Dear Readers,

Could something that's taken more than 20 years be happening too quickly? If you're a water activist it could, because that's what several of them told the California Public Utilities Commission this week when it met to consider a permit for our desal plant -- a plant necessitated by a water cutback order issued in 1995. Kelly Nix reports.

Meanwhile, a Cal Am takeover initiative proposed by the same activists has been challenged in court. Kelly Nix has that one, too.

A 1940s home near the beach was approved for demolition this week by the historic resources board. But they weren't happy about it. Mary Schley has the details.

Candidates for mayor and city council have filed their financial disclosure forms, and there are some very interesting surprises in there. The affordable housing project in Pebble Beach is in its final stages of construction. The search is on for a man who stabbed two others at a hotel last weekend -- but the victims and their families aren't cooperating. A driver who evaded police in a high-speed chase on Highway 1 was nabbed the very next day while he was asleep. A businessman who defrauded several elderly clients has been convicted of two felonies. The new owner of the famous Rec Trail caboose has finally received a permit to turn it into a memorabilia shop. An important Big Sur shuttle will not stop rolling, despite the death of its owner. The new CEO at Laguna Seca says he is looking forward to the challenges of running the famous racetrack. Concours Week is in full swing, and we have another amazing special section for you, including a close look at some of the wonderful cars on display and the amazing characters behind them, plus a complete calendar of all the upcoming events. And my editorial says that last week's suspicions have been confirmed: The water activists don't just want cheaper water, they want less water.

As always, I invite you to send me any questions, comments or concerns about our newspaper, and to contact me if you need help making the most of it on your computer, smartphone or tablet.