At one point Disher and Stottlemeyer argue about whether Ginger Rogers is alive. This episode is from 2007. Ginger Rogers had been dead for 12 years. Disher is correct.
The scenes at the Bay City Pier were actually filmed at the Santa Monica pier in Los Angeles. The yellow roller coaster seen in the background of some shots is the Santa Monica West coaster.
Gail O'Grady, who plays Lovely Rita, also appeared in Mr. Monk and the Candidate (2002)(#1.1) & Mr. Monk and the Candidate (2002)(#1.2), as the candidate's wife.
Disher writes on Stottlemeyer's television with permanent ink. Rubbing alcohol will remove "permanent" ink from glass easily, so it's not as big a problem as portrayed. Although alcohol-resistant lab markers are available, they can be erased with acetone.