Ed Mitchell For Supervisor-In the News

Water rates likely to double for Cal Am customers, executive says Regional project agreement in place

Julie Engell: Water plan - Rob Peter, pay Paul
By JULIE ENGELL
Guest commentary
Posted: 04/10/2010 01:29:13 AM PDT
Updated: 04/13/2010 10:50:44 AM PDT

The Peninsula's solution to its water shortage — the ballyhooed desalination project which relies on desalting brackish water from the Salinas Basin — will worsen North Monterey County's water supply problems.

To understand why, you have to understand a little bit about North County's hydrogeology. North County's interconnected aquifers are considered subareas of the Salinas and Pajaro basins. They lie uphill from those basins and flow into them.

At one time, there was enough fresh water flowing through these aquifers to keep seawater at bay and to provide well water for agriculture and other uses. But even after water was no longer plentiful, North County development was allowed to rely on individual and mutual wells instead of relying on centralized water systems. The result is that water distribution systems are almost non-existent in North County. And because North County's aquifers drain into the Pajaro and Salinas basins, increasing water demand in those basins further depleted North County's water supplies.

In 1995, the same year Cal Am was ordered to reduce pumping along the Carmel River, Monterey County finished a comprehensive study of North County's water problems. It found that twice as much water was being pumped than was being replenished. It found that if water use continued at 1992 levels, North County's aquifers had a sustainable supply for five years. But since water use increased, North County ran out of sustainable water sometime before 1999.

Since then, North County has been mining water. Water levels have continued to drop while nitrate and arsenic contamination has intensified. Four years ago, wells failed in the highest elevation subarea, Granite Ridge, leaving several households without water. They have been trucking water in at great expense ever since.

Despite receiving the study's recommendations in 1996, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors has continued approving subdivisions in North County.

Enter the State Water Resources Control Board, which threatened in 1996 to adjudicate the Salinas Basin unless Monterey County halted seawater intrusion by finding another water supply or by reducing demand. In response, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency developed the Salinas Valley Water Project. The project goals were to increase storage at the Nacimiento and San Antonio dams, build an inflatable dam impounding about 9,700 acre-feet per year and to mix the impounded water with recycled water and deliver it to Castroville-area farmers. In turn, those farmers would have to pump less groundwater near the coast. The theory is that it will put more fresh water into the aquifer system. However, for this to benefit North County residents, enough additional fresh water would have to travel through the aquifer system to force water uphill into North County's aquifers.

A committee composed mostly of Salinas Valley agricultural and development interests proposed the fee structure for the Salinas Valley project. They divided the project area into zones of benefit with different rate structures. The most costly element, the rubber dam, is primarily paid for by North County even though only Castroville-area farmers will receive water directly. The project included no distribution system for the rest of North County.

The project was approved in a weighted vote. Large landowners with more votes than small landowners approved a project for which smaller landowners would pay the largest share and risk receiving the least benefit.

The rubber dam is not yet operational, but that didn't stop county officials from advocating further subdivision in North County, including the massive Rancho San Juan development. Approvals were based on the assumption of additional water supplies from the Salinas Valley Water Project. Meanwhile, Granite Ridge wells began running dry.

The proposed desalination plant, known as the Regional Plan, would address the Peninsula's water shortage by pumping water from the Salinas Basin. The plan, engineered in part by the Monterey County Water Resources Agency and advocated by North County Supervisor Lou Calcagno, would produce about 10,000 acre-feet of desalted water for Marina and the Peninsula by annually desalinating between 20,000 and 25,000 acre-feet of brackish water from the Salinas Basin.

To put this into perspective, total water demand in North County is about 23,000 acre-feet per year. The Regional Plan proposes to increase pumping from the Salinas Basin by as much as North County's entire annual water demand.

This impact was not analyzed in the Regional Plan's environmental impact report, produced by RMC Planning. Groundwater impacts were based on wells outside the North County aquifers. Curtis Weeks, general manager of the county Water Resources Agency, asserts that this is OK because, given adequate funds, the agency will monitor the potential impacts. Supervisor Calcagno isn't worried either. He says he plans to build water distribution systems to move water uphill.

Already, parts of Granite Ridge have run dry. At least 6,000 more North County households are at risk when the pumping starts, but there are no plans to distribute water to them if the Regional Project sucks their wells dry.

Any fix will be expensive. Unless offset by state grants, the proposed Granite Ridge project to deliver water to 1,200 households is estimated to cost at least $27 million, about $23,000 per household. The consultant the county hired to complete the EIR on the Granite Ridge project is RMC, the same consultant that failed to analyze the impacts on North County while reviewing the Regional Plan.

