October 28 - November 3, 2011
| Dear Readers, One of Carmel's most famous hotels is closing Monday as new owners take over and undertake what they say is a badly needed interior renovation. But the fact that all the employees are losing their jobs in the process isn't sitting well with some community leaders. I have that story. Speaking of community leaders, Mayor Sue McCloud says she won't seek a seventh term in April, even as Jason Burnett announced he'll run for mayor. I have that one, too. Former Carmel doctor Carl Bergstrom's sodomy conviction was overturned by an appeals court Monday because of a minor violation of his Constitutional rights. But prosecutors say they'll correct the violation and try to convict him again. It's my story as well. (What can I do? Mary Schley's on vacation.) The traditional way of managing the Carmel River Lagoon is finished, county officials say. Not only will breaching the sandbar require federal approval, a controversial barrier will be erected around the lagoon to prevent flooding. Chris Counts has that one. A water forum in Monterey Wednesday night produced a nugget of breaking news: The attorney for the local water district says state officials may back off from a strict deadline for water cutbacks. The family of a rich elderly woman is suing her gardener for allegedly ripping off her estate. A Carmel Valley man has been convicted of raping an acquaintance and making her pregnant. A renowned local photographer has a new show of his breathtaking images from Africa. My editorial takes note of a very important milestone in Carmel's political history. And if you want to know what important national distinction another local newspaper earned (though not exactly one we would aspire to), be sure to check out my hot Internet links. To get this week's complete Pine Cone, please click here. If you have an informed opinion about one of our stories and would like to submit a letter to the editor, please click here. To comment on our Facebook page, click here. Of course, you can also contact me personally if you have questions, comments or concerns about this week's paper. Paul Miller, Publisher |