Pam Marino's Avatar

Pam Marino

@pammarino.montereycountynow.com

Monterey County Weekly/NOW staff writer. I cover Carmel, Pacific Grove, housing and homelessness, health care, military and veterans, and tourism. Signal: mcweeklypam.93

57 Followers  |  31 Following  |  82 Posts  |  Joined: 09.05.2025  |  1.8022

Latest posts by pammarino.montereycountynow.com on Bluesky

Strands #607
β€œGood bones”
🦴🦴🦴🦴
πŸ’€πŸ¦΄πŸ¦΄πŸ¦΄

31.10.2025 13:53 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Ten companies are vying for Pacific Grove’s one and only retail cannabis license. Ten companies compete for Pacific Grove's single retail cannabis license. Lottery in January to decide the winner.

Ten LLCs are vying for one retail cannabis license in Pacific Grove.

www.montereycountynow.com/news/local_n...

30.10.2025 18:17 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Lingering government shutdown imperils access to food for an estimated 30,000 local families. Government shutdown threatens food access for 30,000 local families in Monterey County. Food banks see increased demand.

About 50,000 CalFresh recipients in Monterey County representing 30,000 families are about to have their benefits paused on Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown. That puts a tremendous strain on the Food Bank for Monterey County. www.montereycountynow.com/news/local_n...

30.10.2025 18:16 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Rancho Cielo was an idea that wasn’t supposed to fly. Today, the school is soaring. On Saturday, Oct. 25, Rancho Cielo is throwing a sold-out anniversary party, honoring the legacy of John Phillips, as well as toasting to the next 25 years and beyond.

Rancho Cielo is an impressive success story, for an idea that wasn’t supposed to fly. www.montereycountynow.com/news/local_n...

29.10.2025 00:35 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Wordle 1,590 3/6

⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
πŸ˜†

26.10.2025 15:08 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Carmel’s oldest art gallery is stuck with the bill after no one claims responsibility for damages. Carmel Art Association blames excavation for damage to historic gallery, faces hefty repair bill. Who will pay?

In more Carmel β€œPit” news: The Carmel Art Association’s gallery was damaged, leaders believe by excavation, but they’re left with a hefty repair bill. www.montereycountynow.com/news/local_n...

23.10.2025 22:06 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Carmel's infamous 'Pit' is finally going to be filledβ€”construction scheduled to begin late November. Construction on Carmel's 'Pit' is set to begin in late November, marking the end of a seven-year eyesore in downtown Carmel.

β€œThe Pit” in Carmel will be no more soon. Construction is set to begin in late November. www.montereycountynow.com/blogs/news_b...

23.10.2025 22:04 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
A medical drama in Monterey County may spill over into the courtroom. Explore the unfolding medical drama in Monterey County as spending caps are imposed on hospitals. Discover the potential impact on healthcare and the looming courtroom challenges.

This was what I wrote back in April. www.montereycountynow.com/blogs/opinio...

22.10.2025 17:52 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
The California Hospital Association sues the state over spending caps, including those impacting CHOMP and SVH. The California Hospital Association sues the state over spending caps impacting hospitals like CHOMP and SVH, calling them arbitrary.

I predicted this might happen. It seemed pretty obvious the hospitals would sue over the CA spending caps.

www.montereycountynow.com/blogs/news_b...

22.10.2025 17:51 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Thousands rally in Salinas and Monterey for No Kings Day. Thousands rally in Salinas & Monterey for No Kings Day, protesting the Trump Administration.

From Saturday’s No Kings rally in Monterey. Like other rallies across the country, this one was peaceful and joyful.

www.montereycountynow.com/blogs/news_b...

22.10.2025 17:50 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Death doulas are becoming more common as people seek to make their final days more comfortable and meaningful. Explore the growing role of death doulas in providing comfort, care and dignity to those nearing the end of life.

I took a little break from posting. This was a couple of weeks agoβ€”my cover story on death doulas, aka end-of-life doulas. I found it very interesting and hopeful.

www.montereycountynow.com/news/cover/d...

22.10.2025 17:48 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

At Point Pinos now, man playing bagpipes displaying a Canadian flag. Playing God Bless America.

