Solar Discount…The county Board of Supervisors Oct. 27 voted to lower building permit fees for alternative energy systems, (CK) slicing $750 off the steep fee of $1,000 for roof-mounted solar panels and $1,550 for ground-mounted systems. The county jacked up the fees on July 27, making them the highest in Northern California, according to a 2008 survey. [ZS]

Water Block…On Oct. 20 the state water board approved a cease-and-desist order directing Cal Am to stop illegal overpumping from the Carmel River and Seaside Aquifer. The order directs Cal Am to scale down its river diversions, develop a new water source and implement more conservation efforts. [KA]

Cross fund rises…It’s $3000 and counting for the Save the Cross Fund. The Monterey City Council has agreed to restore the vandalized Del Monte Beach cross if private citizens raise $50,000 for legal defense.  Former Monterey Mayor Peter Coniglio leads the effort, which formally kicks off October 28. [RU]

Flimsy Evidence…The city of Pacific Grove is off the hook regarding P.G. Police Sgt. Darrin Smolinski’s allegation he was denied promotions because he’s gay. On Oct. 16 U.S. District Judge Ronald Whyte ruled Smolinski hasn't produced enough evidence for a trial. Smolinski’s lawyer says he may appeal. [KA]

Prayer for Peace… Bishop Richard Garcia of the Catholic Diocese of Monterey has called on Central Coast clergy to pray for a solution to gang violence. Garcia has directed churches to focus Nov.1, All Saints Day, on youth shootings, and the Diocese organized a Nov. 12 seminar to develop a peace strategy. [ZS]

Big Bucks for Monterey…Thank Uncle Sam’s federal stimulus program for street repairs on Munras and Abrego and Figueroa and Del Monte. The city of Monterey has been awarded some $5 million for those projects and a handful others, which are designed to repair public infrastructure and put locals to work. [RU]

Confidence Buster…On Oct. 22 the Seaside Police Officers Association planned to consider holding a vote of no confidence in Interim Police Chief Steve Willis, Interim Deputy Executive Officer Don MacQuarrie and City Manager Ray Corpuz—which, if passed, would be a show of support for ousted Chief Steve Cercone. [KA]

ACLU honors clergy…Playing against stereotype, on Nov. 7, the local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union gives its annual award to four area pastors for their work against Prop 8, the anti-gay marriage initiative passed by the voters last November. [RU]