Remote Surveillance Trailer in Monterey, CA

A giant and historically significant California outdoor mall now has new owners.

Monterey’s Del Monte Shopping Center, a Bauhaus-inspired mid-century campus completed in 1967, is arguably one of the most architecturally significant mega-structures on the Monterey Peninsula, if not the state.

Built during the halcyon days of California’s freeway boom at the intersection of Highway 1 and state Route 68, the mall is ideally placed just blocks from Monterey’s historic waterfront and a few miles from 17-Mile Drive and Carmel-by-the-Sea. And while the mall still is home to a robust amount of retail activity, the surrounding area has looked to the shopping complex’s oversized footprint as a possible future home for much-needed new housing.

Federal Realty Investment Trust, a North Bethesda, Maryland-based company that boasts more than 27 million square feet of property under its ownership — including Santana Row — bought the 47-acre, 674,000-square-foot shopping center for $123.5 million from American Assets Trust.

“This acquisition aligns with Federal Realty’s strategy to expand into affluent but underserved markets,” Jan Sweetnam, the chief investment officer at Federal Realty, said in a statement.

The shopping center comes with a nearly unrivaled pedigree. The mall was designed by John Carl Warnecke, who helped with the design and construction of housing projects surrounding the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond during World War II.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Warnecke designed a number of notable structures in the Bay Area, including Mira Vista School in Richmond; some of the residence halls at UC Berkeley; the College of San Mateo; and numerous buildings on the Stanford University campus.

But Warnecke is best known for his design of John F. Kennedy’s grave. Kennedy’s grave site was finished on July 20, 1967, the same year the Del Monte Center opened its doors.

A Whole Foods anchors the Del Monte Center. It also features several high-end stores, including Apple, Lululemon, Pottery Barn and Anthropologie.

More than 80% of Del Monte Center’s storefronts are currently under lease, said Federal Realty Investment Trust in its news release. A 22,000-square-foot storefront, previously a Forever 21, is the shopping center’s biggest available current space.

As for the future of the shopping center, both its preservation and potential uses of its oversized footprint for housing have been topics of discussion in the region.

“We do have a lot of mid-century [sites] that [have] been identified for the Historic Preservation Commission, but so far, Del Monte has not been identified,” Kim Cole, the city of Monterey’s community development director, told SFGATE in 2023.

“We did host a meeting on our regional housing need and where to place it,” she continued. “The Del Monte Center, especially the parking lot, is one of the few areas — we’re definitely looking at this site to meet our housing needs.”

There is a precedent for conversion of California malls, even those with historic architectural pedigrees, into housing, especially in affluent communities. Within the past month, Santa Barbara has continued to make progress on a pair of housing projects to be built over the footprint of its historic mall, La Cumbre Plaza.

But, for now at least, the historic Monterey mall, according to at least one industry expert, will remain intact for the foreseeable future.

“Federal Realty has an elite reputation among retailers and intermediaries like us, particularly when it comes to delivering an exceptional retail experience that appeals to the more affluent customer in search of elevated brands and offerings,” Naveen Jaggi, president of retail advisory services at JLL, said in a statement. “Their acquisition of Del Monte in Monterey will undoubtedly pique the interest of restaurants and retailers that wouldn’t have been as enthusiastic before.”

More Central Coast

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On a small inflatable boat last Friday, Evan Brodsky and two co-workers with a whale-watching tour company were on the lookout for gray whales on the Pacific blue waters of Monterey Bay, along the central coast of California.

After four hours of searching, the team had spotted only one whale.

But instead of heading back to the harbor, as the team usually would, Mr. Brodsky, a boat captain and videographer with the tour company Monterey Bay Whale Watch, said he had an “itch” that there was something they could not yet see and decided to stay out on the water.

First, the team of three spotted about 15 dolphins swimming together. It followed the small pod, knowing that dolphins are highly social marine animals that usually travel in larger groups.

Some 30 minutes later, 15 dolphins had turned into hundreds. Then there were thousands.

