CARMELIZED GREENS… The Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council adopted a new green building ordinance Aug. 4, requiring all new construction to meet environmental standards, effective January 2010. The residential checklist uses the Build It Green standards as a reference point, and the non-residential version uses the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system. Step Up 2 Green, a new rating system pioneered by Michael Waxer of Carmel Development Company, is not mentioned. [KA]

TUSSLE WITH RUSSELL… Del Rey Oaks city staff and volunteers submitted a unanimous vote of no confidence to Mayor Joseph Russell at the July 28 City Council meeting, accusing him of manipulating city government, harassing and intimidating workers and costing the city thousands in legal fees. Among the allegations, the rebuke says Russell “micro-manages and interferes with the daily operations of the City of Del Rey Oaks… sends inappropriate e-mail to City Staff, Elected Officials and Consultants retained by the City… [and] circumvents the City’s-City Manager form of government when he feels that it is appropriate to his personal agenda or personal needs.” Russell denied any inappropriate meddling in city affairs. The vote of no confidence comes as the city is close to hiring a full-time city manager. Daniel Dawson’s swearing-in was mysteriously delayed July 30. The council met in closed session Aug. 4 about his appointment. [ZS]

SMOKEY SUR… Two fires sparked in the Big Sur sticks over the weekend, marking the start of the summer fire season. The Ponderosa blaze flared up Aug. 1 in the Ventana Wilderness, but it was burning out by Aug. 3. The Sam Jones fire in Fort Hunter Liggett, which Aug. 2, picked up speed and had engulfed more than 3,000 acres by the evening of Aug. 3, but was 100 percent contained by the next afternoon. [KA]

ANIMAL HOUSE SEQUEL… After a controversial vote to ax Hartnell College’s Animal Health Technology Program, the Board of Trustees considers reinstating the veterinary program Aug. 11. Supporters showed the trustees the financial benefits of the program, says student Karen Ivey, and Trustee Kevin Healy switched his vote to hold another hearing. Ivey says since students will now be allowed to testify, she dropped her complaint with Monterey County District Attorney’s Office alleging the college violated the Brown Act. [ZS]