Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 184

See Monterey, Visit California seek input on Tourism Plans

MONTEREY – See Monterey and Visit California have partnered in an effort to ensure that the No. 1 economic engine on the Monterey Peninsula – tourism – remains a vital component of the local economy, releasing the first phase of the draft Regional Strategic Tourism Plans and seeking feedback.

“More than just a response to the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, this project embodies the resilience and determination that define California’s tourism industry,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO, Visit California, on its website.

The plans are a comprehensive initiative designed to help businesses and communities navigate challenges, seize opportunities and build long-term resilience. As a member of the Steering Committee for the Central Coast Region, See Monterey President and CEO Rob O’Keefe has been a key contributor the past two years on the plan’s development, alongside Visit Carmel Executive Director Amy Herzog.

Generating $3 billion annually, tourism is the top economic driver on the Monterey Peninsula and significant for the entire county’s prosperity. (James Herrera/Monterey Herald)

“While the concept for the Regional Strategic Tourism Plan emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not simply a reaction to it,” said O’Keefe. “The pandemic served as a dramatic pause – testing the tourism industry’s resiliency in countless ways – but the plan itself is forward-looking. It’s designed to ensure that California’s tourism economy doesn’t just survive, but thrives in the years ahead.”

Tourism is the top economic driver on the Monterey Peninsula and second in Monterey County, generating about $3 billion annually, and more than $300 million in transient occupancy and sales taxes. These funds directly support essential services and enhance residents’ quality of life.

As tourism is a significant contributor to the overall health of the county’s prosperity, See Monterey is encouraging local businesses and community organizations to provide their feedback on the draft Regional Strategic Tourism Plans.

“Ultimately, everyone who lives in Monterey County has a stake in the tourism economy,” said O’Keefe. “More specifically, stakeholders include hotel and lodging partners, restaurants, attractions, wineries, golf courses – anyone connected to the hospitality industry.”

Key partners include the Monterey County Hospitality Association, elected officials across the county, and a range of community organizations such as Cal State Monterey Bay, Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, the Monterey County Farm Bureau, area Chambers of Commerce and many others.

Initiated as part of a broader, long-term strategy to support all industries impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Regional Strategic Tourism plans are now available for public review through March 31.

A key focus of the project was collaboration with local industry leaders. The 234 members of 12 regional advisory committees helped guide the development of each region’s plan in a manner that aligns with the 500-plus destination marketing organizations and municipal plans reviewed by JLL, a global consulting firm, as part of each region’s market research.

The Regional Strategic Tourism Plan provides each of California’s 12 tourism regions with tailored strategies that reflect their unique assets and challenges, according to O’Keefe, and includes a Demand Driver Scorecard that offers actionable insights by evaluating tourism assets to determine which ones drive visitation and deliver return on investment. It also includes an Event Matrix that visually maps out the region’s signature events and identifies new opportunities to attract visitors and a Tourism Readiness Index which outlines each region’s key priorities for sustainable tourism development over the next 10 years.

The Regional Strategic Tourism Plans were conceptualized with a research-driven approach by JLL and community partners with oversight from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation program, according to Visit California, a nonprofit organization that promotes tourism throughout the state of California.

Monterey County’s scenic coastline, recreation trails, historic sites, and attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and Pebble Beach drive a significant portion of the local economy through tourism. (James Herrera/Monterey Herald)

The Regional Strategic Tourism Plan offers broad, long-term direction for sustainable tourism across the Central Coast, according to O’Keefe. In parallel, See Monterey developed MCT 2030 (Monterey County Tourism 2030 Roadmap), a more localized plan that considers key factors like the addition of 1,000 hotel rooms by decade’s end.

“Together, these plans help ensure Monterey County can manage growth responsibly, support our economy, and protect what makes our destination special,” said O’Keefe.

To maximize industry participation and feedback, Visit California is rolling out the plans in two phases.

Phase one is Drafts of Statewide Opportunities including 12 Regional Strategic Tourism Plans, and the Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism Guidebook which are now available for review. Industry partners are invited to submit comments on the drafts to RegionalPlans@VisitCalifornia.com through March 31.

Phase two is Drafts of the 12 Regional Resilience and Sustainability Scorecards and the California Tourism Resilience and Sustainability Dashboard which will be released May 1, coinciding with California Tourism Month. Industry partners will be invited to submit comments on the phase two drafts through May 31.

