4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH After Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents shot and killed another U.S. citizen in Minnesota on Jan. 29, a staggering amount of lies, half-truths and contradicting information permeated social media. For reporters on the ground, it’s a daily battle to find and share the facts. The Minnesota Star Tribune has positioned itself as a hub for information on the immigration enforcement operation in the state, with Editor and Senior Vice President Kathleen Hennessey telling news website Semafor that about 50 of the paper’s 200 journalists are covering the story daily. “There’s lots of rumor and chatter and confusion, and there’s also just bad and incomplete reporting, that’s flying around lots of outlets,” she said. “You cannot be an informed person and just sort of scroll through social media, it’s distorting and it doesn’t add clarity. Ultimately, that’s what journalism is for. You need to shed some light and bring true understanding.” The paper has made its live blog available without a paywall, while also offering a new family plan subscription. Hennessey said the web traffic and subscriptions to the Star Tribune have risen in recent weeks. “We feel needed and a real sense of purpose and that’s energizing,” she said. Good: Monterey Regional Airport is surrounded by land considered to be in a high and moderate wildfire hazard zone, according to Cal Fire. It may be winter, but in California, fire season is yearlong, and it takes a constant effort to reduce the risk in areas prone to ignition. The airport, along with Cal Fire and the Monterey and Seaside fire departments, embarked on a week-long vegetation trimming project on Jan. 26. On the north side of the airport, crews are working to clear overgrown vegetation and underbrush, while also thinning trees and removing dead or downed vegetation, which is fuel for wildfires. The work also includes creating a fuel break along emergency access roads. Those living in the area will likely hear noise from the workers, but no roads will be impacted. GREAT: Sendero, a transitional housing development for unhoused residents who lived along the Salinas River in Soledad, is up and running. Thirteen residents moved in on Jan. 22 at the shelter located at 990 Los Coches Drive, a city-owned property. Sendero has 14 modular units with kitchens, a laundry area and is ADA-compliant. It’s also close to public transportation and a shopping center. The units are from AMEG, a California-based company that specializes in modular structures and tiny homes. Sendero is funded by Encampment Resolution Funding, a state grant to combat homelessness. In 2024, the County of Monterey received $11.2 million from the state to address homelessness in King City and Soledad. The transitional housing program will end in June 2027. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY That’s how many inmates the Monterey County Jail released into custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2025. In 2017, prior to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office restricting ICE access in the jail, that number was 213. Source: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office 21 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “They’re not going to back down and they’re gonna fight for our country.” -Victoria Rossman of Carmel Valley, a former resident of Minnesota, reflecting on people protesting ICE activity in the state (see story, montereycountynow.com/newsletter). Couples Sweetheart Special 80 mins - $435 or 110 mins - $500 Couples Warm Honey Bubble Bath Soak, Then enjoy Two Signature spa services. Choose a 50 or 80 minute Couples Massages Or Facials offered in Separate Rooms. Singles Chocolate Raspberry Dream Facial 50 mins - $230 or 80 mins - $265 Singles’ Raspberry Enzyme Chocolate Mask. The treatment is finished with a Luxurious Chocolate Cherry Serum, Leaving your skin radiant & irresistibly soft. Gifts Certificates can be purchased on-line at spaontheplaza.com and printed from home, and there is no expiration date. Each booking includes a gift Roses, Split of Champagne & a Box of Chocolates To Book Email or Call Us Reserve@spaontheplaza.com Voted Best Skin Care in 2025 for the 14th time and Best Spa 7 Times ValentineS’s pecials Specials STEAM ROOMS - POOL - JACUZZI - FITNESS CLUB MEMBERSHIPS - WELLNESS CENTER - FREE PARKING 201 ALVARADO ST. DOWNTOWN MONTEREY • 831-647-9000 SPAONTHEPLAZA.COM “I brought my Subaru to Hartzel on advice of a friend and I was so pleased with the service & attention I got from them. Not only finished on time, but under the estimate I was given. Very rare these days. So pleased with the whole experience & great peace of mind knowing it was done correctly. Highly recommend this guy.” —David F., Seaside 2/14/19 510 California Avenue | Sand City | 394.6002 hartzelautomotive.com EXPERT SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT. Subaru Mazda Lexus Infiniti Saab vintage MG SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT SERVICE ONLINE TODAY
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