Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 450

Panetta Seminar: Notable leaders share wisdom with CSU student leaders

SEASIDE >> Twenty two students from throughout the California State University system have been hard at work this week learning how to become more effective leaders through the 25th Panetta Institute for Public Policy Leadership Seminar at Cal State Monterey Bay.

The seminar, which kicked off Sunday, is an eight-day course that teaches students leadership practices, strategies and principles. It aims to send them back to school with a clear understanding of how to be leaders in various public service roles.

“In our recent national poll, we found that students are disengaging from our democracy and expressed the lowest ever interest in voting in the upcoming election,” said Institute Chairman and former Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta in a press release. “Further, they reported to not have a clear understanding of how our democracy functions and what the branches of government do. We cannot afford to lose the next generation of voters. This seminar is designed to educate and inspire young leaders so that they can become stewards of our democracy in the future.”

Out of 803 college students surveyed by Hart Research, 54% said they will definitely vote in the upcoming election and 71% said they believe the country is on the wrong track.

Students have a variety of leadership-geared classes to attend during the week-long seminar, including in education, business and journalism, at the state and local level, as well as the ethics of leadership.

The students also attend various panel discussions including one with community leaders discussing developing leadership skills in a grassroots environment. Mayors Tyller Williamson of Monterey and Ian Oglesby of Seaside are featured speakers.

For a hands-on learning experience, students work together in an exercise regarding the budget process for California as well as a three-part series on building conflict resolution and consensus-building skills.

Students also heard from featured speakers including former Vice President Dan Quayle, former Chief of Staff at the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Defense Jeremy Bash and former White House Chief of Staff and retired four-star Gen. John Kelly.

Other forums include:

A session on journalism as civic leadership featuring Dan Balz, chief correspondent for The Washington Post and Carla Marinucci, senior writer for Politico California Playbook.Leadership in sports featuring  two former football players and coaches: Super Bowl champion, San Francisco 49ers and Palma School President Chris Dalman as well as Ron Johnson, president for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County and former NFL player.Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, will present on the effort to find responsible leadership on the federal budget.Former member of the California State Assembly and County Supervisor Simón Salinas will discuss the differences between leadership in state and county office.Superior Court Judges Carrie McIntyre Panetta and Rafael Vazquez will join county Assistant District Attorney Rebecca Garcia and Deputy Public Defender Jigar Patel to discuss leadership in the criminal justice system.

The seminar concludes with presentations from each of the 22 students discussing their goals for their campuses and what they have learned about leadership throughout the seminar.

Will Christian McCaffrey be the next victim of the Madden curse? 49ers fans weigh in

SANTA CLARA — Seeing running back Christian McCaffrey as the cover athlete for the “Madden 25” video game sparked mixed emotions from 49ers fans.

On one hand, the image of the San Francisco star running through a herd of Las Vegas Raider defenders was both incredible and comical. 

But on the other, the superstition surrounding the Madden curse has struck a bit of fear for some in the 49er faithful. 

“We as Niner fans have high expectations for the Madden cover,” said Christian Burt, a member of the Niner Empire Inland Empire chapter. “I hope the Madden curse doesn’t come into effect with Christian McCaffrey because he is a great player all around.”

In this undated photo provided by EA Sports, Christian McCaffrey appears on the cover of the Madden video game. (EA SPORTS via AP)

The Madden curse refers to the at times alarming frequency of NFL stars suffering catastrophic injuries or performing well below their norms in the year they were featured on the cover of the wildly popular game.

Tuesday, EA Sports revealed it had picked McCaffrey for the highly-coveted image on its newest release.

The Stanford alum is the first running back to be on the cover since Adrian Peterson and Barry Sanders were on two different variations of the game in 2014. He is also the first 49ers player to grace the cover since Garrison Hearst in 1999. 

“To be on the cover of Madden NFL is a career achievement and an honor I share with all of my teammates, coaches and 49er Faithful who have helped make it possible,” McCaffrey said in a news release. “I’m pumped to get back on the field this year to give Madden players more reasons to keep scoring touchdowns with me in Madden NFL 25.”

But as happy as some fans were to see McCaffrey on the cover, there was worry he might become the latest victim to the curse.

Players such as Drew Brees (Madden 11) and Antonio Brown (Madden 19) had career-low years after being named  Madden cover athletes. Others like Brett Favre (Madden 09) and Donovan McNabb (Madden 06) suffered injuries that derailed their seasons. 

The curse has often hurt running backs the most. 

Shaun Alexander, Peyton Hillis and Eddie George all experienced big drop offs in production to the point where they were either backups or out of the league within four years of being on the cover of Madden. The curse sends shivers down the spines of some 49ers fans because Hearst was the first victim.

During the 1998 season, he became the first player ever featured on a Madden NFL cover, but broke his ankle shortly after the game was released and missed the next two seasons.

“When I first heard about it, I said ‘That’s not real,’” Hearst said about the Madden curse in an interview with Omaha Productions in May. “But then you start looking back and it’s like, each one of them got hurt when they were on the cover.”

But not all Niner fans are buying into the video game jinx. 

Ryan Fregosi, a former Bay Area resident who now resides in Colorado, said he doesn’t believe in the Madden curse and that the high expectations of being the cover athlete can cause down seasons for the wrong players. 

“The way I see it, guys get on the Madden cover because of how they played the season before,” Fregosi said. “Do they get overwhelmed with their status quo? Are they trying too hard and it causes a fluke injury because they are now getting double teamed? That’s the way I see it.”

In this undated photo provided by EA Sports, Christian McCaffrey appears on the cover of the Madden video game. (EA SPORTS via AP)

The curse might be losing some of its power, too. Brown never recovered after appearing on the 2019 cover, but subsequent cover athletes  – Patrick Mahomes (twice), Lamar Jackson, Tom Brady and Josh Allen – continued to shine. Madden graced the cover in 2023 as a tribute after the former coaching and broadcasting legend died in December, 2021. 

