Thursday, December 30
Liquid Liquidity
Marina Coast Water District's S&P credit rating raised to AA-
Marina Coast Water District's S&P credit rating raised to AA-
Images as Everything
Exploring a year in portraits helps reveal a community’s identity.
Exploring a year in portraits helps reveal a community’s identity.
Top Picking
Ag Against Hunger fuels food banks with discarded nourishment.
Ag Against Hunger fuels food banks with discarded nourishment.
High Resolution
Showing how a table beer tap and bull ride are relevant.
Showing how a table beer tap and bull ride are relevant.
Gulliver's Travels
Black Out: <i>Gulliver’s Travels</i> doesn’t go much of anywhere.
Black Out: <i>Gulliver’s Travels</i> doesn’t go much of anywhere.
How Now, J. Brown?
Governor-elect warns of even deeper cuts, locals brace for impact.
Governor-elect warns of even deeper cuts, locals brace for impact.
Letters to the Editor for Dec 30, 2010
Letters to the Editor for Dec 30, 2010
Bringing the Huerta
UFW co-founder is making methyl iodide her new mission.
UFW co-founder is making methyl iodide her new mission.
Best Year Ever
A trifecta of music playmakers reflect on an incomparable 2010.
A trifecta of music playmakers reflect on an incomparable 2010.
Food Fight
Cult of thinness battles fat acceptance movement and kids still lose.
Cult of thinness battles fat acceptance movement and kids still lose.
What’s your most entertaining short story from your past?
Asked at the Maiden Publick House in Big Sur.
Asked at the Maiden Publick House in Big Sur.
SVMH Layoffs Begin As Union Fights Reductions
Profit margin high, management say layoffs needed to keep it that way.
Profit margin high, management say layoffs needed to keep it that way.
Squid Bonanza
Biologically inexplicable boom highlights uncertainty about management.
Biologically inexplicable boom highlights uncertainty about management.
Tuned Up
First Night Monterey’s 2010 strong music options ramp up an already incomparable local tradition.
First Night Monterey’s 2010 strong music options ramp up an already incomparable local tradition.
Taxes Cometh
Volunteers prepare to file taxes for low-income earners.
Volunteers prepare to file taxes for low-income earners.
Story Time
Tales of adventure, intrigue, romance and seamonsters? All of the 101-word variety
Tales of adventure, intrigue,  romance and seamonsters? All of the 101-word variety
¡Ask A Mexican! for Dec 30, 2010
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
Beasties and Weezy
Exploring the most anticipated 2011 albums, from Radiohead to Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Exploring the most anticipated 2011 albums, from Radiohead to Red Hot Chili Peppers.
True Grit
<i>True Grit</i> includes beautiful performances but lacks pop.
<i>True Grit</i> includes beautiful performances but lacks pop.
Habanero’s Grill & Cantina
Habanero’s Grill & Cantina’s atypical approach works in downtown Monterey.
Habanero’s Grill & Cantina’s atypical approach works in downtown Monterey.
Nurse Without Borders
Seaside man on annual trek to help save lives in Nigerian hometown.
Seaside man on annual trek to help save lives in Nigerian hometown.
Wednesday, December 29
CREDO Calling
Phone company to incoming governor Jerry Brown: Say no to methyl iodide.
Phone company to incoming governor Jerry Brown: Say no to methyl iodide.
Culture Club
The Facebook furor, Bach rocks in Carmel, Dylan’s defiance and why California is still cool.
The Facebook furor, Bach rocks in Carmel, Dylan’s defiance and why California is still cool.
Mental Health Cutbacks
With a temporary provision for mental health services set to expire, families look to the courts
With a temporary provision for mental health services set to expire, families look to the courts
Tuesday, December 28
Fish Eyes
Finding a sustainable seafood dinner made easy
Finding a sustainable seafood dinner made easy
Property Protections
New construction laws are designed to protect homeowners and compliant contractors
New construction laws are designed to protect homeowners and compliant contractors
Monday, December 27
Hospital Bills
CHOMP - Blue Shield agreement vows to lower healthcare costs
CHOMP - Blue Shield agreement vows to lower healthcare costs
Thursday, December 23
Letters to the Editor for Dec 23, 2010
Letters to the Editor for Dec 23, 2010
Crime Watch
Behavioral tracking used against Iraqi insurgents may be headed to Salinas.
Behavioral tracking used against Iraqi insurgents may be headed to Salinas.
We (Almost) Never Close
A dawn-to-dawn, 24-hour look at the men and women, paid and not, who toil in Monterey County no matter what the (holi)day.
A dawn-to-dawn, 24-hour look at the men and women, paid and not, who toil in Monterey County no matter what the (holi)day.

