Thursday, July 31
Good Out
Church network pushes for county reentry facility.
Church network pushes for county reentry facility.
¡Ask A Mexican! for Jul 31, 2008
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
Second Life
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History metamorphoses into a private-public partnership.
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History metamorphoses into a private-public partnership.
Home Page
Pacific Grove cottage’s facade gives way to another world inside.
Pacific Grove cottage’s facade gives way to another world inside.
Divinely Equine
There’s a wealth of action to soak up at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Classic– for more than just horse lovers.
There’s a wealth of action to soak up at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Classic– for more than just horse lovers.
Tell No One
Tell Everyone: Rousing French thriller Tell No One barrels along at a thrilling pace.
Tell Everyone: Rousing French thriller Tell No One barrels along at a thrilling pace.
Letters to the Editor for Jul 31, 2008
Letters to the Editor for Jul 31, 2008
Real Deals
Three good values and a tale of two bakeries.
Three good values and a tale of two bakeries.
Things We Lost in the Fire
Big Sur residents and businesses total their losses – and wait for more help from the feds.
Big Sur residents and businesses total their losses – and wait for more help from the feds.
Recession, Year Eight
Experts may beg to differ, but Americans know the truth.
Experts may beg to differ, but Americans know the truth.
Speaking In Numbers
The Weekly Tally: The Grateful Dead's legendary Laguna Seca show
The Weekly Tally: The Grateful Dead's legendary Laguna Seca show
Little Miracle
As it celebrates a 10-year anniversary, tiny Parsonage Winery closes in on cult status by way of big flavor.
As it celebrates a 10-year anniversary, tiny Parsonage Winery closes in on cult status by way of big flavor.
What lights your fire?
Asked at Salinas Rural Fire Department in Monterey.
Asked at Salinas Rural Fire Department in Monterey.
Mad Dope Mag
New local literary journal Cadillac Cicatrix quietly gathers quality content with plenty of edges.
New local literary journal Cadillac Cicatrix quietly gathers quality content with plenty of edges.
Blue Up
Curtis Salgado inspired The Blues Brothers, then survived terminal cancer.
Curtis Salgado inspired The Blues Brothers, then survived terminal cancer.
Seizing the Day
Marina Democrats are organizing for council, water board seats.
Marina Democrats are organizing for council, water board seats.
Quick hits on previously reported news
News Updates: Marina Dunes' easy money; Pacific Grove's Library; Condos by the highway; the green city of Salinas; Cort courts voters.
News Updates: Marina Dunes' easy money; Pacific Grove's Library; Condos by the highway; the green city of Salinas; Cort courts voters.
Brave New World
Cabrillo’s world premieres challenge listeners to embrace modern music.
Cabrillo’s world premieres challenge listeners to embrace modern music.
Gonzo
American Iconoclast: Skilled documentarian Alex Gibney trains his lens on Hunter S. Thompson in Gonzo.
American Iconoclast: Skilled documentarian Alex Gibney trains his lens on Hunter S. Thompson in Gonzo.
Beating Hearts
A Senegalese drum group goes off with serious joy.
A Senegalese drum group goes off with serious joy.
Session With a Dog Psychic
A local sage plies the minds of two pure-bred pooches.
A local sage plies the minds of two pure-bred pooches.
Monday, July 28
The Industrialized World
Chris Jordan's powerful images show how our stuff adds up in mesmerizing ways.
Chris Jordan's powerful images show how our stuff adds up in mesmerizing ways.
Saturday, July 26
Words to Live By
Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
Thursday, July 24
Quick hits on previously reported news
News Updates: House arrest in Big Sur; breathing methyl bromide; dancing in the Pacific Grove streets; tax protest in Seaside.
News Updates: House arrest in Big Sur; breathing methyl bromide; dancing in the Pacific Grove streets; tax protest in Seaside.
West Side Rider
Fort Ord’s less-trafficked half offers great scenery and a labyrinth of fun mountain bike trails.
Fort Ord’s less-trafficked half offers great scenery and a labyrinth of fun mountain bike trails.
Elkington By Any Other Name
Salinas Councilman wants to rename gang-affiliated streets.
Salinas Councilman wants to rename gang-affiliated streets.
Home Page
Integrity of 1910 Salinas home reflects the contractor’s high standards.
Integrity of 1910 Salinas home reflects the contractor’s high standards.
Promise With Limits
Obama’s war timeline still leaves the door open for U.S. occupation.
Obama’s war timeline still leaves the door open for U.S. occupation.
Chemical Reaction
In the past two years, more than 1 million pounds of pesticides were applied in Monterey County – and that’s not counting crop chemicals or household bug spray.