When asked if he had thought about the curse before accepting to be the cover athlete, McCaffrey didn’t sound too worried.

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“No, I’m not superstitious at all about it,” McCaffrey told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. “So when I got the call, I wasn’t thinking about any curse, I was just excited. I think that stuff is kinda myth and whatever happens, happens. I’m excited to be on the cover.”

While having different opinions, both Burt and Fregosi agreed that if any running back could withstand the Madden curse, it’s McCaffrey. 

The seven-year veteran rushed for 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns last season en route to an NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. Just over a week ago, San Francisco signed McCaffrey to a two-year, $38 million extension. 

“I feel like going into this season, he could be the first running back to break this curse,” Burt said. “Ever since he’s come to San Francisco, he’s been nothing but productive. Hopefully getting us a ring will officially break that curse.”

6 reasons I prefer cruises when I travel with family

Holly D. Johnson | (TNS) Bankrate

While I find value in all types of travel — including adventure and sightseeing trips all over the world — I try to plan family vacations that are both relaxing and fun. With two teen girls to keep happy and entertained, my partner and I don’t want to over-plan or try to do too much on vacation. Instead, we like to sit back and relax, enjoy a week (or longer) without cooking or cleaning and spend time together chatting, playing games and basking in the sun.

All-inclusive resorts sometimes make their way into our travel plans, but my true preference for family vacations is always going to be cruising. That’s why, ultimately, I typically take our family on three to four cruises over the course of any given year. Not only do we cruise the Caribbean over winter break each year, but we frequently cruise in Europe in order to see new destinations while keeping costs down.

Are cruises worth it? I certainly think so. It’s fun, and cruises let you book the bulk of your vacation plans with a few easy clicks. Here are some of the other important reasons I love cruising — and why I don’t plan to give it up any time soon.

1. Cruises offer great value for family trips

One of the biggest reasons I love cruising is the value you can get if you shop around and look for deals. It goes without saying that a cruise is both your hotel and your transportation to whatever destinations are included on an itinerary. But cruises also include a range of activities, entertainment, pools, waterparks and more.

The pricing can be phenomenal for what you get in return. For example, on the new MSC World America, which will begin sailing out of Miami, Florida in April of next year, a family of four (with children ages 13 and 15) can book a seven-night Caribbean cruise starting at $435 per person for an inside cabin or $629 per person for a balcony room.

The total cost for the seven-night trip for four people works out to $1,738 for the trip in an interior cabin and $2,355.16 in total when you add in port taxes and fees for everyone in the traveling party, which means the cruise is around $336 per night. And remember, the fare includes your hotel room, three meals a day (plus snacks and basic drinks) and a luxury, scenic ride to wherever your ship happens to be sailing.

For this particular cruise, the MSC World America stops in San Juan in Puerto Rico, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, which is MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas.

2. Meals are included, along with dishes and clean-up

Did I mention that meals are included on cruises? While dining options vary, most cruise lines and vessels feature a main buffet (or several buffets), main dining room options, eateries serving up fast and easy meals and a handful of specialty restaurants.

We aren’t fancy eaters but we are vegetarian, and we usually find that the food served on cruises is perfectly fine and even great at times. It’s also nice to know that all meals (other than specialty dining) are included in the cruise fare. We’ve also scored plenty of cruise deals that include free drink packages, which is another major benefit I look for any time I book.

3. Fewer financial surprises at the end of a trip

Another benefit of cruising is one that also applies to all-inclusive resorts. Once you pay for your cruise fare and transportation to the cruise port, there are fewer financial surprises to watch out for over the course of a trip.

Of course, cruises do charge gratuities on top of the cruise fare that must be planned for, and there are excursions to book if you don’t want to explore on your own. And yes, we occasionally buy something in an on-board store or pay for a meal in a cruise specialty restaurant.

The thing is, these are all items you can research and book ahead of time, and we have never arrived home from a cruise to a big vacation bill that was higher than anticipated.

4. Drive to the cruise port for additional savings

Another reason I like cruises typically does not apply to all-inclusive resorts. Whereas most resorts that include food, drinks and entertainment are located outside the United States and necessitate a flight, there are cruise ports you can drive to dotted throughout the United States.

We do sometimes fly for a cruise depending on rates and timing, mostly because we are landlocked at home in our state. We also do a lot of international cruises. However, we typically drive to the cruise port in Port Canaveral, Florida over winter break to board our annual New Year’s cruise, and it’s nice to have that option considering travel delays are so common over the holidays. Not only that, but driving 15 hours and spending a few hundred dollars on gas easily saves us more than $1,600 on round-trip flights for the four of us.

5. Explore new cultures and destinations

I’m not going to lie — my family of four rarely gets off the ship when we cruise the Caribbean anymore. We have been to all the cruise ports already, and we all like to enjoy the features of our ship on those days when everyone else gets off for the day. With that in mind, our Caribbean cruises are more about leisure and not meant to provide a cultural experience by any means.

That said, we often book cruises around the world and learn about new cultures that way. For example, we booked a seven-night cruise for fall break last year that departed from Athens, Greece and stopped in Kusadasi, Turkey; Cyprus; and the Greek islands of Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos. In total, we paid less than $3,800 in total for this seven-night cruise, including one balcony cabin and an interior cabin across the hall for our kids.

My husband and I also enjoyed a 12-night Norway cruise on the MSC Preziosa while our two kids were at summer camp last year. Not only did we stop in the Arctic Circle and see the highest point in continental Europe, but we explored the Norwegian coastline with stops in Tromso, Trondheim, Alesund, Bergun and more. During the trip, we tried local Norwegian delicacies, climbed up thousands of ancient sherpa stairs built into the side of mountains, spent time in small villages and hiked through the wilderness.

