CARMEL VALLEY VOTE S.S.

COMMISSIONERS (WITH MONTEREY COUNTY?S LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION) VOTED YESTERDAY TO REQUIRE AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES STUDY, REGARDING THE POSSIBLE INCORPORATION OF THE CARMEL VALLEY. THE 6-TO-2 VOTE MEANS THAT A REVIEW OF THE POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF FORMING A CITY (IN THE MOSTLY RURAL VALLEY), WOULD HAVE TO BE PAID FOR BY PROPONENTS OF THE PLAN TO MAKE CARMEL VALLEY INTO A CITY. COMMISSIONER ANNA CABALLERO (WHO IS ALSO THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SALINAS) SAID THERE IS A LOT MORE TO ESTABLISHING A CITY, THAN JUST CHANGING ITS NAME. A CITY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING CERTAIN SERVICES, SUCH AS PUBLIC FACILITIES FOR MEETINGS AND CITY BUSINESSES, MEETING AFFORDABLE HOUSING QUOTAS, AND HOLDING ELECTIONS. THE INCORPORATION ISSUE IS EXPECTED TO COME BACK BEFORE THE COMMISSION AT ITS MARCH 28TH MEETING.