. now working with Monterey County to RESUBMIT a format (for new development projects in Del Monte Forest) that will be more consistent with Coastal Commission standards, per Alan Williams. The U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to designate more than 2,300 acres (including areas in P.B. Co. property) as critical habitat because of existing Yadon Piperia. This native plant was designated as an endangered species six years ago. It is a wild orchid plant with small white flowers on a slender stalk. Public comment on the proposed listing of critical habitat for the Yadon Piperia will be accepted until December 18. Send your comments to: Field Supervisor, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA 93003. For more information CLICK here for the Monterey County Herald's October 23, 2006 story, "Protecting an orchid habitat" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link). CLICK here to read the October 18, 2996 U.S. Fish and Wildlife NEWS RELEASE. CLICK on one of these websites for photographs of Yadon Piperia and more botanical information: http://www.montereybaycnps.org/conservation.php http://ecos.fws.gov/species_profile/servlet/gov.doi.species_ profile.servlets.SpeciesProfile?spcode=Q3FA http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?stat= BROWSE&query_src=photos_flora_sci&where-genre=Plant&where-taxon=Piperia+yadonii http://ventana.sierraclub.org/conservation/delmonte/fight_to_save.shtml http://www.elkhornslough.org/journal/050705journal.htm http://images.google.com/images?q=Piperia+yadonii http://zipcodezoo.com/Plants/P/Piperia_yadonii.asp http://cnps.web.aplus.net/cgi-bin/inv/inventory.cgi/Go?_id=piperia_yadonii&sort= DEFAULT&search=yadon%27s%20piperia   [top] 8-19-06 - COUNTY GENERAL PLAN draft EIR identifies several "significant and unavoidable" impacts if the County grows as proposed in the draft General Plan. Agencies and the public have until October 6th to comment on the draft EIR. CLICK here to download the "Draft Program EIR for GPU" (warning 64 MB pdf file) (an external link) For additional information, CLICK here to read the Monterey County Herald's August 19, 2006 story, "General Plan EIR Released" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link). [top] 8-16-06 - Legal decisions on placing the NORTH SALINAS PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT called BUTTERFLY VILLAGE on the November ballot still pending. On Tuesday a federal judge denied a motion to force the Board of Supervisors to place the referendum on Butterfly Village on the ballot. However, the 9th Circuit Court is still expected to make a decision on the need for referendum petitions to be printed in Spanish as well as English. An appellate decision is expected in a few weeks. For more details CLICK here to read the Monterey County Herald's August 16, 2006 story, "Judge rules against Butterfly Village" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link). [top] 8-11-06 - COUNTY's LATEST UPDATE OF THE GENERAL PLAN now available. The Planning Commission will begin a series of Public Hearings on August 16th at 1:00 PM in Salinas. The Coastal Commission District Planner, Rick Hyman, sent the County Planning Director, Mike Novo, a letter on July 25th providing comments on the policies included in the recent updated General Plan. CLICK here for the list of documents and figures of the "Monterey County General Plan Update August 2006 Draft" available on the Monterey County website (see page on this website). CLICK here to read the 9-page letter from Rick Hyman, Coastal Commission District Planner, sent to Mike Novo, Monterey County Planning Director on July 25th providing comments on the policies included in the recent updated General Plan (on this website). For more details on the Planning Commissioners' public hearing, CLICK here to read the Monterey County Herald's August 10, 2006 "Your Town" item, "Latest General Plan Revision Released " on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link). 8-11-06 - LANDWATCH MONTEREY COUNTY urges all concerned County residents to attend the Salinas City Council Meeting on Tuesday, August 15, at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Rotunda, 200 Lincoln Avenue. Details of the GENERAL PLAN Fourth Update (GPU4) will be presented for comments on the many deficiencies and defects in this Plan. LandWatch calls this Update "A Plan for Sprawl!" CLICK here to read more details of the Meeting and the GPU4 (on this website). CLICK here for a LandWatch view of the GPU4 (on this website). 