“I kind of just take a glance and scan the horizon, and maybe about a mile and a half from us the water literally looked like it was boiling,” Mr. Brodsky, 35, said. “It was foaming. There were so many dolphins there.”

In previous outings, Mr. Brodsky had seen pods of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dolphins, but this was the first time that he had seen a gathering of so many northern right whale dolphins, mixed in with Pacific white-sided dolphins. In the past, he had seen only a few hundred of the species in one place.

Using his drone and past experience on the water, Mr. Brodsky estimated that there were more than 2,000 dolphins in the pod his team saw that Friday.

“The whole time we were just saying, ‘Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, this is so amazing, I can’t believe this,’” he recalled. While the team is on the water almost every day, Mr. Brodsky said that the sight of the dolphins still gave him “butterflies.”

A sighting of thousands of northern right whale dolphins in a single pod is rare, though the species is known to be gregarious and willing to congregate with others, said Dorian Houser, the director of conservation biology at the National Marine Mammal Foundation.

“The groups I have typically encountered are much smaller,” Dr. Houser said, adding that he has also spotted them in the Monterey Bay.

Dr. Houser said that he suspected that there was an abundance of food for the dolphins on the day of the sighting, causing them to gather in such a large group. There is a canyon that runs through the bay, which makes the area a “fairly unique” place that is full of nutrients and attractive to wildlife, Dr. Houser said.

Among the uncommonly large grouping of the northern right whale dolphins, Mr. Brodsky said he and his co-workers had seen mothers and their calves, which he had witnessed only a handful of times before.

The whale watchers made sure not to disturb what he called a “superpod” of dolphins by keeping a safe distance and navigating parallel to them. But at times, the dolphins would swim right next to their boat.

Mr. Brodsky had seen other superpods before, including about a month ago when he captured video of about 1,500 Risso’s dolphins in the Carmel Bay, which is south of Monterey Bay. Even so, “it’s like the first time every time” he sees the large groups swimming together.

“It’s the best feeling,” Mr. Brodsky said. “It’s indescribable.”

Christina Morales contributed reporting.

Marine Life

Salinas, California, has the perfect blend of agriculture and literary history. It is the hometown of Nobel-Prize-winning author John Steinbeck. The National Steinbeck Center features many exhibits, artifacts and film clips looking back into Steinbeck's life. In addition, only two blocks away is The Steinbeck House, where John Steinbeck was born. It is now a restaurant and gift shop that visitors can enjoy. Beyond its literary legacy, Salinas is nestled in the heart of the Salinas Valley, known as the "Salad Bowl of the World" for its rich agricultural production. The valley’s fertile soil produces a significant portion of the nation's fruits and vegetables.

Downtown Salinas is a growing hub for local businesses, restaurants, and popular attractions. It’s the perfect place to explore murals painted by local artists and experience the vibrant energy this area offers.

The California Welcome Center Salinas is located at the historic Southern Pacific Freight Depot in the Intermodal Transit Center of Downtown Salinas. It is a regional heritage center that provides detailed information on places to eat and stay and houses a variety of artifacts and collector's items that highlight the history of the Central Coast.

Stay

Salinas offers a variety of comfortable and convenient places to stay, whether it's for business, leisure, or a weekend getaway. From cozy, independently owned inns to well-known hotel chains, there are accommodations to fit every need. Many local hotels provide easy access to downtown, so there are plenty of opportunities to discover the gems downtown has to offer. For those seeking a more unique experience, there are also charming bed and breakfasts, such as Vision Quest Ranch at the Monterey Zoo. At Vision Quest Ranch, guests have the opportunity to stay in an authentic African-style bungalow just yards away from roaring lions and tigers. It is a unique experience that cannot be missed! See more options and find the perfect place to stay here.

Eat

Salinas offers a variety of dining experiences, from casual eateries serving farm-to-table dishes to upscale restaurants showcasing international cuisine. Whether it's for fresh seafood, authentic Mexican fare, or innovative fusion cuisine, the local restaurants in Salinas cater to all tastes.

