[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,85,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6515370,"mediaKeyId","4115061-9ebbf2153a42c43f437280f8b2df69bd","parentId",4115061,"title","Council adopts updated 2025 fire hazard severity zone map; division chief outlines inspection and education steps","audioSeconds",254,"startMs",5466000,"endMs",5720000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=4115061-9ebbf2153a42c43f437280f8b2df69bd&start=5466&end=5720","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4115061-9ebbf2153a42c43f437280f8b2df69bd/thumbnail_5466000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6515370/Pacific-Grove-City/Monterey-County/California/Council-adopts-updated-2025-fire-hazard-severity-zone-map-division-chief-outlines-inspection-and-education-steps","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515370-c8e32bdc27b1195511fe7a492162cc6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775426197&Signature=EqlW51vmf504Sj-wiTHaCjJa8v48AfwBCQWt4fnmkoERS15wK5XRmguN5had-V-26PLD7BiW87c0AbEmNYar-2lnK0M6F72NrJKPCAaiy6UeidBppyPLwYrZwOdyCXjxNRfHi5jpaALQvIbXy4Hw94vg39gtnjuCDNE9tas4u9zk79sQSrfr7qssyWGcwXKB~x4orZ~hLWe8sRXTV-wCa-fLuzVJ9715yOnMlcPgssr8xhPXyH51Z9e3yPPxqvBPtFtbXost58Q6qIaRNM1zrdFlguVAS4YditfMlkRoAiNMQBLyQxm7l2SYvrUq-8t-CzCe-bGrTkfAJiyBLCkPEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-19T03:54:12Z","article","The City Council adopted an ordinance repealing and replacing the local code section that incorporates CAL FIRE's 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for Pacific Grove. The updated map increases acreage in high and very-high hazard zones and triggers annual defensible-space inspections in those mapped areas.

City Manager Matt Mogensen and Division Chief Justin Cooper (Monterey Fire Department) told council the state maps are based on terrain, vegetation and ember cast modeling and are intended to inform defensible-space standards and disclosures for properties. Cooper said, \"Currently all parcels in the city of Pacific Grove have to maintain defensible space,\" and explained that the updated map identifies zones where additional emphasis and inspections will occur.

The city previously had about 82 acres in a very-high zone; under the new maps the total acreage in high/very-high/moderate categories grows to roughly 372 acres across those classifications. Staff emphasized the maps themselves do not alter emergency response but will affect code requirements, inspections and future building/renovation standards (including state-required WUI/ASCCRA provisions for very-high zones). Cooper said the state is considering further new standards for construction in very-high areas and that a three-year phase-in period for compliance is part of the state process.

Council members and staff discussed next steps: staff and fire staff will continue public outreach and education about defensible-space requirements, work with property owners where vegetation or leaning trees create hazards, coordinate with Cal Fire and nearby landowners (including Pebble Beach where vegetation crosses property lines), and review municipal permitting and the city tree code to align with evolving state standards. Chief Cooper said the city has already done defensible-space inspections in mapped zones and will expand inspections to additional zones as necessary.

Council moved the recommendation and adopted the ordinance to incorporate the new CAL FIRE map; staff said it will return with ordinance updates and any needed code or permitting changes to align with state rules and to support property owners in compliance.

Ending: The council adopted the state map and directed staff and fire personnel to expand outreach and inspection activity, coordinate with partner landowners and bring recommended municipal code updates as state standards evolve.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Pacific Grove City Council Meeting 6/18/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council adopted CAL FIRE's updated 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for Pacific Grove, expanding areas designated very-high/high and prompting stepped defensible-space inspections and outreach.","taxTitle","Pacific Grove City, Monterey County, California","taxId",71941,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":78,"_47":79,"_49":80,"_51":81,"_53":82,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":83,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":84,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6515375,"Council holds first reading, adopts application rules for cannabis storefront licensing; lottery, initial fees and timeline set",0,3794000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=4115061-9ebbf2153a42c43f437280f8b2df69bd&start=3794&end=3794","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4115061-9ebbf2153a42c43f437280f8b2df69bd/thumbnail_3794000.jpg","/articles/6515375/Pacific-Grove-City/Monterey-County/California/Council-holds-first-reading-adopts-application-rules-for-cannabis-storefront-licensing-lottery-initial-fees-and-timeline-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515375-0e01edd67381d6de87977d5038a2eb0c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775426197&Signature=EhZj-f4Kr1l4BKnMFje6ztW3NKPqIH-aM1568yiAPOlm901m5641mYDG7Jjk0AnZZgNr-sgOMEA55wJyUOqAWVI4Phgmn8Cey3nnOrlSKmrBcCeovnOx3zgLFJzc~PN2fZHEa~OR-EA2OdmBp0M1KBjdYTr82~1SfenYIIuI-g9sKPYuB~4X6L9X9tEpaQ0e0e6wPFKjttTR-2-Gu~gWZ1lAba8xXVX5NchvETgA45vLGcX6chbLCvqDiv9yfYecrtKUvMREB~-BP-KUJ9HmEDkRPhj5q6uOtitx69mhzp5NHyjmn4B8RgxhBy48zPYm6~rHmKMNvktxwt6zTawISw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pacific Grove City Council on first reading adopted a package of rules and procedures to implement voter-approved retail cannabis sales, directing staff to use a 30-day application window, a consultant-led eligibility review and a random drawing to select provisional storefront licensees.