Before the Public Utilities Commission makes its final choice on a desalination facility for the Peninsula, North County residents need to voice their concerns. Please e-mail the PUC at public advisor@cpuc.ca.gov, or fax your comments to 415-703-2057.

Water rates likely to double for Cal Am customers, executive says Regional project agreement in place
By DANIEL LOPEZ Herald Staff Writer
Posted: 03/31/2010 01:29:45 AM PDT
Updated: 03/31/2010 08:36:14 AM PDT

With or without a proposed regional seawater desalination facility, rates for California American Water customers on the Peninsula will likely double in the next few years, a company executive said Tuesday. Cal Am President Rob MacLean admitted it would cost more to provide water if a regional water project is built. But he said the cost would be even greater if a replacement source to the Carmel River is not developed, and the regional desalination facility is the most inexpensive alternative.

"The rates will go up," MacLean said after a Tuesday news conference in Monterey.
Cal Am, Marina Coast Water District, the county Water Resources Agency and Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency announced that after months of private negotiations, agreements to build the so-called regional project have been reached. The agreements will go to the county Board of Supervisors and the board of directors of each agency for approval next week.

The Division of Ratepayer Advocates of the state Public Utilities Commission said terms of the agreements are flawed because, among other issues, there are no cost controls and a lack of accountability to Cal Am ratepayers. "It just needs more work to be a fair agreement," said Diana Brooks, a supervisor in the Ratepayer Advocates' water branch.
Proponents of the project say there are checks and balances built into the proposal and the projected costs are reasonable.

Desalination plant
The project consists primarily of a desalination plant to be located north of Marina. The plant would produce 10,000 acre-feet of drinking water annually. An acre-foot is enough to provide four average Peninsula homes water for a year.
The Marina Coast Water District will own the plant, and through a purchase agreement, Cal Am will pay about $4,000 per acre-foot for water, said Jim Heitzman, the district's general manager. to move the water into its Peninsula system for distribution, Cal Am will have to build a 10-mile-long pipeline.

The feedwater for the plant will come from wells owned and operated by the county's Water Resources Agency. General Manager Curtis Weeks said that traditional vertical wells and slant wells will be drilled to test which method will draw the "saltiest water." The tests are designed to determine the ratio of saltwater to freshwater available. The freshwater would remain in the Marina Coast Water District's service area.
Brine produced by the desalination process would be disposed of through an existing outfall at the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency's treatment plant.
The project is expected to cost between $280 million and $390 million and could be finished in 2014. But Brooks said the cost could be closer to $450 million when interest on loans is added. It's usually expensive," she said.

Burden on customers
Cal Am's customers will cover most of the expense through increased rates.
MacLean estimated the average residential customer could expect to pay $80 per month for delivery of desalinated water, about double the current charge.

Rates would likely increase even more in the next few years if the desalination plant is not constructed, he said. The state Water Resources Control Board has ordered Cal Am to progressively reduce its pumping on the Carmel River, its primary source, by 2016 to comply with its legal pumping limit.

MacLean said Cal Am would have to pay hefty fines if customer demand pushed pumping on the river above the state's limit, and the company would likely request a rate increase to force conservation. He said the rates would probably be more expensive than the cost of desalinated water. "There really is no other choice. This is the lowest in cost of the alternatives," MacLean said.

The regional project was one of three proposals evaluated as part of the process for Cal Am to build a replacement source to the river. The alternatives, which were studied in an environmental impact report, were a desalination plant in Moss Landing and a desalination plant in North Marina. In both options, Cal Am would have been the sole owner of the facilities.
Weeks said the public agencies plan to seek a bond to help pay for the project.

Loan agreement in place
The county Board of Supervisors in February approved a loan agreement allowing the Water Resources Agency and the Marina Coast Water District to borrow up to $4.3 million from Cal Am to help pay for project approval and development costs. Those include test-well design and environmental review.

If the project is approved by the Public Utilities Commission or other financing is approved, the loan would have to be repaid with interest. If the project is denied, Cal Am will not seek repayment, but ratepayers could have to carry the cost.

The Marina Coast Water District will contribute $22 million to the project and will have a right to some water produced at the desalination facility.

Administrative Law Judge Angela Minkin, who initiated the settlement process under which the project agreements were drafted, has requested that documents be submitted by April 7.
Brooks said the Division of Ratepayer Advocates plans to study the financial details of the proposed agreements and file a response with the PUC by April 30.

Minkin has scheduled hearings on the matter for May 10-14.
Only the parties involved in the process will participate in the hearings.
A proposed decision is expected in June, and the PUC may consider later this summer whether to issue the required approval to Cal Am.