In the past two years, more than 1 million pounds of pesticides were applied in Monterey County – and that’s not counting crop chemicals or household bug spray.
Mouthwatering Morsels
Culinary questions find delicious answers (and tasty recipes) with Flash in the Pan.
Culinary questions find delicious answers (and tasty recipes) with Flash in the Pan.
Letters to the Editor for Jul 24, 2008
Letters to the Editor for Jul 24, 2008
Downsize, Not Supersize
Soledad Wal-Mart project should be reconsidered.
Soledad Wal-Mart project should be reconsidered.
Step Brothers
R-rested Development: The vulgar immaturity of Step Brothers’ main characters extends to the filmmaking.
R-rested Development: The vulgar immaturity of Step Brothers’ main characters extends to the filmmaking.
Public for Private
Seaside pays retirement benefits to contract attorney.
Seaside pays retirement benefits to contract attorney.
Rebuilding Big Sur
Supervisors approve fee waivers and other guidelines to expedite recovery.
Supervisors approve fee waivers and other guidelines to expedite recovery.
Great Dame
Pacific Grove product Fred Dame rose from local busboy to president of the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Pacific Grove product Fred Dame rose from local busboy to president of the Court of Master Sommeliers.
At Home Alone
Leroy Thrash likes keeping the city clean when no one is up.
Leroy Thrash likes keeping the city clean when no one is up.
Going Global
Ian Dogole and Hemispheres weld together a world of improvised music.
Ian Dogole and Hemispheres weld together a world of improvised music.
Bureaucratic maze
Local governments can get sloppy with outsourced pesticide application records.
Local governments can get sloppy with outsourced pesticide application records.
Q: What is the biggest pest in your life?
Asked at Mid Valley Shopping Center in Carmel Valley.
Asked at Mid Valley Shopping Center in Carmel Valley.
Hip Hop Hooray:
Ready for ‘90s nostalgia? The Wackness is ill to the core.
Ready for ‘90s nostalgia? The Wackness is ill to the core.
WITH A GRAIN OF RODENT BAIT
Some things to bear in mind when interpreting these numbers.
Some things to bear in mind when interpreting these numbers.
Bach’s Best
Innovation proves effective in performance of Mass in B Minor.
Innovation proves effective in performance of Mass in B Minor.
¡Ask A Mexican! for Jul 24, 2008
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
Moving In
Boys and Girls Clubs, Silver Star Resource Center vie for new youth facility in Salinas.
Boys and Girls Clubs, Silver Star Resource Center vie for new youth facility in Salinas.
Web Exlusive
Pesticide Use Within Monterey County, 2006-2007
Pesticide Use Within Monterey County, 2006-2007
Tuesday, July 22
Fields of Plenty
Agriculture farm land for row crops and vineyards shows increased values in Monterey County
Agriculture farm land for row crops and vineyards shows increased values in Monterey County
Sunday, July 20
Hanging by a Thin Line
To protect turtles, state legislators pass a resolution to ban long-line fishing. The federal fisheries council may not care.
To protect turtles, state legislators pass a resolution to ban long-line fishing. The federal fisheries council may not care.
Out of sight, but not out of mind
Oil in the sunken tanker Montebello could threaten the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Oil in the sunken tanker Montebello could threaten the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Saturday, July 19
Friday, July 18
Tassajara Road Reopens to residents
Cachagua and Jamesburg residents permitted to return —Road passes to be issued to locals by Cachagua Fire or CHP
Cachagua and Jamesburg residents permitted to return —Road passes to be issued to locals by Cachagua Fire or CHP
On West Side of Highway One
Six National Forest picnic areas on Big Sur coast to reopen July 18.
Six National Forest picnic areas on Big Sur coast to reopen July 18.
Thursday, July 17
Rastafari Out
Eek-A-Mouse and Don Carlos top an impressive bill at Fox benefit show.
Eek-A-Mouse and Don Carlos top an impressive bill at Fox benefit show.
The Dark Knight
Unbalanced Ledger: The Dark Knight delivers more than a menacing farewell performance.
Unbalanced Ledger: The Dark Knight delivers more than a menacing farewell performance.
Wowza Is Right
A surprising fitness pioneer calls Monterey County home.
A surprising fitness pioneer calls Monterey County home.
Phat Burger
Totally Stacked: Seaside’s Phat Burger puts together a great thing with good beef and glorious condiments.
Totally Stacked: Seaside’s Phat Burger puts together a great thing with good beef and glorious condiments.
¡Ask A Mexican! for Jul 17, 2008
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
Upstream Battle
Steelhead enthusiasts rescue fish from the drying Garzas Creek.
