This Week on the Central Coast
Walk of Remembrance, "Sacrificing My Father's Hands", voting on a rec trail, and another rare sea creature filmed by MBARI
Pacific Grove honored its Chinese Settlers in Walk of Remembrance
In memorial of the Point Alones Fishing Village, the city of PG restarted its Walk of Remembrance after a two year hiatus. The walk spans one mile that ends at the original site of the village, the Stanford Hopkins Marine Station near Cannery Row.
Along the way, guides and experts shared the history of the village, explaining the significance of their contributions to the area.
The city also used the event to formally apologize “to the Chinese community for the treatment of Chinese settlers at the Point Alones Fishing Village.”
“The pain won’t go away because of the apology, but it shows that Pacific Grove acknowledges the wrongs that were done. This is a learning process, where we can share each other’s cultures and, I hope, get better,” said Randy Sabado, the lead organizer of the walk.
Aptos High School student’s picture to be featured at the U.S. Capitol
Michelle Lopez-Rubio placed first at the Congressional Art Competition. Her picture, titled “Sacrificing My Father’s Hands”, will be featured at the U.S. Capitol for one year.
“This photo was about bringing light to what field workers have to go through every day. I hope that this photo getting so much attention can help improve the conditions of field workers. Michelle will travel in June to the Capitol to be officially recognized for her achievement and see the picture get displayed.
Be sure to check out the article to see two other students’ pictures who submitted.
Del Rey Oaks voters to decide the fate of a new recreational trail
A section of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail is up for debate and will fall on the voters to decide its fate. The trail section being discussed is a 1.5 mile bike and pedestrian segment that would connect open space and neighborhoods to the existing trail. It would also include an underpass under Highway 218.
A yes vote on Measure B will prohibit construction of the underpass and restrict the location of the trails. Supporters of the measure argue that the measure would keep neighborhoods for locals and prevent the overuse of the natural areas. Additionally, the city would need voter approval to construct tunnels or use residential areas.
A no vote will allow construction to continue normally. Those who oppose the measure say it would be a waste of state funding that was set aside for city improvements such as this. They also argue that studies show trails raise the value of properties in the area while also reducing crime rates.
Highfin Dragonfish filmed in Monterey Bay
MBARI spotted a rare dragonfish around 1,000 feet on a ship called the Western Flyer. The ship serves as a deployment for smaller vessels that can travel into deeper water.
The dragonfish they found was covered in bronze scales, though they are usually covered in black scales known to be one of the darkest colors in nature. Dragonfish can be found around 4,500 feet below the surface. Their jaws can open over 100 degrees, allowing it to devour prey much larger than itself. Some even use a luminous lure to attract food.
There is always an interesting piece worth having read that I don’t see in other publications. This week it is your article on the Congressional photo competition. I love the photo and it’s background story and am thrilled that the arts have a strong place in the Salinas schools.