After the Planning Commission denied the permits citing multiple concerns such as, the loss of 79 mature trees, the water availability, the size of the structure's impact on public views of the coastline, conflict with the character of Pacific Grove, the traffic congestion, no relevant mitigations for the harbor seals and more, four city council members called it up for a vote at the city council level. A meeting will take place on Jan 12. It is now time to send your letters to the City Council and let them know how you feel about this project. A big concern is on the effects it will have on the harbor seals but there are so many issues with this proposed hotel.

 Harbor seals have better hearing than humans and it can be damaged by loud noises. The seals are at Hopkins year around and the pregnant seals are showing as early as October so to have all this demolition, excavation and construction near them will be very disturbing to both the mothers and all the seals. Harbor seals sleep during the day to replenish their oxygen, digest their food, build their energy while their unborn pups grow. All this demolition, excavation and construction will be done during the sleeping hours of the seals. They cannot be disturbed day after day for 2 years without it affecting their health. It isn’t like they can just go somewhere else because, by design, Hopkins Beach is the most protective place for them.

In addition, sea otters who are frequently in the cove at Hopkins and behind Hopkins will also be affected as well as, the black oystercatchers and our beloved deer who live at the Hopkins Marine Station. The whole area is a very important wildlife corridor as it is irreplaceable. There are countless hotels but there is no comparable  area such as Hopkins. Another hotel is not worth the potential loss of this beautiful wildlife corridor.
You can send your emails to the following addresses: citycouncil@cityofpacificgrove.org cityclerk@cityofpacificgrove.org