Sunday, August 29, 2010

FOREST THEATRE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 2010

"Welcome to the Forest Theater" Banner, THE FOREST THEATER 1910

ABSTRACT: Today, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Forest Theatre, the Forest Theatre was adorned with images of past plays, performances, casts, actors, programs and the Forest Theatre setting from 1910 to 1965. Photos of the poster sized images are presented with dates.

"DAVID" Program, 1910

THE FOREST THEATER, CARMEL, close-up of "DAVID" program

San Francisco Examiner, July 10, 1910, About "DAVID," The First Play at the Forest Theater

Entrance to Forest Theatre

Stage Set for Unknown Play

Stage Set for Unknown Play

Alice in Wonderland, 1912

Montezuma, 1914

Montezuma, 1914

A Trio of Plays: Robin Hood, Prince Happy Heart, Prunella, 1919

Stage Set for Pomander Walk, 1921

Eleventh Annual Summer Festival: The Yellow Jacket, Snow White, The Merry Wives

Cast of Inchling, 1922

"Bats Stand Over the Inchling," 1922

Ruth Kuster as Cleopatra, Caesar & Cleopatra, 1922

Mr. Bunt, 1924

Iphigenia in Tauris, 1925

Arms and the Man, 1926

Herbert Heron as Hamlet, Hamlet, 1926

Cast Shot for Hamlet, 1926

Romero & Juliet, 1927

Julius Caesar, 1930

God of Gods, 1930

The Man Who Married A Dumb Wife, 1934

Reconstruction of the Stage, circa 1937

Carmel Shakespeare Festival: MacBeth and Twelfth Night, 1940

Climactic fight scene, Hamlet, 1941

"Alas, poor Yorick," Hamlet, 1941

Carmel Shakespeare Festival: Julius Caesar and Twelfth Night, 1942

Henry Kersh, 1949

Winterset, 1950

Cast Shot for Lysistrata, 1951

That's The Ticket, 1952

The Firebrand, 1953

Baby Be Still, 1953

Three Comedies: Two Gentlemen From Soho, Dark Lady, Helene's Husband, 1954

As You Like It, 1954

Herbert Heron, circa 1965

Friday, August 27, 2010

COMMENTARY: Imagine a Centennial Celebration in a Renovated Forest Theater as an Honor Befitting the Legacy of Our Community Theater, Our ‘Cultural Icon’

Walt de Faria, president of the Forest Theater Foundation recently stated, as follows:

“The legacy is that (the Forest Theater has) preserved community involvement in theater. It alone has kept theater alive in Carmel and on the Monterey Peninsula all these years.”

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Forest Theater, (our “cultural icon”), the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea has scheduled a “centennial celebration” of the Forest Theater on the afternoon of Sunday, August 29, 2010. This celebration is “to remind people that since 1910 there has been ongoing theater here that has provided entertainment for visitors and residents alike,” stated Mayor Sue McCloud.

However, imagine a Centennial Celebration befitting Frank Devendorf and Frank Powers, founder of the City/owner of the original land and founder of the City, respectively, Herbert Heron, founder of the Forest Theater and all actors, directors and theater-goers, past and present, in a renovated Forest Theater.

In the past ten years specifically, there have been several opportunities for the mayor and council to fulfill their stewardship responsibilities by committing to, budgeting for and implementing a renovation plan, Yet, these opportunities were never acted upon; they therefore represent missed opportunities, as the following events demonstrate:

Beginning in 2001, the mayor and city council had opportunities to budget for the renovation of the Forest Theater in phases over multiple years as outlined by the city-commissioned Forest Theater Facility Master Plan, prepared by local architect Brian Congleton.

In December 2008, the mayor and council unanimously adopted a Resolution entering into an agreement with RFM Architects for a Schematic Design. As the accompanying staff report stated: “The estimated time to complete the schematic design is three months. RFM recognizes the urgency of moving the project along quickly so that the renovation can be completed by the 2010 season (or the 100th anniversary of the Forest Theater).” And “the goal of completing the renovation by May 2010, the project must commence post haste so construction can be under way by April 2009.”

In late 2009, the mayor and council approved a contract with William J. Camille, Project Management Consultant, for Forest Theater Renovation Construction Phasing and Cost Planning breakdown of theater architect Richard McCann’s Schematic Design of the Forest Theater. The contract included a preliminary review of Camille's findings with the city, a final report, and presentation to the City Council to be completed in one month, but only the oral preliminary review was presented to the mayor, council member Karen Sharp and city administrator.

With the city council's adoption of the Triennial Budget FY 2010/11 thru 2012/13 in June 2010, there are no monies budgeted for a Forest Theater Capital Project for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 through Fiscal Year 2014-2015.

In conclusion, while a celebration honoring the 100th anniversary of the historic Forest Theater is to be applauded, it is important to realize that the city’s original intention was to celebrate the occasion in a renovated Forest Theater. To wit, a Forest Theater renovation plan was to be adopted by the mayor and council in early 2009, commencement of renovation construction by April 2009 and completion of the Forest Theater renovation by May 2010, in time for the 100th anniversary on July 9, 2010. Yet as described, the mayor and council over years and years have missed opportunities and thereby failed to provide the requisite leadership and stewardship to make the renovation of the Forest Theater a reality.


