A 7-million dollar restoration project is getting underway for the carmel mission basilica.  The project is designed to bring the mission into compliance with state safety codes.  The work will involve installing a steel skeleton inside the basilica’s walls.  The project is expected to be completed by next fall, in time to mark the mission’s 300^th anniversary.  The basilica retrofit is part of an overall 20-million dollar restoration project for the entire mission complex.

A couple of benefactors of local causes were honored by the community foundation for monterey county this week.  Carmel valley residents david and laurie Benjamin were given the foundation’s distinguished trustee award, to celebrate the foundation surpassing the 100-million dollar mark in grants awarded.  As part of the award, the couple was allowed to steer a 10-thousand dollar grant to the non-profit of their choice.  The benjamins elected to divide the money between the community hospital of monterey peninsula, the monterey institute of international studies, and the panetta institute for public policy.

A Tuesday fire at bayview elementary school is now being investigated as a possible case of arson.  The fire at the santa cruz school was reported at about 7 p.m.   the blaze was originally thought to have been electrical-related.  No injuries were reported in the incident.

A 30-year-old man is being sought by authorities in santa cruz, after leading California highway patrol officers on a high speed chase.   Faustino Hernandez Vasquez was identified today as the man who fled from officers on southbound highway-17 yesterday afternoon.  Vasquez exited the highway at ocean street, and fled after crashing into a ravine on north branciforte drive.  A search of the area failed to locate him.  Anyone with information about Faustino Hernandez Vasquez is encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately.