Dear Readers,

Almost as suddenly as it was enacted, the city's ban on weekend beach fires has been overturned by the California Coastal Commission because of the harm the ban would do to public beach access. What will the city do now? Mary Schley reports.

Speaking of bans, the city council this week took the first steps toward prohibiting cigarette smoking on streets, sidewalks and public spaces — pretty much everywhere, except in single-family homes. It's an unprecedented move, and Mary Schley has that story, too.

Meanwhile, a former council candidate's home in town has been searched for toxic materials -- police suspect it may have been used to make illegal drugs. Mary has those details, as well.

State officials have given the OK for Cal Am's desal test well to start pumping again. The city attorney announced a major new crackdown on short-term rentals. A plan for a new home near Pt. Lobos has historians crying foul over the possible demolition of a very historic building. A housing project at Rancho Cañada has been downsized again. The PUC has cited major lapses in the safety procedures and record keeping of PG&E -- including the gas pipeline problems that caused an explosion in town last year. Would you be proud of your sons if they both grew up to be airline pilots? The owner of a famous local restaurant certainly is. We have a special section for you, "In Your Dreams," featuring outstanding local architecture and landscaping. And my editorials once again call for locals to quit attacking the motives of people they disagree with, and for the State of California to make up its mind what it wants when it comes to our water supply and beach fires.

Everyone at The Pine Cone is grateful for the support of our readers. As always, I am at your service to respond to questions, comments or concerns, and to offer advice about how best to read our newspaper on your computer, smartphone or iPad. 

Paul Miller, Publisher
paul@carmelpinecone.com

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