7-19-06 - Monterey County Supervisors, Pebble Beach Co. and also the Herald reporters continue to provide the public with confusing stories about MEASURE "A", the P.B. Co. Initiative that voters approved in Nov. 2000. Measure "A" does NOT cover an application for a development plan in Del Monte Forest. However, Measure "A" DOES make MAJOR CHANGES IN ZONING AND LAND USE POLICIES for the LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM (Del Monte Forest Land Use Plan.) The Supervisors did NOT pull P.B. Co.'s plans from the Coastal Commissioners June 14th agenda as reported in the Herald today. Only Measure "A" was withdrawn from the agenda by a last-minute request of the Supervisors. The P. B. Co. appears to have requested the Supervisors to withdraw Measure "A" as they felt the Commissioners would not approve it. Concerned Residents of Pebble Beach and Monterey County believes the only way the Measure "A" major ZONING and POLICIES amendments can be changed is by going back to the voters and obtaining approval of new changes with another ballot measure. For more details CLICK here for the Monterey County Herald's July 19, 2006 story, "County reaffirms meeting action" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link). 7-11-06 - David Dillworth, Exec. Director of the Helping Our Peninsula's Environment (HOPE) sent a formal e-mail request and complaint to Monterey County Supervisors concerning their action of withdrawing Measure "A" (P.B. Co.'s LCP zoning changes) from the June 14th Coastal Commission agenda. 6-13-06 - County sends an undated FAX to California Coastal Commission requesting Measure "A", a LCP amendment, be withdrawn from the June 14, 2006 Public Hearing agenda. MEASURE "A" WITHDRAWN BY MONTEREY COUNTY SUPERVISORS FROM COASTAL COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING THAT WAS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14 AT THE FOUNTAINGROVE INN IN SANTA ROSA 6-14-06 - Monterey County Supervisors, by a 4-0 urgency vote without public notice on Tuesday morning, requested Measure "A" to be removed from today's Coastal Commission agenda. Supervisor Dave Potter in a letter to the commission which stated there was too much confusion about what was before the Coastal Commission, that Measure A was being confused with the project itself. P.B. Co. attorney Tony Lombardo agreed with county officials, adding that the coastal staff report would have made it impossible to get a "fair hearing." Commission Executive Director Peter Douglas commented on the delay by saying, "I have my suspicions, but the reality is there is no confusion about what is before the commission..." Douglas indicated the commissioners cannot take action but will meet and probably discuss the implications of the delay. Public comments can be expected at the hearing regarding this matter. To read more CLICK here for the Monterey County Herald's June 14, 2006 story, "Supervisors withdraw P.B. plan from the Coastal Commission" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (external link). 6-17-06 - Two more well-written letters to the Herald's Editor today. "Measure A affront" by Carl E. Nielsen (Co-Chair of Concerned Residents of Pebble Beach and Monterey County) and "Expect a media blitz" by Phillips Wylly. They cover Pebble Beach Company's and Monterey County Supervisors' last-minute action to withdraw the Measure "A" Initiative from the scheduled public hearing by the Coastal Commissioners. 6-16-06 - At the Coastal Commission public hearing in Santa Rosa on June 14, Peter Douglas, Commission Executive Director said the Commission's Staff has spent thousands of hours preparing the P. B. Co.'s Measure "A" Staff Report. He estimated the County withdrawing the item from today's public hearing agenda cost $10,000 to $12,000. A representative from Concerned Residents of Pebble Beach reiterated Douglas' comments and added, "This is one more example of the Board of Supervisors making decisions at the expense of the taxpayers." To read more, CLICK here to read the Carmel Pine Cone's June 16, 2006 story, "Coastal commission delay doesn't deter P. B. opponents" on their web site, www.carmelpinecone.com (an external link). 6-15-06 - Monterey County Supervisors action to cancel their request for a Coastal Commission public hearing and decision on the P. B. Co.'s Measure "A" Initiative is questioned by many. This only cancels action on the proposed major zoning and policy changes in the Forest Land Use Plan covered in Measure "A". The P. B. Co.'s proposed development projects will take separate action later by the Commissioners and cannot be considered until Amendments are made to the LUP. The headline in the Herald's new story refers to "Project hearing canceled" and their story quotes representatives of the developer, P. B. Co., which imply they want to change the Measure "A" Initiative that was approved by the voters in November 2000. The cancelled