Cover Girl
Zoe Boekbinder opens a chapter of clever covers at Paper Wing.
Zoe Boekbinder opens a chapter of clever covers at Paper Wing.
Fumigation Furor
Opponents of methyl iodide to sue by month’s end, claim political motivation behind emergency regs.
Opponents of methyl iodide to sue by month’s end, claim political motivation behind emergency regs.
Losing the Humbug
A season of frustration can easily transform.
A season of frustration can easily transform.
Pulling Strings
Chamber Music Monterey Bay changes the string quartet game
Chamber Music Monterey Bay changes the string quartet game
Constant Curating
Can we disconnect from online media long enough to live our lives?
Can we disconnect from online media long enough to live our lives?
The King's Speech
Stutter Stunner: <i>The King’s Speech</i> might be a quiet Oscar-talker.
Stutter Stunner: <i>The King’s Speech</i> might be a quiet Oscar-talker.
Carmel Examines Retirement
Nobel laureate helps advisory committee in look at CalPERS
Nobel laureate helps advisory committee in look at CalPERS

Hot Boxes
A definitive breakdown of the top 10 CD box sets of 2010.
A definitive breakdown of the top 10 CD box sets of 2010.
Continental Shift
Two locals plan a way to change the lives of Africa’s young women.
Two locals plan a way to change the lives of Africa’s young women.
Pacific Grove Honors Immigrant Contributions
Day of Inclusion recognizes the city’s historic Chinese village.
Day of Inclusion recognizes the city’s historic Chinese village.
The Bakery Station
Fuel for Life: The Bakery Station gasses up Salinas on fresh java, pastries and sandwiches.
Fuel for Life: The Bakery Station gasses up Salinas on fresh java, pastries and sandwiches.
Little Fockers
Dumb Fockers: <i>Little Fockers</i> doesn’t make the most of its opportunities.
Dumb Fockers: <i>Little Fockers</i> doesn’t make the most of its opportunities.
Crab + Bacon = Yum
Two of the best things to put in your belly and more to munch on.
Two of the best things to put in your belly and more to munch on.
I Love You Phillip Morris
Con Bond: Jim Carrey and<i> I Love You Phillip Morris</i> break new ground beautifully.
Con Bond: Jim Carrey and<i> I Love You Phillip Morris</i> break new ground beautifully.
If you could be the 4th wiseman, what gift would you bring?
Asked at Paris Bakery in Monterey.
Asked at Paris Bakery in Monterey.
Final Buildout
Pebble Beach Co. files scaled-back development proposal.
Pebble Beach Co. files scaled-back development proposal.
Wednesday, December 22
Holiday Reading
Salinas public libraries will stay open for limited hours during the holidays, despite previous plans to close down through the New Year
Salinas public libraries will stay open for limited hours during the holidays, despite previous plans to close down through the New Year
Re-Organization
Joyce Vandevere, Peace Resource Center president for five years, will step down in January 2011.
Joyce Vandevere, Peace Resource Center president for five years, will step down in January 2011.
Monday, December 20
Culture Club
The Salinas-J. Edgar Hoover connection, a CSUMB grad’s Sundance success and David Ligare’s artistic accomplishments…
The Salinas-J. Edgar Hoover connection, a CSUMB grad’s Sundance success and David Ligare’s artistic accomplishments…
Land and Sea
$500,000 grant moves Marine Sanctuary Center toward fundraising goal
$500,000 grant moves Marine Sanctuary Center toward fundraising goal
Big Questions
City of Monterey considers wading into water war, taking on TAMC
City of Monterey considers wading into water war, taking on TAMC
Win for Homeowners
AG orders Wells Fargo to provide loan modifications worth $2 billion; pay $32 million in restitution.
AG orders Wells Fargo to provide loan modifications worth $2 billion; pay $32 million in restitution.
Sunday, December 19
Fight Night
Photos and video from the Winter Brawl of mixed-martial arts at the Fox Theater in Salinas.
Photos and video from the Winter Brawl of mixed-martial arts at the Fox Theater in Salinas.
Thursday, December 16
Salinas Weapons Arrests
Federal law enforcement officers and Salinas police charge two men with federal weapons trafficking crimes
Federal law enforcement officers and Salinas police charge two men with federal weapons trafficking crimes
Amazonian Nightmare