Steelhead enthusiasts rescue fish from the drying Garzas Creek.
Getting Tossed
A reporter goes toe-to-hoof with a half-ton bull.
A reporter goes toe-to-hoof with a half-ton bull.
Letters to the Editor for Jul 17, 2008
Letters to the Editor for Jul 17, 2008
No Bologna
Two chefs help The Garlic Festival roar into its 30th year with more flavor than ever.
Two chefs help The Garlic Festival roar into its 30th year with more flavor than ever.
Quick hits on previously reported news
News Updates: The not so public East Salinas police substation; Rubio's unfettered ambitions; Mehia's resignation.
News Updates: The not so public East Salinas police substation; Rubio's unfettered ambitions; Mehia's resignation.
Hoofin’ It
A local barrel racer prepares for her big chance at California Rodeo Salinas.
A local barrel racer prepares for her big chance at California Rodeo Salinas.
Oldtown Secession
Café owner leads a revolt against the Oldtown Salinas Association.
Café owner leads a revolt against the Oldtown Salinas Association.
Local Control
Big Sur volunteer firefighters break ranks to save “indefensible” home.
Big Sur volunteer firefighters break ranks to save “indefensible” home.
Encounters At the End of the World
Bottom’s Up: Werner Herzog’s latest doc brings Antartica to the fore.
Bottom’s Up: Werner Herzog’s latest doc brings Antartica to the fore.
Around the Horns
How a steer wrestler flies from his high-speed horse to collar cattle.
How a steer wrestler flies from his high-speed horse to collar cattle.
Who would you like to see ride a bucking bull?
Asked at Coffee Mia in Marina.
Asked at Coffee Mia in Marina.
Too many horses, not enough adopters
SPCA of Monterey County sees record horse intakes.
SPCA of Monterey County sees record horse intakes.
Speed, Freaks
Both the MotoGP and its fans (including the author) are something to behold.
Both the MotoGP and its fans (including the author) are something to behold.
Impeachment Revisited
Even if unfinished, the process could bring the country together.
Even if unfinished, the process could bring the country together.
Bull-whacked
Once in the chute, the mellow bull becomes true to his nature.
Once in the chute, the mellow bull becomes true to his nature.
The Great Deflation
It’s time for anger to replace whining over the economy.
It’s time for anger to replace whining over the economy.
Home Page
New Monterey house and lot have potential for the right buyers.
New Monterey house and lot have potential for the right buyers.
A Star Is Reborn
Carmel Bach Festival spotlights Baroque music pioneer.
Carmel Bach Festival spotlights Baroque music pioneer.
Wednesday, July 16
Big Sur Basin Complex Fire Report
The fires of 2008 — A collection of Monterey County Weekly's stories and links.
The fires of 2008 — A collection of Monterey County Weekly's stories and links.
Tuesday, July 15
Public v. Private
The Big Sur Basin Complex fire may spur insurance companies to proactively fight fire, by hiring private firefighters. The U.S. Forest Service may not like that one bit.
The Big Sur Basin Complex fire may spur insurance companies to proactively fight fire, by hiring private firefighters. The U.S. Forest Service may not like that one bit.
Local woman to compete in China
U.S. Olympic team announced — Blake Russell of Pacific Grove will compete as a marathoner.
U.S. Olympic team announced — Blake Russell of Pacific Grove will compete as a marathoner.
The rebuilding of Big Sur's economy
Hotels in Big Sur reopen for summer visitors — outlook positive.
Hotels in Big Sur reopen for summer visitors — outlook positive.
Bullet Train to L.A.
Route approved for $10 billion California high speed train that voters will decide in November —closest station would be in Gilroy.
Route approved for $10 billion California high speed train that voters will decide in November —closest station would be in Gilroy.
Sunday, July 13
The handling of the Big Sur fire
Sheriff loses at least one vote from Big Sur in aftermath of fire evacuations
Sheriff loses at least one vote from Big Sur in aftermath of fire evacuations
Friday, July 11
Smoke's Side Effects
The Smoke From the Los Padres Fire Has Kept Us Cooler Than Forecast
The Smoke From the Los Padres Fire Has Kept Us Cooler Than Forecast
Thursday, July 10
Tricked Out
Reed McClintock is the brightest of the Stars of Magic.
Reed McClintock is the brightest of the Stars of Magic.
Journey to the Center of the Earth
The Big Picture: Will high-tech film formats like Journey to the Center of the Earth rekindle the love for movies?
The Big Picture: Will high-tech film formats like Journey to the Center of the Earth rekindle the love for movies?
Cachagua prepares for fire as it moves north from Big Sur
Crews wait for the Basin fire to approach.
