This Week on the Central Coast…
SPCA needs donations, Imjin Parkway improvements coming along, Salinas nonprofit helping kids through art, and a new seafood restaurant in Santa Cruz
Monterey
SPCA Wildlife Center Needs Eggs
The SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is the only full-service operation in the county for wild animals. The center relies entirely on donations and does not receive government funding to treat over 2,500 animals each year.
There are currently 145 wild animals at the center, including opossums, raccoons, scrub jays, and gulls. Eggs are a vital source of protein and nutrients for these animals, which helps them recover from injuries and grow stronger faster. The eggs are served in various preparations, from hard-boiled to scrambled and even special methods for younger animals. Some baby raccoons at the center, who are transitioning from bottle-feeding, have their eggs in custard-form as an introduction to solid food.
Any amount of egg donations is very helpful. The center will accept raw eggs, even if they are past their “best by” date. Donations can be dropped off at the center’s location on the Monterey-Salinas Highway in Salinas between 8:30am and 5pm daily.
Imjin Parkway Gets a Roundabout
A roundabout is planned to be installed at the intersection of Imjin Parkway and Preston Drive in Marina. The roundabout’s construction began in February and is the first phase of the overall project. The intersection is expected to open sometime this month.
The overall project covers 1.7 miles of Imjin Parkway and will expand the roads from two lanes to four lanes and install a total of four roundabouts. All this is to improve safety and traffic flow. The road will be much more accessible as well with the addition of on-street bike lanes, a multi-use pathway, crosswalk beacons, and stormwater treatment areas. Smaller amenities, such as street lighting, artwork, and landscaping, are being included for aesthetic value.
The entire project is planned to be completed in June 2026.
Salinas
Urban Arts Collaborative is Helping Youth
The Urban Arts Collaborative (UAC) is a nonprofit organization based in Salinas that is dedicated to creating safe spaces for artists. The organization creates programs that support local youths.
The UAC was founded by Juan Carlos Gonzalez, who was born and raised in Salinas. His vision is to create a safe space for kids to express themselves through art while addressing issues in the community, like violence, poverty, and food insecurity. The organization uses these topics to create opportunities for youth to become skilled artists and community leaders.
One of the most notable initiatives is called the “Life Is For Everyone” (LIFE) after-school program, which gives local kids a connection to art and healthy recreation through activities like community gardening and mural painting. The program is inclusive of all backgrounds, including children from low-income families, formerly incarcerated youth, migrant youth, and LGBTQ youth to name a few. The UAC also collaborates with other community partners to provide a more rounded support network. For example, they partner with Rancho Cielo to offer art classes and an introduction to organic farming.
The UAC provides workshops for different age groups, ranging from ages 5 to eighteen, in Monterey County. Kids can be enrolled directly through the Urban Arts Collaborative website or at their location at 21 Soledad Street in Salinas.
Santa Cruz
Pete’s Fish House Opening in Capitola
A new seafood restaurant is opening in Capitola at the space formerly occupied by Sotola. Pete’s Fish House aims to bring a sophisticated, seafood-forward menu within a casual, approachable environment.
The restaurant is owned by Sarah Orr, who owns other notable restaurants on either side of the Monterey Bay: Margaritaville in Capitola and Stokes Adobe in Monterey. Pete’s Fish House is named after her father, Peter Orr. Pete’s Fish House is named after her father, Peter Orr. Sarah has put together an all-star team to lead the kitchen, including local legend Chef Anthony Kresge and Chef Desmond Schneider.
Chef Kresge’s culinary career takes him from Napa, to Santa Cruz, to Italy, and back to the central coast. Kresge grew up in Napa where he cooked alongside his grandmother. In the early 90s, he moved to the Santa Cruz area, a favorite vacation spot with his family. In 2007, Kresge earned a degree through a culinary school in Italy while also interning with master baker Fabio Bretons and chef Walter Zaroni. In 2016, he started Sotola and served as executive chef, bringing the first farm-to-table restaurant to Capitola Village. Before that, he held the position of head chef at the Shadowbrook.
Chef Schneider has history as chef de cuisine at Alderwood Santa Cruz and Seabright Social. He’s known for making everything from scratch and only using the highest quality ingredients available. These details, along with his notable culinary skill, have been the main contributing factor of the restaurants he’s been a part of.
These chef’s unique backgrounds will impact the menu at Pete’s Fish House in noticeable ways. The team is dedicated to using fresh, local, seasonal ingredients to create upscale seafood dishes. The emphasis will be on high-quality food and flavor.
The restaurant is currently hosting pop-up events that will serve as a preview of the menu. While specific offerings are not mentioned, customers can be sure to find a variety of oyster offerings and creative seafood dishes. A wide selection of local wine and beer will be available, as well as non-alcoholic options and gelato. The next pop-up will be today (Monday, August 5th) in honor of National Oyster Day.
Pete’s Fish House is set to officially open later this month.