ADDENDUM:

Forest Theater Renovation Plans July 2009
Forest Theater Renovation Plans July 2009
RFM Architects
Richard F. McCann, President, Principle-In-Charge

City of Carmel celebrates historic outdoor Forest Theater's centennial anniversary
Carmel celebrates historic Forest Theater's centennial anniversary
By LILY DAYTON Herald Correspondent, The Monterey County Herald, 08/26/2010

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION: 'No Action Was Taken'

ABSTRACT: After the City Council meet for about three hours in closed session yesterday to discuss a "perforamce evaluation" of City Administrator Rich Guillen, City Attorney Don Freeman announced that “no action was taken.” However, "the city council will continue to discuss the matter next month," according to the news account. Mayor Sue McCloud declined comment when asked by Central Coast News Reporter Susanne Brunner.

Pop Up Video: Carmel City Council Discusses Sexual Harassment Allegations
Duration: 2:45

Carmel City Council Takes No Action Against City Administrator
KION CENTRAL COAST NEWS, August 24, 2010

NOTES:
Former City Council Member Mike Brown, Carmel resident Joyce Stevens and 2010 mayoral candidate Adam Moniz appear on the video with comments.

Most people who signed a petition addressed to the City Council of Carmel-by-the-Sea hoped for the removal of the city administrator, according to the news account.

ADDENDUM:
Carmel evaluates City Administrator Rich Guillen
Closed-door session to resume in September
By LARRY PARSONS Herald Staff Writer, 08/26/2010


Guillen’s performance discussed behind closed doors, challenged outside them.
By Robin Urevich, MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY, AUGUST 26, 2010

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Closed Session Scheduled (Tuesday, 24 August 2010 @ 4:30 P.M.) to Discuss Performance Evaluation of the City Administrator

On Tuesday, 17 August 2010, City Council Member Jason Burnett posted Closed Session Scheduled on his web site Carmel-by-the-Sea COMMUNITY CONVERSATION stating that “The Mayor just let me know that she has scheduled a closed session for the afternoon of August 24th to discuss a performance evaluation of the City Administrator.”
(Source: Updates from Jason, Closed Session Scheduled)

ADDENDUM:
Behind Closed Doors
Carmel City Council to discuss embattled City Administrator
By Robin Urevich
MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY


CURRENT EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR RICH GUILLEN:
(Note: Since there has not been a change in salary or benefits since October 2008, a "new contract was never executed.")

richcon_20100811120609

Rich Guillen – Value of Total Compensation as of April 30, 2009 (Annual Basis):
Salary: $150,000
Employer PERS (17.266%) on Salary only: $25,899
Employer Medicare (1.45%) on Salary & Auto: $2,236
Auto: $4,200
Fitness Membership: $420
Medical (85% of 2-Party PersCHOICE): $10,232
Dental/Vision (self-ins. for 2-Party: $797
Annual Physical Exam Costs Reimbursement: $500
Life Insurance ($30,000) plus AD&D Ins. ($30,000): $158
Management Leave Hours – 100 per fiscal year @ $72.12/hour: $7,212
Deferred Comp.: $6,600
TOTAL: $208,253

Other:
Vacation Accrual – 3 weeks/fiscal year (5-10 year rate)
Mgmt/Admin Leave – 100 hrs/fiscal year
General Leave Day – 8 hrs/fiscal year
Sick Leave – 12 days/fiscal year

Rich Guillen - Compensation History:
January 2002:
Salary: $124,000

January 2007:
Salary: $133,024

September 2007:
Salary: $138,000
Total: $160,174

January 2008:
Salary: $138,000
Total: $193,477

April 2009:
Salary: $150,000
Total: $208,253

Monday, August 16, 2010

CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION: APPROVAL of City’s LCP Amendments regarding Medical Marijuana Dispensaries and Mills Act Historic Preservation

ABSTRACT: At the California Coastal Commission's August 2010 meeting, the Coastal Commissioners approved both agenda items submitted by the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, namely LCP Amendment No. CML-1-10 (Medical Marijuana Dispensaries) and LCP Amendment No. CML-2-10 (Mills Act Historic Preservation).

CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION
AUGUST 2010 AGENDA


SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CHAMBERS
1055 MONTEREY STREET
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93408


CENTRAL COAST DISTRICT
14. LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAMS (LCPs). See AGENDA CATEGORIES.
a. City of Carmel-by-the-Sea LCP Amendment No. CML-1-10 (Medical Marijuana Dispensaries). Public hearing and action on request by City of Carmel-by-the-Sea to amend the LCP to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in the city. (MW-SC) [APPROVED]

b. City of Carmel-by-the-Sea LCP Amendment No. CML-2-10 (Mills Act Historic Preservation). Public hearing and action on request by City of Carmel-by-the-Sea to modify the LCP’s historic preservation requirements (including to eliminate certain standards, put more emphasis on historic rehabilitation, and to expand the number of eligible properties) in accordance with the Mills Act. (MW-SC) [APPROVED]

ADDENDUM:
COMMISSIONERS
Public Members
Steve Blank (Governor's Appointment)
Steve Kram (Governor's Appointment)
Sara Wan (Senate Rules Committee Appointment)
Mary K. Shallenberger (Vice Chair) (Senate Rules Committee Appointment)
William A. Burke (Assembly Speaker Appointment)
William Patrick Kruer (Assembly Speaker Appointment)

