President's Message

Our industry spearheaded by the MCHA and its Government Affairs Committee has been an active member of the Coalition known as Plan For The People. As you know, we were successful in defeating Measure A on the June 5th. Ballot, a Land Use initiative that would have crippled Monterey County for the next twenty-five years.

My sincere thanks to all of our membership for the financial support, and the many volunteer hours spent in this winning effort.  Our work is not complete, but we are moving forward in the right direction.

I would also like to thank our committees and the Chairs of our Annual Dinner, and Employee Appreciation Day. Both events were a great success again this year and would not be possible with out the hard work of our membership, and the guidance of our Executive Director Bonnie Adams.

As we look forward to the second half of the year. I am reminded how blessed we are to be a part of this wonderful industry we call Hospitality

Yours Truly,
Gary Cursio
President

Government Affairs E-news
Bob McKenzie, Government Affairs Director

MCHA strongly opposed Measure A, the very restrictive general plan initiative put on the ballot by LandWatch. Measure A was decisively defeated - by a margin of 56% to 44% - and lost in four of the five supervisorial districts.

MCHA cooperated with Monterey County Farm Bureau, Grower-Shipper Association of the Central Coast, Independent Growers Association, Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, Salinas valley and Monterey Peninsula Chambers of Commerce, Center for Community Advocacy, the Building Trades Council, Monterey County Association of Realtors and many other community groups. The campaign was expensive – Measure A opponents spent close to a million dollars and Measure A supporters spent almost as much!

MCHA committed to raising approximately 10% of the campaign budget and succeeded in reaching that goal! MCHA also committed to an aggressive outreach to members of the Hospitality Industry to inform them of the danger Measure A posed to our industry – and succeeded in that effort, also.

MCHA and its members deserve high praise for rallying to this important cause!!!!!

Okay, the election is over – what’s next on the county General Plan?
The three ballot measures dealing with the county’s General Plan were all defeated. A measure to repeal the 2006 General Plan was defeated pretty soundly but so was a referendum measure asking for voter ratification of the 2006 GP. So where does that leave us?

Rather than engage in potentially long and costly litigation over whether one of the two measures asking about repeal or adoption of the 2006 GP, the Board of Supervisors opted to declare the 1982 General Plan is still in place and will be revised using the 2006 GP as a “template” for revisions. The Supervisors agreed unanimously a subcommittee of the Planning Commission will review update issues and make a recommendation to the full Planning Commission and eventually the Board of Supervisors. The Supervisors will decide soon what general plan issues are up for negotiation and what issues are not.

What this means for the Hospitality Industry is not clear yet but it does seem likely our industry’s key issues will be addressed. Our industry’s key issues include widening of Highways 156 and 68, housing policies that address our industry’s critical need for adequate housing for industry workers, and policies that allow expansion and enhancement of our industry such as the Ag Winery Corridor Plan. A strong consensus seems to exist that these issues will be adequately addressed.

As the process develops over the next few weeks, MCHA will keep you informed.

Water conservation critical again!
MCHA has taken the lead in water conservation over the years and because we are experiencing near-drought conditions it is time to renew our commitment. Please see the article by former MCHA President and Peninsula Water Board Director Michelle Knight for more on this.

Regional cab study finally coming?
The Transportation Agency for Monterey County and MCHA Board member and Government Affairs Co-chair Hunter Harvath of Monterey-Salinas Transit have taken the lead in contracting for a study of whether a regional taxi authority would make sense for the Peninsula area. MCHA and the effected local jurisdictions have committed to help TAMC and MST provide the money for the study. MCHA tried to get this underway five years ago as a way to solve problems with local cab service but couldn’t generate the necessary interest. Congrats to TAMC and Hunter Harvath and MST for getting this needed study underway!

Self-help transportation funding – can we get there?
The Transportation Agency for Monterey County has begun working on another ballot measure for November 2008 to get voter approval for a transportation self-help funding sales tax increase. A previous measure enjoyed strong voter support – 57% approved. The dilemma is that because this is a special tax dedicated to specific work it requires two thirds voter approval. TAMC is engaged in an extensive public outreach program that will help develop a definitive project list and funding proposal with strong taxpayer safeguards. MCHA actively supports and works with TAMC and others to make this effort successful.