Hearing was on an Amendment to the Forest Land Use Plan, NOT on P. B. Co.'s projects. County Supervisor, Dave Potter, was challenged during the "Public Comment" period at the Coastal Commission hearing in Santa Rosa on June 14th. Those attending wanted to now why the Supervisors' action was not covered in their agenda with advance notice to the public. After the hearing, Mr. Potter said, "There needs to be some clarity, given what Measure "A" has done... etc." During the public hearing Mark Masarra, attorney for the Sierra Club, made it very clear that there is no confusion in the wording of Measure "A". CLICK here to read the June15, 2006 Monterey County Herald story, "P. B. project hearing canceled" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (external link). 6-15-06 - "It is clear where Supervisor Potter stands... with the money people" is a line in another Letter to the Editor in the Herald today. Joseph Cicero's letter is worth reading. 6-14-06 - Monterey County Supervisions, by a 4-0 urgency vote--without public notice--on Tuesday morning, requested Measure "A" to be removed from today's Coastal Commission agenda. Supervisor Dave Potter in a letter to the commission which stated there was too much confusion about what was before the Coastal Commission, that Measure A was being confused with the project itself. P.B. Co. attorney Tony Lombardo agreed with county officials, adding that the coastal staff report would have made it impossible to get a fair hearing. Commission Executive Director Peter Douglas commented on the delay by saying, "I have my suspicions, but the reality is there is no confusion about what is before the commission..." Douglas indicated the commissioners cannot take action but will meet and probably discuss the implcations of the delay. Public comments can be expected at the hearing regarding this matter. 6-14-06 - Comments by Commission Staff and Carl Nielsen have been transcribed from the tape recording of the June 14, 2006 Coastal Commission Public Hearing in Santa Rosa 6-13-06 - MEASURE "A" WITHDRAWN FROM COASTAL COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING. MONTEREY COUNTY SUPERVISORS' ACTION during their board meeting this morning voted to withdraw "Amendment No. MCO-1-05 to the Monterey County Local Coastal Program/Land Use Plan for the Del Monte Forest." Dan Carl of the Coastal Commission staff reported the LCP will not be considered by the Coastal Commission at this public hearing tomorrow, Wednesday, June 14, 2006 in Santa Rosa. 6-13-06 - The Monterey County Herald recommends, "The plan should be denied." CLICK here to read the Editorial in the June13, 2006 Monterey County Herald, "Del Monte plan should be denied" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (external link). 6-12-06 - New article in Los Angles Times restates, "… the Pebble Beach Co. has no legal entitlement to subdivide Monterey pine forest." CLICK here for the Los Angeles Time's June 12, 2006 story, "More Seaside Golf Before Panel" on their web site, www.latimes.com (external link). 6-11-06 - Today's Herald newspaper story covers the showdown vote to be made on Wednesday, June 14th in Santa Rosa by state Coastal Commissioners on P. B. Co.'s Measure "A" Initiative, Amendment No. 1-05 to the County Local Coastal Program/Del Monte Forest LUP - which changes Zoning and Policies required to allow the Company's development plans. Tom Lippe, attorney for the Sierra Club is quoted.."Given the (Commission's staff report, any deviation from it would be political." Alan Williams for P. B. Co says the staff report disregards county voter support. (NOTE: voters thought they voted to protect the Forest, not an excessive commercial expansion in many areas of the Forest.) Allowing the zoning and policies changes would "set an extremely adverse precedent" for hundreds of conservation areas in the coastal zone per the staff report. Mark Massara of the Sierra Club is concerned about State Speaker for the Assembly, Fabian Nunez, abruptly appointing new Alternate Commissioners that could put a new pro-development alternate on the Commission panel for Wednesday's public hearing. CLICK here to read the Monterey Herald's June 11, 2006 story, "P. B. plan hits tipping point" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link). 