The Buzz 08.28.14

WHO’S IN TOWN?

The industry behind the job-placement resources holds a powwow in Monterey this week, which the California Workforce Association calls “Meeting of the Minds.” They’ll address how to get in on a $100 million pool from the U.S. Department of Labor for apprenticeship programs; better connecting CSU grads with jobs; and how to improve computer training. Consultant Joe Brown of Palo Alto’s IDEO delivers the keynote: “Why do we get up in the morning?”

The Meeting of the Minds happens Sept. 2-4 at the Marriott, 350 Calle Principal, Monterey. $675/conference; $350/one day. (916) 325-1610, www.calworkforce.org.

LOCAL TRIVIA

Who was NOT present the night the idea for the Monterey Pop Festival came together?

• a. Paul McCartney
• b. Cass Elliot
• c. Lou Adler
• d. John and Michelle Phillips
• e. Jimi Hendrix

(Last week’s answer: Which of the following isn’t true of local raccoons: a. They eat almost everything except corn.)

OVERHEARD

“I didn’t realize marijuana could be used to treat schizophrenia. But I’m not a doctor, so what do I know?” 
- Monterey County Superior Court Judge Carrie Panetta to a defendant, Aug. 21, Monterey County Courthouse.

GOOD WEEK / BAD WEEK

GOOD: There was way too much good stuff to do on the Peninsula this weekend, and for the economy, that’s a very good thing. West End Celebration in Sand City highlighted great art, food, music and a sense of community you only get by jamming a few thousand people into one tiny town. Just a few miles away, the second annual First City Festival brought small acts (John Brothers Piano Co., Strangers You Know) and big (Beck, The National) to the Monterey County Fairgrounds for two days of music on three stages. The best part of both? Totally safe and family friendly, everyone getting along and just enjoying the vibe. (Also, was former Herald writer Mac McDonald the only one to see actor David Straitharn enjoying First City? Because we totally would have stalked him had we been able to find him.)

BAD: Save Our Peninsula Committee sued the county in January, arguing the Board of Supervisors flouted the Brown Act, California’s law governing open meetings. Last fall, a leaked presentation on water projects proffered an apparent “smoking gun,” showing a closed-door performance review had improperly delved into policy. “Smoking gun” was Superior Court Judge Tom Wills’ term; then Judge Kay Kingsley took over and sided with the county. Now Wills is back on the case. Attorney Richard Rosenthal came into another secret closed-sesh document and on Aug. 25, asked Wills to review it. “I was not born yesterday,” Wills said. “You’re asking me to give you a different ruling than you got from another judge.” Wills wouldn’t even accept the document into the record.