4 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MARCH 19-25, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr doesn’t like how the media is covering the U.S.-Israel war in Iran, so he’s threatening to cancel broadcasting permits of those he deems “fake news.” “Broadcasters that are running hoaxes and news distortions—also known as the fake news—have a chance now to correct course before their license renewals come up,” Carr wrote on X. Critics, though, say Carr’s threats have no teeth. The FCC has control over the airwaves for local TV stations such as ABC, yet cable news and streaming platforms are not licensed by the government agency. Any attempt by the federal government to revoke a station’s license would result in a First Amendment case, one that the FCC would likely lose. “The FCC can issue threats all day long, but it is powerless to carry them out,” said Anna Gomez, the only Democratic commissioner on the FCC. “Such threats violate the First Amendment and will go nowhere. Broadcasters should continue covering the news, fiercely and independently, without fear of government pressure.” Good: Pajaro is more prepared than ever for any disaster that may come its way. On March 13, North County Fire Protection District unveiled new high water rescue equipment at a celebratory event marking the renovation of the Pajaro Park soccer field and playground after the 2023 flood. The equipment includes a truck that is able to tread up to 50 inches of water and carry up to 16 people, according to Fire Chief Joel Mendoza. For the areas the truck can’t reach, the fire district now has a motorized boat to navigate tight areas. A skid steer, also added to the district’s repertoire, allows crews to clear out muck and load sandbags into trucks, among other duties. The equipment was purchased with the help from the $20 million in relief funds awarded by the state. In addition, Mendoza says 10 of the district’s 30 firefighters are now certified in swiftwater rescue. GREAT: Congratulations to Carmel Valley’s own Conall Jones, a documentary film producer who has claimed the highest honor in his field: an Oscar. Jones was nominated for the second time, alongside director Joshua Seftel, for best short documentary, and on March 15 clinched the Academy’s nod for All the Empty Rooms. The 34-minute film closely records the empty bedrooms of four children who were killed in school shootings. Jones joined Seftel onstage for the big moment, but his speaking time went to Gloria Cazares, mom to Jackie Cazares, who was murdered at age 9 at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas in 2022. “Since that day, her bedroom has been frozen in time,” Cazares said. “We believe that if the world could see their empty bedrooms, we’d see a different America.” Jones has maintained even an Oscar should not detract from the focus of this project: the grieving families. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY That’s how many calls for service Monterey Police Department received in 2025. That number is 5,000 less than 2024. Overall department activity was down in 2025 compared to the previous year, although felony arrests increased from 236 to 390. Source: Monterey Police Department 2025 annual report QUOTE OF THE WEEK “We want to win the championship. That’s why I’m here.” -Sebastian Lletget, the U.S. national team and MLS star who signed with Monterey Bay FC (see story, montereycountynow.com/news). 40,328 MyMCB Mobile Banking Made Simple. Secure. Wherever You Go. Download MyMCB Mobile Today! With MyMCB Mobile, you can: • Check balances and transactions. • Deposit checks with your phone. • Transfer funds quickly. • Pay bills on the go. • Set custom account alerts. • Use secure biometric login. Disclosure: MyMCB Mobile requires Online Banking enrollment and a compatible mobile device. Certain features such as Mobile Check Deposit may be subject to eligibility, daily limits, or processing times. Message and data rates may apply. Some account restrictions may apply. [MCB. 2026.0311 montereycountybank.com 2020 INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS AND INTERVIEWS TO BE HELD AT 2:00 PM AT THESE LOCATIONS THE SUPERIOR COURT URGES YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN IMPROVING YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT! Greenfield Tuesday May 12 Monterey Wednesday May 13 www.monterey.courts.ca.gov/grandjury (831) 775-5400 Extension 3014 Salinas Thursday May 14 Monterey Courthouse Wednesday, May 6 at 2:00 pm Salinas Courthouse Thursday, May 7 at 2:00 pm King City Courthouse Friday, May 8 at 10:30 am www.monterey.courts.ca.gov/general-information/grand-jury (831) 775-5400 Extension 3014 The 2026–2027 Civil Grand Jury Needs You! 2026 INFORMATIONAL SESSION AND INTERVIEWS TO BE HELD AT THESE LOCATIONS
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