Stamped Out… Local attorney Michael Stamp has a full case load lately, what with the Carmel Valley incorporation issue (he argued for pro-towners Carmel Valley Forum at a Sept. 15 hearing) and at least two major city scandals on his plate. The city of Carmel-by-the-Sea has filed a motion to disqualify Stamp from a lawsuit by Carmel Human Resources Manager Jane Miller, alleging Stamp has a conflict of interest because he’s represented the city on personnel matters in the past. “There is no conflict,” Stamp responds. “The claim is nonsense. The motion is frivolous.” Meanwhile, Stamp has been retained by Seaside Police Chief Steve Cercone, who says City Manager Ray Corpuz retaliated against him by putting him on leave. [KA]

Quail Run Ends… Nearly 200 workers will lose their jobs when Quail Lodge closes Nov. 16. In an announcement last week, the company said it will close the hotel portion of the Carmel Valley resort after eight unprofitable years. Quail Lodge plans to keep operating the golf course and club house, including Edgar’s Restaurant, and continue special events. The news came amid stalled contract negotiations with UNITE HERE Local 483. The hotel was pressing for freezing salary and benefits, and the union said employees agreed to concessions of more than $1 million over the next two years. [ZS]

Budget Truth or Dare… On Sept. 22, the Salinas City Council gets an update on a looming $7.2 million deficit for next fiscal year. Brought on by declining taxes and state “borrowing,” the gap could result in 68 layoffs, including 11 firefighters and seven civilian police positions. Sherwood Hall and four recreation centers could close. But city officials say the cuts can be avoided if voters approve Measure K, a one-cent sales tax increase on the Nov. 3 ballot. [ZS]

DéjÀ Flew… Haven’t we been here before? On Sept. 16, Monterey City Council considered a letter to oppose aerial spraying for the light brown apple moth. Opponents of the spray continue to hammer at the state’s moth eradication program, recently citing Sept. 14 National Academy of Science report criticizing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s LBAM program. Citizens for Health is pushing for the feds to reclassify LBAM as a lower-level pest, which would weaken the justification for an all-out assault. [KA]