El Estero paddle boat business and lake weed harvesting
Monterey
Summary
The paddle boat business at Lake El Estero has been closed since August 23 because of invasive weeds and algae, has laid off four employees, and is asking the city to waive rent while closed and drop unnecessary permit proceedings.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 6, 2026.
Impact analysis
The business lost $123,000 last year and expects larger losses this year; the city loses its 12% gross sales share and is paying an outside firm for permits.
Anyone who sees rents waived or the lake reopened would benefit, including the four laid-off workers.
The Giammanco family's business and its four laid-off employees.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Council Regular Meeting — October 6, 2026
The paddle boat operator says the city's permit process shut her business down, costing over $150,000 this year. The city has now agreed to harvest weeds without the permit process, but she's gotten no rent relief.
Council Regular Meeting — September 15, 2026
The paddle boat business at Lake El Estero has been closed since August 23 because of invasive weeds and algae, has laid off four employees, and is asking the city to waive rent while closed and drop unnecessary permit proceedings.
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