Crews wait for the Basin fire to approach.
Quick hits on previously reported news
Seven Day Update: Mills Family Farms' Financial Difficulties, Jim Colangelo's Resignation, the Future of Carmel Valley and Ferrante in Salinas
Seven Day Update: Mills Family Farms' Financial Difficulties, Jim Colangelo's Resignation, the Future of Carmel Valley and Ferrante in Salinas
Smokin’ Hot
Fighting fire with a fork, the sizzling Volcano Grill and more.
Fighting fire with a fork, the sizzling Volcano Grill and more.
Giving ’Em the Boot
John Pisto goes Italian with his latest project, Cannery Row’s Trattoria Paradiso.
John Pisto goes Italian with his latest project, Cannery Row’s Trattoria Paradiso.
Weird Science
Marina Technology Cluster supports green-oriented entrepreneurs countywide.
Marina Technology Cluster supports green-oriented entrepreneurs countywide.
Post-War Intelligence
The NPS quietly uses old warcraft to complete unprecedented research.
The NPS quietly uses old warcraft to complete unprecedented research.
Letters to the Editor for Jul 10, 2008
Letters to the Editor for Jul 10, 2008
Blacklist Revisited
Carl Cherry Center celebrates its 60th anniversary with a theme dear to its roots.
Carl Cherry Center celebrates its 60th anniversary with a theme dear to its roots.
Slam Dunked
After 10 years, Thompson gives up poetry classic’s reins.
After 10 years, Thompson gives up poetry classic’s reins.
¡Ask A Mexican! for Jul 10, 2008
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
Out of the Park
Seaside hits another home run with the latest Blues in the Park lineup.
Seaside hits another home run with the latest Blues in the Park lineup.
Back burn and wind changes create unexpected shift
Fire jumps Chews Ridge fire line near Mira Observatory on Saturday prompting mandatory evacuation order for Jamesburg residents in Carmel Valley.
Fire jumps Chews Ridge fire line near Mira Observatory on Saturday prompting mandatory evacuation order for Jamesburg residents in Carmel Valley.
New School
An inventive outreach program jumpstarts college careers.
An inventive outreach program jumpstarts college careers.
Describe your ideal hedonistic summer day.
Asked on Ocean Avenue in Carmel.
Asked on Ocean Avenue in Carmel.
Sol Man
Match.com entrepreneur adds solar power to his next world to conquer.
Match.com entrepreneur adds solar power to his next world to conquer.
Feeling Swells
Different user-friendly snorkeling spots to hit up.
Different user-friendly snorkeling spots to hit up.
Fighting for Home
The inside story about what went down on Apple Pie Ridge during the Big Sur fire.
The inside story about what went down on Apple Pie Ridge during the Big Sur fire.
Home Page
Well-thought-out amenities are part of Carmel home’s charm.
Well-thought-out amenities are part of Carmel home’s charm.
Child of a Dark Era
Barbara James of Carmel Valley recalls what her parents went through.
Barbara James of Carmel Valley recalls what her parents went through.
When Did You Last See Your Father?
Father Hood: When Did You Last See Your Father? looks at a strained familial relationship.
Father Hood: When Did You Last See Your Father? looks at a strained familial relationship.
Wednesday, July 9
Going Head to Head With Mother Nature
Flames Seen From Carmel Valley Village Tuesday Night As The Fire Moves North — Highway One Now Open to Residents South of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Flames Seen From Carmel Valley Village Tuesday Night As The Fire Moves North — Highway One Now Open to Residents South of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Monday, July 7
Big Sur Locals Get a Break
Highway 1 Reopens for Many Big Sur Residents — Reentry to Begin 10am Tuesday as Mandatory Evacuation Lifted
Highway 1 Reopens for Many Big Sur Residents — Reentry to Begin 10am Tuesday as Mandatory Evacuation Lifted
From the L.A. Times
The Curtis Brothers Started A Backfire to Save Their Homes on Apple Pie Ridge in Big Sur — The Fire May Have Worked, But it Landed Ross Curtis In Jail
The Curtis Brothers Started A Backfire to Save Their Homes on Apple Pie Ridge in Big Sur — The Fire May Have Worked, But it Landed Ross Curtis In Jail
Sunday, July 6
CDF Calls In Air Support
DC-10 Air Tanker Joins Effort to Contain Big Sur Fire At Pico Blanco
DC-10 Air Tanker Joins Effort to Contain Big Sur Fire At Pico Blanco
Saturday, July 5
News, Links and Blogs
Fire Information, Community Connections, Big Sur Relief Fund & Photos
Fire Information, Community Connections, Big Sur Relief Fund & Photos
July 5: Fire Remains East of Highway — Old Redwoods at Julie Pfeiffer Burns State Park In Tact
Starting A Backfire, Holding the Line in Big Sur Basin Complex Fire
Starting A Backfire, Holding the Line in Big Sur Basin Complex Fire
Friday, July 4
Thursday, July 3
Fire Remains Out of Control
Basin Complex Fire Update: Highway 1 Closed South of Palo Colorado — Fire 200 Yards from Ventana Inn
Basin Complex Fire Update: Highway 1 Closed South of Palo Colorado — Fire 200 Yards from Ventana Inn
Bold Proposal
The Forest Theater Guild presents a brave portrayal of Evita.
