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Thursday, June 17, 2010

Park Funding…On June 10, the Secretary of State certified a November ballot measure that would establish an $18 vehicle license fee to fund state parks and provide free park admission to vehicles whose owners have paid the surcharge. The idea was originally proposed by former assemblyman John Laird. [RU/KA]

Friendly Rock…Lots of flannel, beards and indie-rock music filled Henry Miller Library in Big Sur June 12 during the all-day Woodsist Fest by FolkYEAH! Presents, featuring Real Estate, Moon Duo and Kurt Vile. Check out the video and pics at www.mcweekly-photoblog.blogspot.com. [NC]

DNA Discovery…DA Dean Flippo announced June 8 that a 10-week search by law enforcement agencies, volunteer rescue divers and cadaver dogs yielded the remains of Ryann Bunnell Crow. Her husband, Jesse Crow, has been charged with her murder. [RU]

Steeling for Summer… Last summer was tough for Carmel River steelhead. But this year’s rains have helped, according to Frank Emerson of Carmel River Steelhead Association, who says higher flows may mean fewer rescues than CRSA has done the past. Email frank.t.emerson@gmail.com to volunteer. [KA]

Last Curtain…Concert promoter Joe Fletcher joined the Monterey County Film Commission last fall with ambitious plans to bring big Hollywood production companies back to the county. But he stepped down this month, leaving interim director Karen Nordstrand in charge. [RU]

Hot Water…The California Public Utilities Commission held a week of hearings on the Regional Water Project in San Francisco June 7-11. The mayors of five Peninsula cities intervened June 8, and Citizens for Public Water officially signed on to the RWP agreements. [KA]

Eco Fraud…The FBI is searching for victims in a fraud scheme allegedly perpetrated by a Clovis man who the feds say collected cash from gas station owners in exchange for a promise to install state-mandated vapor recovery systems. Any info? Call the FBI at 415-553-7400. [RU]

LEEDing the Way…Monterey County’s first-ever LEED-certified affordable housing project for mentally ill adults opens this month in Salinas, with 18 apartments for 23 adults who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. The project was developed by Interim Inc. [RU]