Bonnie Neely (Chair), North Coast Representative
Ross Mirkarimi, Supervisor, North Central Coast Representative
Mark W. Stone, Supervisor, Central Coast Representative
Khatchik H. Achadjian, Supervisor, South Central Coast Representative
Richard Bloom, Councilmember, South Coast Representative
Esther Sanchez, Councilmember, San Diego Coast Representative

PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE
DIVISION 20
CALIFORNIA COASTAL ACT (2010)

Thursday, August 12, 2010

REVISED NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY RECIRCULATED DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT VILLAS DE CARMELO

REVISED PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD: AUGUST 3, 2010 TO SEPTEMBER 24, 2010


RDEIR NOA_PLN070497_Villas de Carmelo_8 11 10_REVISED

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Villas De Carmelo - (PLN070497, Carmel Area Land Use Plan)

Villas De Carmelo - (PLN070497, Carmel Area Land Use Plan) LCP amendment to change from Low Density Residential (hospital use) to High Density Residential to allow a 54 unit condominium project, including conversion and preservation of the historical hospital.

Villas De Carmelo
(Page is currently being updated)

Project Name: Villas De Carmelo

File number (s): PLN070497

Location:
(Vicinity Map:) Northwest Corner of Highway One and Valley Way, Carmel

Assessor's Parcel Number (s): 009-061-002, 009-061-003, 009-061-005-000

Planning Area: Carmel Area Land Use Plan

Planner: Elizabeth Gonzales (831) 755-5102

Current Status: Complete Subdivision Committee Hearing: TBD; Planning Commission Hearing: TBD; Board of Supervisors Hearing: TBD

Environmental Status: Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report (RDEIR) Comments due by 5:00 pm on September 24, 2010.

Project Description: Combined Development Permit to include an local Coastal Plan Amendment to change Land Use Designation from Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential and a rezoning from MDR/2 to HDR/12.5 in the Coastal Zone; A Coastal Development Permit and Standard Subdivision to convert a 10, 350 square foot convalescent hospital into nine condominium units and create 37 additional condominium units; common space will include underground parking, recreation room, storage and gym a Coastal Administrative Permit to Demolish one existing structure and construct 12 buildings for a total of 46 condominium units; a Coastal Development Permit to allow development on slopes of 30% or greater; a Coastal Development Permit to allow the removal of 97 trees (21 Coast Live Oak and 76 Monterey Pines); and Design Approval. The property is located between Highway One and Valley Way, Carmel (Assessor's Parcel Numbers 009-061-002-000, 009-061-003-000 and 009-061-005-000), Coastal Zone.

Key Dates: Public Review Period: August 3, 2010 through September 24, 2010.

Reports/Documents: Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report (RDEIR) with Appendices (August 2010)

Notice of Availability (NOA) Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report (RDEIR) (Revised August 11, 2010)

Public Comment Letters Received (April 17, 2009 through June 5, 2009).

Draft Environmental Impact Report - Villas De Carmelo - Volume I - Draft EIR - (April 2009) (Separated by Chapter)

Draft Environmental Impact Report - Villas De Carmelo Project - Volume II - Appendices - (April 2009)

Notice of Availability (April 17, 2009)

Notice of Completion (April 17, 2009)

Notice of Preparation (July 11, 2008)

Land Use Advisory Committee (February 19, 2008)

Related Links:
(These links are provided for information only. The County of Monterey does not endorse any of the information found on these sites)
Carmel Area Land Use Plan

Coastal Implementation Plan (Part 4)

RECIRCULATED DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE VILLAS DE CARMELO PROJECT with Appendices (August 2010)


Final_Villas_RDEIR_Combined_Aug_2010_with_Appendices_Public_Copy

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Cover and Table of Contents


Villas DEIR - Cover and Table of Contents

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 1 - Introduction


Villas DEIR - Ch 1 Introduction

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 2 - Summary


Villas DEIR - Ch 2 Summary

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 3 - Project Description


Villas DEIR - Ch 3 Project Description

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 4.0 - Environmental Setting


Villas DEIR - Ch 4.0 Env Setting

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 4.1 - Aesthetics


Villas DEIR - Ch 4.1 Aesthetics

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 4.2 - Agricultural


Villas DEIR - Ch 4.2 Agricultural

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 4.3 - Air Quality


Villas DEIR - Ch 4.3 Air Quality

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 4.4 - Biological


Villas DEIR - Ch 4.4 Biological

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 4.5 - Cultural


Villas DEIR - Ch 4.5 Cultural

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 4.6 - Geology


Villas DEIR - Ch 4.6 Geology

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 4.7 - Hazards


Villas DEIR - Ch 4.7 Hazards

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 4.8 - Hydrology


Villas DEIR - Ch 4.8 Hydrology

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 4.9 - Land Use


Villas DEIR - Ch 4.9 Land Use

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 4.10 - Noise


Villas DEIR - Ch 4.10 Noise

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 4.11 - Population


Villas DEIR - Ch 4.11 Population

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 4.12 - Public Services


Villas DEIR - Ch 4.12 Public Services

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 4.13 - Traffic


Villas DEIR - Ch 4.13 Traffic

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 4.14 - Utilities


Villas DEIR - Ch 4.14 Utilities

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 5 - CEQA Considerations


Villas DEIR - Ch 5 CEQA Considerations

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 6 - Alternatives


Villas DEIR - Ch 6 Alternatives

Villas De Carmelo DEIR Chapter 7 - References


Villas DEIR - Ch 7 References

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE VILLAS DE CARMELO PROJECT VOLUME II: APPENDICES (2009)

DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
FOR THE
VILLAS DE CARMELO PROJECT
CARMEL, CALIFORNIA
VOLUME II: APPENDICES

Recirculated Final ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT for the SALE OF THE FLANDERS MANSION PROPERTY (2009)


RFEIRflandersindex

RECIRCULATED FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE SALE OF THE FLANDERS MANSION PROPERTY Supplemental Response to Comments (2009)


supplementRFEIRflanders

Flanders Mansion Property Economic Analysis (2009)


EconomicAnalysisFlandersMansion

RECIRCULATED DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE SALE OF THE FLANDERS MANSION PROPERTY (2009)


RDEIRflandersindex

Revised Final ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT for the PLAZA DEL MAR MIXED USE PROJECT (2007)


plazadelmarEIRindex

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Adam Moniz: ‘To all those city employees who have been forced to work in a hostile workplace environment, you deserve better.’

ABSTRACT: During Public Appearances at the 3 August 2010 City Council meeting, former mayoral candidate Adam Moniz addressed the public on the subject of harassment at City Hall. Moniz’s remarks are transcribed. A COMMENT is made.

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
Tuesday, August 3, 2010

City Hall
East side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and Seventh Avenues

VI. Public Appearances
Anyone wishing to address the City Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City that are not on today’s agenda may do so now. Matters not appearing on the City Council’s agenda will not receive action at this meeting but may be referred to staff for a future meeting. Presentations will be limited to three (3) minutes, or as otherwise established by the City Council. Persons are not required to give their names, but it is helpful for speakers to state their names in order that the City Clerk may identify them in the minutes of the meeting. Always speak into the microphone, as the meeting is recorded. The City Council Chamber is equipped with a portable microphone for anyone unable to come to the podium. If you need assistance, please advise City Clerk Heidi Burch as to which item you wish to comment on and the microphone will be brought to you.


“I’m Adam Moniz and I’m a resident of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Indeed, you are running the meeting, just barely. I would like to note there is no such in the Carmel Code which prohibits anyone of you from doing whatever you like in terms of rounds of applause. We have to make sure we don’t allow our elected officials to think that they have more power than they really do.”

“I ran against Sue McCloud for mayor of Carmel a few months ago. During the April 2010 election, some candidates seeking re-election made what we all now know were undeniably false, or at absolute best, utterly misleading statements to Carmel voters regarding the validity of claims of harassment in City Hall. The pertinent facts can be boiled down to this: There was harassment. And that harassment was in fact tolerated. The question is not if any of you directly knew or actually knew; it’s that you should have known. It’s not acceptable to simply look the other way or choose to put your head in the sand. For elected officials are rightfully held to a higher standard by the public they are supposed to be in office to serve.”

“If any of you think that in voting behind closed doors to pay out over $600,000 you have somehow resolved in full this deeply troubling matter, your constituents have told you now, loud and clear, that you are mistaken. It’s time for accountability.”

“To all those city employees who have been forced to work in a hostile workplace environment, you deserve better. I am so deeply sorry for what you and your families have been forced to go through and for you and your families are still being forced to go through.”

“While this particular litigation may no longer be pending in a court of law, it is still very much alive and active in the court of public opinion And fortunately for all of us, the entirely of the jury, are the voters of Carmel-by-the-Sea. So, to quote Mayor McCloud, stay tuned.”


(Archived Videos, August 03, 2010, 32:05 - 34:10)

COMMENT:
Adam Moniz has demonstrated with these remarks alone that he is more worthy and deserving of being mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea than the current mayor.

Monday, August 09, 2010

Carolyn Hardy: 'It is incumbent upon the City Council to restore integrity and dignity to City Hall by removing the offender whose actions have brought dishonor to Carmel.'

ABSTRACT: During Public Appearances at the 3 August 2010 City Council meeting, resident Carolyn Hardy addressed the public on the subject of sexual harassment at City Hall and Jane Miller’s lawsuit. Hardy’s remarks are transcribed. A COMMENT is made.

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
Tuesday, August 3, 2010

City Hall
East side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and Seventh Avenues

VI. Public Appearances
Anyone wishing to address the City Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City that are not on today’s agenda may do so now. Matters not appearing on the City Council’s agenda will not receive action at this meeting but may be referred to staff for a future meeting. Presentations will be limited to three (3) minutes, or as otherwise established by the City Council. Persons are not required to give their names, but it is helpful for speakers to state their names in order that the City Clerk may identify them in the minutes of the meeting. Always speak into the microphone, as the meeting is recorded. The City Council Chamber is equipped with a portable microphone for anyone unable to come to the podium. If you need assistance, please advise City Clerk Heidi Burch as to which item you wish to comment on and the microphone will be brought to you.


“Carolyn Hardy. I am conveying thoughts here on behalf of myself and my husband. The huge turnout at Jason’s town hall meeting yesterday evidenced the depth and breath of concern, frustration, and anger over the circumstances revealed in Jane Miller’s sexual harassment lawsuit. But just because the lawsuit has been settled does not mean the problems have gone away, the liability still remains. And I regret deeply that I feel compelled to say this, but our small town has experienced enough shame over this. It is time to make a change at City Hall. The damage done is not just monetary; our damages include loss of employee morale and loss of a safe work environment that’s free from harassment, intimidation and retaliation. It is time for Rich Guillen to leave either by departure or removal. Without a clean start this community and City Hall cannot forget and cannot heal.”

