Dear Readers,

A candidate for city council admits that he gave a fake address when he filed his candidacy papers, and the DA is investigating. But the candidate, Lucas Austin, says he made the false statement for a good reason, and it looks like he'll be allowed to remain on the ballot. Mary Schley reports.

Two environmental groups are asking the PUC to approve a desal plant for the Monterey Peninsula that's the absolute minimum necessary -- with nothing for even small amounts of growth. Kelly Nix has that one.

A local skier has made the U.S. Olympic team in one of its most dangerous sports. Chris Counts reports.

In a speech Thursday in Monterey, Leon Panetta warned that the U.S. must not let its guard down when it comes to fighting terrorism. Kelly Nix has that one, too.

The Pebble Beach woman who took millions from her elderly husband's estate has failed to convince an appeals court that she did no wrong. A woman who sold sick animals to people looking for pets has been sent to jail. A legendary jazz pianist's legendary Carmel concert is being remembered. And my editorial recommends that one thing be paramount in your mind as you evaluate candidates for the county's three upcoming judicial vacancies.

To get this week's complete Pine Cone, please click here. If you have an informed opinion about one of our stories and would like to submit a letter to the editor, please click here. And please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Paul Miller, Publisher
paul@carmelpinecone.com

To return to the download page for the January 24, 2014, edition, please click here.