Bernie Sanders coming to Monterey

UPDATE 5/27/16 6 PM: Bernie Sanders is coming to the Central Coast less than a week after his rival visited. The Democratic presidential candidate is coming to Monterey next week, and the city is already getting ready.

As both presidential hopefuls race to the finish line of a long campaign run, their course takes them through the Central Coast. The two are not only separated by their views but also where they’re visiting.

Clinton’s rally was in Salinas. On the other side of the “lettuce curtain,” Sanders will be in Monterey, not Santa Cruz, where he has a strong base.

“Bernie Sanders may be making a strategic decision to not go to places where he thinks he is going to get it anyway,” political analyst David Anderson said. “So some of the college towns, some of the places where there is a strong youth base”

After originally showing interest in a waterfront location, the Sanders camp settled into a location rich in California history.

“Colton Hall is probably the most historic building in Monterey, and that’s where the California Constitution was signed, so we love showing off this location, and this is a great space,” said Monterey City Manager Mike McCarthy.

But the community will be impacted. City offices that surround Colton Hall will close at 2 p.m. Tuesday, so Secret Service can sweep the area. The impacted offices include city clerk, planning, Colton Hall Museum, engineering, building and some of Public Works. Most other facilities like the library, sports center, community centers and 735 Pacific Administrative Offices will be open.

Pacific Avenue from Jefferson to Madison will be closed from 6 a.m. until the end of the event, around midnight.

“We’ll certainly close Pacific. We’ll curtail parking in a lot of the nearby areas to handle more traffic in those areas,” McCarthy said. “They’ll be a lot of changes, and we’ll be working on notifying the businesses and residences as well.”

While 2,000 people are expected at the Sanders rally, more people are expected in Monterey. Not only is the farmer’s market happening at the same time, so is an event at Monterey High School.

There are nearby parking garages for event-goers. The city is also already posting signs warning of “no parking zones” on Tuesday.

Despite the heavy traffic expected, locals said they appreciate the national spotlight.

“Why always in Washington or in Sacramento, you know, the main places?” Darlene Jackson said. “It’s nice to be a small town and get those big people here.”

In fact, one King City family is planning to spend Monday night in Monterey before “feeling the Bern.”

“I’ve never really liked the presidential candidates,” Kim Mansfield said. “For me, I’ve always felt like choosing the lesser of evils, but I can genuinely say, I love this man. He has more ideas that I agree with, my family agrees with. We are a middle class family, and he has a lot of things to say that appeal to us as hard-working American families. We aren’t rich. We work very hard to make very little. And education wise, I have two boys growing up, and I’d like to see more done for them in terms of our environment and education, and I’d like a world for them to grow up in, particular one that’s not going to be filled with hate.”

The city said holding the event at Colton Hall is not an endorsement of the Sanders’ campaign, just as Hartnell College was not endorsing Hillary Clinton during her recent appearance on campus.

UPDATE 5/27/16 3:56 PM: The City of Monterey will close Pacific Avenue between Jefferson and Madison starting at 6 a.m. Tuesday. City offices that surround Colton Hall, including City Clerk, Building, Planning, Colton Hall Museum, Engineering, Public Works and the City Manager’s Office will close at 2 p.m. to allow for Secret Service to secure the area. Those who need to do business with City departments are advised to do so early in the day.Some City services are available online and by phone.

Most City buildings will remain open including the Library, 735 Pacific Street, the City Attorney’s Office, Community Centers, Monterey Sports Center and the Recreation Division office. will close at 2:00 that afternoon to allow the Secret Service to sweep the area.

ORIGINAL STORY: Monterey is preparing to “feel the Bern.” Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders will bring his campaign to Monterey next Tuesday May 31.

City and Democratic Party leaders confirm that Sanders will speak at 7:00 pm on May 31 outside of Colton Hall. The City says the venue can accommodate up to 2,000 people.

City staff is meeting with Sander’s advance team to work out details of his visit, including security and expected road closures. No Parking signs have already been posted on some Monterey streets.

Tonight at 5 and 6 pm, KION’s Mariana Hicks will have reaction from Monterey City Manager Mike McCarthy, and speak to a local political expert on what message Sanders may have for Central Coast voters.