6-09-06 - PB Co's attorney wrote to the Coastal Commission Chairperson on May 12th about "Mapping Errors" and zoning for the Upper and Lower Sawmill Gulch area where Scenic and Conservation easements were required as a condition for the Spanish Bay development in the mid 1980s. This letter is part of "Exhibit 10" to the June 2nd Coastal Commission Staff Report/Recommendation to DENY approval of Measure "A". Carl Nielsen, co-chair of the Concerned Residents of Pebble Beach and Monterey County, also wrote to the Commission Chairperson explaining how "creative editing' has been used by the P. B. Co. attorney, Anthony Lombardo, trying to prove his point about allowing a commercial equestrian center on the Sawmill Gulch sites. Mr. Nielsen urges the Commissioners to uphold the existing easements and the "Open Space Forest' zoning on these sites and to find Measure "A" inconsistent with the Coastal Act. CLICK here to read P. B. Co.'s attorney's Tony Lombardo's 4-page letter about "mapping errors" to the Coastal Commission; and read Mr. Nielsen's letter in response to the Commission (on this website ). 6-09-06 - Pebble Beach Co. presents Development Project "Alternatives" to the Coastal Commission. The June 2nd Commission's Staff Report/Recommendation, provides the public with a copy of a May 26th letter from the PB Co's attorney to the Exec. Director of the Commission proposing changes in their development plans. These changes should not be considered at the June 14th public hearing which is only about Measure "A", a proposed Amendment No. 1-05 with major Zoning and Policy changes to the Monterey County Local Coastal Program/Del Monte Forest LUP. Our organization and many others will urge the Comissioners to vote NO on P. B. Co.'s Measure "A" Initiative (Amendment No. 1-05 to the LCP/LUP) at the public hearing on June 14th in Santa Rosa. The proposed major changes in Zoning and Policies covered in Measure "A" for the future development of the Del Monte Forest will have an adverse impact on the environment in the Forest and quality of life for the residential community. One of the proposed "Alternatives" covered in P. B. Co.'s attorney's letter of May 26th is "The Relocation of the Proposed Equestrian Center from the Sawmill Gulch Quarry to the P. B. Co. Corporation Yard." This Alternative plus other late changes propsed in the letter by P. B. Co. should be covered in a completely new permit application to the County and later to the Coastal Commission. CLICK here to read P. B. Co.'s attorney, Tony Lombardo's development project "alternatives" 3 page letter dated May 26, 2006 sent to the Coastal Commission as part of Exhibit 10 of the Staff's' June 2nd Report/Recommendation to deny approval of Measure "A" (on this website). 6-09-06 - Today's Carmel Pine Cone newspaper provides facts about the PB Co's Measure "A" Initiative and the Coastal Commission's Staff recommendation to vote against the proposed major changes in Zoning and Policies for future development of the Del Monte Forest. It also includes information about a May 26th letter the PB Co's attorney sent to the Coastal Commission Exec. Director, Peter Douglas, outlining proposed "Alternatives" in their proposed development projects, including another site proposed for the new equestrian center. This news story mentions the Company's proposal to move the planned equestrian center from the Sawmill Gulch site to the Company's Corporation Yard area at Sunridge and Lopez Roads. However, it does not mention several other late changes proposed by the Company in an effort to obtain approval of their Measure "A". The Coastal Commission's public hearing in Santa Rosa on June 14th is ONLY about Measure "A". Any proposed changes in the Company's development plans must be covered in a completely new permit application to the County and later to the Coastal Commission. The Pine Cone story quotes Alan Williams, president of the Carmel Development Co., planner for the P. B. Co.'s proposed commercial expansion plans as saying, "About the only people we have against us is the Sierra Club and the Coastal Commission staff. Mr. Williams seems to have forgotten that twenty two individuals and organizations, including Concerned Residents of Pebble Beach and Monterey County, sent the Commission appeals of the County's decision on Measure"A". CLICK here to read the Carmel Pine Cone's June 9th story, "Coastal commission staff recommends denial of P. B. ballot measure" on their website, www.carmelpinecone.com (an external link) CLICK here to read the May 26th letter to the Coastal Commission from PB Co.'s attorney about "Alternatives". 6-07-09 - Governor appoints a new COMMISSIONER to the COASTAL COMMISSION. KHATCHIK ACHADJIAN has been appointed to replace Dr. Dan Secord as the South Central Coast Representative. Contact him today. Urge him to vote No on the proposed Pebble Beach Co. major Amendment to the Monterey County Local Coastal Program/Del Monte Forest LUP (Measure "A") at the June 14th public hearing in Santa Rosa. His address: 1055 Monterey St. Room D-430, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408. Ph: 805-781-4337. CLICK here to read the June 7th letter our organization sent to Mr. Achadjian with reasons why he should vote NO on the PB Co's Measure "A" Initiative, major LCP Amendment No. 1-05 (on this website). 