“I too have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, in the 70s when there were no policies to prohibit it and no remedies to correct it. It is insidious, it affects your work and your work relationships, it is not something you can wave off. You endure it to keep your job or you leave to escape it.”

“I am incensed that our local newspaper would imply that determination of whether sexual harassment occurred depended on the victim’s response. That is in the same vein as implying a rape victim may have enjoyed the experience. The paper’s editor attempts to turn the victim into a villain.”

“During a recent election forum two council members said that if either knew of sexual harassment in the workplace neither would tolerate it. Well, because of the documents from Miller’s lawsuit we have concrete evidence that sexual harassment flourished. Most telling were the documents that surfaced in response to the city’s attempt to disqualify the plaintiff’s attorney. We now have a clearer picture of what has been going on at City Hall and the evidence revealed in emails from Rich to Jane Miller contradicted all the denials and likely led to the settlement. It is incumbent upon the City Council to restore integrity and dignity to City Hall by removing the offender whose actions have brought dishonor to Carmel.”


(Archived Videos, August 03, 2010, 29:05 - 31:50)

COMMENT:
• Carolyn Hardy’s comments are articulate and courageous. She is absolutely correct in her comments that “The paper’s editor attempts to turn the victim into a villain,” “It is time for Rich Guillen to leave either by departure or removal. Without a clean start this community and City Hall cannot forget and cannot heal” and “It is incumbent upon the City Council to restore integrity and dignity to City Hall by removing the offender whose actions have brought dishonor to Carmel.”

Sunday, August 08, 2010

COMMENTARY: City Attorney Don Freeman’s Culpability in the Culture of Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation

At the 3 August 2010 City Council meeting, City Attorney Don Freeman presented himself as a city attorney who honors the rule of law, at least with regard to city employee confidentiality laws. However, his record as city attorney since 2003 shows the City Attorney knew about city employees’ claims of “hostile” workplace environment and forced “early retirement.” Moreover, in the Jane Miller case, the City Attorney’s “failures,” errors and omissions, and “silences” have arguably contributed significantly to the continuance of a culture of harassment, discrimination and retaliation in the city government of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

EVIDENCE:

In 2003, the City Attorney was aware of negotiations between City Administrator Rich Guillen and attorney Michael Stamp involving Stamp’s representation of Assistant City Administrator Greg D’Ambrosio and Community and Cultural Director Brian Donoghue; both made serious employment discrimination claims against the City and City Administrator, including claims of "hostile work environment" and "forced early retirement." In fact, with regard to the Assistant City Administrator, City Attorney Freeman specifically authorized Stamp to meet directly with the City Administrator to try to negotiate the claims. With regard to the Community and Cultural Director, in 2003, Donoghue advised the City Attorney that he was concerned about retaliation relating to his role in reporting certain issues.

In 2006, the City Attorney was advised by the City Administrator regarding negotiations between Stamp and the City Administrator involving serious employment discrimination claims against the City and the City Administrator by Library Director Margaret Pelikan, including allegations of "hostile work environment, forced retirement and the City Administrator’s favoritism towards Christie Miller." The City Attorney approved and signed off for the City on the settlement agreement.

In 2008, the City Attorney was involved with the negotiations regarding Executive Assistant Sandy Farrell’s discrimination claims against the City and the City Administrator, including claims of "hostile work environment and forced retirement." The City Attorney approved the settlement agreement.

Note: The four cases from 2003 to 2009 resulted in the City paying negotiation payments of more than $500,000 to the four employees, which the City considered to be “significant.”

In May 2008, attorney Michael Stamp, in his representation of Human Resources Manager Jane Miller, wrote a May 20 letter to the Mayor and City Council, with a copy to the City Attorney, raising Miller’s claims of "sex-based discrimination, age-based discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation against the City and the City Administrator." The City Attorney recognized Stamp’s role as Miller’s litigation counsel if the case did not settle.

In May 2008, the City Attorney’s Office wrote a May 22 letter to Jane Miller’s attorney Michael Stamp that City Attorney Don Freeman would “prepare a response” to Stamp’s May 20, 2008 letter when he returned from a trip on June 2, 2008. The City Attorney never responded in writing to the May 20, 2008 letter. He later communicated to attorney Michael Stamp by telephone that he was letting Liebert Cassidy speak for him, and that he had ordered Liebert Cassidy Whitmore to assign a senior attorney to the matter.

In September/October 2008, the City Attorney reviewed an Employee Agreement between the City and City Administrator Rich Guillen approving a retroactive compensation increase of $14,500, which was unanimously approved by the Mayor and City Council at the October 7, 2008 City Council meeting.

In October 2008, Stamp provided the City Attorney with a letter summarizing the problems with the City’s lack of action since May 20, 2008. The City failed to respond.

In late October 2008, Stamp provided the City Attorney with an original letter and five copies of a 13 page statement by Jane Miller. The City failed to respond.

In November 2008, Stamp had a telephone conversation with the City Attorney concerning City Council discussions in regard to Jane Miller, particularly about the City Attorney’s question as to whether Miller had copies of emails to support her allegations. “The City Attorney made a statement about the Mayor and the City Administrator’s conduct, which highlighted the seriousness and significance of Miller’s claims.” Stamp explained to the City Attorney that Miller had received more than one hundred non-work-related emails - not including instant messages and telephone calls – from the City Administrator over several years.

