This Week on the Central Coast
Pacific Grove Summer Lights Festival, Downtown Watsonville, and Emergency Housing for MPUSD
“Pacific Grove Summer Lights” Event
After the Feast of Lanterns festival was cancelled, a new organization, called “Youth Ambassadors of Pacific Grove” formed with the intention of creating a new celebration. “Pacific Grove Summer Lights” was created to bring the community together for a festival, without all the controversy of the Lanterns. Summer Lights is planned to happen July 29 and July 30 and would include a pet parade, community dance, and all-day carnival, as well as many other activities.
However, the application for the event was presented late and the Pacific Grove Recreational Board is recommending its members not approve it due to this. City staff have also mentioned that the short notice would cause complications in other ways, such as scheduling security and obtaining proper permits for the event.
On top of the technical difficulties, the former Feast of Lanterns board president, Klarity Coleman, believes that the new event is an attempt to keep the original festival going, but under a new name. “I believe they’re attempting to make the Feast of Lanterns OK by creating an event that still gives out scholarships and promotes youth without talking about local history or celebration of Pacific Grove as a community…It’s like they’re just skimming off the top. …It’s racism under the rug”.
Personally, I do not think there is anything wrong with a new festival that doesn’t address race or history. It would be similar to a county fair, but made to bring locals together for a fun few days. There could be more to the controversy that I don’t know about, but based on the article, it sounds like a fun, innocent event.
Watsonville was awarded a grant to improve Main Street
The grant was thanks to the Clean California initiative, which awarded $1 million to make improvements. The improvements would include replacing dying plants with drought-tolerant ones , refreshing the medians and sidewalks, and adding artistic elements.
Watsonville was one of twelve communities that were chosen for a grant. “Nearly all of the states are in ‘historically underserved or excluded communities.
Work will begin in the fall and is planned to appreciate
MPUSD created an emergency housing plan for students.
The plan was made possible thanks to an agreement between a couple of Motel 6 in Marina and the school board. A majority vote passed which allows the county to use $20,000 from the American Rescue Plan. The motels will provide short-term housing for students who are experiencing homelessness. According to MPUSD, 22% of all students in the district are homeless.