CURSE OF MEASURE A… Squid knew the minute activists began collecting signatures to place MEASURE A, the GENERAL PLAN INITIATIVE, on the ballot, that the vote wouldn’t end the battle over growth. How did Squid know? Because Squid is one ridiculously smart cephalopod.

This is how Squid also knew, when the CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION rejected PEBBLE BEACH CO.’s expansion plan a few weeks back, that the deal was far from dead. (Readers recall that voters approved a different MEASURE A, touted as a plan to save the Del Monte Forest, in 2000.)

Eco-activist DAVID DILWORTH, founder of the cleverly-acronymed Helping Our Peninsula’s Environment, apparently agrees. Squid got a copy of an e-mail Dilworth sent to Monterey County Chief Administrative Officer LEW BAUMAN.

“Apparently your staff refused to notify any of the… groups interested in the subject when Measure A was agendized  for the Supervisors to be sent back to the Coastal  Commission,” the e-mail says. Dilworth goes on to “respectfully request” that the County  “provide HOPE (and the local media) notice if there is any further action,” concluding: “We hope you do this out of your own good will.”

Looks like Squid’s gonna have to wait for the County’s good will on both Measure A ballot measures.

COLD WELCOME… Well, THE INLAWS are gone. After their experience, they may not be back. When THE INTOLERABLES glided into town last week, they were eager to take the Tour de Monterey. First stop, surrey rentals for a Rec Trail cruise. Squid kept aiming for those metal poles, but they dodged every one. Squid tolerated it for a while, then rushed THE UNLOVABLES back to beat the drop-off deadline. “You’re late,” the clerk said, tacking on a fee. “No, 10 minutes early,” an Inlaw corrected. “Nope. Late.” Ca-ching! “Hope your day gets better,” the clerk remarked. Squid resisted a high-five.

THE ANNOYERS announced shopping would be next and, after forever, decided on wind chimes. The clerk rang up $45. “The tag says $30,” the victim said. “Cash register says $45,” the clerk retorted. Negotiations over.

Squid suggested an indoor gym. But a child in the group goofed up and was chastised by the counter guy. “If you use your brain, it hurts less,” he scolded the child. “That’s not funny,” the kid retorted. “Well, duh, it’s not meant to be funny to the person you’re saying it to,” the clerk fired back.

THE INSUFFERABLES left, certain the county is full of shopkeepers who snack on children. So to all those involved: Thanks for screwing up the weekend. I think we’ve finally run them off for good.