Boys’ Night Out?
Lou Calcagno is drawing criticism for his old-school style.

It may be 2010, but Supervisor Lou Calcagno doesn’t see anything wrong with attending a private, men-only event. Calcagno invited several Salinas city councilmen to the 54th annual Paisano Feed on Feb. 9, but didn’t include any female politicians. “This is not a political dinner,” Calcagno says. “It’s a fun dinner. There are female events going on that I don’t get invited to.”

The feed landed on the same night as a City Council meeting, causing some female officials to take umbrage.

“It’s one thing to have a private gathering of friends, and a very different thing to invite politicians that are men only,” says Councilwoman Jyl Lutes. “It kind of belongs to the Middle Ages.”

Event M.C. David Armanasco says the Italian-led party is a longstanding lead-up to the Pebble Beach golf tournament, and is not intended to exclude women: “It just happens to be… mostly a stag night.” In Calcagno’s world, it’s another guys-night out.

Calcagno is old-school: He rises at 5:30am each morning to feed the 1,000 cows at his dairy, shies away from computers and does business deals on a handshake. At 73, he’s been in this county long enough to know just about everyone, including the developers looking for his vote on the dais. Local cattle ranchers, growers and realtors are throwing down cash for his reelection campaign, part of the more than $45,000 he’s raised so far toward a fourth term.

At the same time, Calcagno says he’s done more to preserve local farmland and habitat than anyone, helping found the Elkhorn Slough Foundation and Ag Land Trust. Calcagno pushed for a compromise on the county’s general plan. GPU5 will likely be adopted by the supes this year (knock on wood), and at least one enviro sees Calcagno as a solid third vote in the eternal struggle.

Ed Mitchell, his challenger in the June election, is in many ways Calcagno’s antithesis. He relies on records rather than memory to make his points. From his desktop, he pulls up letters he’s written to supes and rolls out a subdivision map of Carlsen Estates, which encroaches upon his Prunedale horse ranch. The development threw Mitchell and his wife Jan into the county political ring and led them to start the Prunedale Neighbors Group. Now, with $20,000 in personal loans and contributions from retired residents, Mitchell hopes to represent District 2.

Mitchell says Calcagno has crossed the conflict-of-interest line by voting on a North County subdivision back in 2000. Calcagno used to own what became the Terra Linda subdivision, yet he voted for the nearby Grey Eagle development, which had the same water provider, ALCO. Calcagno paid for a legal opinion, which says he had no economic interest in Grey Eagle and didn’t violate any rules.

Mitchell also claims Calcagno was late to the party on getting water to Granite Ridge residents and wants faster action by the county. Calcagno, who just met with residents in the Oak Ridge and Via Del Sol neighborhoods on Feb. 8, says the neighbors will soon be able to hook up to the Aromas Water District and could have water within two years.

Do you notice how government ignores serious issues for decades, but shifts gears during an election year?

A classic example is the county supervisors' approved "Band-Aid water study" for those Granite Ridge residents who have suffered without potable water for more than four years. There is no funding yet for this study, but government concern for the needy looks good during an election year.

In March 2008, I and a hundred others heard Supervisor Lou Calcagno say the county was not approving subdivisions, only allowing building on legal lots of record.

During those dry four-plus years the supervisors approved new subdivisions while not addressing the overdraft crisis. Common sense dictates any new water source should first benefit existing homeowners before new development. Clearly, Calcagno was not doing his job.

District 2 voters thank Supervisor Jane Parker for voting no on the study because of concerns about the contractor, recognizing that few will have confidence in this study.

Meanwhile, enjoy the rain we are having. It is our only source of water renewal in Monterey County.

A campaign to stop the state from taking or borrowing local tax revenues signed up some of its first volunteers Thursday on the steps of Salinas City Hall.

Dennis Donohue and Victor Gomez, mayors of Salinas and Hollister, respectively, joined about 25 officials from Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties, pledging their time to a signature-gathering drive aimed at putting a measure on the November statewide ballot.

They then signed the petition, which aims to keep legislators' hands off local gas tax, property tax and redevelopment revenues.

The campaign, Californians to Protect Local Taxpayers and Vital Services, held similar volunteer rallies statewide this week. The group needs 700,000 voter signatures to get the Local Taxpayer, Public Safety and Transportation Protection Act on the ballot.

Salinas loses about $4 million annually to state takes and loans, according to city budget documents. Monterey County, its cities and special districts have no choice, Sessums said, but to loan the state $19.7 million in property tax income. The monies are used to balance California's budget.

