4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY AUGUST 15-21, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH Last fall, some faculty departments in colleges within the University of California published opinions about Israel’s war in Gaza, including a statement posted by the ethnic studies department at UC Santa Cruz that called on “scholars, researchers, organizers and administrators worldwide” to take action. Such postings set off a debate over free speech, culminating in the system’s board of regents passing a policy in July that restricts what can be said on university websites. According to the policy, faculty departments are prohibited from sharing opinionated statements on their homepages. They will, however, be allowed elsewhere on the website as long as they include a disclaimer that the opinions don’t represent the entire college. Jennifer Mogannam, an assistant professor in UCSC’s ethnic studies department, said in an EdSource article that she views the “policy as targeting ethnic studies faculty and pro-Palestinian speech.” The policy passed was slightly less restrictive than what was originally proposed, most notably the addition of language that allows statements to be posted for “scholarly endeavors.” Good: For years, there has been a need for some love at Monterey Museum of Art’s main location in downtown Monterey. A big step forward came on Aug. 13 when the museum announced it has selected an architectural firm to reimagine the location, including the Miller Adobe just across Francis Elkins Park (MMA acquired the historic building last year). San Franciscobased Jensen Architects will lead a community engagement process to develop plans for MMA. A 2021 study commissioned by the museum showed the need to refocus capital improvement downtown and sell a parcel on Perry Lane; this contract is a step toward making those plans materialize. “As we’ve seen, MMA can bring thousands of Monterey residents into the historic district to enjoy the arts experiences we host for them,” MMA Executive Director Corey Madden said. “Now we need an inspiring indoor/outdoor campus to support the museum we’ve become.” GREAT: Great news for Pajaro Middle School students. They have returned to their campus for the first time since a 2023 flood inundated the town of Pajaro. During the first day of class on Aug. 13, Pajaro Valley Unified School District held a ceremony to celebrate the school’s reopening for the 2024-2025 school year. Nearly 400 students from Lakeview Middle School, Ohlone and Hall elementary schools came back to a renewed campus with new equipment, furniture and ADA-compliant features. PMS underwent extensive cleaning, repairs and renovation. The school was closed for 15 months after the March 2023 flooding when the Pajaro River levee broke. “It’s truly a celebration and it provides many opportunities to bring the community together,” says Principal Nicole Killian, noting PMS is designated as a community school, a framework that provides non-academic resources to students and families. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY That’s the number of traffic stops Monterey Police officers made during Car Week in 2023. Of those, 176 resulted in traffic citations, 10 people were arrested and eight vehicles were towed. MPD will increase patrols during Car Week 2024 through Aug. 18. Source: Monterey Police Department 256 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “You are part of it. You are in unison with the car.” -World Champion Formula 1 driver Jenson Button, speaking about racing a 1952 Jaguar C-Type at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (see story, montereycountynow.com). What is your Point of View? Introducing Carmel's Skyview Castle! The greatest meeting of land to Sea! $2,888,000 asking price | Vacant and easy to show. 27540 Mooncrest Drive, Carmel Enchanting hilltop estate with 4700sq.ft. of living space located on a gated 2.5 acre parcel. Mae LaMb | broker/owner SiLver Lining reaLty DRE#01429160 831-917-9857 Phone Mae Lamb for a private showing or questions. giLbert beLiSLe | Senior vP the Loan ranger LLC NMLS #487768 831-601-7944 | www.theloanranger.co belisle@theloanranger.co Investor Special: DSCR financing Real Men, Real Life, Real Results “At its core Breakthrough is about being the best man you can be” - Breakthrough Graduate Now registering for Fall Workshops Change IS possible. Start your best life now. LIFE TOOLS FOR MEN For information or to attend a FREE introductory session email enrollment @breakthroughformen.org
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==