Tag Archives: Michaela Kuenster

Anonymous Complaint Over Tina Rau Conflict Of Interest

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City Attorney Brian Pierik announced he was quitting in August 2025

Tinas big jacket II

(City Attorney Brian)Pierik’s office sent at least two letters to the FPPC defending Rau’s ability to vote, calling her a “disinterested landlord,” and saying she has no financial interest in Pop & Hiss – Lovers Point Properties LLC is paid a flat rent, not a percentage of revenue. One letter also argued that the vote – to pursue an ordinance – had no impact on any business in the city.

“The action taken by the City Council… did not commit the City to approving an increase in the noise level from 70dB to 80dB or to take any other action regarding noise levels,” an April 25 letter states.

One anonymous complaint was amended by the complainant on Nov. 5 with new information, pointing out that contrary to the City Attorney’s statements, Pop & Hiss owner Michaela Kuenster once sat on the LLC’s board as a “manager/member.” (She has transitioned to being a tenant only.)

“Any policy decision that benefits Pop & Hiss – such as increasing the allowable sound level in commercial districts – could therefore financially benefit the LLC, and by extension, Councilmember Rau,” the complaint stated.

Anonymous Complaint Over Tina Rau Conflict Of Interest

 

When the Music Gets Too Loud in Pacific Grove

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case 2025-01084

What started as a simple proposal to raise outdoor music limits in Pacific Grove has become an FPPC investigation into whether a city councilmember’s business ties were just a little too close to the stage.

Councilmember Tina Rau owns 215 Forest Avenue, home to the bar and record shop Pop & Hiss. When the City Council voted in March 2025 to move forward with raising the allowable noise level from 70 to 80 decibels, Rau made the motion herself—without recusing, even after a resident warned her of the obvious conflict of interest.

Now the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) is investigating four complaints (click to download) alleging Rau failed to disclose her ownership interest and voted on a matter that could increase her own rental income.

The latest twist: state business filings show the “tenant” (Michaela Kuenster) and “landlord” (Tina Rau) were actually members of the same LLC, Lovers Point Properties, along with Rau’s spouse. That revelation undercuts the City Attorney’s earlier claim to the FPPC that Rau was merely a “disinterested landlord.”

So what began as a debate about decibels has turned into a broader question of ethics, disclosure, and divided loyalties at City Hall.

In Pacific Grove, the music might get louder—but so is the call for accountability.

LoversPoint Properties LLC

When the Music Gets Too Loud in Pacific Grove

Newcomer Wants Live Music And Alcohol On Forest Ave

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Good location. Are the apartments on the second floor still rented out? Hope they don’t have to share a sewer line with Pavel’s.

Resident Michaela Kuenster has proposed opening a business called Pop & Hiss in a 2,640-square-foot commercial building at 215 Forest Ave., formerly the site of a silk screen shop.

Kuenster — a music teacher who moved to P.G. from Los Angeles five years ago — said she envisions a record shop, food, a live music venue that could accommodate about 80 people, and an enclosed 1,450-square-foot beer garden to the rear of the building on Grand Avenue.

Newcomer Wants Live Music And Alcohol On Forest Ave