6. Paying with credit card rewards helps defray costs

Finally, it’s important to remember that I rarely pay full price for cruises thanks to my stash of credit card rewards. When we do fly to the cruise port, we almost always redeem airline miles to cover our airfare. We have also used flexible travel rewards to cover cruise fares directly, and we have booked a nearly endless number of cruise excursions and day trips using Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

I don’t have any co-branded cruise credit cards because, by and large, it’s much easier to earn more rewards and have more flexibility when you opt for a flexible travel credit card instead. With that in mind, my favorite credit cards for cruises include the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

I like the Chase Sapphire Reserve for cruises because you can get 50 percent more points value for cruise fare when you book travel through the Chase travel portal, and because you can use Chase Ultimate Rewards points for pre-departure hotels, airport pickups and cruise ship excursions. In the meantime, the Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card is great for cruises because you can redeem miles as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made to the card (within the past 90 days) at a rate of 1 cent per mile.

The bottom line

My family loves cruising, and we have no plans to stop any time soon. We have cruised with MSC Cruises, Carnival and Princess in the past, and we have enjoyed all our experiences in different ways.

Aside from the fact that your lodging, transportation, food and fun are all included in your cruise fare, taking a cruise feels like more of an “event” than other types of trips have in the past. As long as cruise lines keep offering great value and I can use rewards credit cards to cover different parts of our family vacations, I’ll keep cruising until the end of time.

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©2024 Bankrate online. Visit Bankrate online at bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

How Stuart Woods’ character Stone Barrington lives on in Brett Battles’ ‘Smolder’

After a hurricane-delayed landing into New York City a few years ago, Brett Battles had just 10 minutes to make his connecting flight to Zurich.

And that’s when the novelist saw a message from his literary agent: Call me.

But Battles didn’t have a moment to spare, making it on the plane as the doors closed behind him. 

“I couldn’t even make the call; I had zero time,” says Battles during a Zoom interview. “Once I got to Europe, I had to wait another six hours because now she was asleep.” 

Battles, a novelist with more than 40 books to his credit, including his Jonathan Quinn thriller series, had served as a co-writer on a Stuart Woods’ novel, “Obsession,” about former CIA operative turned Hollywood producer character Teddy Fay. 

“I wrote spy books and I worked in Hollywood,” says Battles of how he came to co-write the Fay novel. “We worked together to do that book. … Two weeks after I turned it in, Stuart passed away in his sleep. I honestly thought that was it; I wouldn’t be playing in his universe anymore.”

Bestselling author Stuart Woods is seen here signing books on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. The late Woods, then 75, was on tour with his 52nd novel, “Unintended Consequences.” In 2024, novelist Brett Battles published “Stuart Woods’s Smolder,” a continuation of the Stone Barrington stories. (Tom Benitez/Orlando Sentinel)

So as he strolled around Lake Zurich with friends, Battles tried to stay awake and stave off jet lag until he connected with his agent and got the news: Stuart Woods had been working on a new novel in his popular series of books about cop-turned-lawyer Stone Barrington when he died. Would Battles be willing to come on and write the rest of the book?

“They were interested in having me finish it. So that was a very shocking moment for me. And of course, I said, ‘Well, yes, please, I would love to do that,’” says Battles, who immediately got to work on what would be published as 2023’s “Near Miss.”

“This was October and they needed it by December 15. And, of course, I was at the beginning of a two-week trip also. I said, ‘Sure, why not?’ … Who’s going to pass up on that opportunity?” says the author. 

Battles threw himself into the challenge, reading Woods’ drafts and listening to the audiobook versions of the novels while on his trip. “I’m making notes, I’m listening to books and going on tours with everybody when I can,” he says. “And then came home and just got to work.”

It sounds like his traveling companions were an understanding bunch.

“Very understanding. They think more highly of the fact that they have a friend who’s an author than I think they should.” he laughs.

Into the Woods

Battles has just published his first solo Stone Barrington novel, “Stuart Woods’ Smolder,” which arrived in stores June 4. The thriller, which includes stops in New York, Los Angeles and Santa Fe, involves art, arson, forgery, fraud, revenge, romance, and the legacy of Barrington’s mother, a painter. 

If you’re unfamiliar with Barrington and his previous 60+ adventures, he seems in the mold of well-to-do crime fighters such as Sherlock Holmes, Doc Savage, Batman, and “The Thin Man” team of Nick and Nora Charles. Barrington is a wealthy lawyer with charm, good looks and important friends. These include several former U.S. presidents, the heads of MI6 and the CIA, and his sometime girlfriend, who happens to be the sitting president of the United States.

“It’s a really fun world to play in. Stone has enough money to do whatever he wants, or whatever he needs to do, but he still works,” says Battles. “The jokes and the quips and everything – that’s the charm of the novels … they’re enjoyable and just keep you entertained.”

“It’s a very rich world,” says Battles, referring to its creative possibilities before joking about its high-end appeal. “And then it’s also a very rich world.”

Despite collaborating on a book while Woods was alive, Battles says his face-to-face interactions with the author had been brief.

“I had in person only met him twice,” says Battles, who explained that they’d been on a panel at a festival and then later appeared together at a Skylight Books event. “We may have passed and shaken hands, but that’s about it.”

When it comes to bridging his own efforts with all the stories that came before, Battles says he scoured the novels, taking note of anything he might be able to refer or call back to. In “Smolder,” for example, a beach house briefly mentioned in an earlier novel plays a role in the new adventure, which is one way of connecting Battles’ work to Woods’.

“It’s his stuff, but I like to think I’m keeping it alive,” says Battles.

