LandWatch is committed to offer information to the public, and we are happy to make our website available for these student perspectives. Please enjoy the following community reports from the various communities of Monterey County. These sessions are open to the public, unless specific issues are otherwise noted as closed sessions. As you walk into the conference room, the Supervisors are seated on a raised platform behind big desks with microphones to assure that all people attending can hear them. The general public is seated in rows of benches behind the waist high dividing wall.
Security guards keep a watchful eye during the days events.
It is a bit unnerving to the novice participant of the board meeting allowing one to reflect on the power structure that exists within the local government. With my continued attendance to the board meetings, the original unnerving feelings are beginning to dissipate. The Board's weekly session opens with corrections and additions to the agenda, which is available to the public via the County web page, or hard copy in the Board of Supervisor's County Office, located at 240 Church Street in Salinas. The first portion of the meeting moves swiftly, with no participation from the public, with yeas, nays, and abstentions voiced from the Board. Scheduled into the agenda is a public comment period, which allows citizens to make a statement, regarding a particular issue or issues.