Dear Readers,

A White House expert said this week the country is “winning the war on the virus,” and the CDC says masks are no longer needed for people who’ve been fully vaccinated, but state health officials say the mask mandate should stay in place until June 15, and Monterey County’s health officer agrees. Kelly Nix reports.

District attorney Jeannine Pacioni is speaking out against the governor’s plan to release thousands of inmates from prison — including some of what she called the state’s “most violent criminals.” Kelly Nix has that one, too.

A California appeals court has overturned a lower court ruling against the Rancho Cañada Village housing project. Could construction actually begin soon? Chris Counts has the details.

As youth baseball players return to local diamonds, they’re finding gopher holes all over the place, leading to a debate over what to do about the pesky rodents. The City of Carmel is looking at a much bigger budget next year — but hardly anyone seems interested in the details. Monaco developer Patrice Pastor was dealt a setback at the historic resources board this week over his plans for several lots on Dolores Street, even as he revises plans for his property on Scenic Road. Human remains uncovered during renovation work at the Carmel Mission have been given a ceremonial reburial. A man was arrested after a fight at a bar on Lincoln Street, and police say the would-be thieves of several expensive knives have been nabbed. Carmel City Hall reopened this week after being closed to the public for more than a year. An EIR will be prepared for stadium lights at Carmel High. Pacific Grove has made its monthly check register available for public review. To mark the base’s 80th anniversary, Elaine Hesser takes you on a tour of Fort Hunter Liggett — and no matter how long you’ve lived in the county, you’ll find some surprises there. One of the Peninsula’s best young baseball players tells Dennis Taylor why he forewent his last year of eligibility in college to take a job. Neal Hotelling wraps up the colorful saga of the life of Marcella Zabala Howard. And my editorial apologizes for the ridiculous optimism we expressed 17 years ago about how long it takes to get housing approved in this county.

Paul Miller, Publisher
paul@carmelpinecone.com

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