Below:, Ed signs the League of California Cities petition for a constitutional amendment that would prohibit the state from taking local funds — and require it to pay back money it has already taken. Keeping local cities and counties funding from being appropriated by the State is part of Ed's platform. Click here

Incumbent Monterey County Supervisor Lou Calcagno sent me a letter announcing his candidacy for re-election to a fourth term. No candidate deserves a fourth term. Supervisors should have a two-term limit.

His letter accused the state Legislature for our budget problems. Because county government functions on crisis management, they chose to ignore what was obvious to taxpayers. The housing bubble had to burst; why weren't supervisors prepared?

After the fact, this incumbent pledges to appoint a blue-ribbon committee to devise a plan for economic recovery. Will this committee be the usual group, or will they represent those who have no homes, jobs or incomes, those who understand this economic mess?

Another incumbent pledge was "finding viable solutions to our water problems." Seems he's had 12 years to do that. Sadly, the regional plan he endorsed to the PUC didn't include water for north county residents without water for more than four years.

I'm anxious for a qualified choice for change on the June ballot. I'm supporting Ed Mitchell for supervisor.

Supervisor Lou Calcagno sent me a letter announcing his candidacy for a fourth term. I don't feel anyone deserves four terms. Supervisors need term limits. Once they become complacent, they quickly ignore who pays their salary, as is well documented by their voting record.
Calcagno's letter pointed an accusing finger at the state Legislature for our budget problems. The state didn't cause this mess by itself. Time after time, this county clearly functions by crisis management, choosing to ignore what seems obvious to taxpayers.

Who didn't recognize that the housing bubble was ready to burst? Now, after the fact, this career politician pledges to appoint a blue ribbon committee to advise a plan for economic recovery. If this is a solution, what have we been waiting for?
Another pledge was "finding viable solutions to our water problems." He's had 12 years to do that. Sadly, the regional plan he proposed to the Public Utilities Commission didn't include water for those North County folks who've been without for 4? years.
I'm sickened by paper promises. I'm anxious for a qualified choice for change in June. I'm supporting Ed Mitchell for supervisor, District 2.

Prunedale community groups monitored the county's missing fire suppression water tank debacle for years. We are grateful for the persistence of Ed Mitchell because the county felt perfectly satisfied to sweep this egregious matter under their "hide in shame" rug. Copies of the county's records were provided to the county, so officials wouldn't need to do lengthy research. Yet, they still failed to take appropriate action.

Stating that the county has been "feverishly working to resolve the matter" is untrue. Pajaro Sunny Mesa has confirmed they hadn't heard from the county about this proposed tank project in more than six months. Supervisor Lou Calcagno's comment that it's an issue between county code enforcement and the developer passes the buck. He advised his constituency at a forum that this was a complex matter which may need to be settled in court.

The county red-tag violation was imposed over 10 years ago. The Mitchells have repeatedly testified to the board about that fact since March 2008. When the county didn't hold the developer accountable (yet wanted to build his tank for him) the Mitchells objected.

Demanding that safety ordinances be enforced is not complaining. But Adela Martin's recent letter called Ed Mitchell's relentless willingness to stand up for his neighbors as complaining.

For years I witnessed Mitchell report to the Prunedale Preservation Alliance what he discovered and provided to various fire and county agencies. I watched him work with homeowner associations and other concerned citizens to get the missing fire protection tanks. I watched him push for enforcement of county safety ordinances. Plus, every agency he went to confirmed the public records he provided proved a serious fire code violation existed. But only after Ed went to the state Attorney General's Office did the county provide money for building the mandatory fire protection.

Ed Mitchell, the engineer, is meticulous in his pursuit of solutions. We need new people on the Board of Supervisors who have the integrity to actually represent our neighborhood issues. Ed Mitchell is the right choice for Monterey County. That's why I'm voting for him.

A link to the full online article (please report if this link expires)-Click Here

Ed Mitchell, a West Point graduate, served 25 years as an Army officer. Supervisor Lou Calcagno lacks military credit.

Mitchell worked at the forefront for responsible growth on the Rancho San Juan threat, but Calcagno couldn't even simply vote no, even as Prunedale folks continued experiencing water overdraft and deficient infrastructure to handle 70,000 additional cars per day. Seems ridiculous that voters had to secure two referenda and an initiative just to force a common-sense decision.

Mitchell was instrumental in the defeat of two bad taxes, TAMC's Measure A and ditto for Measure Z. Both were blank checks. Calcagno supported both.

Calcagno had 11 years to call for emergency action on the missing Prunedale water tanks but didn't. Only when Mitchell exhausted all local administrative remedies and took his appeal to Sacramento did this board take "emergency action."

