This Week on the Central Coast…
Killer whales in the Monterey Bay, Renter protection laws in Salinas, and a unique art festival in Santa Cruz
Monterey
Killer Whales Hunting in Monterey Bay
Last week, a pod of killer whales were spotted by Monterey Bay Whale Watch. The pod was in the area hunting marine mammals. Killer whales are often seen hunting here due with the help of the Monterey Canyon’s deep waters. Seals, sea lions, even young whales, are all prey to killer whales.
Orca sightings aren’t necessarily uncommon and are a testament to the health of our Monterey Bay’s ecosystem. Monterey Bay Whale Watch has been studying killer whales for over 30 years. Their tours come in a variety of lengths, from three hours to eight hours and are all led by marine biologists. The tours are also dog friendly for well-behaved dogs.
Join the Downtown Neighborhood Association
The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) is meeting this week and anyone living in the Downtown Old Monterey area is invited to attend. The group serves as a way for local community members to meet and commune, while discussing topics important to the community
The DNA was established to address community needs and work with the city on various issues through programs like the Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program. The association also works closely with the local government to help enhance the downtown experience.
If you are interested, the Downtown Neighborhood Association will meet on Saturday, September 21, from 10am to 12pm at the plaza outside East Village Cafe. Complimentary Red’s Donuts and coffee will be provided.
Peace of Mind Dog Rescue Receives Funding
This week, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue benefitted from funding provided by The Grey Muzzle Organization. The organization has been supporting senior dogs through grants for over 15 years. Peace of Mind is one of 100 organizations chosen to share $1 million in funding.
The money will be used to give essential dental and veterinary care to senior dogs in their care. Treatments like these are vital in allowing the dogs to live through their senior years happily with their guardians.
Peace of Mind Dog Rescue is an organization based in Pacific Grove and has been helping senior dogs since 2009. Their services include support for senior dogs in the form of walkers, veterinary care, and perpetual care in case owners can no longer care for their companions. All of this is made possible by a network of over 1,500 volunteers.
Salinas
Renter Protection Laws Introduced by City Council
A new set of ordinances aimed at protecting renters is set to be enacted later this month. The laws focus on three key components:
Rent stabilization that limits rent increases to once every twelve months and caps the amount they can be raised.
Tenant Protection and Just Cause Eviction rules requires landlords to have just cause for eviction and, in cases of no-fault evictions, requires relocation assistance.
Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance that protects tenants from pressure or intimidation by landlords.
Opponents argue that the new ordinances will not address the underlying problem of not having enough housing supply and might even de-incentivize construction of new ones. Some landlords are worried that the rent caps will not allow them to keep up with rising insurance and maintenance costs.
The new ordinance will be enacted on September 24 and will be enforced starting January 1, 2025.
Santa Cruz
CommonGround Festival Celebrates Local Art
The second ever CommonGround Festival has begun in Santa Cruz. The biennial event features outdoor art inspired by the area, such as the downtown plazas, beaches, and forests.
Many of the mediums featured at CommonGround are meant to be temporary, such as sand art on the beach, temporary sculptures designed to degrade over time, and live performances. These types of art offer a unique festival experience while still showing a deep appreciation for the area.
The festival is made possible with the help of grants and funding from the city, as well as the many volunteers involved. CommonGround is also the host to many other nonprofits offering artsy merchandise, tours, and workshops to festival-goers.
The festival runs through September 22 with art installations in various locations. Check the website for information on specific locations where you can find art.