BUILDING CASTLES ON SAND CITY… Last week’s article on developer Ed Ghandour’s proposed Sand City “ecoresort” highlighted the inherent contradiction of building green on the ecologically sensitive (and rapidly shrinking) coast. Ghandour’s isn’t the only proposed new beach hotel in Sand City. King Ventures has an agreement with the city to build a resort at the end of Playa Avenue, which would be extended under Highway 1 toward the beach. A few months ago the developers submitted a revised proposal; city planners are now processing the environmental impact report. Next, staff will solicit public comments and hold a hearing before the City Council. Planner Chuck Pooler expects the project to be appealed to the Coastal Commission. [KA]

ALBA SHAKEUP… Last week we reported Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association’s decision to oust organic farmer organizer Víctor Almazán. It turns out two ALBA board members and another farmer are also on their way out. Board members Hank Herrera and Nick Sandoval have resigned for unspecified reasons, and ALBA didn’t renew the farming lease of Irene Zamudio for issues including not paying rent on time. [ZS]

SEASIDE’S SHOPPING SPREE… Since last year’s cover story on the City of Seaside’s vision for a thriving downtown (the “Urban Village”), the city’s Redevelopment Agency has been slowly acquiring properties within the targeted zone, in part to clear space for slugger-cum-developer Reggie Jackson’s proposed hotel. On Dec. 4, the agency agreed to purchase six lots on Del Monte Boulevard, Amador Avenue and Sonoma Avenue for a total of more than $2.6 million. [KA]

RECYCLING SLUMP… Nationwide, falling prices for recycled materials is pushing many cities to dump their recyclables. Recyclers stockpile materials as overseas buyers offer far less for commodities such as cardboard, mixed paper, metal and plastic. Monterey Regional Waste Management District spokesman Jeff Lindenthal says the district has seen scrap metal revenue drop from $7,000 to $1,000 per week over the period of just a few months; cardboard that used to fetch $20 to $40 per ton suddenly costs money to haul away. He connects the downturn to the worldwide credit crisis and slackening consumption – adding that the historically volatile market should eventually recover. [KA]