September 2026 Newsletter: Secret Season, El Niño Preparedness & Community Updates
Pacific Grove Property Management
Peninsula Property Journal
September 2026 Edition
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August 8 – Early Fall Review
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www.pacificgroverentals.com
Seasonal Horizon
Welcome to the Peninsula’s “Secret Season”
As we wrap up another unforgettable Monterey Car Week and step past the mid-August school start dates, the
Monterey Peninsula enters what long-time locals know as our finest season. While much of the country prepares
for early autumn chills, coastal California experiences our annual “Indian Summer” or
“Secret Season.”
Throughout September and October, the dense summer marine layer recedes, giving way to crystal-clear skies and
our warmest temperatures of the year—frequently climbing into the pleasant 70s and 80s [1]. With
fewer crowds, pristine afternoon ocean breezes, and golden light along Asilomar and Ocean View Boulevard, this
is truly prime time on the coast. Whether you are enjoying a walk along Lover’s Point or showcasing a home to
prospective residents, early fall offers the Peninsula at its absolute best.
Event Review
2026 Monterey Car Week & 75th Pebble Beach Concours Wrap-Up
The 75th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Monterey Car Week (August 7–16, 2026) concluded with
extraordinary energy and record-setting attendance. From the classic tour along Highway 1 to the historic
gatherings throughout Pacific Grove and Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Peninsula once again demonstrated its
world-class hospitality.
Our management and maintenance teams worked diligently across all managed furnished, mid-term, and residential
properties to ensure seamless guest arrivals, spotless property turnarounds, and rapid-response vendor
coordination throughout the high-demand event window. The immense economic impact across local dining,
hospitality, and specialty rentals reinforced the enduring prestige of our coastal community [2].
Company News
Team Updates: Celebrating Dustin Parvin’s Next Chapter
We want to share a meaningful transition within our PGPM family. Our valued team member
Dustin Parvin has transitioned from his operational and leasing role with the company to
fully pursue his lifelong passions in coaching, educational leadership, and teaching.
Dustin brought tremendous heart, dedication, and professionalism to our clients and properties. While we
will miss his daily presence in the office, we enthusiastically support his commitment to mentoring and
educating the next generation in our community. Please join Chris, Rhonda, and the entire team in wishing
him immense success in this rewarding next chapter!
Our Service Continuum: Pacific Grove Property Management remains fully staffed and actively
operating at peak capacity under owners Chris and Rhonda, alongside our Managing Broker,
our team of dedicated licensed agents, Jack “Fitz” Fitzgerald (Office Administrator),
Jack Riley (Contractual Administrative Support), our experienced bookkeeper, and seasonal
staff. Property owners and residents can expect the same seamless communication and attentive property care
you rely upon every day.
Critical Advisory
NOAA “Super El Niño” 2026–27: Winter Property Preparation
While we relish our warm September sunshine, prudent property management demands that we look ahead. The
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center has issued high-probability
forecasts indicating a strong “Super El Niño” pattern developing for the 2026–2027 winter
season [3]. For coastal California, forecasters project a 70% to 100% likelihood of above-average
winter rainfall, elevated storm frequencies, and intense coastal atmospheric river events [4].
To protect foundations, prevent roof intrusions, and avoid costly water damage, all exterior preventive
maintenance should be executed during our dry September and October window. Here is the essential checklist
we recommend for every Peninsula homeowner:
Roof, Flashing & Valley Clearing: Remove accumulated pine
needles, leaves, and cypress debris from roof valleys and flat roof sections. Check flashing around
chimneys and skylights.
Gutter & Downspout Flow: Clear all gutter channels and install
downspout extensions to direct heavy rainwater at least 4–6 feet away from home foundations.
Drainage Systems & Catch Basins: Inspect French drains, sump
pumps, and perimeter storm grates. Test sump pump float switches and ensure discharge pathways are
unobstructed.
Window, Door & Coastal Seals: Inspect exterior caulking and
weatherstripping on ocean-facing facades, which bear the brunt of wind-driven rains.
Tree Trimming & Hazard Mitigation: Prune dead, overgrown, or
leaning tree branches away from roofs, utility lines, and vehicle parking areas before winter winds
arrive.
Slope & Soil Stabilization: Inspect hillside retaining walls
and bare earth slopes; place jute netting, mulch, or gravel to mitigate surface erosion.
Emergency Preparedness: Verify the location and operation of main
water shut-off valves, inspect circuit breaker boxes, and keep sandbags ready if your property sits in a
low-lying zone.
Note for Managed Clients: Our team coordinates routine exterior walk-throughs and vendor scheduling for
pre-winter assessments. Contact our office if you would like to request specific gutter cleanings or
preventative vendor dispatches.
Market Analysis
Monterey Peninsula Fall Rental Market Update
Rental demand across the Peninsula remains solid entering the early autumn timeframe. Military rotations tied
to the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) and Defense Language Institute (DLI), alongside incoming health-care
and academic professionals, continue to sustain low vacancy rates in core coastal neighborhoods.
Sub-Market / Jurisdiction |
Average Monthly Benchmark |
Typical Rental Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Grove | $2,631 | $2,062 – $3,197 |
| City of Monterey | $2,844 | $2,300 – $3,500 |
| Marina | $2,350 | $1,950 – $2,750 |
| Seaside | $2,177 | $1,850 – $2,600 |
| Carmel & Pebble Beach | $4,000 – $6,200+ | $3,500 – $10,000+ |
| Peninsula Standard Overall | $2,200 – $2,900 | Standard Long-Term Residential |
Data synthesized from regional MLS listings, Zillow, Apartments.com, and local lease execution records
[5]. Furnished 30-day+ mid-term accommodations continue to command a 15% to 25% premium above
baseline unfurnished rates.
California Legislative Notice (AB 1482)
A key reminder for property owners regarding the California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482): The
allowable annual rent increase cap is calculated as
5% plus the local regional Consumer Price Index (CPI).
With the Monterey County CPI figure established at 3.6%, the maximum statutory cap for
covered properties is 8.6% (5.0% + 3.6%) for applicable 12-month lease cycles
[6]. Our team ensures full compliance with statutory notice periods and local exemption
criteria.
Streamline Software: Platform Progress
Our integration of the Streamline vacation and mid-term rental software system continues at a steady,
methodical pace.
We are intentionally prioritizing deep data accuracy, backend configuration, and stable reporting
infrastructure so that when fully deployed, the system delivers superior booking and accounting
performance for our owners.
Community Calendar
September 2026 Featured Peninsula Events
Take advantage of the pristine fall weather with these signature community events happening this month across
the Monterey Bay area:
Sept 4–6
Fri – Sun
NTT INDYCAR Series Championship Finale
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca hosts the heart-pounding open-wheel season finale at the iconic 11-turn
road course, featuring the world-famous Corkscrew drop [7].
Sept 11–13
Fri – Sun
93rd Annual Festa Italia Fisherman’s Festival
Custom House Plaza & Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey. A beloved three-day coastal heritage
celebration featuring traditional Italian cuisine, live music, cultural exhibits, and bocce tournaments
[8].
Sept 25–27
Fri – Sun
69th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival
Monterey County Fairgrounds. The longest continuously running jazz festival in the world returns with
premier global headliners across multiple legendary outdoor stages [9].