18.10.2025 18:03 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Wordle 1,544 2/6

⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Oh, come on. I don’t even believe it.

10.09.2025 14:58 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Gather around children as I share a tale of a magical time when all you had to do was turn on the TV and change the channels to find your show. No passwords, loading, buffering or delays. πŸ˜’πŸ“Ί

06.09.2025 16:15 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
The county makes progress on transitioning people from three encampments to housing. Explore how Monterey County is successfully transitioning people from river encampments to housing through innovative projects and state funding.

County of Monterey is making headway in transitioning encampment residents to housing.

www.montereycountynow.com/news/local_n...

20.08.2025 16:23 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Pacific Grove City Council set to discuss how to proceed on referendum against pay increases. Pacific Grove City Council to decide on referendum opposing pay raises. Options include a special election or ordinance repeal. Meeting on Aug. 20.

Pacific Grove City Council to discuss next steps now that Transparent PG’s referendum against raising council compensation has prevailed.

www.montereycountynow.com/blogs/news_b...

20.08.2025 16:20 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Someone owes Monterey Peninsula residents a gift after this #MonteryCarWeek for everything we had to put up with.

18.08.2025 17:18 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

I went to a Car Week event today to support a friend. The traffic is intense. Finally made it home. I’m not going anywhere. #MonteryCarWeek

16.08.2025 23:11 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
PHOTOS, VIDEO: The cars don't disappoint hundreds of enthusiasts gathered in the evening in Carmel. Discover the exotic cars and vibrant car culture at Carmel's nighttime event during Car Week. From Aston Martins to Bugattis, enjoy the show!

In which I make like a TV news reporter. Lol. Great work by @celiajimenez.bsky.social. We hit the streets of Carmel last night to report on Car Week.

www.montereycountynow.com/blogs/news_b...

16.08.2025 00:19 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

I asked PGPD, I was told no comment since the investigation was ongoing. If they release a report, then we have something to report.

16.08.2025 00:18 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
An e-scooter crash highlights dangers. Salinas punts decision on money to church. Woodies and more.

I’m kind of taken aback that an opinion piece I wrote saying children under 16 shouldn’t ride e-bikes and e-scooters for safety reasons is getting pushback from parents. mailchi.mp/montereycoun...

15.08.2025 14:31 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Redirecting...

My colleague @celiajimenez.bsky.social and I hit the streets of Carmel to check out the #MontereyCarWeek night scene. Check it out.

www.facebook.com/stories/1873...

15.08.2025 04:17 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Car Week traffic coming into Monterey/Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach and Carmel is about the worst I’ve seen in 10 years. Avoid the area if you can.

14.08.2025 17:54 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Story to follow tomorrow.

14.08.2025 02:29 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
More ado about vacation rentals. Study dives into monarch deaths. Have a cup (or five) of coffee.

Monterey County’s short-term rental ordinance in coastal zone is certified by a majority of the California Coastal Commission. MC Supervisor Lopez voted against certification as expected. Here’s sore background:

mailchi.mp/montereycoun...

14.08.2025 02:28 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

California Coastal Commission has now been on break for 30 minutes, 15 min over what was stated. They should leave the camera on during breaks do we can see what’s goin on, just as if we’re in the room.

14.08.2025 02:04 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
There’s no law barring kids from riding e-scooters and e-bikes. But there should be. Examining the safety and legality of kids riding e-scooters and e-bikes.

A Pacific Grove middle school student was injured while riding an e-scooter to school, even though it’s illegal for minors under 16 to ride them. Here’s more:

www.montereycountynow.com/blogs/opinio...

14.08.2025 01:44 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Here’s where the Coastal Commission is at this pt: 2 amendments have failed, with a majority of commissioners supporting Monterey County’s short-term ordinance as is. They took a break to talk with county staff about a 3rd amendment, to allow residents or caretakers in ADUs, main house as STR.

14.08.2025 01:40 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Coastal Commission now debating possible changes to Monterey County’s short term rental ordinance in coastal zone. Maybe grandfather in operators.

14.08.2025 01:20 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

A lot of nitty gritty questions about home stays, ADUs. Not sure why this level of detail is needed?

14.08.2025 01:01 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

@pammarino.montereycountynow.com is following 19 prominent accounts