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Staff

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Museum Makeover…The Monterey City Council gets a sneak preview of the ongoing remodel at the Monterey Maritime Museum at its July 6 meeting, including plans for the lobby and first floor, and a museum finance update. [RU]

Degree of Doubt…He’s not a lawyer, and the school he claims to have gotten his law degree from never existed, but former county treasurer candidate Ron Holly won’t be charged with voter fraud, according to the District Attorney’s Office—partly because the maximum fine is less than the cost of prosecution. [KA]

Shell Shocked…At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, it’s out with the old, in with the adorable. The Aquarium acquired 10 juvenile green sea turtles from a clutch of 82 born at Sea World last October. Five are already on exhibit, replacing four older turtles that will return to the public eye next summer. [EH]

Spinning the Spin…Dueling press releases and an agreement to debate mark the opening of the Aug. 17 contest between John Laird and Sam Blakeslee for the state Senate seat vacated by now-lieutenant governor Abel Maldonado. [RU]

Calling Public Servants…Seaside's looking for candidates in the November election, when Mayor Ralph Rubio's two-year term and Councilmen Tom Mancini and Dennis Alexander's four-year terms are up for grabs. File nomination papers from July 12-Aug. 6 at City Hall, 440 Harcourt Avenue, Seaside. [KA]

Rethinking Light Rail…Monterey City Councilwoman Nancy Selfridge has requested that the City Council consider an advisory vote on a proposed light rail line that would connect Montrey with Castroville. Locals have expressed concerns over the impact on Windows on the Bay Park and the rec trail. [RU]

Wanted for Ottercide… Two weeks ago in Morro Bay, someone killed a threatened sea otter with a pellet gun. Defenders of Wildlife is offering a $2,500 reward for info leading to an arrest and conviction. Contact Mona Iannelli with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: 310-328-1516 x229 or mona_iannelli@fws.gov. [KA]

Taxi Wars Revisited…After a long delay, the city of Monterey once again takes up the idea of a regional joint powers authority to regulate the cab industry. The move would break up taxi monopolies in the city and possibly at Monterey’s airport. [RU]