Dear Readers,

A former Carmel City Councilmember has come to the defense of Jason Stilwell after questions were raised about his high-paying new job in San Luis Obispo, and you won't believe what the former councilmember thinks about Stilwell's critics. Mary Schley has that story.

After weeks of legal maneuvering, a judge in Santa Cruz County put an end to efforts by officials in Marina to block construction of Cal Am's test desal well. Kelly Nix has the details.

The planning commission endorsed the idea of limiting beach fires to 26 fire rings, and also wants charcoal BBQs banned. Mary Schley explains why.

We usually don't hear much about what he's up to, but our state senator, Bill Monning, has introduced a "Right to Die" bill that's getting plenty of attention in Sacramento. Chris Counts has that story.

A popular, but also criticized, bar/restaurant downtown got a green light to continue having live music -- as long as nobody starts complaining. The city has changed the rules for paid parking on Ocean Avenue. A famous piano at a Carmel Point landmark is getting a tune-up. We announce plans to open up some of our historic archives in conjunction with The Pine Cone's upcoming 100th birthday. And my editorial has a choice word or two to say about the former councilman's bizarre criticisms of people in town who had doubts about Jason Stilwell.

To get this week's complete Pine Cone, please click here. If you have an informed opinion about one of our stories and would like to submit a letter to the editor, please click here. And please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Paul Miller, Publisher
paul@carmelpinecone.com

To return to the download page for the January 23, 2015, edition, please click here.