These are just a few differences further substantiated by Calcagno's voting record. This June I'm voting for Mitchell.
M. Pruett
Prunedale

A link to the full online article (please report if this link expires)-Click Here

Our holidays will be lean this year. Foolishly, we've allowed government representatives to look out for public needs. Instead of doing their job, they have thrown us into impossible situations. It's time someone took a stand.

I'm thrilled to have a ballot choice for District 2 supervisor in June. We need someone acting for the public benefit, not personal gain. Our elected supervisor is supposed to listen, and then act for public needs. Is this happening? No, our water quality and quantity are in perilous difficulty; and everywhere illegal housing fills with excessive numbers. Community crimes and code enforcement violations are repeatedly ignored.

Thankfully, candidate Ed Mitchell not only understands, but listens. He's demonstrated his dedication to our communities. He's qualified to get local government back on track. We don't need someone sitting behind a big oak desk repeating stale promises. Mitchell has no problem pulling on his boots and walking in the muck to straighten things out.

A link to the full online article (please report if this link expires)-Click Here

Monterey County to consider subsidizing water deliveries for some
Some Granite Ridge families can no longer get water from wells

Monterey County may chip in to cover some of the water-hauling costs of Granite Ridge families whose wells have run dry.

An estimated 14 families in the north county community of Prunedale have been without regular water for their homes for as along as four and a half years.

But the move to help residents by spending $30,000 for a six-month pilot project isn't as straightforward as it might seem.

Ed Mitchell, a Prunedale resident vying to unseat Supervisor Lou Calcagno, has made water in the north county part of his campaign. And at least one resident called the program "too little, too late" to help Granite Ridge families like hers.

Calcagno said he's worked hard to provide a long-term solution to north county water problems. The subsidy, a patch designed to help families in the short term, took months to create, he said.
Supervisors will consider the proposal at their Tuesday meeting.

Water Woes
It's unclear how many families are without water. Many hesitate to come forward due to concerns about losing property value, fire insurance or mortgages, said Richard Le Warne, of the county's environmental health department...

...While Mitchell agrees that families need help now, he wondered why it was so long in coming.
"If we had farmers without irrigation water, would it take years to fix that?" Mitchell asked. He blames 20 years worth of growth-inducing policies for the lack of water today.

A link to the full online article (please report if this link expires)-Click here

Adela Martin's Nov. 18 letter concerning supervisorial candidate Ed Mitchell's accomplishments involving the missing and deficient fire suppression water tank debacle in Prunedale needs to be corrected. The following are substantiated facts from documented county records.

In September 2007, after Mitchell supplied documentation to the North County Fire Protection District, the code enforcement marshal issued a fire code violation to the board for the missing fire-suppression tanks. On March 11, 2008, Mitchell testified at the board regarding the missing tanks, and requested this matter be scheduled for public review. For over two years, the board chairman refused to bring this situation before the public despite repeated requests by homeowner associations, community groups, and Mitchell.

On Nov. 5, Mitchell directed this matter to Sacramento. Big surprise, the board then addressed this threat as "emergency action." If the county had not dragged its feet for 11 years, the developer possibly could still be held accountable. Now, that's doubtful. As usual, we taxpayers are now expected to pay the bill.
Leora Washington

In September, The Herald published an article: "Can't buy happiness or public office." It explained how rich candidates learn money is no miracle in California elections. Yet large donations have had great influence on numerous government elections because money can buy the perception of truth.

When folks don't investigate incumbents' voting records, or new candidates' qualifications, everyone pays the price. This is especially true in county government, where all five district representatives vote on matters in all five districts. When folks fail to vote, we all lose, because campaigns are won by votes, not money. Such has been the case for the past 12 years, especially in North County, District 2.

Because time is limited, taxpayers often rely on paid media to help decide. Paid advertising is just that, paid and biased. In the past, voters have been smart to follow the money trail, while others failed to vote. In June voters will again decide at the polls. Every vote counts! We deserve something better than "politics as usual." We need Ed Mitchell for supervisor. Like you and I, he is frustrated with lack of representation for public benefit. We deserve responsible government.

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors today approved creating an advisory panel that will develop an ordinance dealing with big box stores.

...Supervisor Lou Calcagno sat out the 4-0 vote, because his dairy contracts with big box retailer Wal-Mart.

A link to the full online article (please report if this link expires)-Click Here

Pat on the back not earned

With the June ballot nearing, campaign rhetoric begins. Supervisor Lou Calcagno sent me a letter patting himself on the back for his many accomplishments during his 12-year term. He wants another four years.

He wrote, "My ability to work with both the pro-development and pro-environmental communities allowed me to ultimately negotiate a compromise general plan update."

