Tag Archives: Pop And Hiss

Tina Rau Gets Fines For Not Filing

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The Pacific Grove myth of a good ol’ boys council is alive and well.

Tina Big Jacket

City Councilwoman Tina Rau — who is under investigation by a state agency for an alleged conflict of interest — was fined last year by the same regulator for failing to disclose her financial investments, as elected officials are required to do, according to documents obtained by The Pine Cone.
The Fair Political Practices Commission concluded in May 2025 that Rau failed to report her ownership of a commercial building on Forest Avenue that houses music venue Pop & Hiss and more than $ 100,000 in annual rental income from the business, her $1 million-plus home on 19th Street, a $100,000 loan, and other financial interests.

Tina Rau Gets Fines For Not Filing

Correction
Last week’s story, “P.G. official fined for late filing,”
mischaracterized a March 19, 2025, Pacific Grove City
Council vote. On that day councilwoman Tina Rau and
three of her council colleagues — who were in favor of
increasing the entertainment noise threshold downtown —
directed the city attorney to return to the council with an
ordinance to modify the Pacific Grove Municipal Code as
it pertains to sound amplification.

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

 

FPPC Complaint Filed Over Tina’s Vote

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Tina Big Jacket

 

A vote by Pacific Grove Councilmember Tina Rau in favor of pursuing a possible ordinance to raise the decibel levels at entertainment venues that sell alcohol is currently under investigation by the California Fair Political Practices Commission, based on a complaint filed by three residents. Rau owns a building in downtown P.G. that houses the popular bar and music venue Pop & Hiss.

Rau says she reviewed her eligibility to participate in the vote with Mayor Nick Smith, City Manager Matt Mogensen and City Attorney Brian Pierik ahead of the meeting on March 19. Pierik informed her there was no conflict of interest.

Aside from Rau’s vote, the complaint filed on March 29 also includes concerns about the accuracy of the agenda report and asks whether all procedures were properly followed, among other concerns. It was filed by retired attorney Jane Haines, along with former mayor Carmelita Garcia and resident John Miller.

Councilmember Joe Amelio brought the proposed measure forward on March 19, asking the council to raise the allowable music decibel level from 70 decibels to 80. Rau was part of the four-member majority that voted in favor of asking Pierik to come back to the council with a proposed ordinance at a later date.

FPPC Complaint Filed Over Tina’s Vote

Tina Rau Comes Out

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About her money interest in the bar/club/record store that she voted to have a noise permit for.

TinaPopHiss

After The Pine Cone covered the reporting lapse, Rau in late March submitted a new FPPC filing conceding her ownership of 215 Forest, which is worth more than $1 million, and annual rental income from Pop & Hiss of more than $100,000.
She also listed a $100,000 loan she got from a Pebble Beach resident, her $1 million-plus home on 19th Street, and various investments.

An attorney for the city said in July that Rau “is not, and never has been, involved with the operations of the Pop & Hiss business.” However, a recent anonymous complaint sent to the FPPC claims the city’s portrayal of Rau’s connection to Pop & Hiss contradicts official paperwork for a limited liability company, Lovers Point Properties, Rau established in 2023. According to documents on file with the California Secretary of State, Rau was the company’s CEO, while her spouse Mary Walker and Pop & Hiss owner Michaela Kuenster were listed as “managers or members” of the LLC.

Tina Rau Comes Outhttps://carmelpinecone.com/251107PC.pdf

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

Tina Uses The Power Of The Force

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Uses her vote allowing loud music at a bar she owns.

Tina Big Jacket

Pacific Grove officials are mum one week after a member of the city council voted on a new city rule that some residents say amounted to a conflict of interest. At the March 19 council a council meeting, councilman Joe Amelio proposed an ordinance to allow louder music at downtown businesses and restaurants. The revised noise law would benefit several establishments that host live and recorded music, including a venue called Pop & Hiss at 215 Forest Ave.
But just before the council was to deliberate on the proposal, a resident said during the public comment period that councilwoman Tina Rau should recuse herself from the discussion since she owns the building that Pop & Hiss occupies. Rau did not do that, and neither she nor the other five council members addressed the issue. Minutes later, Rau made a motion to allow louder music. The city council passed the measure 4-2.

Tina Uses The Power Of The Force