In his own world

Battles and this reporter, full disclosure, first crossed paths more than 15 years ago; we worked for the same company and he signed a copy of his first Jonathan Quinn novel, “The Cleaner,” for me in my office. Last year, we ran into each other at Bouchercon, the mystery writers’ convention in San Diego, and caught up.

Battles, who had worked on various Hollywood projects over the years, told me that he’d always known what his calling was.

“I always wanted to be a writer. In fifth grade, I was telling people I was going to be a novelist. And that was always what I wanted to do, but I didn’t know exactly how to get there. So I went to Cal State Northridge and got a degree in television & film because I also liked film,” he says.

But after working at a TV studio, a graphics company and a cable TV channel, he began to wonder if he’d ever achieve his dream. “I had just kind of fallen into this whole visual arts portion of entertainment while all the time I wanted to be a writer.”

So he decided to get serious about making it happen.

“I actually lived very close to the office so that I could walk and have more time to write in the mornings,” he says. “And then after work, I’d write for an hour or two.”

“In three years, I wrote three books while working,” he says. “That’s always what I wanted to do. I was starting to think I’d never get there and so that’s why I put on the turbo to get stuff done.”

Battles, who is contracted to do more Teddy Fay and Stone Barrington titles, says he’s also currently at work on two related series of his own, which will take him into some new territory. “I love apocalyptic fiction and so I just kind of wanted to play with that a little bit and see what would happen,” says Battles. “I can do it – so, why not?”

Continental draft

As he was working on his next Woods’ novel, Battles says he felt a bit of déjà vul. While making it clear that it was no one’s fault, just a scheduling quirk, he says his deadline for the manuscript changed so the due date coincided with, yes, a vacation overseas.

“I thought, ‘OK, I’ll work on the trip.’ So I’m on another river cruise, getting up early and working on that,” he says. “I literally finished the draft of that book in the airport 45 minutes before we boarded the plane to come home.”

“Maybe I should not go to Europe anymore,” he says. “That’s the message I’m getting.”

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Horoscopes June 13, 2024: Chris Evans, minimalize what’s essential

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kat Dennings, 38; Chris Evans, 43; Tim Allen, 71; Stellan Skarsgard, 73.

Happy Birthday: Take your time to ease into anything unusual, unexpected or foreign. Maintaining what you have rather than focusing on expansion will ensure your long-term safety regarding reputation and position. Gather what you require to build a solid foundation for growth and peace of mind. Don’t rely on others; minimalize what’s essential, and you’ll find it easier to adjust to a minimalistic lifestyle. Your numbers are 3, 11, 13, 25, 34, 38, 42.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Reach out, gather information, live and learn as you navigate your way forward. You’ll discover an unusual path or source that will encourage more innovative investments and handling of funds. A connection you make will offer insight into new ways to use your skills and qualifications. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Board the fast train and make your way to the finish line. Keeping a steady pace and massaging any situations that may threaten your plans will pay off. Be aware of rules and regulations, and you will find a way to make the system work in your favor. 5 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t play games, regardless of temptation or the need to outwit someone competitively. Stick to the truth and what you do best. Trying to make a big splash will hinder your ability to convince others of your sincerity and deter you from gaining support. 2 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep tabs on those closest to you. An emotional incident will get blown out of proportion if you aren’t aware of what loved ones are experiencing. Kindness is challenging when the truth is necessary. 4 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Call on everyone you know to help you reach your destination. Learn from your mistakes, and eliminate a potential problem that might arise. There will be no room for anger. Use intelligence, connections and favors you can call in to help you reach your goal. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Focus, energize and work hard until you are satisfied with your results. Discipline is your ticket to outmaneuvering anyone who gets in your way. Trust your instincts, not what others try to convince you to believe. Positive change depends on how you handle insecurity. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Listen, absorb and gather enough information to outsmart anyone looking to debate. The more you travel, the more significant the emotional impact will be on you mentally and physically. Dismiss negativity and those trying to push you in a direction you don’t care to travel. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Network, chat and appeal to those in a position to help you further your agenda. Change is necessary, but using force isn’t the answer. An innovative idea and the power of charm and persuasion will convince others to bet on you. 4 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Be careful who you trust with your secrets, money and heart. Not everyone has the same agenda as you. Listen, ask questions and be blatant regarding intentions and the results you want to achieve. Opportunity is apparent. 2 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t get angry; get moving. Your actions will speak volumes regarding who you are, what you want and how you will live up to your expectations. Don’t lollygag when you have people to deal with and places to go. Actions take precedence over coddling. 5 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Watch what others do, and escape the line of fire. Opportunities will come from doing what you do best in the confines of your personal space. Look inward, set physical and mental goals, and refuse to let emotional interference get in your way. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Make decisions based on your needs. Be aware of what others are trying to do, and counter any attempt that may hinder your chance to reach your target. An astute approach will help you speak up and shut down anyone who gets in your way. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are quick, agile and outspoken. You are complex and mystifying.

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.

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County elected officials and public wrestle with housing plan

SALINAS – A workshop Tuesday solicited opinions from Monterey County residents about plans to build more housing, while at the same time trying to answer the questions of how many, where and for what income levels?

One thing is certain based on the several dozen people who addressed the Board of Supervisors: a lot of people say they support affordable housing, just not in their backyards.

Following along wasn’t an easy task for residents. The plan, called the Sixth Cycle Housing Element of the General Plan, comes in at 985 pages. It represents how the county aims to meet state-mandated housing requirements, called Regional Housing Needs Allocation out to Dec. 15, 2031.

In a statement emailed to the Monterey Herald, Alicia Murillo with the state Department Housing and Community Development, said California requires that local governments plan to meet the housing needs of everyone in the community.

