4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JANUARY 30-FEBRUARY 5, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH It’s no secret that women’s rights over their own bodies are under attack with the new administration, so many weren’t surprised when the federal website, ReproductiveRights.gov, disappeared shortly after the Jan. 20 inauguration. The website was created by the Biden administration in 2022 after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending abortion as a federal right. The team at theSkimm, an online news outlet, noticed that the website had been preserved by the Internet Archive. So, with the thumbs-up from their attorneys, theSkimm copied all the information and pasted it to their new website, reproductiverightsdotgov.com. In an interview with Marketing Daily, theSkimm Executive Editor Margaret Wheeler said the response to the move has been overwhelming. “Our position is that we always want to give women information about their health, and they can then make the right decisions for them,” she said. “We are just doing what we’ve always tried to do: present information in a non-biased, fact-checked, science-based way, regardless of the politics surrounding it.” Good: National and statewide accolades continue for Chef Jonny Black of Chez Noir in Carmel. On Wednesday, Jan. 22, Black was named as a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: California, one of 11 regional awards given out by the organization. In its first year, the restaurant not only earned a Michelin star, but was also nominated for the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. Black is among 20 chefs from California restaurants so honored. The final nominees will be named on April 2, with the winner announced at the official ceremony on June 16 in Chicago. Black graduated with honors from the Culinary Institute of America Hyde Park in 2007. From there he joined the culinary A-list, including stints at Per Se in New York, Governor in Brooklyn, as well as San Francisco destinations Quince and Atelier Crenn. Jonny and Monique Black opened Chez Noir in October 2022. GREAT: Farmers markets operated by Everyone’s Harvest throughout Monterey County have returned from their winter slumber. Also back: free produce boxes in Seaside. Everyone’s Harvest announced that the Farms Together program has been extended through 2025, with boxes of fruits and vegetables worth $26 available for pickup at the Seaside Farmers Market at Laguna Grande Park every Thursday at 5pm. To receive a box, available on a first-come, first-served basis, residents need to show an ID verifying that they come from a low-income household, such as an EBT or Medi-Cal card. “This extension of the Farms Together program underscores our commitment to ensuring that everyone in our community, regardless of income level, has reliable access to fresh produce,” Everyone’s Harvest Executive Director Hester Parker said. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY That’s the amount the Marina City Council approved for the second phase of Glorya Jean Tate Park. Monterey Peninsula Engineering will be in charge of the project, which includes a dog park, basketball court, picnic areas, electric vehicle charging stations and more. Source: Jan. 22 Marina City Council agenda $4.5 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “He touched a lot of people with his music.” -John Tallon, drummer of Jonah and the Whalewatchers, reminiscing on Alexander “Bammy” Shirley, the founding member and vocalist/bassist of the band who died on Jan. 12 (see story, montereycountynow.com). million * 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. 1524 N. Main Street | Salinas 831.479.6000 • www.bayfed.com • 888.4BAYFED Federally Insured by NCUA | Equal Housing Lender Now Offering Commercial Real Estate Loans No pre-payment penalties Purchase or refinance Multi-family units, farm & agriculture, office space, warehouses and other properties Visit a branch today!
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