August 7, 2008 – January 16, 2009: “Investigation” by private investigator/attorney Karen Kramer; Kramer interviewed twelve witnesses, eleven current employees and one former employee, including “a majority of the witnesses Ms. Miller identified in her written complaints.” However, Kramer did not interview Employee #1 (Assistant City Administrator Greg D’Ambrosio), Employee #2 (Community and Cultural Director Brian Donoghue), Employee #3 (Library Director Margaret Pelikan) and Employee #4 (Executive Assistant Sandy Farrell).

February 9, 2009: Letter, Re: Notice of Completion of Investigation – Jane Miller’s Workplace Complaints, from Liebert Cassidy Whitmore (LCW) to attorney Michael Stamp stating “Based on Ms. Kramer’s findings and conclusions the City has determined that Ms. Miller’s allegations are not substantiated. Accordingly, this investigation is now closed and deemed completed.”

In September 2009, LCW, presumably with the authorization of the City Attorney, filed a motion by Defendant City of Carmel-by-the-Sea to disqualify plaintiff’s counsel. Incredibly, the City had Assistant City Administrator/City Clerk Heidi Burch make a declaration which “provided the primary evidentiary basis for the City’s motion to disqualify attorney Michael Stamp” from representing his client, Jane Miller. Burch's declaration was characterized as “insubstantial and inadmissible.” In fact, the Burch declaration was characterized as an “interested person’s unqualified conclusions.” Moreover, Burch was not only unqualified to make conclusions about documents, she was not associated with the City when attorney Michael Stamp performed work for the City and she herself was directly implicated in the lawsuit as “Female B.”

In the Court’s denial of Defendant City of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Motion to Disqualify Plaintiff’s Counsel, Judge Larry E. Hayes wrote on February 3, 2010, as follows:

The City had actual knowledge of any claim of a potential conflict beginning in 2003 when Mr. Stamp represented the first senior City employee in his employment claims against the City. Between 2003 and 2008, Mr. Stamp represented an additional three senior City employees in their employment claims against the City.

The City failed to prove that the City performed a reasonable investigation into the potential merits of the disqualification motion by interviewing the key City personnel, including the City Attorney. The Court finds disingenuous the City’s assertion that the actual knowledge of material facts by the City Attorney need not be inquired into by the City’s lawyers or disclosed by the City in regard to this motion. The Court finds that City Administrator Richard Guillen and City Attorney Don Freeman knew about the former representations during the pertinent time period. The weight of the evidence shows that those individuals would have had specific knowledge about those former representations...

The City Attorney announced a settlement in the Jane Miller case after a Closed Session on July 13, 2010: “This settlement means all parties avoid the further burden and expense of litigation and the uncertainty of a jury trial. By resolving this matter and avoiding months of litigation and expenses, we can look forward to redirecting more energy and resources to the many challenges facing the city in these uncertain economic times.” The City Council's unanimous approval of the $600,000 settlement, paid by the City's insurance agency, California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Excess Insurance Authority (EIA), was approved at the recommendation of EIA.

At the August 2010 City Council meeting, City Attorney Don Freeman emphasized that the “investigation” was not conducted by the city, but rather by the city’s original law firm, LCW. Yet, the City embraced the findings and conclusions of the “investigation” when the City Attorney knew, or should have known, that the “investigation” was not a thorough and complete investigation.

CONCLUSION
The weight of the evidence suggests that the City Attorney’s “failures,” errors and omissions, and “silences” had the net effect of protecting and shielding from public accountability the city administrator, mayor and city council members at the expense of city employees, citizens and the city’s reputation. Moreover, the City Attorney not only committed “failures,” errors and omissions, and “silences,” but he reviewed and approved a retroactive $14,500 compensation increase for the City Administrator within five months of receipt of attorney Michael Stamp’s May 20, 2008 letter outlining Jane Miller’s complaints and during a yet to be concluded “investigation” into Jane Miller’s claims. The Mayor and City Council later unanimously approved the Employment Agreement between the City and City Administrator Rich Guillen at the 7 October 2010 City Council meeting.

While the City’s Code of Ethics states “Our actions are deemed representative of those we serve and our function, therefore, carries with it a greater responsibility than that of the private enterprise employee,” the Mayor and City Council have had most recently over two years, since May 2008, to take appropriate action and have failed to date to take appropriate action whereas in the private section recently, the Board of Hewlett-Packard acted swiftly and decisively (within one month) by conducting an investigation which concluded that the CEO had violated the company’s ethics code thus precipitating CEO Mark Hurd’s resignation. As HP General Counsel Michael Holston stated, Hurd “demonstrated a profound lack of judgment that seriously undermined his credibility and damaged his effectiveness in leading HP.” “The board took immediate action in this matter and their decision was right and necessary to uphold HP’s values of trust, respect and uncompromising integrity.”

Moreover, as Charles Elson, director of the corporate governance centre at the University of Delaware stated: “Once trust is broken between a CEO and a board, it makes it harder to have confidence in anything he says in future. He had to go.” Similarly, in the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, trust has been irreparably broken between the City Administrator and the denizens of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Ergo, the City Administrator has to go!

Friday, August 06, 2010

‘MINUTES’ on Four Noteworthy 3 August 2010 City Council Agenda Items

“MINUTES”
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
Tuesday, August 3, 2010


Archived video streaming

City Hall
East side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and Seventh Avenues

VI. Public Appearances

Mayor McCloud opened the meeting to public comment.

