Erik Chalhoub
@erikchalhoub.montereycountynow.com
Associate Editor, Monterey County Weekly @montereycountynow.com
On Aug. 31, Chief Joel Mendoza retired, wrapping up 28 years with North County Fire.
North County’s fire chief retires after 28 years with the department.
North County Fire Chief Joel Mendoza retires after 28 years of service. Division Chief Jess Cortez steps in as interim chief during the search.
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As the decades-overdue Pajaro River levee project continues, a group of researchers is finding a way to make life better for both the animals that reside in the river and those responsible for the levee’s maintenance.
A levee project focuses on reducing Pajaro’s flood risk. Researchers say the benefits are bigger.
Researchers find the Pajaro River levee rebuild project will boost flood protection, improve water quality, and support local wildlife biodiversity.
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Monterey’s “moon tree” was grown from one of 2,000 or so seeds carried by astronaut Stuart Roosa as he orbited the moon in a command module during the Apollo 14 mission in February 1971. And now, five decades later, that once-fragile seedling towers over the plaza and an area as historic as itself.
Monterey’s moon tree hits 50 and a new one grows in Greenfield, amid renewed interest in the natural satellite.
Fifty years ago, Monterey came out to witness the planting of a tree.
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It was a feast at home and at the polls for Glenn Church on election night as he vies for a second term as Monterey County supervisor.
Early results show Glenn Church netting nearly two-thirds of the vote for another term as county supervisor.
Just after 7:30pm on Tuesday, June 2, Clint Novak carried a tray of Bloody Mary-marinated tri-tip into the kitchen, advising people to be careful around the hot dish.
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Marina city officials led a tour of the aging city hall and police/fire station buildings yesterday, April 23. It's part of the city's effort to gauge support for a utility users tax likely on the November ballot.
Late post, but I was stoked to go off-roading for the first time ever at Sea Otter Classic on Saturday for the Ford Bronco Wild Fund experience. Pretty gnarly course on the former motocross track at Laguna Seca.
Bradyn Lange and Keegan Swenson were neck-and-neck going into the final turn of the Life Time Grand Prix, when Lange made a move to go inside around the bend, slipping ahead of the four-time champion and pumping his pedals down the last stretch to cross the finish line only tenths of a second ahead.
On the final turn, Bradyn Lange passes four-time Sea Otter Classic champion to claim victory.
In the months leading up to the Life Time Sea Otter Classic, it looked like Keegan Swenson wasn’t going to have a chance to defend his four-in-a-row title.
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From summer 2024 through most of 2025, 816 full-grown eucalyptus trees and countless smaller trees were removed in North Monterey County.
Pilot program removes more than 800 eucalyptus trees in North County.
Pilot program removes 816 eucalyptus trees in North Monterey County to mitigate fire risk and public safety hazards. Learn about the funded removal effort.
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The Marina City Council unanimously approved exploring a plan that rezones a portion of the Marina Landing Shopping Center to allow for housing on Wednesday, March 18.
Marina council shows support for mixed-use rezoning next to Walmart.
The Marina City Council unanimously approved exploring a plan that rezones a portion of the Marina Landing Shopping Center to allow for housing on Wednesday, March 18.
montereycountynow.com
If a disastrous flood happens again, Pajaro will be better equipped to handle it.
Pajaro is more prepared than ever for any disaster that may come its way, but work remains.
Pajaro bolsters disaster readiness with new high-water rescue vehicle and trained firefighters, though major levee work is still years away. See what's new.
montereycountynow.com
As the three-year anniversary of the March 2023 flood in Pajaro approaches, a new mural is complete, promising a symbol of a brighter future ahead.
Pajaro celebrates a new mural depicting the town’s rise from the 2023 flood.
New Pajaro mural by Hijos del Sol symbolizes the town's resilient rise and hope following the devastating 2023 flood, funded by state relief efforts.
montereycountynow.com
Planning on running for local office in June? Nomination forms are now available.
Candidates can now officially file to run in June, kicking off a busy election season.
Erik Chalhoub here, remembering a time when the election process was respected and trusted by our federal government. It feels so long ago, even though it was only about a
montereycountynow.com
Some of the rough roads in North and South Monterey County will get work done in the near future.
Supervisors approve list of projects funded by tax measure, but raise questions over the process.
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors’ vote to approve $9.5 million in projects funded by Measure AA may have been unanimous on Tuesday, Feb. 3, but a majority of the
montereycountynow.com
I’ve counted 17 publications that I’ve either worked for or contributed to across Monterey, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, San Benito and San Luis Obispo counties. So I was in a unique position to write this week’s cover story on the state of local newspapers.
Print publishers face rising costs, wealthy competitors and the whims of the federal government in 2026.
Print publishers face rising costs, wealthy competitors, and government regulations in 2026. Explore the challenges and adaptations in local journalism.
montereycountynow.com
Hello journos! We at @montereycountynow.com are excited to launch Salinas Valley Now this spring. We are hiring a full-time staff writer and a part-time editor. Please share among your networks, @mallorycarra.com @thelatinonewsletter.org www.journalismjobs.com/job-listings...
