The Buzz

New news on old news.

Staff

Thursday, March 11, 2010

03-11 Buzz

Foreclosure Dip… Monterey County’s notices of default, the first step in the foreclosure process, dropped about 38 percent in January and February compared to last year, according to a report from the county Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office. Trustee deeds, which are recorded when foreclosure sales close, decreased about 22 percent. [ZS]

Knucklehead Alert…On March 8, a drive-by shooting shook up San Pablo Avenue at Yosemite Street in Seaside. The victim was not harmed, but the incident builds on a disturbing trend of violence in Seaside: Just two weeks earlier, a shooting on Francis Avenue and Tierra Street hospitalized one victim. [KA]

Tourism Tsar...John Reyes, current head of Jacksonville, Florida’s tourism agency has been tapped to lead the Monterey County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. He replaces interim CEO Bob Cowdrey. [RU]

Flowing North…Monterey Peninsula Water Management District's lawsuit against the State Water Resources Control Board is moving from Monterey to Santa Clara County. The lawsuit challenges SWRCB's October 2009 cease-and-desist order against California American Water, which has been overpumping the Carmel River. MPWMD appealed the move. [KA]

DUI Charges…The Monterey Police Department has charged 18-year old Aaron Conn of P.G. with causing injury while driving under the influence in a highly publicized crash involving five local teens. [RU]

Budget Rage…CSU Monterey Bay students outraged at the state of the state's public university system walked out of classrooms March 4 and rallied in the main quad, as documented in a YouTube video produced by Teledramatic Arts and Technology students. [ZS]

Big News…In the latest example of Doublespeak, the International Whaling Commission proposes to legalize commercial whaling—in order to reduce illegal whaling. A wave of conservationists, including local photographer and anti-whaling activist Bryant Austin, opposes the draft rule. [KA]

Private Eyes…The 23-member Blue Ribbon Community Budget Review Committee will examine the city of Salinas’ organization and search for more efficient ways to deliver services. The committee will also analyze cost-cutting ideas after four public meetings March 17-20. [ZS]