Villa Azteca is located in downtown Salinas and offers traditional Mexican food with a twist. This restaurant has made waves for its lively atmosphere and delicious dishes like the lobster enchiladas bathed in a creamy swash blossom sauce or their fish tacos.

Alvarado on Main is another great restaurant to check out. There are 48 taps featuring beers from all three of Alvarado Street's breweries and delicious pub fare using local ingredients. Looking for more breweries? Check out La Cantina Brewing Company, one of Salinas' newest breweries, offering craft beer inspired by its Mexican roots or Brew-N-Krew Ale House, a women-owned brewery serving beer in a lively atmosphere.

Looking for fresh sushi and authentic Japanese food? Check out KoKoRo Japanese Restaurant and try sashimi, hand rolls, noodles and more.

A must-visit spot is El Charrito. Established in 1981, first starting as a grocery store, it has evolved into a popular burrito spot known for its hand-stretched flour tortillas made fresh in-house daily.

There is a lot more food to explore in Salinas. Check out the full list of places to try here.

Explore

Wine tasting in Salinas Valley is a must! Along River Road, the Monterey Wine Trail offers stunning views while sipping on award-winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other local varietals.

The giant farmers standing 20 feet high in the fields off Highway 68 mark the entrance to The Farm – a great escape hatch for families. Crafted by local artist John Cerney, these larger-than-life statues of packers, trimmers and irrigators are a tribute to the hard-working men and women of The Farm. Here you can stroll the working farm that unfolds with rows of lettuces, strawberries, tomatoes and flowers. For a hands-on experience, book a custom tour which includes one-on-one time with a farmer and visit various parts of the vegetable faming operation while taking part in the daily routine of a real farmer. On your way out, don't forget to stop by the bakery to pick up some delicious pies!

Traveling down to South County, there is more to explore. Such as the Agricultural and Rural Life Museum in King City's San Lorenzo Park. This is a great activity to do with the family to discover artifacts and stories from the late 1800s through World War II. There are seven buildings within the museum: the Exhibit Barn, Olson Blacksmith Shop, Tractor and Harvester Shed, the History of Irrigation Museum, the Historic Spreckels House, La Gloria Schoolhouse and the King City Train Depot. There is plenty of history to explore here!

For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, visit Pinnacles National Park. The park is famous for its striking rock formations, towering spires, and dramatic cliffs, offering stunning hiking opportunities with panoramic views. Visitors can explore a variety of trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs, and even venture through cool caves. Pinnacles is also a top destination for birdwatching, particularly for spotting California condors soaring overhead!

Looking for more outdoor recreation and relaxation? Lake San Antonio is a serene oasis perfect for that! Surrounded by rolling hills and lush landscapes, the lake offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Its clear waters and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal spot for camping, picnicking and hiking along the scenic shoreline.

Not every California city enchants like Carmel-by-the-Sea, a tiny enclave (population 3,104) on the Golden State’s central coast, about 120 miles south of San Francisco. Some of its whimsy is natural. Outside of the summer months, Carmel Beach is serene, dotted with driftwood and locals on windy walks with their dogs. The spectacular Monterey cypress thrives here, even on unwelcoming rocky terrain—no Carmel visit is complete without a stroll in the soft sand, where you can take in these native trees and the protected cove of Carmel Bay.

Then, there are the charming idiosyncrasies forged by mankind. There are no street lights in Carmel’s central village, historic storybook cottages hide in plain sight (check out the Cottage of Sweets on Ocean Avenue), and homes have no address numbers—by forgoing mail delivery, it’s believed Carmel’s founders hoped people would connect with one another as they made the trip to the central post office. There’s even a municipal ban on high heels, ostensibly to protect the wearer, given the town’s older walkways.

