Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pacific Grove public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in roads
Street and sidewalk improvements
A written request for curb, gutter, and sidewalk on western Mariano Pines would cost roughly $500,000, and the street isn't on the city's improvement list — no short-term solution in sight.
Lighthouse Avenue Parking and Bike Racks
Residents are asking about a stop sign at Lighthouse and Forest; staff explained the intersection doesn't meet volume or crash warrants and a study would cost about $30,000. Another complaint flagged oversized vehicles overflowing angled parking spots.
Radar speed sign placement
The commission's earlier recommendation for five radar speed signs is still waiting on money: it's now slotted for the mid-year budget in June and the FY 2026-27 capital outlay budget. The city manager is described as positive but nothing is committed.
Congress Avenue safe route to school sidewalk
Commissioner David's year-old proposal for a sidewalk along Congress Avenue between Sunset and Forest Grove Elementary is gaining traction — the superintendent and police chief both support it, and staff are now coordinating.
Noise and traffic on Ocean View Boulevard
Residents report cars speeding toward the aquarium, risky U-turns into driveways, and children running into the street with no crosswalks between Eardley and beyond. Police data says speeding isn't the worst problem in town, but neighbors disagree.
Pine & Eardley intersection crashes
The commission logged unresolved resident requests: a crosswalk on Ocean View between Beach and Coral, and a four-way stop at Pine and Eardley where two corner houses have been hit by cars in five years. Both could be taken up at the next meeting.
Sunset Drive walkway grant
Pacific Grove landed a $200,000 grant to build a separated walking path along Sunset Drive between Asilomar State Beach and the boardwalk, ending the free-for-all between walkers, bikes, and cars on that stretch.
Potential Expansion of Paid Parking
The council liaison reported the City Council authorized staff to explore paid parking along Ocean Boulevard near the planned ATC project, using phone-app meters, and possibly along White House as well.
ADA parking and Sloat Avenue markings
A remote commenter flagged faded parking tees and wrong-way driving near Sloat and Dewey, and backed a request for an ADA spot near Lighthouse. Staff said the median spot doesn't meet criteria but will evaluate the block and report in June.
Four-Way Stop at Congress, Central and Lighthouse
This downtown intersection already behaves like a four-way stop informally — and it's seen five right-angle crashes in a year. The commission wants the City Council to make it official, trading some parking-lot backups for slower speeds coming down the hill.
Speed Zone Ordinance
A resident asked the commission to recommend dropping the 30 mph limit on the block of 17 Mile Drive between Lighthouse and Sunset, where a preschool driveway sits. A citywide speed study draft has just arrived and will inform the question.
2025 traffic complaints and Caledonia walkway hazard
The commission reviewed a year of resident complaints from the city website — recurring speeding on Eardley and Pine, pedestrian conflicts at Central/Lighthouse, and an unsafe crossing between Caledonia Park and the post office with bad sight lines. A recommendation on the Caledonia crossing may come later this year.
Street Signs on North Side of Pine Avenue for Emergency Responders
The fire chief flagged that Pine Avenue has no street name signs on the north side, making it hard for emergency crews to find cross streets at night — a concern heightened by a serious crash at Pine and Congress that damaged a police car. Adding the signs would cost $10,000+ and be a capital outlay item.