City Manager Matt Mogensen summarized the process: applicants will submit a complete package within a 30-day window; HDL (a consultant retained by the city) will review applications for compliance with state and local requirements; HDL will then forward eligible applicants for a public lottery to determine provisional awardees; the provisional winner will have one year to obtain a conditional use permit and complete required inspections and tenant improvements before opening.

Mogensen and staff said the approach aims to be objective and to reduce subjectivity in awarding limited storefront licenses. He noted the city will publish application fees and a fee schedule at a later hearing; staff removed adoption of the application fee resolution from the current hearing because the fees were not yet finalized. The tentative application period announced in the meeting was August 5 through September 4, and staff said HDL expects to complete reviews quickly so the lottery can follow the application window.

Public comment included supporters and opponents. Melissa White, a dispensary owner who recently opened in the county, told council \"You will receive more than $50,000 in tax revenue\" and urged the city to permit tested, regulated CBD and cannabis products locally. Opponents warned about youth access, public-health impacts and the character of Pacific Grove; caller Mike Gibbs cited research and warned about health and fiscal uncertainties. Another caller urged deference to the voter-approved measure and noted medical and pain-management benefits of regulated access.

Council members said the rules seek a fair, transparent and defensible process. Several members noted the eligibility review is rigorous and that the lottery occurs only among applicants who meet written requirements (operations plan, security plan, labor plan, neighborhood compatibility and identification of a specific location). Council directed staff to return July 16 with proposed application fees and to open applications in early August if the ordinance is adopted on second reading.

On the motion to waive further reading, introduce and hold first reading of the ordinance amending Chapter 11.100 of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code, to authorize the rules and to have publication by summary, council approved the measure and the accompanying resolution on an initial vote. The ordinance's second reading and final adoption are scheduled for a later meeting; council also instructed staff to bring a finalized fee schedule on July 16.

Ending: The council moved the city from ballot approval to a structured implementation path: a 30-day application period, consultant eligibility review, public lottery and a follow-on conditional use permit process. Application fees and final schedules will be finalized at the next meeting.","The City Council introduced and held first reading of amendments to the commercial cannabis licensing chapter and adopted rules and procedures that set a 30-day application window, an eligibility review by consultant HDL, a randomized drawing for provisional licenses and a requirement that winners secure a conditional use permit within one year.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6515378,"Council approves realignment of Ocean View shoreline trail after appeal; opponents seek broader plan",3280,2876000,6156000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=4115061-9ebbf2153a42c43f437280f8b2df69bd&start=2876&end=6156","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4115061-9ebbf2153a42c43f437280f8b2df69bd/thumbnail_2876000.jpg","/articles/6515378/Pacific-Grove-City/Monterey-County/California/Council-approves-realignment-of-Ocean-View-shoreline-trail-after-appeal-opponents-seek-broader-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515378-3a7f9eb6df63a765e67983b3ecd64ad4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775426197&Signature=OFelEgTsfcHK3twhD6YsQJ87LJdik8r1EZeI4eyONEUZQ5YbBX6c0-YIGQY7ecYs~erYwCwEfGQn3QgZQ61EFFZletooFWVS-3BZVLnIuwy-HuUU65EU3VF9QGsBLj0Pbc5PZi3NmojMJcRIvtLSfB8ooYYLKvaKozUFA3VPvZxrUZV08i9WejtEVfn0U7jnqXfyAkevqNuHjd5~hmH7J1wRPMnsJ0au~B2RM0mo8hs2xLsdSx9IDfYBX1LMlrn83gnBZXw45uFgFDS3rZUSqiHlURiO~2YsvVYZAS02eocKSGqHUhrQ3vQsaksoZ7CfipR59jhRuI-o8THJtBooGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pacific Grove City Council voted to deny an appeal and approve a coastal development permit to realign an approximately 100-foot segment of the Shoreline Recreation Trail at Ocean View Boulevard, near Esplanade Park, moving the trail inward from an eroded edge to improve public safety and maintain coastal access.

City staff told the council the project \"would restore a small section of the recreation trail to address the safety and shoreline erosion issue\" and that the work would occur within the existing right of way, use best management practices and follow the city's black oystercatcher protection protocol (staff). The staff report recommended denying the appeals and approving the permit subject to standard conditions and categorical exemptions.

