6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH A federal judge ruled March 20 that the Pentagon’s attempt to restrict reporters’ access to its operations was unconstitutional. In October, the Department of Defense issued new rules for reporters, which required them to only report on information that has been unclassified or get their credentials to the Pentagon revoked. Dozens of reporters walked out of the Pentagon, while mostly conservative outlets agreed to the rules. In December, the New York Times filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon, saying the rules violated freedom of speech. Judge Paul Friedman agreed. “Those who drafted the First Amendment believed that the nation’s security requires a free press and an informed people and that such security is endangered by governmental suppression of political speech,” Friedman wrote in his ruling. “That principle has preserved the nation’s security for almost 250 years. It must not be abandoned now.” In response to the ruling, the Pentagon announced that it is removing media offices entirely from the building. Good: Getting a head start on college can help students prepare for the rigorous process of obtaining their degrees. While many high schools offer dual enrollment programs, some go above and beyond. Marina High School and Seaside High School were among the 32 schools across the state that were honored with the California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award. The two Monterey County schools partner with Monterey Peninsula College to offer college courses for high school students. Awardees had to demonstrate their programs integrated college and district plans seamlessly, while making sure they were equitable among students. “Dual enrollment programs give students a chance to explore their interests, discover what inspires them, and begin their college journey early at no cost before they even graduate from high school,” State Superintendent Tony Thurmond said. GREAT: It’s a great week for people formerly homeless in King City, as 45-unit Casa de Esperanza is set to welcome its first residents to the former motel at 1130 Broadway St. After seven months of renovations made possible by partnerships at the city, county and state levels, the studio-apartment complex is expected to be ready by April 3, offering permanent supportive services to residents, according to Zulieka Boykin, executive director and CEO of the Housing Authority of the County of Monterey in a report to the HACM Board of Commissioners. HACM held a grand opening on March 19, despite ongoing construction—surprise issues under parking lot asphalt required fixing, leading to a delay. Mayor Mike LeBarre said Casa de Esperanza will fundamentally change the city’s homelessness situation. The city purchased the hotel for $4.4 million in 2025 and sold it to HACM for $1. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY The number of veterans served by the County of Monterey Office of Military & Veterans Affairs in 2025. The office helps connect veterans, survivors and families to benefits and compensation they are entitled to. Last year, the efforts brought in $21.5 million to those eligible in Monterey and San Benito counties. Source: County of Monterey Office of Military & Veterans Affairs 3,358 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I expected to get a laugh at that.” —Developer Patrick Orosco, who got derisive laughter from a large crowd when he pitched his 90-unit project on the Carmel Valley airfield property (see story, montereycountynow. com/news). 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 Insured by NCUA 1The dividend rate and Annual Percentage Yield (APY) are accurate as of 03/03/2026. There is no minimum balance required to earn the stated APY. The minimum opening deposit for the 7-month certificate is $500. The APY is based on an assumption that dividends will remain in the account until maturity. Any fee, withdrawal, or transfer reduces earnings and there may be penalties for early withdrawal. Call 1-877-GOLDEN 1 (1-877-465-3361) for current rates. We reserve the right to change or discontinue this program at any time. Rates and term are subject to change without notice. 0226-MTW 3.60% APY1 for 7 months Visit a branch, call 1-877-465-3361 or scan to learn more Limited time offer Earn more with a Term Savings Certificate
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