News That Remains News

404: The number of fatal work injuries in California in 2008, as reported this month. The most frequent type were highway incidents (77). Other events with more than 30 fatalities included falls to a lower level, homicides, and self-inflicted injuries. The 2008 total is the lowest since the census began. Source - The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Buzz

Staff

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Staying the Course…None of the semi-official results of the Nov. 3 election changed in the final tally, posted Nov. 13. Pacific Grove’s library-funding parcel tax, Measure J, fell less than 1 percent short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass. Measure G, the Carmel Valley incorporation measure, likewise stalled. [KA]

Up in Smoke…The U.S. Army burned nearly 200 acres of Fort Ord land on Nov. 16, creating a huge, gray plume of smoke that drifted northwest from Seaside. The Army announced that this was the last burn of the season, though 5,000 acres of vegetation remain to be cleared. [ZS]

‘Diocesan Strategy’…Bishop Richard Garcia of the Diocese of Monterey has joined forces with organizers from Communities Organized for relational Power in Action to prevent gang warfare in Salinas. Garcia presents his peace strategy to county politicians at a Nov. 22 COPA convention at the Henry Mello Center in Watsonville. [ZS]

Cop Shop Holdup…A public hearing concerning the construction of a new $45 million Salinas Police Department station has been put until Dec. 8. The City Council had initially counted on Measure K funds to make the bond payments but the city is now pursuing federal funding. [ZS]

Keep Flowing…The state Public Utilities Commission rejected California American Water’s request to ban new water hookups in the wake of the state water board’s cease and desist order. A judge placed a temporary stay on the CDO pending legal challenges by Cal Am and the local Water Management District. [KA]

No Sir…The latest in Seaside’s cop drama: The Police Officers Association passed a no-confidence vote in City Manager Ray Corpuz, Frank Salzillo was the fifth SSPD officer put on leave, 18 residents submitted a public records request demanding answers, and today’s Weekly reveals the reason Corpuz suspended Police Chief Steve Cercone. [KA]

Buy Local…The City of Monterey has launched a campaign urging locals to shop, dine and be entertained in the city. A 10 percent rise in sales tax revenue would mean an extra half million dollars in the city’s coffers in tough economic times, says city spokeswoman Anne McGrath. [RU]