I visited Monterey in 2014 and what really struck me were the skinny, dying, and dead seals on the rocks of the boat harbor. Perhaps it was always that way but

I visited Monterey in 2014 and what really struck me were the skinny, dying, and dead seals on the rocks of the boat harbor. Perhaps it was always that way but it really seemed like the dying gasps of an ecosystem wiped out by human activity. I had to actually stop and cry for a while at the horror of it all. Then I went to the museum at the mission and saw how little space and time they gave to the native people who once lived there. A few quick mentions at the beginning. Loads of stories about Spanish and American conquerors, and then a sad diorama showing their beautiful hand made garments right by the exit when the kids are tired and everyone wants to get to the next place. It was a very sad day.