Get involved in issues critical to business vitality and viability!!!
The Government Affairs Committee tracks issues critical to the near- and long-term viability and vitality of our businesses and our communities and works hard to assure policies and implemented at the local level are consistent with that goal. Plan to attend a Government Affairs meeting and learn how you can be involved influencing issues of vital concern to our industry and business and community interests generally.

Government Affairs meets the first Thursday of each month at 8:30 am alternating between Laguna Seca Golf Ranch in Monterey and the Beach and Tennis Club at Pebble Beach. Once in a while the meeting is rescheduled to a different Thursday to avoid conflicts, so contact Government Affairs Director Bob McKenzie (bobmck@mbay.net or 642-9809) or MCHA Executive Director Bonnie Adams (info@mcha.net or 626-8636) to be sure of the next meeting date and location (or check the MCHA website, where meeting notices and agendas are posted: http://www.mcha.net/ ).

Water, Water, Everywhere And Not A Drop To Drink
Michelle Knight, Director, Monterey Peninsula Water Management District

So, what does this mean to you??? As you may recall, the hospitality industry really stepped up to the plate and led efforts to conserve water. Many of us installed low flow fixtures and invested in new technology to limit water usage and waste. It’s time for us to make sure that we are still on that page! The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District in cooperation with CAW, has in place an “Expanded Water Conservation and Standby Rationing Plan.” We are currently in stage 1 of this plan.

At Stage 1, we are in a voluntary conservation mode. We want to remind you that if you have a food service establishment, remember to only serve water upon request. MCHA has table tents available to you to help your patrons understand if this is a problem. The District and CAW is also hoping to update the look and feel of these “table tents” to help refresh the message. This may seem like a small thing, but is also a very evident one that helps make a difference.

Watering outside landscaping is also limited to odd/even watering days at this stage. From Stage 1, the Plan rapidly proceeds to Stage 3. (I know, what happened to Stage 2? Actually, it’s just a little bit more of Stage 1.) At Stage 3, CAW initiates their conservation rates and this is where we will all see higher bills. (Yes, this time around it will impact non-residential customers.)

So, remember, be on the lookout to replace old fixtures with water-saving ones. Take advantage of the rebates available for many of these replacements. (Did you know that there are waterless urinals?) If you embark on any special programs, let the District or me know so that we can show that the Hospitality Industry is still leading the way to make a difference for everyone!

MCHA Education and Training
Betty Hutchins, Co-Chair, Portola Plaza Hotel
Bill Martin, Co-Chair, CSUMB

Scholarship Information

11th Annual MCHA Employee Appreciation Day Recap
Gerard Mattimoe and Gloria McPherson, Co-Chairs

Friendly competition between local hotels, restaurants, chambers of commerce and local hospitality providers included Bellman races, Wait Staff races, Napkin Folding, Bed Making and Bartender competitions. A big thanks to Gill Campbell and her team from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca that helped keep the events on track and to Michelle Knight, Adventures by the Sea, for running the well organized competitions! For the first time ever, local chef’s had a “heated” Chili Cook-Off competition! Attendees at the event were able to sample the delicious, unique chilis’ after the judging concluded! Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club took first place! Get your recipes ready for next year!

The whole day was MC’d by Chris Chidlaw, Chidlaw Marketing who made sure that things stayed on track.

Huge thanks to Jim Coulson of Sight-n- Sound for donating his time and keeping the beat.

The General Managers also got in the action at the BBQ, preparing their famous hamburgers and other delicacies found only at this event! Tom Glidden of La Playa Hotel made sure everyone knew where the condiments were! Mike Oprish of Bernardus Lodge, John Lloyd of Pine Inn Carmel, Bob the Printer, and many other helpers, put out an amazing amount of delicious BBQ for “Monterey County’s Finest”. Ken Lofink of SCRAMP Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca along with Marietta Bain and Carol Chorbajian managed the facilities…thank you. Gordon and Lavonne Chinn were key in the day and treated the volunteers to the first ever gourmet meal on site. Well done.

A big hug and thank you to Betty Hutchins of Portola Plaza Hotel who organized the food and equipment donations, and also to Paula Calvetti, Hyatt Regency Monterey, who assisted with the pick up of food and supplies for the event. We couldn’t have done it without you! Only Betty can be that organized!

