In Pacific Grove, mayoral candidate Dionne Ybarra missed four (of the last five elections). “Voting is a personal decision,” Ybarra says. “I don’t use my vote as my only voice and action.”
She screams at Jews instead.
City Council Candidates Controverting Concerns
Five of six candidates for Pacific Grove City Council debated the town’s most pressing topics Sept. 17 at Monarch Pines Resort. Those speaking included Luke Coletti, Paul Walkingstick, Tina Rau, Carmelita Garcia and Chaps Poduri. The only candidate absent was Chilla Kartalov. An incumbent member of the city council, Coletti told the audience he is running for reelection because “I want to continue to preserve the residential character of our community and the quality of life we share. “
Next Police Chief? Asking The Citizens
How about a California person who has been on the streets and targets criminals and would shrug off political fuss? Also be golf cart certified.
city manager Matt Mogensen told The Pine Cone Monday that the city intends to gather feed-back from citizens about the person who will replace Madalone, whose last day is Oct. 12. “We are looking at putting out a survey to residents and stakeholders for input on what they value in the next police chief,”
Local police chiefs and other law enforcement experts will be interviewed to “best gauge” if a candidate “is well suited to meet the needs, culture and character of the community,” he said.
Another Creeper Caught At P.G. High
The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office and Pacific Grove Police say Todd Daniel Fields, 37, went onto school grounds on Sept. 23 without permission. When P.G. High math teacher Joseph D’Amico confronted Fields, the Lancaster man said he would shoot him. He was arrested less than 10 minutes later. Fields “did willfully and unlawfully threaten to commit a crime which would result in the death and great bodily injury to Joseph D’Amico,”
Less than one year ago, Riley Elvin, 29, walked onto the P.G. High campus and, when confronted by the former vice principal, threatened to kill him
Lady Arrested For Long List Of Crime
Drugs. Always drugs.
On Sept. 20, a P.G. resident reported the theft of items from their unlocked vehicle, including a credit card, totaling $750. The next day, the resident reported unauthorized credit card charges. Pacific Grove Police officers launched an investigation which resulted in the arrest of Pacific Grove resident Laura Amy Gates, 45.
Gates was booked into Monterey County Jail on the charges as well as warrants for other crimes, which includes felony possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of illegal drugs and paraphernalia, giving officers a false name, unlawful possession/use of tear gas, burglary tools, felony possession of ammunition, petty theft, receiving stolen property and credit card theft.
“Funston Avenue is where the original report of stolen items was made,” Anderson said. “The arrest was made on Sunset Drive.”
Fired P.G. Cop Speaks Out
Dear Editor,
As a former Pacific Grove police officer, I cannot stay silent on the damage caused by Police Chief Cathy Madalone during her time in office. Chief Madalone created a clear political divide within the community and police department, using her position to push a political agenda that was inappropriate and divisive. Rather than focusing on the needs of the community, she repeatedly allowed personal politics to seep into her leadership role, alienating a significant portion of the town. Her lack of transparency regarding her on-duty injury further deepened the community’s distrust. At a time when the people of Pacific Grove needed leadership, Chief Madalone hid behind a wall of silence instead of offering clarity and openness. Yet she openly and repeatedly spoke about me and my investigation This is not the level of accountability we deserve from someone in her position. Worse still, under her command, the department became a toxic place to work.
After I was unjustly fired, officers who supported me found themselves bullied and retaliated against. Chief Madalone created a culture of fear and division, driving away several good, dedicated officers who refused to tolerate her poor leadership and blatant political agenda. Pacific Grove deserves a police department that prioritizes the safety and unity of its community, not one driven by personal politics and retribution. Chief Madalone’s departure should have come sooner, but the damage she has caused to both the department and the community will take a prayer to repair.
Michael Gonzalez,
former Pacific Grove police officer
Lions Sighted Oh My!
Pacific Grove police confirmed Wednesday that a mountain lion was resting in a residential yard on the 400 block of Ocean View Boulevard near the 100 block of 11th Street.
They said that a biologist is monitoring the situation and believes that the mountain lion will likely leave on its own once it has cooled off.
OJI Police Chief Quits
Too busy with outreach and peer support to do police work?
Pacific Grove Police Chief Cathy Madalone announced on Saturday her retirement, effective Oct. 12. Madalone has been on an extended medical leave for several months.
In Pacific Grove, she succeeded former chief Amy Christey and during her tenure Madalone and the Pacific Grove department completed accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, established a chaplain and peer support program and hosted a variety of community outreach programs like National Night Out, Coffee with a Cop, Surfing with a Cop and Citizens Academies, according to the city.
Mayor Hopefuls Tell Their Stories
Candidates this year are:
- councilmember Nick Smith – Bankrupt.
- former city councilmember Daniel Miller – P.G.s most experienced.
- and business owner Dionne Ybarra – hates Jewish people.
As mayor, Smith contends his highest priority “will always be public safety.” “I’ve worked well with others to reach equitable solutions, sometimes requiring a lot of compromise. ”
Miller said he’s running because “this community is near and dear to me.” In his
campaign statement, he said the experience and knowledge he has gained from attending nearly 1,000 town meetings.Ybarra said she wants to be ‘ ‘a voice for our diverse community” and “I want to plan for a future that’s sustainable
Parklets Going Away
Joe Amelio and Chaps Poduri voted against removing the donkey corrals,
A plan to get rid of three parklets to make way for a new outdoor dining configuration and a wider sidewalk in downtown Pacific Grove is another step closer to happening after the city council last week selected a contractor to do the work.
The P.G. City Council on Sept. 18 voted 6-0 to hire Marina-based Silicon Constructors Inc. to do the Lighthouse Avenue Widening Project for $242,360 plus a 25 percent contingency. The plan includes getting rid of the wooden dining parklets in front of Victorian Corner, Rudolfo’s Café and Wild Fish restaurants in favor of open-air seating areas separated by fencing.