State Parks to Stay Open

September 25, 2009

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China Cove, Pt. Lobos

It’s been obvious from the start that closing parks would cost the state more money than it would save. As this fact became increasingly difficult to ignore during the past few weeks, and as the announcement of the closure list was repeatedly delayed, it became more and more obvious that the Governor’s Office was going to back away from the park closure plans. And today, sure enough, the Governor has announced that all state parks will stay open. The new plan is to save money mainly by reducing the amount of time that parks are open and by reducing maintenance.

We’re glad they won’t be trying to kick us off the beach, but with the difficulty State Parks is already having keeping their property adequately maintained this doesn’t seem like much of a victory.


The Not-So-Great Monterey Beach Cross Debate

September 23, 2009

As the Topix forums for commenting on local news stories are populated almost entirely by trolls focused on antagonizing and insulting one another, it wasn’t surprising that the sawing down, by persons unknown, of the 20 foot tall cross that’s been standing on public property on the Monterey Beach for the past 40 years resulted in an outpouring of vitriol, on several different Topix threads, aimed at “Liberals,” the ACLU, Obama, etc. Read the rest of this entry »


Carmel Beach Sandcastle Contest

September 13, 2009

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Just to prove that the Carmel Beach isn’t only for shivering tourists and sex-crazed teenagers, the City of Carmel and the Monterey Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Architects put on a yearly sandcastle contest. Today was the 48th edition of the contest, which is only announced a day or two ahead of time to keep the crowds manageable and the participants local and “amateur.” Read the rest of this entry »


Forest Service Retracts Ridiculous Dope Grower Profile

September 11, 2009

We’ve all heard, and some of us have seen for ourselves, that Mexican immigrants are playing a larger role than ever before in the business of large-scale marijuana growing in the National Forests. We’ve also heard, although without any particular evidence to back it up, that these growers are associated with Mexican drug cartels. Read the rest of this entry »