Protect Monterey County (PMC) began as a grassroots group with 230 volunteers who collected 16,000 signatures to put Measure Z on the ballot. During the 2016 Measure Z campaign, the number of supporters who canvassed door to door, posted signs and bumper stickers, donated food and money, volunteered in our offices, and solicited support from friends and neighbors, grew to the thousands. We believe that Monterey County has a bright future if we work together to protect our natural resources for the next generation and rapidly transition to a sustainable economy. Here’s what we’ve accomplished so far:
- On November 8, 2016, PMC passed Measure Z with 56% of the vote.
- In January 2017, PMC assembled a strong legal team to intervene in Big Oil’s lawsuits and help the County of Monterey defend Measure Z.
- In Spring 2017, PMC members successfully lobbied 12 cities, and our county, to join Monterey Bay Community Power. This locally controlled public utility will double renewable energy use by residents and businesses in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties.
- PMC’s legal team battled Big Oil’s attorneys in the Measure Z trial at Monterey County Superior Court (November 13 – 16, 2017)
- On March 26, 2018, PMC attorneys appealed the local court’s decision, which overturned 2/3 of Measure Z.
We are currently fundraising to defend Measure Z against multiple lawsuits brought by Big Oil. You can help by donating or by joining us. (PMC is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit.)
Our Endorsers
Measure Z won because of the support of a broad coalition of far-sighted groups and individuals. Many thanks to our Measure Z endorsers! (View list here.)
Our History
Below is a short, pictorial history of Protect Monterey County’s grassroots effort to put Measure Z on the ballot and to defend Measure Z. We begin with the most recent events and go backward in time, down memory lane…
2018 Events
Apr 3 , 2018 — Measure Z supporters urge Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors to deny Trio Petroleum’s 4 new wells in pristine Hames Valley. 
Jan 9, 2018 – Measure Z supporters urge Board of Supervisors to appeal local court’s decision on Measure Z. 
2017 Events
Nov 16, 2017 – Measure Z trial ends after 4 days. Judge will render a decision within 90 days. 
Nov 13, 2017 – Measure Z supporters rally outside courthouse just before the trial begins. 
Oct 24, 2017 – Measure Z supporters speak to Supervisors about Measure Z exemption process.
June 7, 2017 – Monterey Superior Court Judge sets Measure Z trial for Nov 13. 
May 3, 2017 – PMC members attend 1st meeting of Monterey Bay Community Power.
March 16, 2017 – Measure Z supporters urge BLM to stop oil drilling on federal estates in County.
Feb to April, 2017 – Measure Z supporters lobby 12 cities to join Monterey Bay Community Power.
Feb 9, 2017 – Measure Z supporters speak at DOGGR hearing against aquifer exemptions in County.
Video of PMC speakers at DOGGR hearing (click on arrow below).
Jan 24, 2017 – Measure Z supporters urge Monterey Supervisors to implement Measure Z.
2016 Events
Dec 13, 2016 – Measure Z supporters rally to urge Supervisors to stand up to oil industry’s lawsuits.
Nov 8, 2016 – Measure Z wins with 56% of the vote. Supporters celebrate on election night.
Nov 5, 2016 – Volunteers prepare GOTV materials at Measure Z office in Salinas.
Nov 4, 2016 – College students host a Measure Z rally at CSU Monterey Bay.
Oct 28, 2016 – CA state Sen. Bill Monning’s TV ad for Measure Z (click on arrow below to view).
Oct 26, 2016 – Musician Michael Franti tweets his support for Measure Z.
Oct 25, 2016 – Actor Leonardo Di Caprio tweets in support of Measure Z.
Oct 22, 2016 – Musician Ruben Albarran of Cafe Tacuba supports Measure Z in a video.
Oct 21, 2016 – Actor Mark Ruffalo tweets support for Measure Z.
Mark Ruffalo’s video for Measure Z (click on arrow below). He meant Measure Z, not Prop Z.
Oct 2016 – Measure Z rally in Greenfield.
Oct 9, 2016 – Measure Z supporters take part in a Ciclovia bike tour in Salinas.
Oct 4, 2016 – Dolores Huerta speaks in support of Measure Z at Salinas march & rally.
Dolores Huerta’s TV ad for Measure Z (click on arrow to view).
Oct 3, 2016 – Dennis Banks (AIM founder) leads Water Ceremony by Salinas River to support Measure Z.
Video of Dennis Banks at Salinas River (click on arrow below to view)
Sept 10, 2016 – Salinas Measure Z campaign office opens with a kickoff celebration.
Sept 4, 2016 – Measure Z supporters at Marina’s Labor Day Parade with Connie Condor puppet.
Sept to Nov 8, 2016 – Volunteers canvass door to door for Measure Z.
June 1, 2016 – Bernie Sanders visits Spreckels (Salinas Valley) to support Measure Z
More About Bernie’s Speech (click on links below)
http://www.ksbw.com/article/bernie-sanders-spreckels-speech-ban-fracking-everywhere-2/1398189
May 4, 2016 – Measure Z volunteers submit 16,000 petition signatures to County Elections Office.
March to April, 2016 – Over 230 volunteers collect petition signatures to put Measure Z on ballot.
2015 Events
Nov. to Dec. 2015 – Coalition to Protect Monterey County hosts meetings to plan an initiative.
