8 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 11-17, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH It’s not just stars on screen who make the television shows we love. Some 11,500 writers in the Writers Guild of America are currently on strike after negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers collapsed on May 1. The last time WGA members went on strike was in 2007, when streaming platforms were just emerging, and the union successfully negotiated to get “new media” covered by the guild’s existing “basic minimum agreement.” Since then, streaming has proliferated, and workers say it has effectively created a gig economy with short-term jobs for short seasons, known in the industry as “mini-rooms.” The guild has asked for a minimum of six writers for episodic shows (to preserve the idea of the “writers’ room”) with 10-week minimums, pay increases and limitations on the use of artificial intelligence in script-writing. According to analysis released by AMPTP, the guild’s requests would total $429 million per year, and their counter-offer would cost $86 million per year. Good: Congratulations to the Gateway Center of Monterey County and the families it serves. This week, the nonprofit is celebrating 60 years of helping developmentally disabled people reach their highest potential. The center was started in 1954 by parents who wanted to create a place where their children with special needs could thrive. As those children grew up, the mission changed to serving adults with developmental disabilities. It includes a residential program at its main location in Pacific Grove and a home in Marina, services to help clients live independently, and day programs for developmentally disabled adults. Gateway also offers day programs for senior citizens in P.G. and at a satellite location in Salinas. The organization is celebrating with a gala dinner and fundraising auction at 5pm on Friday, May 12 at the Portola Hotel in Monterey, featuring comedian and youth motivator Michael Pritchard. Great: Long-awaited great news for people who want to catch some air: the city of Marina is celebrating the opening of the first pump track in Monterey County. The nearly 30,000-square-foot track is paved and has two wall rides (40- and 20-foot options), and includes areas for different levels of riders, from beginner to expert. Bikes, scooters and skateboards are welcome; kids as young as 4 are invited. “Pump tracks are really fun for all ages,” says Chris Partida, an experienced bicyclist and volunteer at the upcoming event. The idea for the track originated in 2015 when members of the Monterey Off Road Cycling Association pitched it. Now it’s coming to Gloria Jean Tate Park (3254 Abdy Way, Marina) along with other park upgrades like paved paths, accessible parking spaces and a picnic area. The grand opening is a free, family-friendly event from 10am-2pm on Saturday, May 13. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY Amount of new funding NOAA approved in April to restore habitat—from coastal grasslands to tidal salt marshes and more—on the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. Source: Elkhorn Slough Foundation $2.2 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I still think it’s wrong.” -Monterey City Councilmember Ed Smith speaking on May 2 before casting the lone dissenting vote against a plan to approve four locations for cannabis dispensaries in the city. The council voted 4-1 to pursue four retail stores (see story, mcweekly.com). milLion TIP OF THE WEEK! Warmer weather is approaching Let’s enjoy the sun with peace of mind. Are all your estate planning documents current? Legal Services for Seniors is here to help you. If you are over 60 years old and live in Monterey County, please contact us. We’ll be so happy to serve you. Have questions? Call us! 831.899.0492 Legal Services for Seniors Kellie D. Morgantini Interim Executive Director Legal Services for Seniors is a 501(c)(3) organization. ♦ 3 Card Poker ♠ Century 21st No Bust Black Jack ♣ Texas Hold’em ♥ Baccarat FULL BAR! BLACKJACK BONUS POINTS PAYS UP TO $20,000 SMALL TOWN BIG PAYOUTS! 1-800-Gambler • Gega-003846, Gega-Gega-003703, Gega-000889 Gega-000891 Gega-002838 The Marina Club Casino ensures the safety and security of all guests and team members at all times, while providing exceptional service. 204 Carmel Ave. Marina 831-384-0925 casinomonterey.com ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Just minutes from Downtown Monterey Where Monterey Comes To Play
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