The Forest Theater Guild presents a brave portrayal of Evita.
Free Money
Hundreds of thousands of dollars for veterans’ training will go away in two months.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars for veterans’ training will go away in two months.
Higher Plane
Local writer scores big with a debut about a revolutionary spacecraft.
Local writer scores big with a debut about a revolutionary spacecraft.
power of healing
Two Seaside nurses help save lives in Nigeria.
Two Seaside nurses help save lives in Nigeria.
Blues in Color
A stage-builder whips up masterpieces in minutes at the Blues Festival.
A stage-builder whips up masterpieces in minutes at the Blues Festival.
Letters to the Editor for Jul 03, 2008
Letters to the Editor for Jul 03, 2008
Saving Birds from Burning
Ventana Wildlife Society’s heroic effort to rescue Big Sur’s condors.
Ventana Wildlife Society’s heroic effort to rescue Big Sur’s condors.
Body of Music
Crosspulse thumps and smacks its way through free shows at local libraries.
Crosspulse thumps and smacks its way through free shows at local libraries.
If you could give someone a super power, who would it be and why?
Asked at Cafe Lumiere in Monterey.
Asked at Cafe Lumiere in Monterey.
A Leafy Beef
Two top salad bars holster up for a showdown.
Two top salad bars holster up for a showdown.
Totally Local
Yell or Trolley’s CD release leads a blockbuster hometown lineup at Live.
Yell or Trolley’s CD release leads a blockbuster hometown lineup at Live.
Home Page
Couple pulled out all the environmental stops for their Big Sur house.
Couple pulled out all the environmental stops for their Big Sur house.
¡Ask A Mexican! for Jul 03, 2008
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
Tails on Trails
Exploring the outdoors with the help of two local dog-hike experts.
Exploring the outdoors with the help of two local dog-hike experts.
Paint It Blue
SLIDESHOW: 2008 Monterey Bay Blues Festival
SLIDESHOW: 2008 Monterey Bay Blues Festival
Line of Fire
Big Sur residents meet nightly for updates on the Basin Complex fires.
Big Sur residents meet nightly for updates on the Basin Complex fires.
Practicing What She Preaches
MIIS president measures success at her work by her personal yardstick.
MIIS president measures success at her work by her personal yardstick.
Camp: Fire
Next to a surreal disaster, a surreal city sprouts.
Next to a surreal disaster, a surreal city sprouts.
Wanted
Firing Blanks: Wanted has a serious gun fetish.
Firing Blanks: Wanted has a serious gun fetish.
Aim’s a Little Off
The Supreme Court handgun ruling misses its mark.
The Supreme Court handgun ruling misses its mark.
Anatomy of a Price Surge
Demand and Bush administration policies are largely to blame for high cost of oil.
Demand and Bush administration policies are largely to blame for high cost of oil.
Hard Habit to Break
Jack Ellwanger picks his battles and gets things done.
Jack Ellwanger picks his battles and gets things done.
Hancock
Heroic Failure: Hancock does more damage than good.
Heroic Failure: Hancock does more damage than good.
The Ash Tax
A look at the ecological impacts of the Big Sur wildfires.
A look at the ecological impacts of the Big Sur wildfires.
Death to Cheeseburgers
Coming to terms with a Fourth of July favorite.
Coming to terms with a Fourth of July favorite.
Daring Escape
Jackie Cruz left gang life behind and now helps others avoid her mistakes
Jackie Cruz left gang life behind and now helps others avoid her mistakes
Giving from the Get-go
Elana Anderson and Walter Jones have always been driven to help the hungry
Elana Anderson and Walter Jones have always been driven to help the hungry
Wednesday, July 2
Basin Complex Fire Roars On
Big Sur Fire Takes Turn For The Worse — Residents Ordered to Evacuate
Big Sur Fire Takes Turn For The Worse — Residents Ordered to Evacuate
Da Giovanni Restaurant
Carmel