Our general plan has not been finalized. The final environmental document isn't even ready for public review. From what I understand, a new general plan is far, far from decided because too many flaws remain to be feasible.

Twelve years later, water overdraft is critical, traffic gridlock is worse and with our economic crisis, to which the county administration contributed, even public services are fading. To claim we've had leadership, I don't agree.

Four more years? Impossible. Voters deserve someone with vision, one who empathizes with public pain. We need new talent, fresh ideas, management skills. We need Ed Mitchell.

Prunedale Scores A Fire Safety Victory
I want to commend the coalition of Prunedale homeowner associations, community groups, and residents that fought for years to get the missing fire suppression water capacity needed to protect their families and neighbors. Mandatory state safety protection for our neighborhoods would not have been gained without their relentless, public pressure: face-to-face with the Board of Supervisors, in the newspapers, and on TV.

When discovered, the people named below, did not allow an eleven-year-old major code violation to remain ignored by the County.

This week, an additional fire suppression tank was funded to be built (110,000 gallons).

I encourage residents in the Pesante, Berta, and Vierra Canyon area to shake the hands and thank the following people for their efforts: Jim Connors - Grey Eagle Homeowners Association, Roger Williams and Sharan Joyce – Manzanita Homeowners Association, Bill Theyskens, Bernie Tacheny, Doug Kasunich and Jack O’Brien – Prunedale Neighbors Group.

As spokesmen for this group, I had the honor of working with men and women with the determination and integrity to do the right thing, not just for themselves, but also for all families living in the box canyons stretching from Highway 101 to Crazy Horse Canyon Road.

Ed Mitchell, Prunedale

Prunedale neighborhood to get firefighting water tanks, years late
Supervisors OK funds for fire suppression in lieu of developer
BY LESLIE GRIFFY • LGRIFFY@THECALIFORNIAN.COM

After years of political wrangling, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to pay for a new water tank in a north county community after the developer failed to provide required fire suppression.

Board hopeful Ed Mitchell, running against Supervisor Lou Calcagno for the District 2 seat, has made the lack of firefighting power in the Prunedale community a cornerstone of his campaign. Tuesday's move, approved on a unanimous vote, allows the county to spend $208,000 for an 110,000-gallon water tank for fire suppression in the canyon community. The Pajaro/Sunny Mesa Community Services District will build the tank.

The tank is needed, officials said, because the builder of the Gray Eagle subdivision did not provide a functioning water supply for firefighters. The subdivision was constructed in the late 1990s.

Prunedale resident files complaint over water tanks
Mitchell demands Supervisor Calcagno recuse himself, alleging conflict of interest
By JIM JOHNSON
Herald Salinas Bureau

After years of agitating at the county level to get a pair of North County water tanks intended for fire suppression completed, Prunedale resident and supervisorial candidate Ed Mitchell has taken his fight to Sacramento. He is demanding Supervisor Lou Calcagno recuse himself from the matter because of "the appearance of a conflict of interest."

At a news conference in front of the Monterey County Government Center on Tuesday, Mitchell announced he had filed complaints last week with the offices of the state attorney general and the state fire marshal, alleging county officials "failed to enforce mandatory state fire protection laws." Mitchell, who is challenging Calcagno to represent the county's 2nd District, said he got tired of what he called a lack of progress on the issue which has been ongoing for about a decade.

At issue are two 50,000-gallon water tanks in the Berta Canyon area originally intended as a backup fire protection and water storage system for the Grey Eagle subdivision. While a pair of tanks were built on a nearby site by now-defunct Alco water purveyor, they were left incomplete after the county red-tagged them years ago because of the absence of proper permits.

Lack of Reserves?
Mitchell complains to state about lack of Prunedale water reserves
By Zachary Stahl

Supervisor candidate Ed Mitchell will hold a news conference this afternoon, alleging that the Monterey County Board of Supervisors "have failed to enforce mandatory, fire protection State laws and that he has submitted a formal complaint with the State Attorney General’s Office and the Office of the State Fire Marshall."

Mitchell claims that the Pesante-Berta Canyon area of Prunedale has a 45 percent deficiency in water capacity for fire suppression. Mitchell has a list of actions he is planning to take "if the County does not immediately take action to correct the long-standing safety problem."

Mitchell, a North County resident, is challenging longtime Supervisor Lou Calcagno in 2010.

A link to the full online article (please report if this link expires)-Click Here

Supervisor hopeful Ed Mitchell of Prunedale said Tuesday he complained to the state's highest law enforcement office that Monterey County is failing to enforce fire prevention laws for north county developments. ...

