4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MARCH 6-12, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH A Russia-linked ransomware group claimed Feb. 27 that it is responsible for an attack on Lee Enterprises, which owns 350 publications across the United States. The group, Qilin, claims it has “investor records, financial arrangements that raise questions, payments to journalists and publishers, funding for tailored news stories, and approaches to obtaining insider information.” It is threatening to leak the stolen data unless the ransom—an amount that is unknown—is paid. In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Lee Enterprises stated that the attack, which is now entering its second month, has delayed its newspapers’ distribution as well as billing and other services. “The company is actively conducting forensic analysis to determine whether sensitive data or personally identifiable information was compromised,” the filing stated. “At this time, no conclusive evidence has been identified, but the investigation remains ongoing.” Good: AT&T, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Human-I-T donated 185 refurbished laptops to the Greenfield Community Science Workshop and Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries to distribute them among county residents in need. “We believe that access to technology should never be a barrier to opportunity,” said Gabe Middleton, Human-I-T’s CEO. About 8 percent of Californians don’t have internet access or devices to engage online. “Access to reliable internet and digital devices has become essential for everyday tasks—from schoolwork to work and health care. This need is especially critical in communities like Greenfield and South Monterey County,” said Fabián Chacón, Greenfield CSW’s coordinator. “Today’s efforts will have a lasting impact on the education, future and well-being of these students, their families and our broader region.” GREAT: South County cities have a plan to make it safer and easier for students biking and walking to the 22 public K-12 schools in the Salinas Valley. That vision was formalized when the Transportation Agency for Monterey County Board of Directors adopted the Salinas Valley Safe Routes to School Plan in December, setting off subsequent approvals by South County city councils, most recently Soledad on Feb. 19, after a three-year planning period. The plan includes recommended street projects and programs designed to improve safety around schools, such as new sidewalks, enhanced crosswalks, bike facilities and other features. Programs listed in the plan include safety education and walking “school buses.” The plan was funded with a $664,127 grant from Caltrans and $126,501 from Measure X. The cities and TAMC will now search for funding sources to implement the plan. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY That’s how much American Assets Trust sold the Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey for, to buyer Federal Realty Investment Trust. Federal Realty owns high-end developments across the country, including Santana Row in San Jose. Source: County of Monterey Assessor’s Office $123.5 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “These [businesses] mean jobs; they mean independence; and even just community pride.” -Colleen Bailey, president and CEO of the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce, on the importance of shopping at small businesses (see story, montereycountynow.com). million Special Limited Certificate APY= annual percentage yield. Minimum opening deposit $100,000. Maximum $999,999.99. Funds to open this certificate must be new to Monterey CU. New to Monterey CU means the funds must not have been on deposit with Monterey CU in the last six months. Limit to one promotional share certificate per member. Offer available for limited time starting 01/15/2025, and subject to change or cancellation without notice. Early withdrawal penalties apply. LIVE FULL For more information, visit us at www.montereycu.com or call us at 831.647.1000 or stop by a branch nearby Salinas | Monterey | Hollister | Carmel Landscape • Hardscape • Irrigation 831-624-4991 insideout1design@outlook.com f InsideOut Landscape Design CA LIC# 960809 w Landscape Design From An Interior Perspective Eliza DeCiantis believes that your landscape should be an extension of your interior space. Having received her Master Gardener’s Certification over 28 years ago, Eliza combines her 22 year career in television set design with her life-long passion for gardening to create beautiful custom landscape. Eliza is conscientious of our water management issues while creating a drought tolerant, deer resistant environment custom to your personal taste and budget. With a keen sense of attention to detail, Eliza will spruce up your existing landscape for a special event or create a new landscape to enjoy for years to come. InsideOut Landscape Design, Inc. can increase the value of your home, while enhancing the natural potential and beauty of your exterior space for your home or business.
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