The Buzz 12.08.16

FREE SPEECH

Activists at Standing Rock in North Dakota had a successful week with news that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will not permit an easement for the proposed route of the contrvoersial Dakota Access Pipeline. About 35 people in Big Sur joined in the #NODAPL chorus with a rally Dec. 3, launching a new group called United We Create Big Sur Speaks. They’ll be back in a pullout off Highway 1 at Pfeiffer Road on Jan. 20, Inauguration Day.

WHO’S IN TOWN?

William David Martin, the architect who oversaw the renovation of Sand City City Hall and served 17 years on the Sand City Design Review Committee, is joined by other prominent architects in town this week to receive the annual Stanton Award from the Monterey Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Martin has received numerous other awards, including a key to Sand City.

5:30pm Thursday, Dec. 8. Rancho Cañada Golf Club, 4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel. $85; open to AIA members only. www.aiamontereybay.org.

WHAT’S UP WITH THAT

A reader asks about a vacant commercial property across from Embassy Suites, wondering why it hasn’t been leased yet. A call to Professional Property Management Carmel reveals the Laguna Grande Center is ready to go: The outside is finished and the interior is (for now) a shell, to be furnished to the future tenant’s specifications. While there have been businesses interested in the site, the search goes on for best matches. Because the location is a dense intersection, with high visibility and exposure, management wants something “fresh, custom and fast.” Ideas include a specialty cafe or fast-casual restaurant, and potentially a drive-through.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I’m very good with old trucks and young horses, but I cannot figure out a computer to save my butt.” 
– Ramblin’ Jack Elliot

GOOD WEEK / BAD WEEK

GOOD:

It’s a great week for folks who live, work or shop in Marina, because in the 11-plus years since The Dunes development was approved by City Council, restaurants are finally starting to open on the formerly empty 3.7-acre lot across from the big box stores. A food desert no more, the site is well on its way to becoming a dining mecca. A Starbucksopened Nov. 17, which developer Scott Negri says is “super-busy,” and a Smashburger and Teriyaki Madness were set to open after the Weekly went to press, on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8, respectively. The following week, Negri says, Blaze Pizza will open around Dec. 14, and over the next two months, a Chipotle and Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt will follow.

BAD:

Family members, friends and colleagues of Robert Jackson are reeling in the wake of his death. Jackson, who was 57, lived in Carmel Valley and ended his life Nov. 18. Jackson oversaw crisis intervention programs in the Monterey County Health Department before he was placed on paid administrative leave in April of 2015, and had remained on leave for 18 months until his death. Jackson joined other Health Department employees in hiring Visalia law firm Melo and Sarsfield, and filed a claim against the county Jan. 24, alleging he was placed on leave as an act of retaliation for lodging complaints on behalf of two of his employees. The County Board of Supervisors denied his claim.