6-03-06 - Coastal Commission staff recommends DENIAL of Monterey County LCP Amendment 1-05 (Measure "A" in Del Monte Forest.) The Staff Report "W9a" dated June 2, 2006 for presentation at the Commissioner's public hearing on June 14th at the Fountain Grove Inn in Santa Rosa is now available. Click HERE to read the 3 page SYNOPSIS, part of June 2nd Staff Report / Recommendation (on this website) Click HERE to download the Staff Report/Recommendations on the proposed Monterey County LCP Amendment No. MCO-1-05 (Measure A in the Del Monte Forest). This is the entire 175 page Staff Report (PDF 1.3 MB) from the Coastal Commission website (external link) 6-03-06 - New letters to Coastal Commissioners with reasons why they should vote NO to P.B. Co's Measure "A" Initiative and expansion of commercial development projects in Del Monte Forest. CLICK here to read recent new letters to the Coastal Commission (on this website.) 6-2-06 - Cal Am Water Co. to receive an administrative permit from the County Planning Dept. for its proposed pilot plant desalination plant in Moss Landing. They plan a much larger desal operation at this location after the pilot test is successful. For more details CLICK here to read the Carmel Pine Cone's June 2nd story, "Cal-Am to Issue another pilot desal permit" on their website, www.carmelpinecone.com (an external link). 3-05-06 - With which opinion on Measure "A" and the future of Del Monte Forest do you agree? Today's Herald story provides these opinions: "Measure 'A' is a good thing for the forest", or "It is over-commercialization of Del Monte Forest." Or do you agree with the Coastal commission Staff's opinion...(the proposed Pebble Beach Co. development plan) is "highly problematic because of the potential damage it would cause to the sensitive pine forest and to wetlands in Del Monte Forest." Attend the Coastal Commission Public Hearing at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Thursday, March 9, at 9:00 AM and give the Commissioners your opinion. For more information CLICK here for the Monterey County Herald's March 5, 2006 story, "Report could limit Pebble project" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link). 2-25-06 - The California Coastal Commission Staff on February 24, 2006 released their letter (TH8b) to "Commissioners and Interested Persons" regarding the MONTEREY COUNTY LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM MAJOR AMENDMENT NO. 1-05 (PEBBLE BEACH CO.'s MEASURE "A" INITIATIVE.) This 81 page letter covers many of the major changes in the Del Monte Forest Land Use Plan (Local Coastal Program.) However, it states "NO RECOMMENDATION FOR COMMISSION ACTION IS BEING MADE AT THIS TIME." The letter covers important facts about Measure "A" that will no doubt be discussed at the Commission's Public Hearing in Monterey on March 9th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The Staff letter includes the following: "Staff has not completed its review of the proposed amendment, which includes both land use plan and implementation amendments directly affecting over 600 acres of land in some two dozen distinct locations within the Del Monte Forest area." At this time, Staff anticipates completing its review of the proposed amendment in the NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS and bringing the matter to the commission for action. CLICK here to download the entire 81 page (PDF) Staff February 24, 2006 letter TH8b (768 KB) Monterey Co. LCP Amendment No. 1-05 - Measure "A" in Del Monte Forest,  from the Coastal Commission website(external link). CLICK here to download all figures (PDF) "Figures 1-14: Land Use Maps and Biological Resources; Pebble Beach Company Lots" (11.7 MB) from the Coastal commission website (external link). CLICK here to download all Report Exhibits (PDF) "Exhibit No 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7" (7.8 MB) from the Coastal commission website (external link). 1-19-06 - The proposed Butterfly Village development in Rancho San Juan area of north Salinas is likely to be placed on the June 6, 2006 primary ballot. County Supervisors were notified by the County elections chief, Tony Anchundo, that the foes of the development have obtained the required number of signatures--8,697--to force a referendum election. The Supervisors must set the election date or repeal its November 17, 2005 approval of the controversial 671-acre project. For more details CLICK here for the Monterey County Herald's January 19, 2006 story, "Initiative qualifies for ballot - Butterfly Village under attack" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link). 