JournalismJobs.com: The Job Board for Media Professionals
JournalismJobs.com has journalism and media job listings with digital media, newspapers, tv stations, radio stations, magazines, nonprofits, and academia.
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Frank Pinto, who opened Work Horse Bicycles in Old Monterey in July 2017, is retiring and closing the shop at 486 Washington St. Its final day is Dec. 31.
Work Horse Bicycles’ owner is set to retire and close the shop Dec. 31.
Frank Pinto, who opened Work Horse Bicycles in Old Monterey in July 2017, is retiring and closing the shop at 486 Washington St. Its final day is Dec. 31.
montereycountynow.com
Premier Hyundai of Seaside suddenly closed Friday, Dec. 12. Employees on site said the announcement to staff came out of nowhere, only two days ago.
Seaside’s Hyundai dealership suddenly closes, opening a hole in the city’s budget.
Premier Hyundai of Seaside suddenly closed Friday, Dec. 12. Employees on site said the announcement to staff came out of nowhere, only two days ago.
montereycountynow.com
A story about theater, sign language and accessibility takes center stage. #theater #signlanguage #accessibility #asl #pacrep #inclusion #performingarts
A story about theater, sign language and accessibility takes center stage.
Read the full article on Monterey County Now.
montereycountynow.com
Retired Monterey County Administrative Officer Lew Bauman will be the City of Monterey’s interim city manager beginning Jan. 1, as the search continues to replace the retiring Hans Uslar.
Monterey appoints an interim city manager as the search for a permanent manager continues.
Monterey appoints Lew Bauman as interim city manager while search continues to replace retiring Hans Uslar.
montereycountynow.com
There is one house that stands out among the rest in Del Rey Oaks. Ghastly figures have taken residence in the front yard, daring all who pass by to enter, if they are so brave.
A Del Rey Oaks home becomes a Halloween night destination for brave candy seekers.
A Del Rey Oaks home transforms into a Halloween destination with spooky displays.
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For weeks, I’ve been looking for a part to get my old bike back on the trails. In just five minutes, I found it this weekend at AMG Cyclery’s bike swap in Seaside.
The clock is ticking for the County of Monterey to distribute $20 million in state funds for the benefit of Pajaro.
Millions in state funding for Pajaro’s flood recovery is nearly spent as deadline approaches.
Monterey County faces a deadline to spend millions in state funding for Pajaro's flood recovery. Find out how the money is being used.
montereycountynow.com
The Monterey Planning Commission recommended the city council adopt an ordinance that prohibits gun shops in most areas of the city.
Monterey outlines a plan to limit new gun shops after an earlier approval sparks outcry.
Monterey plans to limit new gun shops after approving one near homes, sparking public outcry.
montereycountynow.com
A demonstration project is underway along Geil and Seymour streets in Castroville, featuring curb extensions, traffic circles and crosswalks, with the goal to assist pedestrians and slow down traffic.
A pilot project in Castroville shows how roads can be safer for North County students.
Castroville's pilot project aims to make roads safer for students. Curb extensions, traffic circles, and crosswalks are being tested.
montereycountynow.com
For decades, the Life Time Sea Otter Classic has been a mecca for all things biking. But it’s not afraid to switch things up every once in awhile, and its offerings for 2026 show that.
Sea Otter Classic adds trail run, expands to Toro Park for 2026.
Sea Otter Classic introduces trail runs, expands to Toro Park for 2026. Registration opens Oct 7 for the April 16-19 event.
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The third and final phase of direct financial assistance to Pajaro residents will launch in October.
Pajaro continues its climb out of the 2023 flood, with more help on the way.
Pajaro is recovering from the 2023 flood with $20M in state funds. Learn about transportation upgrades, business aid, & resident assistance.
montereycountynow.com
The nearest hospital for thousands of North Monterey County residents returned to public ownership in 2022, and as part of that deal, the governing board that manages it must be divided into zones in 2026.
District that oversees Watsonville Community Hospital moving toward by-zone elections.
Pajaro Valley Health Care District moving to by-zone elections. Public input sought on district maps. Deadline: Oct 17.
montereycountynow.com
Seaside Fire and Police sound the sirens, simulating what it sounded like in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. A gathering today at Seaside City Hall commemorated the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
King City officials announced recently that construction on the first phase of the King Station Multimodal Transit Center is expected to begin in 2028 or 2029.
A passenger train is close to stopping in King City after decades of rolling through.
King City slated to get Amtrak stop after decades. Construction on the station set to begin in 2028/29.
montereycountynow.com
Joby is scaling up its Marina facility and hitting milestones with its future air taxis.
Joby Aviation is getting close to turning its vision of air taxis into reality. But when will that future arrive, and who will benefit?
Joby Aviation is getting closer to launching its air taxis. When will that future arrive, and who will benefit?
montereycountynow.com