Mitchell, who is running for Supervisor Lou Calcagno's north county seat on the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, said he believes the attorney general will investigate the allegations that the county let a developer leave a 400-family housing project without the water it needs to fight fires.

A link to the full online article (please report if this link expires)-Click Here

Mitchell for County Supervisor

How should we judge our political candidates? I educated myself before casting my vote. Elections have been won by a handful of votes. Taking someone else's recommendation is unwise.

I expect elected officials to represent my needs and contribute to the betterment of my district. That is priority No. 1. Call me optimistic, but I expect common-sense decisions for all five districts. I'm suspicious of a candidate who says what I want to hear, then votes the opposite. Incumbents can't run from their voting record, so if I don't like that record, they don't get my vote.

Ed Mitchell is running for the District 2 seat on the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. He is a retired U.S. Army officer, a West Point grad and a RAND fellow (Santa Monica think tank). Golly, finally someone qualified in high technology to tackle today's challenges.
Ed says he has always been responsive to the issues of our district. Judge for yourself.

I don't know about you, but I'm disgusted with politicians' promises, and disappointed with poor government decision-making. What a mess we're in.

However, since I learned we have a ballot choice for Monterey County District 2 supervisor, I'm encouraged. Prunedale resident Ed Mitchell is on the ballot. It takes courage to oppose incumbents. Mitchell promotes fair and open government. That appeals to me. I'm anxious to see candidates who might restore public trust. His military training and education speak volumes for this veteran, a decorated officer and credit to his country. We need new, fresh ideas.

His career in government program management, high technology and analysis is what's required for today's ever-changing world. He's a successful businessman, ranch owner and community volunteer. His dedication to local involvement is commendable. Seems Mitchell has all the right stuff. I'm supporting his campaign.

Ed Mitchell Interviewed on KRXA Radio
Hal Ginsburg General Manager and owner of KRXA interviewed Ed Mitchell about his run for the District 2 Supervisor's seat. The show received a number of call in questions about the districts woes in regards to over development, water overdraft and gang problems. We'll post it here if the show's scheduled to be replayed or becomes available as a podcast.
Link to station

8/27/2009
Calcagno’s Challenger…
North Monterey County land use activist Ed Mitchell this week announced his candidacy for District 2 supervisor. Mitchell and his wife Jan have fought developments like Rancho San Juan and founded the Prunedale Neighbors Group. He’ll challenge longtime supervisor Lou Calcagno in 2010. “Unfortunately, our current representative has been on the wrong side of too many issues,” Mitchell said. “Instead of working with residents and the community interests, our current supervisor has fought the will of the people, through two initiatives and one referendum.” Link to story

8/25/2009
CALCAGNO'S CHALLENGER
Ed Mitchell announces bid for supervisor
By Zachary Stahl

Ed Mitchell, a north Monterey County land use activist, today announced his candidacy for District 2 supervisor. Mitchell will challenge longtime supervisor Lou Calcagno in 2010.

“For the last decade my wife Jan and I have worked to bring open, fair government to North County," Mitchell said in a prepared statement. "We have been on the front lines pushing for required fire protection in our neighborhood. We’ve also fought projects like Rancho San Juan which would have been a gross exploitation of our community by potentially damaging our wells and aquifers, by creating traffic congestion, and pollution, while failing to provide needed infrastructure upgrades for roads, schools, fire, and police services." Link to story

PRUNEDALE, Calif. - Prunedale resident Ed Mitchell revealed Sunday he's looking to unseat Monterey County Supervisor Lou Calcagno in 2010.

In a statement released Sunday, Mitchell said he'll announce his candidacy for the 2nd District seat at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday. Mitchell wrote he opposed the Rancho San Juan development and fought for more firefighters in North Monterey County, adding that Calcagno "has been on the wrong side of too many issues."

The 2nd District spans North Monterey County from Moss Landing to Prunedale. Calcagno's current term ends in January 2011.

PRUNEDALE, Calif. - Prunedale resident Ed Mitchell revealed Sunday he's looking to unseat Monterey County Supervisor Lou Calcagno in 2010.
In a statement released Sunday, Mitchell said he'll announce his candidacy for the 2nd District seat at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday. Mitchell wrote he opposed the Rancho San Juan development and fought for more firefighters in North Monterey County, adding that Calcagno "has been on the wrong side of too many issues."
The 2nd District spans North Monterey County from Moss Landing to Prunedale. Calcagno's current term ends in January 2011.

Mitchell announces run against Calcagno for N. Monterey County seat

Prunedale resident Ed Mitchell has thrown his hat into the ring for Supervisor Lou Calcagno’s seat on the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.

