Monterey Public Library - California 175th & Library Card Signup Month

Greetings!

Did you know that our state's birthday is September 9th? If you're looking for a reason to bake a cake next week...you're welcome!

I recently had the opportunity to present on the 175th anniversary of the State of California - specifically related to Monterey - for the County Board of Supervisors. I appreciate Supervisor Alejo for being passionate about our history, and every year he leads a group of "Young Supervisors" through Colton Hall to inspire them to be future leaders and to learn from our past. I always enjoy speaking to these future leaders in a historic setting.

I'm always looking at how to interpret history, but note that we look at our history through our current lens. With that being said, keeping our community informed by providing opportunities to learn from the past to make a better future for all is crucial. Looking back at the era of 1849 - 1850 and the discussions that happened here in Monterey really changed California (and the United States) and set our trajectory. A few thoughts and pieces of history...

United States Army Brigadier General Bennet Riley, serving out of El Cuartel here in Monterey, announced a call for delegates to create a constitution without authority from the United States. The Gold Rush was rapidly changing the dynamics of the state, and Congress had failed to act in the prior years regarding statehood.
The state capitol was chosen as San Jose. Monterey fell into disrepair after the gold rush as most people moved to gold towns. Robert Louis Stevenson wrote about the "Old Pacific Capitol" right as the Hotel Del Monte, and once the tourism industry arrived Monterey changed again.
The state border was chosen at the east at the Sierras, thinking that the Nevada region was useless, and some debating that Mormons in Utah were culturally different. Note that many Mormons arrived on the ship "Brooklyn" to serve in the Mexican-American war in San Francisco; part of Oakland was once the Town of Brooklyn. Many Mormons like Sam Brannen stayed in the region creating their own history.
Voting rights were initially discussed for "Free white males" but then approved as "white male citizens of the United States and white male citizens of Mexico." Voting rights for Native Americans were narrowly defeated 22-21. Property rights were extended to women along the same lines as Mexican law.
For the first 30 years we were a bilingual (English & Spanish) state, and all Mexican citizens were allowed to become United States citizens.
The California Constitution draft is based on the Constitutions of New York, Iowa, and Mexico but finalized after debates from the 48 delegates
California voters chose to approve the State Constitution by a vote of 12,061 yays/yes to 811 nays/no votes

Colton Hall will have a free concert on Saturday, September 27th and the Constitutional Convention Reenactment on Sunday, October 5th. Register for these on our library event calendar below!

If you want to see some of the images and documents from early Monterey- they'll be in the Monterey County building at 168 W. Alisal in Salinas through the month of September. But if you miss the display, I'm planning to bring them back to Colton Hall later this year.

Warmly,

Brian

MPL's Event Calendar

ONE CARD...ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

September is Library Card Sign Up Month!

All month (and really all year) we celebrate FREE ACCESS to:

Books/ebooks

DVD’s

Laptops

Community Programming

Crafting and Art Classes

Gaming and Teen Hangouts

Story and Play Time

Musical Instruments

Book Clubs

Technology Assistance

Movie Screenings

Meeting and Study Rooms

Local History Collections

Museum and State Park Passes and

So Much More!

One Card...Endless Possibilities!

Library cards provide access

to life long learning!

Have you seen MPL's new library card designs?

"MPL's cat" Mordi, a loving library octopus,

Monterey's coast, and The Western Flyer.

DON'T MISS WHARF WALKS

THIS SATURDAY

Join Tim Thomas, local historian and captivating tour guide,

as he explores the multicultural fishing industries and

fascinating stories of the Old Fisherman’s Wharf and

Monterey’s waterfront. Learn firsthand how Monterey’s

early maritime history shaped the City of Monterey

to be a prime tourist destination.

Wharf Walks with Tim Thomas

Saturday, September 6th

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Old Fisherman's Wharf

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Tim's career spans from historian and curator, to

author and collaborator. He’s partnered with several

organizations such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium,

California State Parks, and the Monterey Bay

National Marine Sanctuary.

He is the author of several books, including The Abalone King of Monterey: 'Pop' Ernest Doelter and The Japanese on the Monterey Peninsula,

and is the co-author of Monterey's Waterfront.

RELAX YOUR EVERYTHING

Participants are invited to release the mind, open the heart, and surrender

to a peaceful calm with an alchemical sound bath. Together,

SkyyeSong and ValiAnna, accompanied by pianist Michael Martinez,

encourage participants to rebalance their energy and learn to relax.

SkyyeSong Fell, RN

SkyyeSong founded the Monterey Reflexology Center in 1995 following many years as an RN. Her wholistic healing sessions include Hand and

Foot Reflexology, Deep Tissue

Massage, Advanced Reiki Energy Healing, Sacred Sound Infusions,

and Reflexology Training.

ValiAnna Francis

ValiAnna brings years of experience and a grounded, heart-centered presence

to her work with sound. Her sessions

are known for creating deep calm,

clarity, and connection — an

experience that’s a powerful way

to reconnect with your inner peace.

Michael Martinez

Michael’s style is a blend between New Age and Classical,

and has been described as heartfelt, cinematic and reflective.

Relax Your Everything

Saturday, September 6, 2025

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

MPL Community Room

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

YOUR PEACE OF MIND

Monterey Public Library and

the Hospice Giving Foundation present:

Estate Planning for Peace of Mind.

Join us for a free workshop with Kris Toscano, Certified Public Accountant, that will help you organize and prepare your estate financial information including reviewing key information about estate plans/wills and naming your beneficiary, as well as making charitable gifts. Learn about powers of attorney, avoiding common estate financial planning mistakes, and how to protect your information.

Estate Planning for Peace of Mind

Wednesday, September 17th

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

MPL Community Room