4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 25-31, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH As more journalists cite social media posts in their reporting, they may as well not cite any sources at all. That was one of the takeaways from a new study that set out to determine what readers view as credible. The study, conducted by Auburn University Assistant Professor Jessica Sparks and published in the International Journal of Press/Politics, surveyed 1,210 people, gauging their thoughts on an article’s credibility when it sourced public records versus social media or academic experts. Readers, according to the study, found stories more informative and credible when they attributed sources obtained through freedom of information requests. The same stories, citing social media, were considered the least credible, equivalent to stories with no sources. “It confirmed our expectations that audiences see value and credibility in information obtained through open records requests,” Sparks told the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project. “It also showed that quoting social media diminishes audience perceptions of credibility in journalists’ work, which pushes back on some recent practices in the industry.” Good: There’s good news for those who need to find their way to the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery, opened in 2016 on Parker Flats Road in Seaside. It hasn’t always been easy to find the cemetery and it didn’t help that there was no sign on Highway 1 marking the exit at Lightfighter Drive. Hy Libby, a member of the American Legion Riders, pointed out the need, and so for the last five years members of the County of Monterey Military and Veterans Affairs Office, CalVet representatives and other local and state leaders have lobbied Caltrans for the sign. It was finally installed in mid-December. “This may seem like a small change, but it matters. Clear signage helps families, caregivers and visitors find the cemetery with dignity and ease—especially during moments of remembrance,” an announcement in Supervisor Wendy Root Askew’s newsletter dated Dec. 18 states. GREAT: Santa Claus arrived early for 1,500 children in South Monterey County, as he flew in by helicopter and landed at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds on Dec. 18. The annual event is organized by County Supervisor Chris Lopez and California Water Service, with the helicopter provided by Fort Hunter Liggett, hence Santa ditching the red suit for Army fatigues. The event is now in its fifth year, with more than 500 families receiving gifts and meals as the children met Santa. The families were selected by school districts based on financial need. “We thank Santa Claus, for once again, prioritizing the children of Southern Monterey County,” Lopez said. “With families from Lockwood to Soledad participating this year, the magic we can make together is growing. With over 100 elves from the community joining our partners, it shows that this is a community where we look out for one another.” GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY Somehow resulting in a round number, this is the amount of submissions to this year’s 101-Word Short Story Contest, sent online and through the mail. Check out the winners and runners-up beginning on p. 16. 200 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I’m going to ride my bike a shit ton more.” -Frank Pinto, owner of Work Horse Bicycles in Monterey, on his retirement. The shop closes Dec. 31 (see story, montereycountynow.com/ news).
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