Dear Readers,

The number of oceanfront hotels built in California since the advent of the coastal commission could probably be counted on one hand. For better or worse, another one got a permit last week and will soon be under construction in Sand City, its owner says. Kelly Nix reports.

What can you build for $900,000? If you're the City of Carmel, the answer is a small public restroom with two toilets and one sink. Mary Schley has that one.

Yet another SCUBA diver perished off 'Mortuary Beach' last week, despite the presence of numerous ocean rescue workers nearby when the tragedy happened. Mary has that story, too.

Looking for a job that pays well without requiring much education or effort? Then the City of Monterey may be your best bet. Kelly Nix has the surprising details.

A dog that was lost for three days in the Big Sur wilderness has miraculously been reunited with its family. A head-on collision on Laureles Grade took the life of an adventurous motorcyclist last weekend. A giant octopus is apparently trying to eat the Monterey Bay Aquarium. (To download a hi-res image of our exclusive photo of the sneak attack, click here.) One of Broadway's biggest stars plays Sunset Center Wednesday. And my editorial tells how an Obama skeptic (me, actually) ended up defending him against some virulent criticism

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

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