Industry partners are encouraged to share and review the plans, and submit comments. Following the public comment period, Visit California will incorporate industry feedback before finalizing the plans in June.

See, https://travelmattersca.com/issues-insights/regional-strategic-tourism-plans, for the draft Regional Strategic Tourism Plans.

Horoscopes March 21, 2025: Rosie O’Donnell, enrich your life with adventure

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Jace Norman, 25; Matthew Broderick, 63; Rosie O’Donnell, 63; Gary Oldman, 67.

Happy Birthday: Broaden your awareness by participating in events and activities that help you diversify and learn. Enriching your life with multiculturalism and environmental, industrial and economic adventures will prepare you to become an integral part of a movement that concerns you. Stretch your imagination, and you’ll devise a path that soothes your soul while challenging you to grow. Express yourself, find your bliss and make a difference. Your numbers are 3, 16, 24, 26, 33, 38, 45.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Follow your heart. Participate in events conducive to meeting new people and exploring possibilities that can change your perspective and lifestyle while putting your mind at rest so you can focus on what’s important to you. Set a routine that offers mental, physical and emotional stimulation and enjoy the outcome. 5 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Change begins with you and your choices. Consider your lifestyle and what you can do to improve your situation. Think outside the box, and instead of conforming to a path that limits you, pick what makes you feel good about yourself and how you spend your time. It’s OK to be different. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Emotions will surface, causing you to question your relationships, pastimes and hangout places. The time to switch things up to suit your needs is now. Define what makes you happy and how to improve your daily routine, health and stress levels. Align yourself with people heading in a similar direction. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): When one door closes, another opens. Look for the door that leads to peace and happiness. Take control of your destiny and concentrate on what interests you most. Be reflective and share your thoughts with loved ones and those you can count on to offer insight and alternatives. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Put your power where it brings the highest returns. Speak up, show interest and follow through with vim and vigor. Your showmanship will put you in a position that warrants attention and offers the clout you require to enforce your ideas and put your plans in motion. Personal gain and romance are favored. 5 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Put your energy into initiating change and finding out what’s required to incorporate your skills into something you want to pursue. Take a chance and discover what’s possible. Mulling over whether to do something is a far cry from following through. Challenge yourself mentally, physically and emotionally in pursuit of happiness. 2 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Be careful what you wish for. Rethink your pursuits and manage your relationships with care. Not everyone you know is looking out for your best interests. Don’t be fooled by someone’s charm or unrealistic promises. Look for legitimacy in every proposal, and be sure to get what you want in writing. 4 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Take a moment to consider your plans. Don’t take a risk that can harm your reputation or emotional or physical well-being. Opt out of attending crowded events or traveling to places that pose uncertainty. Review the past and learn from your mistakes. Keep your secrets, possessions and money in a safe place. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Stick close to home and loved ones. Tally up your overhead costs, and you’ll discover a way to cut corners. A work-related alternative will help bring in extra cash. Refuse to let your emotions supersede common sense. Being well-informed is in your best interest. Take better care of your home and health. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Pick up the pace, speak your peace and adjust your lifestyle to fulfill your heart’s desire. Take responsibility for your happiness by picking and choosing what’s right and best for you and following through. Refuse to let someone dictate to you or push you in a direction that doesn’t suit your needs. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Set boundaries, standards and rules to live by. Harness your strong points and use your skills to reach your goal. Settling for less to appease someone else will lead to disappointment and regret. Satisfy your needs, and you’ll attract people who want similar privileges and partnerships. Romance and self-improvement are yours to behold. 4 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Think big but live within your means, and you’ll discover how to fulfill your personal and financial needs. Distance yourself from those who set poor examples or tempt you to be frivolous. Incorporate discipline into your daily routine and focus on achieving a healthy lifestyle at a price you can afford. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are sensitive, curious and attentive. You are persistent and flexible.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.

Steph Curry injured on hard fall in Warriors’ victory over Raptors

Steph Curry left the Warriors’ 117-114 win Thursday night against the Raptors after taking a hard fall late in the third quarter. He was ruled out for the game with a bruised pelvis.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the game that Curry was getting an MRI but had pushed to return to the game.

“He thought he might be able to come back, and we just decided not to risk anything,” Kerr said. “Hopefully it’s not bad, but he’s getting imaging right now.”

Curry dribbled into the lane and jumped near the hoop to make a pass to the left corner, then collided with Toronto’s Jonathan Mogbo and Colin Castleton, falling awkwardly on his lower back.