The heartbeat of Carmel-By-the-Sea is its quaint gridded village. Arrive ready to walk (in flats, of course), says Jack Galante, native Carmel resident, president of Galante Vineyards, and grandson of Carmel founder James Franklin Devendorf. Galante opened Carmel’s first-ever tasting room in 2004, and he’s still pouring today off of Dolores Street, between Ocean Avenue and Seventh Avenue.

“Carmel is a town to explore,” says Galante. “It's a place where you go up and down the alleys and corridors just to see what you can find. Simply wandering is the neatest thing to do here.”

And in those wanderings, here are a few places Galante hopes you discover.

Best Hotels & Resorts

The historic La Playa Hotel dates back to 1905; it underwent a $20-million renovation not too long ago, making now a great time to visit. It’s the hotel closest to the sand on this list, and there are 75 unique rooms and suites to choose from. “La Playa is a beautiful spot to stay,” says Galante. “And it has wonderful gardens—especially great if you're doing a nice event or a wedding.”

Le Petit Pali took over an old motor lodge on Ocean Avenue and brought it back to life with custom furnishings and stylish decor. There are 34 rooms here, all the downtown dining, wine tasting, and shopping visitors could want are just steps away. (There’s even a second Le Petit Pali on 8th Avenue, should you want to compare properties.)

Villa Mara is ideal for a romantic getaway in Carmel. Operating as a hotel since 1929, the property is set on a bluff and has just 16 rooms, but only for guests 21 and older. A private balcony and ocean views come with most accommodations.

The 42-room Stilwell Hotel opened in 2024 on San Carlos Street in downtown Carmel, so you’re a short walk to all of the town’s main attractions. Rooms and shared spaces are pretty and sophisticated; a glass of wine in the courtyard is a must.

Another intimate option, L’Auberge Carmel has just 20 rooms, plus easy village and beach access. Foodies will especially love that the hotel is home to Aubergine, a two Michelin-star restaurant that offers an ever-changing eight-course tasting menu.

Best Things to Do

Monterey County is a productive wine region, so sipping local varietals is a must. There are numerous tasting rooms right in Carmel (and a suggested Wine Walk), but you can also take a quick drive into Carmel Valley for tastings at venues like Folktale Winery & Vineyards and Cowgirl Winery.

A place as naturally beautiful as Carmel is bound to draw creatives. Naturally, the village is home to dozens of galleries showcasing art of all kinds. Visit on the second Saturday of the month to join the Carmel Art Walk and stroll with fellow art lovers. “Carmel is entrenched in the arts—it has been so ever since it was founded,” says Galante. “If you’re here for the day, be sure to go into an art gallery. And don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path—go down the side streets, go through the alleys, and find the little hidden gems.”

There’s minimal parking at this gorgeous preserve, but the seaside trails and tide pools here are more than worthy of setting a 7 a.m. alarm. Snag a spot for your vehicle early, then hit the dirt. The Cypress Grove Trail will reward you with incredible ocean vistas and time beneath towering Monterey cypress trees.

One of the best drives in the U.S., this route snakes around the Monterey Peninsula, delivering unbelievable views along the way. Carmel-by-the-Sea is its southern starting point; from there, you’ll drive north toward Monterey. The Lone Cypress (located in Pebble Beach) and Pebble Beach Golf Links are among the famous attractions you’ll pass.

There are so many natural wonders within Carmel Bay, and they’re protected within Carmel Bay State Marine Conservation Area; Carmel Beach, which most people access via the village’s Ocean Avenue, is adjacent to the underwater preserve. Bring some lunch and perhaps some toys to this stretch of white sand, and be on the lookout for marine life like otters, seals, and dolphins.

Best Restaurants

The Mediterranean fare and fun atmosphere at Dametra Cafe calls Galante back time and time again. The dinner menu at this local favorite includes everything from Lebanese baba ghanoush and Greek lamb shank to Italian frutti di mare.

Any morning of the year, you can expect a handful of locals at Village Corner, newspapers open and coffee set alongside a basket of freshly baked croissants. We recommend joining them for your morning meal–grab a patio seat if you’d like to people-watch while dining on banana pecan pancakes or a roasted veggie omelette. Lunch and dinner are served, too.

