The Buzz

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Staff

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Charity Scheme?…Attorney General Jerry Brown filed a lawsuit to shut down Monterey County AIDS Project, alleging the Seaside-based nonprofit illegally diverted more than $2.8 million intended for people with HIV/AIDS to other uses, including a personal mortgage payment, credit card bills and carpet steam cleaning. [ZS]

Takeover Time…State Trustee Carmella Franco took the reins of Salinas’ Alisal School District Monday. The former Whittier superintendent will earn more than $200,000 annually, far higher than the average for superintendents of similarly sized school districts. [RU]

Spring Transplant…In response to the Pacific Grove City Council's May 19 vote, Everyone's Harvest asks to relocate the farmers market from Lighthouse Avenue to Central and Grand avenues. The market board also asks to allow non-certified vendors from outside P.G. The Planning Commission will consider the long-debated changes June 3. [KA]

Election Ahead…A three-judge panel ruled that a special election for the state senate seat vacated by Abel Maldonado can move forward June 22, despite concerns by civil rights groups that its timing could depress minority turn-out. [RU]

Gunfire Returns…Salinas saw two attempted murders May 23. A gunman opened fire on a 20-year-old man inside a John Street apartment complex’s laundry room, and an 18-year-old man was shot while driving from Dartmouth Way. On May 20 a juvenile fired several rounds in the Salinas Target parking lot. [ZS]

Transport Tie-up…The Monterey City Council was treated to a visual simulation of a proposed light rail line at a Tuesday, May 18 meeting. But it didn’t seem to convince Councilmembers Libby Downey and Nancy Selfridge, who questioned whether bus rapid transit might serve Monterey better. [RU]

Marina Frustration…The Marina City Council on June 2 is slated to toss out all entitlements, approvals and amendments associated with development Marina Station. Creekbridge Homes, which backed out of the 320-acre project a couple months ago, is no longer paying the city’s legal bills for a lawsuit filed against the development. [ZS]