This Week on the Central Coast...
A skatepark in PG, Monterey students helped conservation efforts in Big Sur, and Salinas approved loans for outdoor dining upgrades
PG looking to build a skatepark
Pacific Grove is set to move forward with constructing a skatepark. The city provided some “seed money “ as a starting point for the project. However more funding is needed and the city plans to get that through donations and grants.
The big question is location. So far, no particular spot has been chosen, though several parks have been suggested, “including George Washington Park, Arnett Park, Berwick Park, Caledonia Park, and a section of Forest Lodge Road between two Pacific Grove Unified School District sites”. The city plans to narrow the choices down to three locations, and then let the City Council make the final decision.
Monterey Country students teamed up with California State Parks to help preserve Big Sur habitats
Local students have been working with State Park staff to help eradicate invasive species in local redwoods habitats. Students learned how science, technology, engineering, and math can help in determining what steps need to be taken for the conservation effort.
“Science is a very instrumental part of stewardship and why it’s important for us to pass on conservation from one generation to the next,” Landon said. “Education and science is vital to making that happen.”
Salinas approved a new Outdoor Dining Program
Salinas approved the Downtown Outdoor Dining Forgivable Program, which provides interest-free loans of up to $10,000 to restaurants in downtown. A similar program was introduced in 2016, but only waived the $300 permit fee.
The new program provides the loan for restaurants to improve their outdoor dining spaces, which are now more highly desired. One business owner believes the loans will help improve the atmosphere of the dining scene in downtown Salinas. “I think it will bring a better vibe to downtown. More families and locals would want to stay and enjoy it.”