“The housing element statute lays out criteria, including density and size, for determining whether a particular site is appropriate for lower income housing, Murillo wrote.  “However, a local jurisdiction can choose whether to designate a particular site – or a portion of the site – for lower income housing or for a mix of incomes.  Future development on these sites must meet these projections or the local government must identify other site opportunities to address any shortfall.”

The Sixth Cycle RHNA numbers for Monterey County are: 1,070 extremely low and very-low income units, 700 low-income units, 420 moderate income units and 1,136 market-rate units.

Craig Spencer, the director of the Housing and Community Development, and Melanie Beretti, the acting chief of planning services, were on hand to listen to the public and supervisors in order to incorporate those views into the next draft Housing Element.

The staff provided supervisors with a numbered map indicating what the department calls “opportunity sites” for development during the next eight years. Much of the discussion among supervisors were about adding or removing sites from the map.

The public on Tuesday, both in the Supervisors Chambers and online, urged the elected officials to remove certain sites from development. For example, there was an organized effort by residents of the roughly 250 homes that are near Tarpy Flats in the area of Olmstead Road and the Monterey-Salinas Highway to remove that area as development sites.

More than a half-dozen speakers cited environmental damage, congested roadways, fire dangers and other factors that would not make Tarpy Flats a good location for additional housing. They asked to have four sites removed from that location.

Many speakers said affordable housing should take precedence over any other type of housing.

Monterey County resident Karen Cameron told supervisors the housing element was “a flawed plan that was heavy on above moderate (market rate)” units.

Another speaker asked why there were no opportunity sites in Pebble Beach.

Still another said people buying second homes and investor-owned properties are diminishing housing stock that in turn raises prices. One person suggested taxing a house that sits empty most of the year.

Planning for affordable housing is a monumental task considering the housing crisis in Monterey County and across the state. In May, the median listed home price in Monterey County was $1.2 million, rising more than 6% from a year ago, according to Realtor.com. A median price point means half the houses listed for less and half listed for more.

A person in Monterey County would need to earn at least $269,000 of annual income in order to purchase a median-priced house here, according to Mortgage Reports, a Bellevue, Wash.-based real estate and mortgage financing company.

But the annual per-capita income in Monterey County was $65,123 in 2023, meaning the income needed for a median-priced home is roughly four times more than the average person makes in a year, according to the Federal Reserve Bank. The average income can’t afford the average house – not a sustainable trend.

The lack of affordable housing has consequences countywide. Uday Ram, a founding partner in CVL Economics, which consulted on an update to the county’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, zeroed in on the county’s shrinking population, which lost a little over 2% of its residents since the start of the pandemic.

Ram pointed to the cost of housing as one element driving the loss of population, essentially being too expensive to live here. He graphed housing costs verses wage growth, which showed home prices far outstripping average wages in the county.

“So, we are seeing a lot of displacement,” Ram told supervisors earlier in the day Tuesday. “It will take a long time for wages to catch up.”

The county can’t directly build affordable housing, rather it works with for-profit developers and nonprofit groups to develop the desired targets. The state only requires the county to accommodate housing at all income levels, not build it. Its most effective tool is the ability to zone parcels for different types of housing – single family detached, apartments or condominiums, for example, as well as the number of units per parcel or acre.

Generally, the denser the housing on parcels the more affordable the units are. The county has a maximum of 20 units per acre, but Supervisor Wendy Root Askew questioned why the cap couldn’t be 30 or 40 units. It could, Spencer replied.

After supervisors settle on the draft it will be sent to the state Housing and Community Development for review, which will then return it to the county with any revisions and then another county hearing before it is finalized.

There is a concern that if the county doesn’t produce a certified housing element in a reasonable timeline that it would be in danger of losing state grant money.

SF Giants strike early, stake claim to series vs. Astros

SAN FRANCISCO — After being held in check for the early innings of the first two games of their series against the Astros, the Giants jumped on arguably their toughest pitching matchup of the week Wednesday afternoon and put their second straight series win on ice before their starter, Logan Webb, had broken a sweat.

Behind Webb’s league-leading 11th quality start of the season, the five runs surrendered between the third and fourth innings by his sinkerballing counterpart, Framber Valdez, stood up to send the Giants into their off day on a positive note, 5-3.

They will have a chance to even their record to .500 when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Friday to begin a three-game series.

Lining a knee-high sinker into right field, Austin Slater notched his third hit of the afternoon and drove home Jorge Soler and Brett Wisely for the Giants’ first two runs of the fourth inning, and they would tack on another to make it 5-1 after four, sending the Astros’ ace to his earliest exit of the season.

“It’s huge, especially against a starter like that,” manager Bob Melvin said of the early scoring outburst. “And then we have Webby on the mound. So you really feel good about winning the game.”

Slater was stranded on first after singling to lead off the home half of the first inning but came around to score after bunting his way on base in the third, and drove home a pair with his third hit. In four games since returning from a concussion, Slater has recorded more hits (six) than he had in 25 games before landing on the injured list.

Slater’s longtime platoon partner, Mike Yastrzemski, said it has been “awesome” watching him turn things around of late.

“He’s just grinded it out. He’s kept his attitude up. He’s kept his positivity,” Yastrzemski said of Slater, who has raised his batting average to .212 from .128 with his past four games. “He knew it would turn around. We all knew he would turn it around. So it’s great to see him having the success that we know he’s capable of. A lot of credit to him for just working his tail off.”

Sharing the lineup against the southpaw, Yastrzemski reached base from the nine-hole in both his trips to the plate against Valdez and scored both times. He lined a single to lead off the two-run third inning and was struck in the bill of his helmet his second time up, making it to third on Slater’s two-RBI single and scoring the final run of the inning on Heliot Ramos’ sacrifice fly to center.

