4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY SEPTEMBER 5-11, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH In September 2022, Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German was stabbed to death outside of his Las Vegas home. Four days later, former Clark County Public Administrator Robert Telles was arrested and charged with murder with a deadly weapon. German had written stories with allegations of bullying and turmoil in Telles’ office, and also about allegations that Telles was having an affair with a subordinate staffer. After German’s findings were published, Telles went on to lose in a primary election, prompting him to post a letter on his campaign website attacking the Review-Journal’s reporting. On Aug. 28, a jury convicted Telles on the murder charges; he maintained during the trial that he was innocent and had been framed, but could not explain how his DNA had been recovered from under German’s fingernails. Review-Journal Executive Editor Glenn Cook said after the verdict, “In many countries, the killers of journalists go unpunished. Not so in Las Vegas.” After further deliberations following the verdict, the jury sentenced Telles to life in prison with eligibility for parole in 20 years. Good: Another Monterey County Fair is in the books, featuring five days of thrilling carnival rides, mesmerizing magic shows, a live performance from a Billboard chart-topper, deep-fried foods and frisbee-catching dogs. Plenty of checkbooks opened as well: On Saturday, Aug. 31, the junior livestock auction generated $690,000, giving the young people who spent countless hours raising the animals over the summer a boost for their college dreams and other future plans. Funds also support the Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation’s youth programs, such as scholarship opportunities, and improvements to the fairgrounds. The animals were definitely back to greet fair-goers, as the 2024 event marked the first year since the Covid-19 era that the auction was held during the same time as the fair after taking place a week prior in recent years. GREAT: It was great news for 96-year-old Jean Jacques, who learned she has a place to live and be cared for the rest of her life, two weeks after the owners of Pacific Grove Senior Living served her with a three-day eviction notice on Friday, Aug. 16. Jacques bought into the community, formerly called Forest Hill Manor, 22 years ago and paid approximately $5,000 a month until her savings ran out about six years ago. Under the contract she had with the former owners, she would be allowed to continue living there and receive care at no cost. When the facility was sold to Pacifica Senior Living, the California Attorney General’s Office specifically said the new company must honor existing contracts. The Weekly and other news outlets covered Jacques’ predicament and the story went viral around the world. Pacifica reversed its decision and told her on Aug. 30 she could stay. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY That’s how much nearly 15,000 Pacific Gas and Electric customers reported in losses to scammers this year. Utility scams are on the rise and the average victim lost over $600—157 victims have been reported in Monterey County. Source: Pacific Gas and Electric $334,000 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “When I started, California had 350 wineries. Now it has a gazillion.” -Roxanne Langer, co-owner of LadySomm in Carmel with her sister Tamara Carver, speaking about the wine industry (see story, page 28). * Borrowers must be members of Bay Federal Credit Union and your business be eligible for Bay Federal membership. Qualification of membership is defined as the business headquarters is located within Santa Cruz, Monterey, or San Benito Counties. Must meet membership and account criteria, all loans subject to approval. Only commercial properties located within the state of California are eligible for financing. Rates and terms will vary based on collateral and credit. Programs, rates, terms, conditions, and services are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. 831.479.6000 • www.bayfed.com • 888.4BAYFED Federally Insured by NCUA | Equal Housing Lender 1524 N. Main Street | Salinas Now Offering Commercial Real Estate Loans No pre-payment penalties Purchase or refinance Loan amounts up to $5,000,000 Multi-family units, farm & agriculture, office space, warehouses and other properties Visit a branch today!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==