The 37-year-old superstar stayed down on the court underneath the Warriors’ basket while the play went the other way, then Toronto called timeout with 3:24 to play. The Raptors led 88-83 at the time.

A Golden State trainer came out to check on Curry, who walked to the bench and eventually to the locker room holding his lower back.

“He hit the ground hard,” longtime teammate Draymond Green said. “You could hear it. Crazy. Obviously, very scary moment for us, for him. Hopefully he’s good.”

Curry, facing focused individual defense from Toronto, had just made two layups as he tried to bring the Warriors back from a surprising deficit against the Raptors, who entered the game at 24-45. He had 17 points in 25 minutes at the time of his fall, making 6 of his 8 attempts from the field and 2 of 4 from 3-point range.

Jimmy Butler picked up the scoring – and defensive – slack once Curry left.

After scoring 24 points and dishing out 10 assists in Tuesday’s victory over Milwaukee, the veteran wing put up a 16-point, 11-rebound, 12-assist triple-double against the visiting Raptors.

It was Butler’s second triple-double of his Warriors career.

With the Warriors up by three, Butler flew in from the weak side for a big-time block on a Jamal Shead drive with 20 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter that sealed the game.

Curry’s injury also overshadowed a prolific first half by Green.

The 35-year-old power forward who recently politicked for a second Defensive Player of the Year award showed off a deadeye shooting stroke – at least for one half.

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Green put in 18 of those in the first half, the most the four-time All-Star had scored in a first half since Game 7 of the 2016 Finals, when he had 22 in the first 24 minutes of a 93-89 Cavs win.

He finished the night with 21 points.

“If they’re going to sag and stand in the paint, leave me that open, I put a lot of work and time in to take those shots confidently,” Green said. “When I’m making those shots, it just makes our team that much harder to guard.”

Quinten Post scored 18, Jonathan Kuminga had 16 and Brandin Podziemski dropped in 15 points. The Warriors improved to 41-29 and remained the sixth seed in the Western Conference.

Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 29 points, and Mogbo, a former collegiate standout at San Francisco, had five points and five rebounds in his return to the Bay Area.

Golden State will begin a six-game road trip in Atlanta on Saturday.

A trainer leans over as Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) grimaces in pain after landing on his back during a play in the third quarter of their NBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, March 19, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Warriors: Kerr on Draymond Green’s Defensive Player of the Year case; Curry returns, but Payton out

SAN FRANCISCO – Earlier in the week, Draymond Green told reporters that he deserved the Defensive Player of the Year award after a masterful performance in a win over the Bucks. On Thursday, Warriors coach Steve Kerr agreed with his veteran forward.

“I have a top two, and that’s Scottie Pippen and Draymond,” Kerr said when asked to name the best defenders he’s ever seen.

Kerr called Green “the best defender in the league,” and said he believed that Green should at least be a lock for the NBA’s all-defense first team.

Kerr also compared Green to another of the coach’s former Chicago Bulls teammates in Dennis Rodman, who dominated as an undersized power forward.

“You can see the parallels, the length, the physicality, and ultimately it’s up here, it’s the brain, and Dennis and Scottie were the two smartest defenders I’ve ever been around, and Draymond is amazing in that regard,” Kerr said.

Green is averaging 1.1 blocks and 1.4 steals per game, but Green believes his defensive impact goes far beyond the stat sheet.

“When you look at this award, it’s widely based off statistics,” Green said. “And those statistics don’t always tell the story. Some guys get the stats and get picked on. Some guys get the stats and can be a liability to their defense, they take too many chances and their defense breaks down. We don’t do that. Sometimes you get punished for it. But: championships, championship, championships.”

Green won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2016-17.

LINEUP CHALLENGES

Kerr will undertake a careful balancing act over the last few weeks of the regular season. 

The longtime coach will need to find a way to keep the 37-year-old Steph Curry fresh down the stretch, while also ensuring the team is in position to win enough to avoid the dreaded play-in tournament. 

Curry sat out Tuesday against Milwaukee to rest on the second night of a back-to-back after coach Steve Kerr said the future Hall of Famer was “exhausted” following Monday’s loss to Denver. 

Curry returned to the lineup against the Raptors on Thursday for the final game of a seven-game homestand.

The 37-year-old has dealt with back and ankle injuries this season, but the Warriors are limited in how many games they can have Curry rest. 