“Once we scored two and then scored again, I think that was a big thing for us,” Yastrzemski said. “We’ve had some tendencies of scoring early and then not really keeping our foot on the pedal, and today I thought we did a better job of that.”

The Giants had scored a total of two runs in the first nine innings of the first two games of the series. They were held to one run by Monday’s starter, 24-year-old rookie Spencer Arrighetti, before rallying for three runs and a walkoff win in the bottom of the 10th, and mustered just three hits in Tuesday’s 3-1 loss.

Entering play Wednesday, they had scored 108 runs in the first four innings this season, sixth-fewest in MLB, compared to 164 in the fifth inning onward, the ninth-most.

Valdez, meanwhile, had tossed 16 innings over his previous two starts while limiting opponents to one run apiece.

The pitching matchup pitted two of the majors’ top workhorses and ground-ball pitchers against each other. Since the start of 2021, no other hurlers have ended a larger share of their at-bats on the ground than Webb and Valdez, and only Zack Wheeler and Sandy Alcántara have completed seven innings as frequently.

“You try to keep the ball off the ground,” Melvin said of the Giants’ plan of attack. “Like Slater’s approach, up the middle, the other way, that’s why you keep him in the air. It keeps you on time for a breaking ball, if you’re ever going to try to pull him, which you shouldn’t. But we had some good at-bats and made him throw some pitches.”

“Being a lefty I was just trying not to see his offspeed as much,” said Brett Wisely, who contributed two hits, including a ground-rule double in the fourth-inning rally. “He has really elite offspeed stuff, so I was trying to see a heater up. It runs a lot, so something over the middle of the plate, and let it run in to me a little bit.”

Both starting pitchers were out of the game by the end of the sixth, as Melvin asked only 83 pitches out of Webb before handing the keys over to his bullpen. It was the fewest pitches Webb has thrown in a start this season and only the third time in his past seven starts he hasn’t gone seven.

“I’ve said this a couple times,” Yastrzemski said of Webb. “It’s unfortunate and not fair to him that we expect that now at this point. You never want to put that type of level of success on somebody and expect that to be average. He just goes out there and gives his all every time he gets to pitch. He’s a bulldog out there.”

Webb had no desire to depart after six innings, but extenuating circumstances overruled him.

Before the game, Melvin told Webb he would be working with a limit of 90 pitches as a precaution after tweaking his shoulder on the final play of his last start.

Webb described the ailment as a “zinger”— suffered when he fired more overhand than usual to record his final out against the Rangers — and said it was a nonissue during his start Wednesday, but there was no convincing a manager with arms to burn in his bullpen and an off day in front of him.

“I trust Bob with every decision, and I agreed with him, to be honest,” Webb said. “I mean, I feel great. But it’s a long season and we’ve got a long way to go. So I get why we’re a little cautious with that.”

Even Webb wasn’t able to keep Yordan Alvarez, the Astros’ hulking left fielder, on the ground.

The brick wall in Triples Alley was the only obstacle standing in the way of a two-homer game from the 6-foot-5 slugger, who sent a 109.3 mph missile screaming for a double that led to Houston’s first run in the fourth inning. He refused to be contained the next chance he got against Webb, whacking a changeup below his knees beyond the 399′ sign in left-center for a two-run shot, contributing to all three blemishes on Webb’s pitching line.

“I was kind of in awe when it happened,” Webb said. “That’s the first time that I’ve seen a changeup underneath (the strike zone) that far the other way. When he first hit it, I was like, ‘No way.’ But you tip your cap. That’s one of the best hitters in baseball. … It’s not an easy pitch to hit, and it’s not an easy place to hit home runs, either.”

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LHP Blake Snell (groin) threw 20 pitches in a pregame bullpen session that went well. It was Snell’s first time pitching off a mound since re-injuring the adductor muscle in his groin earlier this month, and the Giants plan to get him at least one more before considering a rehab assignment.

Up next

The Giants (34-35) are off Thursday before resuming their slate of American League West opponents with three games against the Los Angeles Angels (25-41) to finish their home stand. They will use the day off — their first at home since May 30 — to give their starters an extra day of rest, lining up right-handers Spencer Howard (0-0, 2.03) and Keaton Winn (3-7, 6.94) to start the first two games and lefty Kyle Harrison (4-3, 3.96) in the finale.

Monterey Regional Airport sets sights on new air terminal, aircraft apron

MONTEREY – With its long-term parking lot newly moved and set to begin accommodating cars Friday at 3 a.m., Monterey Regional Airport can now set its sights firmly on the construction of a new air terminal and adjacent apron.

Monterey Regional Airport Executive Director Mike La Pier said now that the long-term parking lot has been relocated, workers will start to demolish the old parking area, take care of drainage issues and excavate the site in preparation for the footprint for the new terminal building as well as an adjacent aircraft parking apron.

The new terminal is in the design phase of development, then it goes to construction drawings which should be done by the end of the year, and then it can go out to bid, said La Pier.

The newly relocated long-term parking lot entrance is positioned immediately before the airport’s existing long-term lot entrance. The relocated lot will offer the same number of parking spaces, and travelers will walk the same number of steps along a marked pathway between the relocated lot and the existing terminal building.

Relocating the long-term lot is one of several facility and operational changes – including a replacement terminal building – that airport users will experience as they travel through Monterey Regional Airport over the next few years.

La Pier added that the Monterey Regional Airport is committed to remaining easy, convenient and hassle-free for departing and arriving travelers, and thanks the public for its patience during construction.

Workers have already moved 108,000-cubic-yards of earth of the total 148,000 that needs to be moved out of the old parking lot, said La Pier. Then the footprint for the new terminal building and its corresponding apron to accommodate aircraft can be established. Once the soil is moved, paving for the apron will begin as well as work on utilities.