For fabulous traditional Italian, head to Cantinetta Luca, which Galante frequents. Family recipes line the menu here, and California produce and seafood brings them to life.

La Bicyclette Restaurant is another excellent option—it feels like you’re dining in a rustic Italian farmhouse, thanks to the homey wooden furnishings and pots and pans dangling from the walls. Order a pizza fresh from the wood-fired oven, a plate of Parisian gnocchi, and a salad of your choice.

Opened in 2018. Stationæry is an intimate cafe serving all-day brunch (think: avocado toast, lobster rolls, and spicy Mexican hot chocolate), plus lunch and dinner. Menu items change with the season, and allowing California’s bounty to sway things is always a good plan.

Best Time to Visit

While it’s beautiful here year-round, Galante says the best time to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea for fewer crowds is late fall and winter. Spring brings a few noteworthy events as well: the Pebble Beach Food & Wine event falls in April, the Carmel Art Festival happens in May, and the Carmel International Film Festival is held in October.

How to Get There

The largest nearby airports are San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and San Jose International Airport (SJC). From SFO, you’ll drive about two hours south to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Landing at SJC shaves off about 30 minutes from your drive. Monterey Regional Airport, meanwhile, is just 15 minutes away from town, but connectivity is limited.

How to Get Around

Once in the main village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, walking is recommended—it’s only one square mile, but that small area is so full of shops and cafes, it can easily fill a weekend. Galante says riding a bike is a fun way to explore, too. In order to visit Carmel Valley, see 17-mile Drive, visit Carmel Mission Basilica, or explore state parks outside of town, you’ll need a car.

SEASIDE, Calif. —

A meet-and-greet with individuals pardoned by President Donald Trump for involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection has been canceled in Monterey County.

The event was heavily criticised online, with people saying it promoted convicted criminals.

Eventgoers would have gotten the chance to speak to six individuals sentenced for various crimes associated with the riot at the Capitol.

"Come show your support. Meet the patriots who spent time in federal prison. Hear their stories about their experiences as political hostages," an event flier reads.

The event was being held by a group known as the Association of Monterey Bay Conservatives. It was set to take place on April 3, 2025, at the Bayonet Blackhorse Golf Club in Seaside at 6 p.m.

KSBW 8 contacted the Bayonet Blackhorse Golf Club who said they have canceled the event. They said they were unaware of what the space was being used for.

They received multiple calls about the event and decided to cancel it.

In a statement the Bayonet Black Horse wrote:

"Bayonet Black Horse has made the decision to cancel an event previously scheduled for April 3, 2025. While we welcome a diverse range of events at our venue, we take our responsibility to the community seriously and strive to ensure that all gatherings align with the values and standards of our business.

"Our event agreement allows us to cancel any event that is not suitable for our venue, and given the significant concerns raised, we have exercised this right.

"This event will not be taking place at Bayonet Black Horse, and we appreciate the understanding of our guests and the community.

"We hope this clarification puts an end to any confusion, and we kindly request that all inquiries and concerns regarding this matter be directed to the event organizers."

According to NPR's Capitol Riot database, this is what the guest speakers were charged and sentenced for:

An event organizer with the Association of Monterey Bay Conservatives gave the following statement to KSBW 8:

"We are in the process of moving the event to another location. I am happy to explain the purpose and intention of our upcoming event. There is a lot of misinformation regarding the peaceful protesters who were present in the capital for approximately 30 seconds.

"These individuals were unfairly targeted and subsequently imprisoned by a government that opposed their political views.

"The narrative presented by the media and certain political groups has been misleading, contributing to a distorted perception of the facts.

"There might have been a few troubling incidents, but the vast majority (based on eyewitness accounts) were peaceful.. and these peaceful attendees were unfairly treated like criminals because they happened to be present. The protesters were exercising their rights in a non-violent manner, and their treatment should have been concerning to all Americans that object to political weaponization."

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