In June, Calcagno announced he’d run for a fourth term. The position is on the November 2010 ballot.

Mitchell’s supporters pointed to his work on water, fire suppression and development issues as proof of his dedication to the second district in north Monterey County.

As a member of the Prunedale Neighbors Group, Mitchell worked with other north county residents to stop a 2,500-acre development called Rancho San Juan, which was later modified into a much smaller compromise plan. Calcagno voted against the initial Rancho San Juan proposal, but supported smaller versions.

“(Mitchell) understands much of what is going on in our neighborhoods,” said Annemarie Tresch, reading a statement from Salinas City Councilwoman Jyl Lutes.
Lutes ran and lost against Calcagno in 2006.

Mitchell is a 19-year resident of Prunedale. He worked in the aerospace industry and served in the Army.
Link to full story

Mitchell to face incumbent Calcagno for north Monterey County seat

BY LESLIE GRIFFY AUGUST 26, 2009

Prunedale resident Ed Mitchell has entered the race for Supervisor Lou Calcagno's seat on the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.

In June, Calcagno announced he'd run for a fourth term. The position is on the November 2010 ballot. Mitchell's supporters pointed to his work on water, fire suppression and development issues as proof of his dedication to the second district, which serves north Monterey County. "[Mitchell] understands much of what is going on in our neighborhoods," said Annemarie Tresch, reading a statement from Salinas City Councilwoman Jyl Lutes. Lutes ran against Calcagno and lost in 2006.
Mitchell's Background

Mitchell is a 19-year resident of Prunedale. He worked in the aerospace industry and served in the U.S. Army. As a member of the Prunedale Neighbors Group, Mitchell worked with other north county residents to stop a 2,500-acre development called Rancho San Juan, which was later modified into a much smaller compromise plan... Full Article Here

North Monterey County resident Ed Mitchell will officially announce his candidacy for the Board of Supervisors at a press conference at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Salinas. Mitchell will announce his bid for the board's District 2 seat outside the chambers of the county Government Center. The seat is now held by incumbent Lou Calcagno.

According to a news release, Mitchell said Calcagno has been on the wrong side of too many issues. "Instead of working with residents and the community interests, our current supervisor has fought the will of the people, through two initiatives and one referendum," Mitchell said.

For the past 20 years, Mitchell has worked as a consultant, systems engineer and program manager in the private sector at high-tech companies. He is a graduate of the West Point Military Academy and has a master's degree in management from the Monterey Naval Post Graduate School.

Local election briefs: Mitchell to challenge Calcagno for 2nd District seat
Posted: 08/24/2009

The Monterey County Herald
North County resident Ed Mitchell will formally announce his candidacy Tuesday for the 2nd District seat on the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.
Mitchell, an Army veteran and longtime activist on North County land-use issues, will take on incumbent Supervisor Lou Calcagno in the 2010 election.

Mitchell is holding an event at 11a.m. in the Monterey County Government Center, 168 W. Alisal St., to kick off his campaign. Mitchell has criticized Calcagno as having been "on the wrong side of too many issues."

Mitchell and his wife, Jan, live in Prunedale on property they call "Ranch Forgotten." Jan Mitchell is active, too, in county issues. She speaks as a member of the public during most weekly supervisor meetings. Mitchell said supporters scheduled to attend Tuesday include Salinas City Councilwoman Jyl Lutes and Bill Theyskens, chairman of the Prunedale Preservation Alliance.

Calcagno won his third term in 2006 by defeating Lutes in the 2nd District, which takes in North County and parts of north Salinas.

Background Story Rancho San Juan Agrees to
mitigating changes

Monterey County, developer and opponents reach agreement on controversial subdivision.
By Jessica Lyons

After 20 years of legal battles and ballot-box fighting, county officials, land-use watchdogs and developer Moe Nobari have reached an agreement about the planned Butterfly Village subdivision. As part of a settlement, announced Tuesday, April 8, the county will pay Nobari $1 million and reduce his building permit fees. In return, Nobari, of HYH Corp., has pledged to build a “new urbanist” project with affordable housing and public parklands instead of a golf-and-residential subdivision between Salinas and Prunedale. Link to story

First Ammendment Coalition
Salinas desalination decision made at hastily called ‘special meeting’
June 3, 2009 by admin

Filed under 1st Amendment News
Link to site

A North County community activist says that a decision by mayors, county supervisors and water district reps about desalination was made at a hastily called meeting and did not take adequate notice of crucial issues including potential salt water intrusion and impact on wells. -DB
Monterey Herald

Guest commentary
By Ed Mitchell- North County community activists [...]