Kathy Frederickson, a retired federal civil service employee, stated during her career she had required training on sexual harassment, et cetera. She asked City Hall to defend itself and asked what the city council is doing to create “an acceptable workplace environment.”

Barbara Livingston commended City Council Member Jason Burnett for calling for a closed session for discussion of the future management of our village and urged Mayor McCloud to set a date certain for that closed session meeting.

Carolyn Hardy voiced her and her husband’s "concern, frustration and anger" over the circumstances of the Jane Miller lawsuit involving sexual harassment. She stated that the liability still remains and therefore it is time for a change at City Hall. Specifically, "it is time for Rich Guillen to leave either by departure or removal." "It is incumbent on the council to restore integrity and dignity to City Hall by removing the offender whose actions have brought dishonor to Carmel."

Adam Moniz, 2010 mayoral candidate, stated that some candidates made "false" or "utterly misleading" statements about the validity of claims of sexual harassment at City Hall. He stated there was harassment and it was tolerated and the council members should have known. Further, "it’s time for accountability." "Stay tuned."

Allison Schilling stated that it was clear to her that many in Carmel-by-the-Sea and in the chamber do not understand the nature of sexual harassment; that is, it is always incumbent on the person with power to do the right thing. She urged all Carmelites to undertake sexual harassment training, including the city council.

Barbara Brooks, a former City Council Member, stated she had known attorney Michael Stamp for more than 20 years and knew him to be an ethical attorney. Further, she knew Stamp would not take a frivolous case and he would not take a case he did not believe represented a genuine need for redress. She stated that she wanted a city government that she can trust again where officials behave ethically. She requested that the city council do something to repair the "terrible damage that has happened to our city."

Skip Lloyd stated that there was a need for an "independent investigation" of the City’s personnel actions in the Jane Miller case by an outside agency, including a review of past settlements which amounted to $500,000 in the aggregate for four city employees who made similar claims of hostile workplace environment and being forced into early retirement, according to a judge. He stated that insurance companies do not pay $600,000 in settlement monies if there is no merit to a claim.

Mayor McCloud closed the meeting to public comment.

City Attorney Don Freeman restated the City’s statement regarding the settlement agreement. He stated that a review of the City’s personnel policy, including sexual harassment policy was in process by a third party.

City Council Member Jason Burnett reiterated his July 14 request for a closed session to discuss a personnel issue and September agenda item about City policies.

VIII. Public Hearings

B. Consideration of an encroachment permit application for the construction of a driveway at the end of Lopez Avenue and review of a geotechnical report for Second Avenue.


Marc Wiener, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report and power point presentation, including photos, site plan and Options depictions. With regard to the re-opening of Second Avenue, it is estimated it would cost $300,000 - $500,000 to stabilize the avenue, according to the geotechnical study. Second Avenue is currently used as a pedestrian pathway and most residents do not want the avenue re-opened to traffic. The Planning Commission recommended Option “B,” a driveway at the end of Lopez Avenue, on the east side of the street.

City Council Member Ken Talmage asked questions about the stability of Second Av. which were answered by Mr. Kasunich, the geotechnical engineer.

The applicants, including Mr. Schultz and Zane Blackmer, addressed the council.

Mayor McCloud opened the meeting to public comment.

Ron Wormser, a Lopez Av. neighbor, spoke in support of Option “C” and against options involving construction of a driveway at the end of Lopez Av.

Marian Wormser read letters from two other neighbors, Harper and Hibbard, both against the construction of a driveway at the end of Lopez Av. and supportive of Option “C," paving the existing driveway from Second Av., without opening Second Av., to avoid traffic and safety problems.

A Second Av. neighbor expressed support for a driveway from Lopez Av.

Mayor McCloud closed the meeting to public comment.

Zane Blackmer addressed the council.

Marc Wiener, Assistant Planner, answered questions and/or heard comments from Mayor Sue McCloud, City Council Members Jason Burnett, Paula Hazdovac, Karen Sharp and Ken Talmage.

Council Member BURNETT moved to uphold the decision of the Planning Commission and approve Option “B,” encroachment permit application for the construction of a driveway at the end of Lopez Avenue, with special conditions, seconded by Council Member SHARP and carried by the following roll call vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BURNETT; HAZDOVAC; SHARP; TALMAGE
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: McCLOUD
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE

ADDENDUM:
Option “B” Driveway on East Side of Lopez Avenue: Option “B” places the driveway on the east side of Lopez Avenue and covers an area of approximately 404 square feet in the public right-of-way. The proposed driveway is 28 feet long with an outer wall that is eight to nine feet tall. The driveway has a slope of approximately 12-13% and also serves as a walkway.

The proposed driveway requires the removal of three non-significant trees located on the property. No trees would be removed from the public right-of way.

Planning Commission Recommendation: The Planning Commission unanimously recommends that the City Council approve Option “B.” The primary reason for supporting a driveway at the end of Lopez Avenue, as opposed to maintaining the driveway at its existing location, is concern over the long-term stability of Second Avenue. The Commission raised the issue that approving a driveway on Second Avenue could potentially commit the City to future repairs and maintenance of this road for the benefit of only one property owner.

Option “C” Re-design and Pave the Existing Driveway on Second Avenue: Vehicle access to the property is provided by a steeply sloped dirt driveway located on Second Avenue.