This truly was a mammoth day of coordination and a great volunteer effort! (Thanks to all who helped, and we missed many names, though you know who you are). We appreciate all who donated great raffle prized and attractions!

Hopefully this day shows our appreciation to the hospitality staff. This great MCHA event serves to thank and to educate, the hard working hospitality workers on the Peninsula.

Congratulations again to the overall competition winner, Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, and well done to all of the teams! Congratulations to all of the competitors, who put together teams, practiced and had a really great time beating their peers.

A great effort from our General Managers, including Mark Bastis of Hyatt Regency Monterey (for donning the housekeeping outfit), and Sarah Cruse of Quail Lodge (our first place), for showing that GMs can make beds and keep us all entertained.

All of this thankfully was overseen by our Judges (provided by Gill Campbell) and scorekeepers and competition managers Francine and Jeannie (also provided by Gill). We look forward to another great competition in 2008! Huge Kudos to Michelle Knight who is busy preparing events for next year.

Please Call Gerard Mattimoe, Glastonbury Inc. Event Audio Visual Specialists at 831-583-0880 email Gerard@glastonburyinc.com, or Gloria McPherson, Resort 2 Me at 831-642-6644, if you would like to learn more about this day, the activities on the Monterey Peninsula, or volunteer for 2008!

Please thank any of the volunteers and donors when you see them and please remember our local businesses.

MCHA Employee Appreciation Day
Competition Results
June 5, 2007

Overall Competition Winner:
1st Place: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
2nd Place: Quail Lodge
3rd Place: Inn at Spanish Bay

Bell Staff:
1st Place: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
1. Brian Michels
2. George Halter

2nd Place: Inn at Spanish Bay
1. Fernando Roman
2. Mauricio Ramos

3rd Place: Bernardus Lodge
1. Kory Augustson
2. Josh Skelin

Napkin Folding:
1st Place: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa – Michelle Cardinalli
2nd Place: Inn at Spanish Bay – Sam Cano
3rd Place: Quail Lodge – Juan Jeronimo

Food & Beverage:
1st Place: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
1. Andrew Pearson
2. Javier Joachin

2nd Place: Quail Lodge
1. Emerson Tila
2. Mario Barajas

3rd Place: Portola Plaza Hotel
1. Miguel Valdez
2. Misael Flores

Bartender
1st Place: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa – Anna Vindiola
2nd Place: Quail Lodge – Rudy Quidileg
3rd Place: Fishwife – Alfredo Soto

Bedmaking:
1st Place: Portola Plaza Hotel
1. Maribel Reyes
2. Surgely Chavres

2nd Place: Inn at Spanish Bay
1. Lorena Lopez
2. Maria Rubio

3rd Place: Quail Lodge
1. Pok Kim
2. Maria Cano

General Manager Bedmaking Contest
1st Place: Quail Lodge – Sarah Cruse and Maria Cano
2nd Place: Bernardus Lodge – Mike Oprish
3rd Place: Hyatt Regency Monterey – Mark Bastis

Chili Cookoff
1st Place: Quail Lodge – Jeovanni Coronado
2nd Place: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa – Gonzalo Sanchez
3rd Place: Inn @ Spanish Bay – Elias Lopez

Events

The 17th Annual Nick Lombardo Golf Tournament sponsored by MCHA will be held on Monday, October 15 at the newly renovated Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course and Club House. This is a sell out every year so look for registration information in August! The committee is busy planning new and exciting things this year – don’t miss it!

The 19th Annual Hospitality Recognition Lunch will be held on November 7th at the Monterey Conference Center. Start thinking about your wonderful employees you can nominate for going above and beyond! This is a great tribute to our hard working employees; make sure you reserve space and say thank you to the people that make our industry so special!

The Annual Dinner Committee’s fun and innovative ideas keep making this event more successful each year! Don’t miss out on the fun as we welcome Mark Bastis, General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Monterey as our President for 2008. Plan now to attend our “Wild Hog” party on Friday, March 28, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey.

In addition, our next bi-monthly lunches will be August 14 at Hilton Garden Inn, October 9 at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa and December 11 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey. You will be notified via email of details!