Pop Shop

Pop Shop… Squid loves listening to music, particularly if it’s a band with something in common with this cephalopod. So Squid planned to ooze over to Pop & Hiss in Pacific Grove on Saturday, Nov. 30, to hear a concert from 7-10pm featuring Squid Brain and Monks of the Blue. But it was canceled, leaving Squid alone with Squid’s own large brain to figure out what happened.

Pacific Grove Police Department issued a citation on Friday, Nov. 29, after receiving six complaints related to violations of the business’ license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), which prohibits any audible music outside the premises after 10pm. (“Multiple subjects contacted dispatch to complain about the loud music and alcohol consumption beyond the allotted ABC permit time frame,” Cmdr. Brian Anderson says.)

But here’s the rub: The ABC license says one thing about 10pm, while the City’s use permit says another. Specifically, that amplified music is allowed indoors until midnight, as long as it does not exceed 70 decibels before 10pm, and 65 decibels after 10pm, beyond the property line. So proprietor Michaela Kuenster has been regularly measuring decibel levels to be sure she’s compliant, hoping to breathe some life into P.G.’s dead downtown while following the rules. “My nightmare is that I am still stuck in this bureaucratic red tape,” Kuenster tells Squid’s colleague.

She is working with an attorney and an ABC agent to work on getting the two documents to agree, which sounds to Squid like a very expensive (but hopefully successful) way of cutting through red tape.

Go Team Go?… Squid has been a fan of Monterey Bay F.C. ever since the club’s debut in the United Soccer League in 2022. Squid has even considered trying out for goalkeeper – no way a ball is getting past all Squid’s arms and tentacles. But now Squid has cause to reconsider Squid’s loyalties.

While the top eight teams in each division make the USL playoffs, MBFC has never finished better than 11th in its three-year run. That means no postseason for the team’s players – or fans, for that matter. Despite their on-pitch woes, average attendance in 2024 was 4,011, up from 3,969 in 2023, which is a strong showing in a 6,000-seat stadium.

So to thank fans for their support, MBFC has extended a deal to 2025 season ticket holders: If they once again fail to reach the playoffs next season, all season ticket holders will receive a 20-percent refund. If they finish in the top eight, prices will be locked in for 2026. Squid imagines a late-season scenario with the team in playoff contention and a crowd divided. Sure, the playoffs would be nice. But that 20-percent refund might start looking like a better option. It’s like they say, winning isn’t everything.