Assange is a necessity. Can the same be said for Amazon.com?
Assange is a necessity. Can the same be said for Amazon.com?
Curtains Fall on CET
Carmel grants lease on space to PacRep children’s group
Carmel grants lease on space to PacRep children’s group
Winging It
A very fancy sort of Victorian birdhouse causes a flap in Carmel Valley.
A very fancy sort of Victorian birdhouse causes a flap in Carmel Valley.
Fox Fight
The Winter Brawl brings sanctioned MMA fighting to Salinas.
The Winter Brawl brings sanctioned MMA fighting to Salinas.
What is your modern day, coal-in-the-stocking gift?
Asked at the post office in Monterey.
Asked at the post office in Monterey.
Tron - Legacy
Despite its pedigree, <i>Tron: Legacy</i> does not impress.
Despite its pedigree, <i>Tron: Legacy</i> does not impress.
Letters to the Editor for Dec 16, 2010
Letters to the Editor for Dec 16, 2010
Guru Jazz
Cellist super talent Renata Bratt joins Kenny Stahl and Bob Burnett at Plaza Linda.
Cellist super talent Renata Bratt joins Kenny Stahl and Bob Burnett at Plaza Linda.
Leasing Losses
Wharf tenants may pay less than leases should be worth, according to commissioner.
Wharf tenants may pay less than leases should be worth, according to commissioner.
Half Baked
Food safety and school lunch gets a hard look from Congress.
Food safety and school lunch gets a hard look from Congress.
Strong Like Onyx
A pioneering program prevents tragic ends for victims of cancer.
A pioneering program prevents tragic ends for victims of cancer.
Ready to Play
Unfolding an invaluable DVD holiday shopping guide for the music freak in the family.
Unfolding an invaluable DVD holiday shopping guide for the music freak in the family.
Black Swan
Darren Aronofsky’s <i>Black Swan</i> is powerfully and beautifully bewildering.
Darren Aronofsky’s <i>Black Swan</i> is powerfully and beautifully bewildering.
Corral Decision
Final commission vote expected at January meeting.
Final commission vote expected at January meeting.
Charter Voyage
MPUSD to vote on fate of proposed academy.
MPUSD to vote on fate of proposed academy.
Sheriff Defines Strategy
Scott Miller tags former P.G. City Manager to lead transition team
Scott Miller tags former P.G. City Manager to lead transition team
¡Ask A Mexican! for Dec 16, 2010
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
Decriminalizing Poverty
America’s drug policy a failed experiment in social engineering.
America’s drug policy a failed experiment in social engineering.
Tricky Dick and Me
Excellent Italian for Nixon, a fishy iPhone app for you.
Excellent Italian for Nixon, a fishy iPhone app for you.
Childhood Dreams, Adult Ambitions
Hyatt heir John Pritzker's vision of turning Carmel Valley Ranch into an always-open, everyone-welcome version of summer camp.
Hyatt heir John Pritzker's vision of turning Carmel Valley Ranch into an always-open, everyone-welcome version of summer camp.
Snappy Patter, Succulent Food
Chef Tim Wood reinvents comfort at Carmel Valley Ranch.
Chef Tim Wood reinvents comfort at Carmel Valley Ranch.
Tuesday, December 14
Patrionize Me
The Pacific Grove Art Center's Patron's Show raffle is over, but the art is not.
The Pacific Grove Art Center's Patron's Show raffle is over, but the art is not.
Monday, December 13
Miller Prepares
Sheriff-elect Scott Miller chooses transition team head.
Sheriff-elect Scott Miller chooses transition team head.
Culture Club
Criminal justice in Salinas, cinema at CSUMB and celebrity sightings in Big Sur
Criminal justice in Salinas, cinema at CSUMB and celebrity sightings in Big Sur
Saturday, December 11
Music Men
Overtone lends their voices to Carmel and Salinas holiday cheer.
Overtone lends their voices to Carmel and Salinas holiday cheer.
Friday, December 10
Rocky Seas
Monterey Maritime and History Museum Director to step down.
Monterey Maritime and History Museum Director to step down.
Thursday, December 9
Lesnik Sunset
Carmel's Sunset Center undergoes reorganization.
Carmel's Sunset Center undergoes reorganization.
Tall Standing
Video: The rise of the giant nutcracker on Candy Cane Lane.
Video: The rise of the giant nutcracker on Candy Cane Lane.
Large Scale Problems
Cannery Row IMAX theater shuttered as owner sues partner.
Cannery Row IMAX theater shuttered as owner sues partner.