12-07-05 - Nearly 15,000 signatures of county voters obtained on the PETITION OPPOSING RANCHO SAN JUAN BUTTERFLY VILLAGE. County officials have 30 days to determine if the required signatures (about 8,700) are valid. This OPPOSITIION TO ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT will be on the June ballot if signatures are okay. Another PETITION to put a COUNTY GENERAL PLAN INITIATIVE (Controlled growth of development) on the June Ballot is being circulated by several organizations throughout the County. For more details CLICK here to read the Monterey County Herald's December 7, 2005 story, "Rancho Opponents Submit Signatures" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (an external link). 9-09-05 - MPWMD Board members want a PUBLIC WORKSHOP on proposed desal plants. The Thursday MPWMD workshop revealed that a secret draft agreement on a proposed "regional governance board" for a desal plant has been circulated to various county groups. CLICK here to read the September 9, 2005 story in the Monterey County Herald', "Deal group blasted for secret draft " on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (external link). 8-17-05 - Voters will decide on Rancho San Juan major development plans located north of Salinas in November. Supervsors upheld their earlier approval of this very large development at Tuesday's meeting. For more details CLICK here for the Monterey County Herald's August 17, 2005 story, "Rancho plan heads to voters" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (external link). 4-20-05 - County Supervisors approve Regional Water Advisory Board concepts to govern water supply projects including Desalination Projects. For more details CLICK here to read the Monterey County Herald's April 20, 2005 story, "Supervisors approve water board concept" on their web site, www.montereyherald. com (external link). 5-20-05 -- County Sheriffs motor patrol squad and California Highway Patrol officers will continue to enforce traffic laws in Pebble Beach. This plan was established years ago, however it has been recently re-activated per Ed Lorenzana, Sheriff's Coastal Station commander. For more information, read this short article in the May 20th story in the Carmel Pine Cone. Or click HERE to read "Pebble Beach bringing in the sheriff" (on this website) 4-08-05 - Publicly owned regional water project concept approved by a consortium of city governments, water agencies and the County Board of Supervisors. This concept would include the use of County general funds to finance planning and design costs for the project, which would almost certainly be anchored by a Desalination Plant in Moss Landing. For more details CLICK here for the Monterey County Herald's April 8, 2005 story, "Water project moves ahead" on their web site, www.montereyherald.com (external link). 3-03-05 - Rancho San Juan major development plans for North County to be decided by voters. Supervisors refused to repeal their previous approval due to fears of another lawsuit. Click HERE to read the March 2, 2005 Herald story, "County puts Rancho San Jan plan on ballot" on their website, www.montereyherald.com (an external link) 2-24-05 - During a Wednesday meeting the Board of Supervisors heard presentations by two differing groups on what the final New County General Plan should include. The Refinement Group and the Community Plan coalition have sharply different ideas for the new 20-year growth plan. More special meetings will be held over the next few months. For more information, CLICK HERE to read the Herald's February 24, 2005 story, "Groups clash on growth plans" on their website, www.montereyherald.com (external link) Also read the article, "General plan debate heats as supervisors weigh options" on the Carmel Pine Cone website, www.carmelpinecone.com (external link) 2-22-05 - A new County General Plan all-day Workshop is set for February 23, 2005. Supervisors have agreed to holding a special session to hear from representatives of two groups who will present their versions of a 20-year county growth plan. The Community General Plan and the Developers' Plan will be presented and explained to the Board of Supervisors. This is a great opportunity to understand what's at stake for Monterey County, and to learn about how General Plans work. The location for the workshop is the Agricultural Commissioner's facility at 1428 Abbott Street, Salinas. The meeting will start at 8:30 AM, and is scheduled to run till 5:00 PM. This is an important event. Please come if you can! For more information, CLICK here to read the Herald's February 2nd story, "County general plan workshop set" on their website, www.montereyherald.com (an external link).