For more than 25 years, the Monterey airport says it has shoe-horned terminal operations into limited, inefficient space in the existing terminal building which is not designed to support many of today’s aviation-required regulations.

The vision for the new terminal includes a commitment to sustainability, aiming to achieve the highest green building standards, according to La Pier. This involves integrating quality, sustainable materials and selecting finishes that capture the charm and beauty of the Monterey region, with a specific emphasis on durability and ease of maintenance.

HOK Group Inc., a design, architecture, engineering and urban planning firm out of St. Louis, was selected by the Monterey Airport District Board as the architect for the replacement terminal project. The firm was founded in 1955 and has numerous award-winning airport designs under its belt.

In July 2023, public visioning workshops were conducted and the architectural team from HOK acknowledged the need for a redesigned terminal focused on ensuring Monterey Regional Airport remains traveler-friendly while incorporating accessible and inclusive features for all passengers. The goal is to enhance navigation and queuing, starting from parking and the curb front and extending seamlessly through aircraft boarding.

HOK says the nature-inspired design features a pre-security garden plaza with lush, native landscaping. From the garden, a glass wall offers views into the terminal’s post-security central plaza, which features a center bar for dining and various seating options for rest and relaxation. A post-security outdoor terrace showcases the region’s scenic beauty and mild climate. (Photo courtesy HOK)

About a month ago, the Monterey Peninsula Airport District Board received a presentation on the design of the terminal including building character through panelization, materials and finishes, as well as the progress on its interior design.

“I think the design represents the community well,” said La Pier.

In March, HOK Group posted an update on its website saying the Monterey airport will be a new five-gate terminal replacing the current outdated facility. The single-level layout promotes accessibility and easy wayfinding. An apron level below will support airport, airline and maintenance staff. The project will include the airport’s first passenger boarding bridges so travelers can easily access planes in any weather.

The nature-inspired design features a pre-security garden plaza with native landscaping. From the garden, a glass wall offers views into the terminal’s post-security central plaza, which features a center bar for dining and various seating options. A post-security outdoor terrace showcases the region’s scenic beauty and mild climate.

“The Monterey Peninsula Airport District sought a beautiful and cost-effective design that expresses the beauty of Monterey,” said Bart van Vliet, project manager in HOK’s San Francisco studio, in the update. “We’re collaborating with them to create an innovative terminal that wows and welcomes passengers to Monterey.”

HOK says the project team is also upgrading long- and short-term passenger parking facilities, as well as improving the access roads leading to the airport. The plan includes creating space to accommodate two more aircraft for overnight parking. The airport also can use this extra space for additional ground boarding when the five gates are at capacity.

The new terminal is targeting LEED Platinum certification and net-zero energy readiness. The airport will remain operational during construction, which is set to begin in 2025.

Release some steam by combining scenic train rides with hot springs

Colorado is home to both hot springs and historic scenic train rides, which both are known for the release of steam. Why not combine these experiences for a little steam with steam for a memorable and unique trip?

Although none of these entities currently offer a package with a train trip and a hot springs soak, you can choose your own adventure and try out multiple hot springs with one train ride or something else. Not all of these hot springs offer overnight lodging, so plan accordingly if you are staying near the train or at the springs.

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RailroadSometimes the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad makes a stop for adding water to the engine. (Mindy Sink, Special to The Denver Post)

This railroad is owned by Colorado and New Mexico since the tracks loop across the state lines multiple times, bringing tourists to both Chama, N.M., and Antonito, Colo. The Cumbres & Toltec was constructed in 1880 to serve silver mining needs in the area as a narrow gauge track. In 1970, it was purchased by the two states and in 1971 became a tourist train that allows riders to see natural areas that aren’t visible from roads or trails.

There are different rides available: a dinner train, a geology train, a Fourth of July train, plus daily excursions that let you choose from a partial or full train ride. Near Cumbres Pass, the tracks intersect with the Continental Divide Trail, where hikers can hop on and shave 14 miles of trail off their journey. (The cost is $30.)

As you ride the train, you’ll see the classic steam rise from the engine as the train puffs along the tracks and through the mountains — and hear the whistle from time to time.

Pagosa SpringsOn a cool morning, you can expect the hot pools at The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs to be steaming. (Mindy Sink, Special to The Denver Post)

While the towns of Chama and Antonito are charming and ready for train tourists, you might consider a relatively short drive to either Pagosa Springs in Colorado or Ojo Caliente in northern New Mexico. Pagosa Springs is less than a one-hour drive from Chama or about 1 1/2 hours from Antonito. The Springs Resort, which is home to the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring, is currently expanding its lodging options and the number of pools for soaking. You’ll see steam rising off the pools and the San Juan River where the warmer water meets the colder mountain runoff.

Ojo Caliente is a 90-minute drive from Chama and an hour from Antonito, and you can choose between communal hot springs or reserve a private tub for soaking. These natural springs are known as being one of the few places where you can bathe in sulfur-free waters rich in iron, soda, lithia and arsenic.

Durango & Silverton Railroad

Once upon a time, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad connected to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, but those tracks that met in the middle are long gone and these are now two distinct experiences. Both of these trains have been used in countless movies, including Kevin Costner’s new Western saga, “Horizon,” which uses the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in a brief scene.

The train from Durango to Silverton was completed in 1882 and was always intended to be a scenic ride, as well as provide a way to haul mining riches. When the mines went bust, the little train ride faltered, but was later saved by private investment and determined locals. This train runs year-round, not just in the summer, with a variety of rides available depending on how much time you have, what you want to see, and the season. This train also provides wilderness access, via advanced booking or flagging down the engineer by “waving your hands horizontally between your knees,” according to durangotrain.com. The backpack fee is $15-$35, and details are available on where you can be dropped off for camping in the San Juan National Forest or Weminuche Wilderness on the website.