Field Maneuvers
An accidental release of a strawberry fumigant in 2009 sickened some North County residents; with another potentially deadly pesticide just approved, is the Ag Commission tough enough to protect us?
An accidental release of a strawberry fumigant in 2009 sickened some North County residents; with another potentially deadly pesticide just approved, is the Ag Commission tough enough to protect us?

Back in the Saddle
Juni Fisher leads another stampede of music at the Monterey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival.
Juni Fisher leads another stampede of music at the Monterey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival.

Green Business
There’s more to Mary Jane’z new owners than smoke and mirrors.
There’s more to Mary Jane’z new owners than smoke and mirrors.

Growing Skyward
Vertical farming imagines a utopian future, but can it price out?
Vertical farming imagines a utopian future, but can it price out?
What’s your most useful holiday advice?
Asked at Macy’s in Del Monte Center.
Asked at Macy’s in Del Monte Center.

Letters to the Editor for Dec 09, 2010
Letters to the Editor for Dec 09, 2010
A Pinch of Salt
Moss Landing desal venture talks big, but water officials are skeptical.
Moss Landing desal venture talks big, but water officials are skeptical.

Whistleblower Sues
Sheriff’s evidence tech alleges retaliation in federal complaint.
Sheriff’s evidence tech alleges retaliation in federal complaint.

Assembly’s Day One
Watsonville’s Alejo tries to raise minimum wage.
Watsonville’s Alejo tries to raise minimum wage.

The Midas Touch
Methyl iodide finds friends in unusual places.
Methyl iodide finds friends in unusual places.
The Warrior’s Way
East West Mashup: Director Sngmoo Lee unsuccessfully conjures Tarantino.
East West Mashup: Director Sngmoo Lee unsuccessfully conjures Tarantino.

Gate Crashers
Seaside considers opening neighborhood access from General Jim Moore.
Seaside considers opening neighborhood access from General Jim Moore.

Crucial Pointe
On the eve of another <i>Nutcracker</i>, Dance Kids struggles to keep twirling.
On the eve of another <i>Nutcracker</i>, Dance Kids struggles to keep twirling.

¡Ask A Mexican! for Dec 09, 2010
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
Thinking Big
The huge new Titus Gallery debuts with enthusiasm.
The huge new Titus Gallery debuts with enthusiasm.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader Sinking Ship
The latest <i>Chronicles of Narnia</i> flounders on the high seas.
The latest <i>Chronicles of Narnia</i> flounders on the high seas.

Hobo From Heaven
How a homeless man’s input led to three shows by Songs Hotbox Harry Taught Us this weekend.
How a homeless man’s input led to three shows by Songs Hotbox Harry Taught Us this weekend.

Sakana Sushi Bar
Roll Play: Sakana Sushi gives downtown Monterey a cozy and creative spot for special rolls.
Roll Play: Sakana Sushi gives downtown Monterey a cozy and creative spot for special rolls.

Sip It Up Señor
A wine-bar rebirth, new talent at 1833 and Cibo turns 20.
A wine-bar rebirth, new talent at 1833 and Cibo turns 20.

