www.montereycountynow.com october 10-16, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 31 outdated approach that wrongfully hurts communities of color and prevents our local cannabis industry from reaching its full potential. And Panetta continues to offer blanket support of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who we believe will likely go down as a war criminal after the dust settles in the Middle East. Yes, Israel has a right to self-determination and to fight back against very real terrorist threats, but Israel’s actions have the real potential to destabilize the world order. Before the current wars, Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 for breach of trust, accepting bribes and fraud. We wish that Panetta—like Lofgren, Kamala Harris and other Democrats— skipped Netanyahu’s July speech before Congress. We expect more from Jimmy. We want a bolder Panetta. Adam Schiff for Senate The contentious race for this seat, open for the first time in decades after California’s longest-serving senator, Dianne Feinstein, died in 2023, took place back in March during the primary. Adam Schiff defeated all of his Democratic opponents and faces off Nov. 5 against former pro baseball player Steve Garvey. Schiff is eminently qualified for the job: He is a former federal prosecutor, California state senator and 12-term U.S. representative. He’s long been a vocal advocate for upholding integrity in our government, with calls to create a code of ethics for Supreme Court justices and to ban justices and members of Congress from trading individual stocks. He is a champion of democracy, and supports making Election Day a federal holiday (a great idea) and expanding automatic voter registration and early voting. As Republicans in Washington persist in obstructionism, it’s critical Californians elect a can-do Democrat to this Senate seat. Kamala Harris for President She’s smart. She’s likable. She’s got significant experience. Here’s what she’s not: She’s not a narcissist. She’s not a grifter, a repeat liar, a felon nor a business cheat. She’s not a sexual predator. She doesn’t believe the press is the enemy of the people. She doesn’t cozy up to Vladimir Putin or Viktor Orbán. It doesn’t surprise us that Kamala Harris has the support of thousands of Republicans, many who served in her opponent’s administration. Over half of Donald Trump’s former cabinet members are not supporting his reelection bid. That says it all. Harris respects our system of government, is committed to promoting democracy throughout the world, standing up against tyrants and authoritarians. Her plan for an “opportunity economy” is real problem-solving at work. Her view of bodily autonomy would protect reproductive freedom. Our country is not perfect, but it does stand for something great, inspirational. The Trump era, a dark one, needs to end. We’re better than him. So is Kamala Harris. CALIFORNIA PROPOSITIONS Statewide, voters will decide on 10 ballot measures. Here are our recommendations. (For more about our reasoning, visit montereycountynow.com/opinion.) Prop. 2, a $10 billion bond for K-12 schools and community colleges: YES Prop. 3 enshrines the right to marriage, regardless of sex or gender, in the state Constitution: YES Prop. 4, a $10 billion bond supporting climate and water projects: YES Prop. 5 changes the threshold for local infrastructure bond measures from 66.6 percent of the vote to 55 percent: YES Prop. 6 eliminates a constitutional provision allowing involuntary servitude for people who are incarcerated: YES Prop. 32 raises the minimum wage to $17 in 2025 then to $18 in 2026: YES Prop. 33 repeals a 1995 law that restricts what type of residential units local rent control ordinances can be applied to: YES Prop. 34 requires health care providers to spend 98 percent of federal discount drug programs directly on patient care, specifically affecting the AIDS Healthcare Foundation: NO Prop. 35 extends an existing tax on managed health care plans: YES Prop. 36 increases penalties for crimes of possession of certain drugs and for theft under $950: NO UPseaside.com 1760 Fremont Blvd, seaside For leasing opportunities call (415) 730-3917 University Plaza SeaSide’S LifestyLe Shopping Center Order Online at HarumiSeaside.Menu11.com • (831) 899-9988 Open Daily fOr lunch & Dinner Only the finest andthe Freshest Beer Garden LeaGues TournamenTs Beer Garden LeaGues TournamenTs LynnsArcAde.com 1760 Fremont BLvd. ste d1, seAside Monthly MeMbership - $100 Daily pinball pass - $20 (aDult) $15 (chilD/stuDent/Military hourly pinball - $10 private parties - $10 tuesDay RESTAURANT ’23 VOTED Best Thai Food 6 Times! Enjoy Fresh and Flavorful Cuisine Lunch: Mon-Fri 11am-2:30pm Dinner: Mon-Thu 4:30-8pm Fri 4:30-8:30pm, Sat 12-9pm Last seating 15 mins before closing 1760 Fremont Blvd #F1 • Seaside • University Plaza • 394-2996 • BaanThaiSeaside.com
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