Appellants Lisa Ciani and Tony Chiani told the council the project should not proceed as proposed without more study and clearer safety plans. \"The proposed trail realignment into Ocean View Boulevard is an important step... but... the coastal commission wants to know coastal resources are being protected in this highly sensitive appealable area,\" Ciani said, and she argued the city should follow its Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) and coordinate planning across nearby failing segments rather than take a piecemeal approach.

Tony Chiani added that the submitted plans lack defined safety measures and dimensions and warned the plan delegates too much of the specification work to an unselected contractor. \"Can the council delegate its decision making responsibilities to a contractor? I believe the proposed process is inadequate and does not comply with the municipal code,\" he said.

Public comment included support and qualified support for the realignment. Anthony Turcel of the Surfrider Foundation commended the city for pursuing managed retreat instead of shoreline armoring: \"I think Surfrider would be in support of this project,\" he said. Other residents, including nearby property owners, said they want a larger-picture plan and clearer protections for pedestrians, bicyclists and parking.

Public Works Director Goh and staff told council engineers and traffic staff were involved in the design and that proposed conditions require road markings, signage, delineators and other traffic and pedestrian safety measures. Goh said temporary barrels and delineators were placed earlier to address immediate conflicts and that the proposed continuous five-foot trail would eliminate the present need for pedestrians to step down into the roadway.

The Planning Commission had approved the permit 6–0; at council the motion to deny the appeal and approve the coastal development permit (identified in the record as \"CDP 20 5 Dash 003\" and the accompanying draft resolution) passed on a roll call with six yesses and one abstention. Conditions adopted include protection measures for nesting black oystercatchers, traffic and pedestrian safety implementations during construction and requirements that the contractor follow specified environmental and safety protocols.

Council members who spoke in favor cited immediate pedestrian safety at the specific site; several acknowledged appellants' concerns about a comprehensive shoreline planning process and said larger-scale planning (a city climate adaptation or shoreline plan) should proceed in parallel. Staff and council noted that the site’s solution differs from other nearby failing segments and that separate analyses may be needed for each segment.

The council’s action authorizes Public Works to proceed with implementation under the conditions adopted by the Planning Commission and council, including contractor oversight and required traffic/pedestrian protections, and to pursue additional planning work as funding and priorities allow. The city will implement the permit conditions before and during construction and monitor compliance.

Ending: The council approved the permit to realign the trail segment to improve user safety and to respond to ongoing erosion, while appellants pressed for a larger, coordinated shoreline strategy and more detailed, contractor-independent safety specifications. Public works said it will oversee contractor performance and implement the council’s conditions prior to construction.","Pacific Grove City Council denied an appeal and approved a coastal development permit to realign about 100 feet of the Shoreline Recreation Trail at Ocean View Boulevard, citing pedestrian safety and erosion. Appellants urged a larger coordinated shoreline plan and clearer traffic/safety specifications; council adopted conditions and required the ",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6515360,"City staff reports: harbor seal pupping season, library summer reading, recreation camps and PGPD annual report preview",374,892000,1266000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=4115061-9ebbf2153a42c43f437280f8b2df69bd&start=892&end=1266","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4115061-9ebbf2153a42c43f437280f8b2df69bd/thumbnail_892000.jpg","/articles/6515360/Pacific-Grove-City/Monterey-County/California/City-staff-reports-harbor-seal-pupping-season-library-summer-reading-recreation-camps-and-PGPD-annual-report-preview","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515360-d2669f71ee2f5da6b593106014c6f4bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1775426197&Signature=JKoyMB~6OfPNmG97S0SFvkhDS6f4CZslXyvEpVqi7~E6qZT2EoASQ7h8k0Y3eEoZK2oblC44K4VdbdR3qccvl8tlRp82C-zGCJbv7-HQuqdRqrXiXxFA9BEeIeH5y8pe7-OUuRMZzgmChqdTkyfrnoiwDvTmCl~v5a00Kfg5MjpnAp0uhgLFWb4crpQzpeBJwYoskw6uZ6X8lhp6TkHRsJTrjAfjaHVNCQ~NfC5Tc4Z0rGRInINWwKgpZCFbdbmXXOcy0NX5RediSNvPlFJBxTJnZMHEdR0Srdl7VQjJrTKHHHDZSdxTRoRFWmFkNC456LOMNz9tICEEymiupCmTVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff provided several informational updates during the council meeting, including wildlife, library, recreation and police items.

Public Works announced that harbor seal pupping season at Hopkins Beach concluded with volunteers observing more than 70 seal births \"the highest count in the last 5 years,\" and that temporary lattice fencing used for protection was removed as planned; quiet-police signage will remain year round at three locations between Eighth Street and Hopkins.