Wednesday, December 8
Mortgage Misdeeds
Salinas PD arrest alleged mortgage fraudster.
Salinas PD arrest alleged mortgage fraudster.
Greening Monterey
Monterey city officials tout switch to renewable power.
Monterey city officials tout switch to renewable power.
Tuesday, December 7
The End?
Nick Hovick announces that Children's Experimental Theater is "dissolving."
Nick Hovick announces that Children's Experimental Theater is "dissolving."
PGAC's ED
Pacific Grove Art Center's outgoing Executive Director announces the incoming Executive Director.
Pacific Grove Art Center's outgoing Executive Director announces the incoming Executive Director.
Culture Club
Monterey County's literary women... plus a tribute to the great Dave Brubeck
Monterey County's literary women... plus a tribute to the great Dave Brubeck
Monday, December 6
Special Edible
Introducing a new destination for dogs…and what's still a top spot for Monday Night Football.
Introducing a new destination for dogs…and what's still a top spot for Monday Night Football.
Frackin' Fantastic
South County oil drilling may undergo environmental review.
South County oil drilling may undergo environmental review.
Friday, December 3
Waved Off
State shuns hearing on potential health impacts of SmartMeters.
State shuns hearing on potential health impacts of SmartMeters.
Home on the Ranch
Big Sur Land Trust adds Whisler-Wilson Ranch to its bounty.
Big Sur Land Trust adds Whisler-Wilson Ranch to its bounty.
Thursday, December 2
Toast
Toast gives Carmel Valley an informal slice of fine French countryside.
Toast gives Carmel Valley an informal slice of fine French countryside.

ASCAP Discord
Composers’ group tracks small businesses playing music without a license.
Composers’ group tracks small businesses playing music without a license.

Making Ms. Chief
Seaside’s new top cop takes on her toughest beat: City Hall.
Seaside’s new top cop takes on her toughest beat: City Hall.

Carving a Niche
Gifted sculptor Matthew Glasby finds joy in jade.
Gifted sculptor Matthew Glasby finds joy in jade.
Country Living
Salinas’ Fox Theater welcomes Craig Morgan and Stealing Angels.
Salinas’ Fox Theater welcomes Craig Morgan and Stealing Angels.

Lankaran Tales
Monterey considers adopting a new sister city in Azerbaijan.
Monterey considers adopting a new sister city in Azerbaijan. 

Letters to the Editor for Dec 02, 2010
Letters to the Editor for Dec 02, 2010
Multiple Lawsuits Dampen General Plan
GPU5 water rules irk environmentalists and growers.
GPU5 water rules irk environmentalists and growers. 

Character Study
National Coalition Building Institute empowers students to instill tolerance.
National Coalition Building Institute empowers students to instill tolerance. 

Straight Jah Man
Reggae legend Don Carlos brings his affirmative anthems to Planet Gemini.
Reggae legend Don Carlos brings his affirmative anthems to Planet Gemini.

Working Classy
White trash taste testing and festive events for everyone.
White trash taste testing and festive events for everyone.

Tangled
Disney delivers a surprisingly moving animated magic with <i>Tangled</i>.
Disney delivers a surprisingly moving animated magic with <i>Tangled</i>. 

Spending Like It Counts
Local is good, but cash beats plastic.
Local is good, but cash beats plastic.

True Brubeck
Eastwood-produced documentary on Dave Brubeck airs just in time for his 90th birthday.
Eastwood-produced documentary on Dave Brubeck airs just in time for his 90th birthday.
Wild Target
The preposterous yet poignant <i>Wild Target</i> hits the mark.
The preposterous yet poignant <i>Wild Target</i> hits the mark.

What would you do to pass time as a P.O.W.?
Asked at Lalla Lounge in Salinas.
Asked at Lalla Lounge in Salinas.

¡Ask A Mexican! for Dec 02, 2010
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
One man's take on his culture's stereotypes
One man’s War and peace
Phillip Butler fought his way through a violent childhood and captivity at the hands of the North Vietnamese. He still fights, but his focus is on a different front – the U.S. government’s wars ov
Phillip Butler fought his way through a violent childhood and captivity at the hands of the North Vietnamese. He still fights, but his focus is on a different front – the U.S. government’s wars overseas.

Hospital Strikes Insurance Deal with Anthem
CHOMP’s future with Aetna still uncertain; state cracks down on insurer violations.
CHOMP’s future with Aetna still uncertain; state cracks down on insurer violations.

Wednesday, December 1
Otis Park Revival
Volunteer day will brighten neighborhood park with drought-resistant plants.
Volunteer day will brighten neighborhood park with drought-resistant plants.