4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY December 28, 2023-January 3, 2024 www.montereycountyweekly.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH There were many stories from around the world about struggles and risks to safety, and even life, for journalists in 2023. The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker monitors threats to press freedom here in the United States. (The Tracker launched in 2017 and is managed by a coalition of partners including the Freedom of the Press Foundation, Committee to Protect Journalists and Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, among others.) According to a summary of 2023, the Tracker reports that at least 12 journalists in the U.S. were arrested or faced dubious charges this year in connection to their work. Among the examples are Hank Sanders in Illinois, who received three citations for “interference/hampering of city employees” in connection to emails and calls for comment on flooding. In addition, at least 30 news organizations were summoned to court and pressured to identify sources or turn over reporting materials. “The criminalization of routine journalism this year shows authorities either do not understand newsgathering practices or, more alarmingly, do and use prosecutions as a cudgel to chill future reporting,” according to the Tracker. Good: Given the way that technology underpins our lives, digital literacy is a key 21st-century skill. And good news for spreading digital literacy in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties comes thanks to a grant from the California Public Utilities Commission’s Communications Division to Salinasbased nonprofit Loaves, Fishes & Computers. The CPUC awarded the organization $139,999 to advance its efforts to improve digital equity in the tri-county region. LFC provides low-cost computers and computer literacy classes to local low-income families and individuals, helping people get not only the hardware they need to stay connected, but also the knowledge necessary to use it effectively. Since 2009, the nonprofit has distributed around 14,000 devices and served 50,000 families and individuals. GREAT: The bad news is the climate is changing. The great news is that California officials are planning ahead with the Climate Resilience Grant program, which on Dec. 21 announced its $21.7 million round of funding to help address a range of climate-related issues such as wildfires and rising sea levels at a regional level. “The aim of this program is to develop new and important ways of governing and responding to climate change,” said Saharnaz Mirzazad of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The Central Coast recipients— Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, cities of Watsonville and Santa Cruz, Regeneración of Pajaro Valley, Ecology Action and CivicWell— received a combined $650,000 to develop plans for climate adaptation and resilience goals for the Monterey Bay area, with an emphasis on underserved and vulnerable communities. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY Pounds of rainbow trout that was stocked in Lake San Antonio on Dec. 19. California Department of Fish & Wildlife officials plan to stock as much as 30,000 pounds of trout, depending on conditions. It’s the first time the lake has been stocked with trout since 1985. Source: Monterey County Parks 5,000 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Medical debt has placed a significant burden on households.” -Dr. Steven Packer, CEO of Montage Health, announcing the forgiveness of all medical debt incurred by patients from 20202022. The move impacts 29,000 patient accounts and totals $40 million in patient responsibility (see story, mcweekly.com). • Over 100 dealers 21,000 square feet The Largest AnTiques And COLLeCTibLes MALL on the Central Coast ’23 Voted Monterey County's Best Antique Shop 471 WAVE STREET MONTEREY (831) 655-0264 P M canneryrowantiquemall.com Holiday shopping? Come by to find a vintage treasure! Open Daily 11am-6pm sPeCiAL HOLidAY HOuRs CLOSED Christmas & New Year’s Day OPEN 11am -3pm Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve ♦ 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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