Golden State (40-29) is 2.5 games behind fifth-seeded Memphis and has a one-game advantage over the Clippers, who currently occupy the first play-in spot.  

“We can’t mess around and experiment,” Kerr said. “We’re going to play the lineups that are going to give us the best chance to win. But within that, we’re getting a lot of information.”

Fortunately for the Warriors, the team now has a player capable of keeping the team afloat when Curry is on the bench. 

Jimmy Butler’s ability to score and facilitate as the No. 1 option in non-Curry minutes was on full display against Milwaukee. He dropped a game-high 24 points and dished out 10 assists while taking over late. 

“I think there’s room for improvement, and it’s never easy to incorporate a guy midseason, especially a guy who is going to be such a focal point,” Kerr said. “But Jimmy has made that easier because of his IQ and his ability to make everybody better.”

INJURY NOTES

Gary Payton II will miss the Toronto game with left knee soreness, and Kerr said the team doesn’t expect him to miss more than Thursday’s game. 

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“It doesn’t appear to be too bad,” Kerr said.

Payton played 17 minutes against Milwaukee on Tuesday, guarding Damian Lillard and scoring eight points, including two 3-pointers. 

Jonathan Kuminga has played at least 20 minutes in each of his last three games, and Kerr said there is no minutes restriction on the fourth-year forward coming off a severe right ankle injury. 

Kerr said Kuminga is also adjusting to a new, less ball-dominant role with Butler in tow.

“We were running things through him, and so he had the ball in his hands a lot and he was very successful, but now we have Jimmy Butler, and we’re going to put the ball in Jimmy’s hands,” Kerr said. “We talk, and he understands it’s about winning, and as long as he goes out and plays as hard as he can with energy when he’s out there, then good things are going to happen.”

What’s happening with the Institute of Museum and Library Services after Trump’s executive order

By HILLEL ITALIE

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump has named a new acting director for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, one of seven independent government agencies cited in a recent executive order calling for their dismantling “to the maximum extent of the law.”

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Trump said that the order “continues the reduction in the elements of the Federal bureaucracy that the President has determined are unnecessary.”

Since taking office, Trump has shuttered or drastically curtailed agencies, including the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and the U.S. Agency for International Development. The Institute of Museum and Library of Services, or IMLS, is a key source of funding for museums, libraries and educational institutions.

What is the Institute of Museum and Library Services?

IMLS was established in 1996 by a Republican-led Congress and has a mission to “advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development.” The institute combined the services of previous government agencies, including the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science and the Institute of Museum Services.

It distributes thousands of grants nationwide, totaling in recent years to more than $200 million annually. Awards in 2024 ranged from $240,000 for the Chicago History Museum to more than $1 million for several state library training programs named for former Republican first lady Laura Bush to nearly $25,000 for the Lorain Historical Society, which is based in the Ohio hometown of Nobel laureate Toni Morrison.

A spokesperson for Bush declined comment.

The building which houses the offices of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is seen, Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)Who is the new director?

The new acting director, Keith Sonderling, had recently been confirmed as deputy secretary of the Department of Labor and was from 2020-2024 a commissioner on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He replaces Cyndee Landrum, who had been named acting director in March 2024.

“I am committed to steering this organization in lockstep with this Administration to enhance efficiency and foster innovation,” Sonderling said in a statement after his appointment Thursday. “We will revitalize IMLS and restore focus on patriotism, ensuring we preserve our country’s core values, promote American exceptionalism and cultivate love of country in future generations.”

Has the IMLS been targeted before?

During his first term, Trump repeatedly called for the IMLS to be shut down, but funding was maintained by Congress. The American Library Association in a statement this week condemned “eliminating the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services. … The Trump administration’s executive order is cutting off at the knees the most beloved and trusted of American institutions and the staff and services they offer.”

What happens now?

The library association has advised members that the status of current grants remains unclear. If the administration follows the same playbook it has in targeting other small agencies for closure, IMLS could be shut down.

The U.S. Institute of Peace was one of four agencies Trump ordered to be closed last month in an effort to shrink the size of government. On Monday, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency took control of USIP’s headquarters in Washington and used law enforcement to escort the independent think tank’s employees out of the building. Former USIP board members have sued the administration to stop the takeover but a judge on Wednesday declined to immediately block the administration’s actions.