There are one-way or roundtrip rides from Durango to Silverton, or the Cascade Canyon Express, which goes halfway to Silverton.

The Durango Hot Springs Resort & SpaDurango Hot Springs Resort & Spa has several pools to choose from. (Mindy Sink, Special to The Denver Post)

The resort is just 8 miles from downtown Durango and has the world’s first oxygen-infused hot springs. Formerly known as Trimble Hot Springs, this place has had a major upgrade: There are now 32 pools to sample — some adult-only, the majority family-friendly — that make each tub a totally one-of-a-kind experience. Check its schedule for live music so you can soak, sip and listen to tunes here.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

This is the closest option to Denver to ride a historic steam engine. This narrow gauge track is owned by History Colorado and was established in 1879. With open-air cars, riders can take in the mountain scenery during the 90-minute train trip. It’s an option to add a mine tour and gold panning during the trip too.

Indian Hot Springs

Although the train does not go to Idaho Springs, it’s a 15-minute drive from Georgetown to the Indian Hot Springs, where a large steamy pool awaits surrounded by a recreation of a jungle. There are also private outdoor tubs, and caves for soaking inside.

(Note: We are aware that while there are other historic Colorado train rides near hot springs — notably the Royal Gorge Route Railroad out of Canon City near the Desert Reef hot springs in Florence, or the Rocky Mountaineer that stops in Glenwood Springs — they are not steam engine trains so don’t quite fit the theme of riding a steam-powered train and soaking in a steaming hot natural pool.)

The 24 best songs of 2024 so far

Mikael Wood | (TNS) Los Angeles Times

With nearly half of 2024 behind us, it’s looking unlikely that anyone will top Taylor Swift’s record sales, that anyone will write a diss-track grimmer than “Meet the Grahams” or that anyone will cancel an arena tour more unhappily than Jennifer Lopez just did hers. What we will get over the next six-and-a-half months are more great songs (and more terrible ones) that go on to define the year. Yet mid-June presents an opportunity to take stock of what’s already come.

Here, in alphabetical order by artist’s name, are the 24 best songs of 2024 so far.

Beyoncé, “II Hands II Heaven”: Months after “Cowboy Carter’s” release, this sprawling yet intricate electro-country fantasia still feels like it’s revealing itself.

Laci Kaye Booth, “Cigarettes”: A song about thwarted ambition that should broaden this country songwriter’s professional horizons.

Camila Cabello feat. Playboi Carti, “I Luv It”: Never underestimate the motivating force of a few years without a hit.

Sabrina Carpenter, “Espresso”: “Me espresso” may end up the year’s best pop neologism — but let’s not overlook the linguistic invention in “Walked in and dream-came-true’d it for you.”

Diiv, “Brown Paper Bag”: Savor the bad vibes of a world in decline.

Billie Eilish, “Birds of a Feather”: The shimmering guitar? The shoulder-rocking beat? The breathy vocal runs? Let Billie bop.

Ernest feat. Lukas Nelson, “Why Dallas”: Pitch-perfect western swing from one of Nashville’s modern pros.

Taylor Swift performs onstage at the Paris La Defense Arena in Nanterre, France, on May 9, 2024. (Julien de Rosa/AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

Billie Eilish performs during Lollapalooza in Chicago’s Grant Park on Aug. 3, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

Kendrick Lamar performs during the 2023 Governors Ball Music Festival at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York on June 11, 2023. (Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

Beyoncé accepts the Innovator Award onstage during the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on April 1, 2024. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio/TNS)

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Future, Metro Boomin and Kendrick Lamar, “Like That”: Look what they made him do.

GloRilla with Megan Thee Stallion, “Wanna Be”: Look what he made them do.

Ariana Grande, “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)”: Think of the similarities to Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own” as a feature, not a bug: Fourteen years after that Swedish singer gifted lonely clubgoers with the ultimate sad banger, Grande jacks Robyn’s groove for a song about the blissful agony of remembering.

Norah Jones, “Running”: Scuzzy in a good way.

Tori Kelly, “High Water”: This self-affirming pop-soul anthem would’ve owned “TRL.”

Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us”: The kill shot from Lamar’s beef with Drake has reached the point where you’re sure to hear it half a dozen times — including from the organist — over the course of a game at Dodger Stadium.

Dua Lipa, “These Walls”: Whether or not we can officially declare “Radical Optimism” a flop, Lipa must be discouraged by the fact that her latest LP sits 30 slots behind Fleetwood Mac’s half-century-old “Rumours” right now on the Billboard 200. And yet! Here’s a luscious soft-rock jam that Christine McVie herself might’ve admired.

Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help”: “Dukes of Hazzard” reboot in 3, 2, 1…

Mk.gee, “Are You Looking Up”: Imagine John Mayer’s “Sob Rock” as a DIY SoundCloud experiment.

Kacey Musgraves, “Deeper Well”: Walk on the mild side.

Charlie Puth, “Hero”: It’s true, you know — he really should be a bigger artist.

Tommy Richman, “Million Dollar Baby”: Your post-peak Justin Timberlake could never (and indeed with his latest did not).

Chappell Roan, “Good Luck, Babe!”: “When you wake up next to him in the middle of the night/ With your head in your hands, you’re nothing more than his wife.”

Sasha Alex Sloan, “Tiny’s Song (demo)”: Careful — this hushed guitar-and-voice ballad is about a missing pet, and it will destroy you.

Taylor Swift, “But Daddy I Love Him”: Grandly theatrical, righteously aggrieved and witheringly funny, the high point of “The Tortured Poets Department” is a Taylor all-timer.

Tems, “Love Me JeJe”: All the sweat and pleasure of summer in a song.

Xavi, “La Diabla”: Música Mexicana meets Midwestern emo; big feelings — and TikTok virality — ensue.

©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.