X. Resolutions
A. Consideration of a Resolution authorizing the City Administrator to enter into a financial assistance agreement with the State of California Water Board for the Carmel Bay Areas of Special Biological Significance (ASBS) project.


Bob Jaques, City’s consulting engineering, presented an overview.

The State is currently finalizing requirements for stormwater outflows into ASBS at end of 2010 or early 2011. The City’s eighteen stormwater outflows are subject to the requirements. Since only discharges will be allowed during wet weather, the City proposes the building of a diversion system to eliminate discharges during summer months. The diversion system temporarily plugs outflows during the summer by diverting water to sanitary sewer or vacuuming and trucking to corporation yard to sanitary sewer or pumping to landscape area. It is anticipated that design will occur in 2010, construction in 2011 and completed in 2012. The City anticipates receipt of a state grant of $2.5 million, funded by Proposition 84.

Mayor McCloud opened and closed the meeting to public comment.

Council Member TALMAGE moved to adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Administrator to enter into a financial assistance agreement with the State of California Water Board for the Carmel Bay Areas of Special Biological Significance (ASBS) project, seconded by Council Member SHARP, and carried by the following roll call vote:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: BURNETT; HAZDOVAC; SHARP; TALMAGE & McCLOUD
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NONE

XI. Orders of Council
A. Receive report and provide policy direction on options for the 2012 Municipal Election.


Mayor Sue McCloud announced the agenda item will by on next month’s agenda due to the absence on Heidi Burch at a conference this week.

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Carmel Art Association Presents CRISPO & TORRES TWO-PERSON SHOW AND GALLERY SHOWCASE FEATURING MEHEEN, WAGSTAFF & WILLIAMS

Carmel Art Association
“Celebrating 82 years of local art”
Voted “Art Gallery of the Year” by the Carmel Business Association three consecutive years.
W/s Dolores St. between 5th Av. & 6th Av.
10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Daily, except major Holidays.
Open to the Public at No Charge

“Founded in 1927, Carmel's oldest gallery features the work of more than 120 professional local artists, and is dedicated to presenting only the finest work for sale by artists living on the Monterey Peninsula.”

For more information, Online or (831) 624-6176.

Carmel Art Association Presents CRISPO & TORRES TWO-PERSON SHOW AND GALLERY SHOWCASE FEATURING MEHEEN, WAGSTAFF & WILLIAMS

Thursday, August 5– August 31, 2010

TWO-PERSON SHOW: DICK CRISPO’S ‘TREES IN THE NIGHT’ & GUSTAVO TORRES’ BRONZE FIGURATIVE SCULPTURE (Center Room):

Painter Dick Crispo exhibits color-rich abstracted nocturnal tree forms in oil, acrylic and mixed media. View artist’s statement and images, including “Trees in the Night #1," "City Trees #2" and “Orange Trees." And view images including “City Trees #5," "Cityscape," “Coal Miner's Easter," “Trees in the Night #2," "Trees in the Night #6," "Cityscape" and “Urban Tree."

Sculptor Gustavo Torres exhibits bronze figurative sculpture. View artist’s brief biography and sculpture images, including "Allegoria," "La Pareja," "Reflexion," "Symbolic Forms of Life III" and "Fragments of Life."

GALLERY SHOWCASE: ALICIA MEHEEN, JAN WAGSTAFF & ANDY WILLIAMS (Segal Room):

Painter Alicia Meheen exhibits watercolors and oils of the local landscape. View artist’s statement, brief biography and three painting images, including, "China Cove, Pt. Lobos," "Unsettled Weather, Moss Landing" and "Self Portrait - Plein Air Energies.” And view nineteen painting images from August 2010 Gallery Showcase including “Monastery Beach View,” “River Beach View,” “Carmel Beach Dunes View,” “Lagoon Reflections,” “Coastal Splendor,” “Coastal Morning,” “Chardonnay Fall,” “Down the Coast,” “Monastery Beach,” “Elkhorn Slough,” “Lagoon,” “Fanshell Beach #2,” “Cypress Cove,” “Garden Flowers,” “Fanshell Beach View,” “Fall Chardonnay #2,” “Lions Cove,” “Carmel Beach Dunes” and “Pacific Grove View.”

Painter Jan Wagstaff exhibits works on canvas based on images of her travels. View artist’s Education, Employment, Exhibitions, Professional and Community Activities, Selected Solo and Group Exhibitions, Awards and Selected Public and Private Collections and four painting images including "Celedon Hearts," "Echo," "Rivers of Grass" and "Dreaming in Color." And view nine painting images from “SEASONS” (April 8 – May 4, 2010) including “Turning,” “Between Seasons,” “Seasons,” “Molera,” “Fifth Position,” “Guadalupe,” “Lone Tree,” “Evening” and “Wall.”

Painter Andy Williams exhibits “Just Desserts,” still life paintings in oil with dessert as the subject.

Opening Reception - Saturday, August 7, 6:00 to 8:00 P.M.

ADDENDUM:
SPECIAL EVENT
“Block Party for the Arts”
A Cultural Gathering

WHAT: A gala block party to celebrate the arts and local cultural organizations; many activities including music, dance, theater, art demonstrations.

WHEN: Saturday, August 21, 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

WHERE: Dolores Street between 5th Av. & 6th Av.

HOW: Made possible by a grant from the Arts Council for Monterey County.