Staff from DOGE have also moved fast in the past weeks to lay off staff, end grants and contracts and remove the leaders of two other agencies that invested in small businesses in Africa and Latin American and the Caribbean. Former board members and leaders of those organizations have also sued, but a judge ruled it would be legal to remove most staff and grants from the U.S. African Development Foundation.

Brent Burns recalls why he endorsed the Jr. Sharks to Rick Celebrini

SAN JOSE – Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns said his positive experiences with the Jr. Sharks made it easy for him to recommend the youth hockey program to Dr. Rick Celebrini nearly seven years ago.

As Burns enjoyed a prolific career with the Sharks last decade, his son, Jagger, skated with the Jr. Sharks at various levels.

When Jagger was around seven years old, Burns heard from Celebrini, who was seriously considering a move from Vancouver to the Bay Area to lead the Golden State Warriors’ sports medicine department.

Celebrini wanted assurance that the San Jose youth hockey program would be challenging enough for his oldest sons, Aiden and Macklin. The younger of the two, Macklin, was a prodigy, and needed to be pushed to help with his development.

Burns had positive things to say.

“There were a lot of different reasons for his family to make it work, the distance and everything, being around here,” Burns said Thursday at SAP Center before the Hurricanes played the Sharks. “My kid was pretty young, so it’s changed a lot since I’ve been here. It’s fun to see those kids. I’ve seen them play in a couple of different states now, running into them.

“Everything about the area and the organization, it’s great. It’s fun to come back and see all of the faces, and it was a special group, just a lot of great people around.”

“It was important (Macklin) be challenged,” Rick Celebrini told the Associated Press last year of the Jr. Sharks. “It was a good group.”

Burns’ recommendation helped the Celebrinis finalize their decision, but perhaps there wasn’t much of an alternative. Before he spoke with Burns, Rick Celebrini also considered a job with the San Antonio Spurs, but that did not last.

“We visited San Antonio,” Rick Celebrini said. “There’s no real youth hockey.”

The die was cast, and during the 2019-2020 season, Macklin Celebrini had 101 points, including 54 goals, in 61 games for the 14U AAA Jr. Sharks, and Aiden, a right-shot defenseman, had 20 points in 56 games for the 15U AAA Jr. Sharks. Aiden also had 22 points in nine games for Willow Glen High School.

Rick Celebrini is now the Warriors’ vice president in charge of player health and performance. Macklin, who was selected first overall at the 2024 NHL Draft, entered Thursday’s date against Burns and the Hurricanes as the Sharks’ leading scorer with 50 points in 56 games.

CALDER TALK: Hurricanes players and coach Rod Brind’Amour raved about the 18-year-old Celebrini, who is among the leading candidates to win the Calder Trophy this season as the NHL’s top rookie.

When the Sharks played the Hurricanes in Raleigh on Dec. 10, Celebrini had a giveaway that led to Carolina’s game-winning goal, but also had an assist and led all San Jose forwards with 22:39 in ice time. He was also credited with three hits while winning eight of 14 faceoffs.

Asked about Celebrini, Brind’Amour said he doesn’t usually watch the Sharks play on the West Coast, “but live, he’s a difference maker.

“There’s certain players in the league, and teams have them, and you know who they are, but (Celebrini) needs to be put in that conversation where he gets the puck, something good is going to happen or has the potential to happen. When you have that for 20 minutes a night or whatever, you know that’s a special player.”

Other strong candidates for the Calder Trophy this year are Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, Calgary Flames goalie Dustin Wolf, a Gilroy native, and Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov.

Entering Thursday, in 67 games, Hutson led all rookies with 53 points while averaging 22:20 in ice time per night, and Michkov had 47 points. Wolf was a primary reason why the Flames, the lowest-scoring team in the NHL, were still in a playoff hunt, as he had a 22-14-5 record and a .912 save percentage in 41 games.

Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association vote on the Calder Trophy.

“I don’t quite take a peek at (the Calder race), but I’m sure (Celebrini) is probably leading the pack. Rightfully so,” Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis said. “He’s had a really good year.”

Judge calls Trump administration’s latest response on deportation flights ‘woefully insufficient’

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge instructed the Trump administration on Thursday to explain why its failure to turn around flights carrying deportees to El Salvador did not violate his court order in a growing showdown between the judicial and executive branches.

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U.S. District Judge Jeb Boasberg demanded answers after flights carrying Venezuelan immigrants alleged by the Trump administration to be gang members landed in El Salvador after the judge temporarily blocked deportations under an 18th century wartime law. Boasberg had directed the administration to return to the U.S. planes that were already in the air when he ordered the halt.