Library staff reminded residents that summer reading programs are underway, with events for all ages under the theme \"Color Our World,\" and directed the public to pacificgrovelibrary.org for the calendar of events.

Recreation Manager Katie reported on summer staffing and programming: a week-long staff training the first week of June included CPR, first aid, mandated reporter and concussion safety; the department has six full-time and 55 part-time staff supporting camps, sports, aquatics and other programs. The total number of campers reported was 273 in the first week and 276 in the second week; programs included swim lessons, rec swim times, adventure and soccer camps, golf camps in partnership with PG Golf Links, a robotics camp and a dance camp.

Chief Dave (Pacific Grove Police Department) announced completion and publication of the PGPD's 2024 year-end report and said staff will present the report to council on July 16. City staff also announced that Monterey is studying a joint-powers authority versus a contract model for fire services; the city may consider funding for a study to evaluate a JPA in the coming months.

Ending: Staff updates highlighted a successful biological season at Hopkins Beach, active summer programs with hundreds of campers, and upcoming departmental reporting and interagency studies. Council did not take action on these informational items but recorded them for public awareness.","City staff briefed the council on a record harbor seal pupping season at Hopkins Beach, ongoing library summer reading and adult/teen programs, a robust start to recreation summer camps with about 273' 276 campers during the first weeks and a forthcoming Pacific Grove Police Department year-end report.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6515365,"Residents say utility pruning and contractor work damaged heritage trees; call for clearer permitting and oversight",711,1801000,2512000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=4115061-9ebbf2153a42c43f437280f8b2df69bd&start=1801&end=2512","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/4115061-9ebbf2153a42c43f437280f8b2df69bd/thumbnail_1801000.jpg","/articles/6515365/Pacific-Grove-City/Monterey-County/California/Residents-say-utility-pruning-and-contractor-work-damaged-heritage-trees-call-for-clearer-permitting-and-oversight","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6515365-126876b89d3e1b9d1f03bb6440faf525/orig.mp4?Expires=1775426197&Signature=gTKP3~uM235e-i9Ah2P2Q34wfIW2fean9hleIWeyFunzJgAL~vTOqfLi6ORH1PB~hhWoDdbzRAyfXUmghYD43woOSQKw1M7hr0y90xr5LYEawINmcTFkcrQlja33379S~Qkx3hnFWpUwROkMPEQM7ywjxjweIusAHtd9b4UvZrzG4si9IuuKTa4Rlpy23VzS6~YvDRLNEhCx73-KEskAMJf7a724l084Im746yTWsElzKpEHQt~TVjz7u~pPnluB4TaWMD70IAmQI5DU1Ra7uDHaEongQt6HZjWHPIpuHu8XLnbPOiXMfyWJDfDqaDLP6ZYwQm-Ra63rSQ6qk2GcsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple speakers during public comment raised concerns about recent tree pruning and utility work that they say damaged a long-standing redwood and other trees in a neighborhood near Bentley and Heacock.

Resident Rabinesh Laman described the removal and severe trimming of a mature redwood and said the work occurred \"without warning\" the week of May 26 when three large crews and chippers arrived. Laman said the redwood, once tall and a long-standing feature of the corner lot, was \"now half its former self,\" and asked why a utility contractor was not required to obtain a permit or to follow the same standards the city requires of private property owners. He said he had paid $240 previously for a rejected tree removal permit for an unspecified non-native tree and asked what recourse exists after the apparent contractor work.

A public commenter identified as Inga (Doimer) criticized a renewed contract with Topes Tree Service and said the contractor and public works \"decimate\" trees when contracted. She urged the city to require higher standards and more careful processes for tree work that affects city trees and rights-of-way.

Speakers asked whether utility companies and the city could be required to follow the same permitting and best-practice standards as private property owners. No formal staff action or response was recorded in the transcript beyond hearing the public comments; the council treated the remarks as part of public comment and did not take immediate action during the meeting.

Ending: Residents asked the council to clarify permitting and oversight for tree work performed by utilities and contractors and to identify recourse for homeowners who face damage to mature trees. The transcript records requests and detailed accounts but no immediate staff response or formal direction recorded during the meeting.","Several residents told the council that recent pruning by utility contractors and city-related tree work severely reduced an historic redwood and damaged other trees near Bentley and Heacock, and asked why PG&E and contractors are not held to the same permit standards as private property owners.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council adopts updated 2025 fire hazard severity zone map; division chief outlines inspection and education steps

Council holds first reading, adopts application rules for cannabis storefront licensing; lottery, initial fees and timeline set

Council approves realignment of Ocean View shoreline trail after appeal; opponents seek broader plan

City staff reports: harbor seal pupping season, library summer reading, recreation camps and PGPD annual report preview

Residents say utility pruning and contractor work damaged heritage trees; call for clearer permitting and oversight