6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 2-8, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH Earlier this year, the Pentagon kicked out news outlets that had office space within the facility for years, replacing them with right-wing, proTrump organizations. Now, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is attempting to further restrict media coverage of the military’s activities by demanding outlets sign a pledge to not publish any information without first getting a sign-off from a government official. The memo was sent to reporters on Sept. 19, with Hegseth later writing on X that members of the media could “wear a badge and follow the rules—or go home.” News outlets have vowed to push back, but what that might look like has yet to be determined. “If the news about our military must first be approved by the government, then the public is no longer getting independent reporting. It is getting only what officials want them to see,” National Press Club President Mike Balsamo told Military.com. Republican legislator Don Bacon of Nebraska called the policy “amateur hour.” “This is so dumb that I have a hard time believing it is true,” he said. Good: Good news for Soledad residents: the city is increasing its water sustainability efforts that will be beneficial during severe droughts. On Sept. 27, the city hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its Recycled Water Conveyance Project, which aims to create a citywide recycled water distribution system. The treated water will save millions of gallons of freshwater and provide irrigation to city parks, sports fields and schools. The project is made possible thanks to a $16.66 million state grant under the Budget Act of 2021 and administered by the Urban Community Drought Relief Program of the Department of Water Resources. Once complete, the project is estimated to generate 165 acre-feet of water annually, or 54 million gallons, delivered through five miles of bright purple pipes that are currently being installed. GREAT: Since 2011, the Carmel Woman’s Club has given out $108,000 in scholarships to women pursuing a college degree. For its 100th anniversary, the club set an audacious fundraising goal for its scholarships—which it surpassed. The Carmel Woman’s Club announced that its centennial celebration on Sept. 20 raised more than $105,000. The event featured live musical performances, signature paella from Chef Brandon Miller, tastings from Carmel restaurants, a classic car show, face painting, vintage photo booths, family games and historic exhibits showcasing Carmel’s past. The club was founded in December 1925 with the goals of “mutual help, intellectual advancement, social enjoyment and united effort for the welfare of the community.” Its membership doubled during the pandemic to more than 460 members. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY The number of medical residents who have graduated from the Natividad Family Medicine Residency Program since 1975, many of whom remain practicing locally. The program celebrated its 50th anniversary with a reunion event on Sept. 20. Source: County of Monterey 358 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “He was just a cool cucumber. He was somebody that you could count on.” -Retired Salinas Fire Capt. Edward Lauderdale, speaking about firefighter Joshua Hostetter, who died unexpectedly on Sept. 10 (see story, montereycountynow.com). HEATABLE EATABLES! ELROY’S PRESENTS @ELROYSFINEFOODS WWW.ELROYSFINEFOODS.COM 15 SOLEDAD DRIVE (831) 373-3737 MONTEREY, CA 93940 TANTALIZING TRANSYLVANIA TICKET=$140 EACH (1 TICKET SERVES TWO PEOPLE) To place your order visit www.elroysfinefoods.com or scan this QR CODE! Quantities are limited, so order soon! From Elroy’s Fine Foods Executive Chef & Culinary Director David Hardie A pre-ordered, fully prepared meal to heat & eat at home. Offered on the last Thursday of every month. GLOBALLY INSPIRED & LOCALLY SOURCED ZACUSCA Charred eggplant, tomato, and pepper dip served with a baguette (DIP - GF, VEGAN) (BAGUETTE - CONTAINS: GLUTEN) CIORBA ARDELENEASCA DE PORC Sour soup with smoked pork, tomatoes, tarragon, and sour cream (GF, CONTAINS: DAIRY) MITITEI Garlicky pork, lamb, and beef sausage (GF, DF) BALMOS Creamy polenta with cheese & sour cream (GF, CONTAINS: DAIRY) SAREMALE Stuffed cabbages with pork, sauerkraut, and grape leaves topped with cultured cream (GF, CONTAINS: DAIRY) CIOLAN AFUMAT CU FASOLE Braised smoked pork shank with white beans & tomatoes (GF, CONTAINS: DAIRY) HENCLES A sweetened leavened dough with a creamy custard, and apples & grapes (CONTAINS: GLUTEN, DAIRY) All items will also be available à la carte for purchase at the Prepared Foods counter on Thursday, 10/30 until sold out! *ORDER BY: THURSDAY, 10/23 PICK UP: THURSDAY, 10/30 NEXT MONTH: THANKSGIVING DINNER! * *
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