Boasberg had given the administration until noon Thursday to either provide more details about the flights or make a claim that it must be withheld because it would harm “state secrets.” The administration resisted the judge’s request, calling it an “unnecessary judicial fishing” expedition.

In a written order, Boasberg called Trump officials’ latest response “woefully insufficient.” The judge said the administration “again evaded its obligations” by merely repeating “the same general information about the flights.” And he ordered the administration to “show cause,” as to why it didn’t violate his court order to turn around the planes, increasing the prospect that he may consider holding administration officials in contempt of court.

The Justice Department has said the judge’s verbal directions did not count, that only his written order needed to be followed and that it couldn’t apply to flights that had already left the U.S. A Justice Department spokesperson said Thursday that it “continues to believe that the court’s superfluous questioning of sensitive national security information is inappropriate judicial overreach.”

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official told the judge Thursday the administration needed more time to decide whether it would invoke the state secrets privilege in an effort to block the information’s release.

Boasberg ordered Trump officials by Friday to submit a sworn declaration by a person “with direct involvement in the Cabinet-level discussions” about the state secrets privilege and to tell the court by next Tuesday whether the administration will invoke it.

In a deepening conflict between the judicial and executive branch, Trump and many of his allies have called for impeaching Boasberg, who was nominated to the federal bench by Democratic President Barack Obama. In a rare statement earlier this week, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts rejected such calls, saying “impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision.”

Joby Aviation announces air taxi service partnership with Virgin Atlantic

MARINA – Joby Aviation announced this week a partnership with Virgin Atlantic that will see Joby’s air taxi used in Virgin’s short-haul service to get its customers to airports and cities throughout the United Kingdom.

Joby Aviation, which has been doing business in Marina for about the last seven years, is developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers at speeds up to 200 mph, offering high-speed mobility with a fraction of the noise produced by helicopters and zero operating emissions.

Virgin Atlantic is a premium long-haul UK airline that was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984.

The partnership builds on an existing agreement between Joby and Delta Air Lines – which owns a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic – to launch service in the U.S. and U.K. The Joby/Virgin partnership means Virgin Atlantic customers will be able to reserve a seat on Joby’s aircraft through Virgin Atlantic’s app, website and other channels.

The Joby and Delta partnership to deliver home-to-airport transportation service to Delta customers starting with those in Los Angeles and New York, was announced in October 2022 at an event in Marina. While the Joby/Delta partnership is mutually exclusive across the U.S. and U.K. for at least five years following commercial launch, the partnership has been extended to include Virgin Atlantic in the U.K.

“As a leader in sustainability and with innovation firmly in our DNA, we are delighted to be partnering with Joby to bring short-haul, zero-emission flight to airports and cities throughout the U.K.,” said Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, in a press release. “Our strategic partnership combines Joby’s expertise in design, engineering and technology with the power of Virgin Atlantic’s brand and award-winning customer experience. We look forward to working together to bring Joby’s service to the UK and to deliver greater connectivity for our customers.”

The Joby/Virgin partnership aims to offer seamless, zero-emission, short-range journeys across the U.K., starting with regional and city connections from Virgin Atlantic’s hubs at Heathrow and Manchester Airport. Virgin Atlantic will support Joby’s go-to-market efforts in the U.K. through marketing the service to their customers, engaging regulators alongside Joby and helping to build support for the development of landing infrastructure at key airports.

“Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to delighting its customers reflects our experience with Delta and we couldn’t imagine a better partner to work with in the U.K.,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby, in the release. “Together, we are committed to delivering faster options for mobility across the country, including for Virgin Atlantic and Delta customers as they head to the airport or move between U.K. towns and cities.”

Joby’s electric air taxi utilizes six tilting propellers that allow it to take off and land vertically with a fraction of the noise produced by today’s helicopters. The aircraft is optimized for rapid, back-to-back flights and is expected to be deployed on routes of up to 100 miles. Joby has completed thousands of test flights, including exhibition flights in New York City, Japan and Korea.

Last month, Joby Aviation reported it had made record progress on the fourth of five stages required for commercial passenger service in the U.S. and expects to carry its first passengers later this year or early next year.

Joby Aviation launched production of its aircraft at its Pilot Production Plant in Marina with the first aircraft rolling off the line in June 2023.

In April 2024, with the second production prototype aircraft to roll off its pilot production line as a backdrop, Joby broke ground on its new 220,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at the Marina Municipal Airport, which is expected to begin operations in 2025. The expansion will more than double Joby Aviation’s total footprint in Marina where it also has its integrated test lab and flight-testing capabilities, and enable it to deliver 25 aircraft a year.

In June 2024, Joby successfully completed a flight above Marina of its first-of-its-kind hydrogen-electric technology demonstrator aircraft. Joby’s hydrogen-electric demonstrator is part of the company’s future technology program and is the result of several years of collaboration between a small team at Joby and H2FLY, Joby’s wholly-owned subsidiary based in Stuttgart, Germany. The converted Joby aircraft previously completed more than 25,000 miles of testing as a battery-electric aircraft at Joby’s facility in Marina.

Along with its operations at the Marina Municipal Airport, Joby Aviation has offices and workshops and is headquartered in Santa Cruz, as well as facilities in San Carlos, Washington, D.C. and Munich, Germany. In September 2023, Joby chose Dayton, Ohio, as the site for its new manufacturing plant.

M1W official named to key post at Monterey Peninsula water district

MONTEREY – A seasoned official who has worked on Monterey Peninsula water issues for more than a decade has been named assistant general manager of the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District.

Mike McCullough, the current director of external affairs for Monterey One Water, will begin his new post at the water district on April 4.

McCullough worked at M1W for the past 13 years. His focus was to bring the Pure Water Monterey water recycling project online. He helped secure low-interest loans from the State Water Resources Control Board and the Environmental Protection Agency. He pursued various funding opportunities for Pure Water Monterey – Northern California’s first indirect potable reuse project – ultimately resulting in $80 million in state and federal grants.

One of his key responsibilities will be to ensure water information – from any regional source – is accurate. He will also fill in for General Manager Dave Stoldt during his absence.

Stoldt said in a news release that the water district believes McCullough’s established reputation, local understanding of water issues and professional contacts across a variety of state and federal organizations will be an asset for the district and its constituents.

“The district conducted a national search for a dedicated water professional, and the top candidate was literally next door at Monterey One Water,” Stoldt said. “Mike has proven his knowledge of the complex local water issues and he will bring a new  perspective and energy for our customers, staff and board.”

The 56-year-old McCullough has extensive experience in water and horticulture, having worked his way up from a recycled water program assistant with Monterey One Water to government affairs administrator and finally to director of external affairs. He also has experience managing staff and budgets. He has lived in the region for the past 25 years.

McCullough holds a bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture with a minor in plant pathology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; a master’s degree in horticulture from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater; and a master’s degree in public administration from San Diego State University.

George Riley, the chair of the water district board of directors, said McCullough’s skill at helping to manage the sustainable Pure Water Monterey project is an indication of his leadership skills.

“Mr. McCullough was an integral part of this successful project, and we welcome him to the (water district) team,” Riley said.

Monterey man sentenced to over eight years in prison for theft

Daniel Riggs, 34, of Monterey was sentenced to eight years and eight months in state prison for conspiracy to commit theft, grand theft from an elder and grand theft.

On Feb. 17, 2024 officers responded to a fraudulent activity call at the Home Depot in Seaside. The on-duty prevention officer informed police officers that Riggs and a co-conspirator made fraudulent transactions on Feb. 12 and Feb. 16 using an old receipt to obtain a fraudulent cash refund. The pair stole nearly $1,600.

On Nov. 2 last year, the Marina police department received a call regarding fraudulent use of a stolen credit card. The victim, John Doe, reported that he had recently requested a new credit card from Discover that was intercepted while in transit.

John Doe’s credit card was used at the Best Buy in Marina without his consent. Video surveillance at the Best Buy helped officers identify Riggs as the suspect. He had used the credit card to purchase a drone valued at $1,549.

Later in November, the Dodge dealership in Seaside reported a fraudulent purchase of a vehicle. Officers learned Riggs used the personal identifying information of an 86-year-old woman to purchase a $38,000 Dodge Charger. The victim, Jane Doe, reported she knew nothing about the vehicle purchase and did not give Riggs consent to purchase the vehicle.

Riggs was sentenced to three years in prison on the elder theft case and eight months on both of the other cases. Each term is doubled and will run consecutively because of Riggs’ previous two “strikes” under California’s Three Strikes Law.