6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 4-10, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com THE BUZZ FREE SPEECH Like all journalists, those at the Weekly review documents and contact the parties involved when writing any news article. Such was the case when staff writer Royvi Hernandez wrote about Daniel Muñoz’s attempt to recall Salinas City Councilmember José Luis Barajas and County Supervisor Luis Alejo. Hernandez went to the Monterey County Elections Office and Salinas City Hall to review Barajas’ and Alejo’s responses on why they shouldn’t be recalled. Hernandez was able to view the statements, but at Salinas City Hall, Assistant City Clerk Alexis Mejia told her that she couldn’t take photos, copies or notes. Hernandez instead memorized one of the sentences from Barajas’ defense statement. According to California Elections Code, election records are for viewing only, but the code does not specifically restrict a viewer from taking notes. City Attorney Chris Callihan confirmed it via email: “The response may be viewed and your team may take notes, but cannot have copies or take photos of the documents.” Good: Good news for kids and parents in Monterey County: free summer programs have joined the vast list of programs offered this year. Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County is offering an eightweek program in Salinas, Seaside and Gonzales, including football and leadership skills and a summer academy, where they participate in field trips, recreational and health and wellness activities. In the past, these programs have cost $300 per child, but this year, the organization is waiving the fee. First Tee, a youth development nonprofit, partnered with King City Union School District to offer eight-week programs including golf, swimming, animal welfare and photography for students. “A child who has never picked up a club is going to leave this summer with new friends, new skills and a lot more confidence,” said Nathan Nuñez, director of development for First Tee Monterey County. GREAT: The long, winding road of bringing addresses to Carmel is coming to an end. Soon you’ll find Carmel City Hall at 662 Monte Verde St., instead of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and Seventh avenues, and so on, for every home and business. Sunset Center’s address will transform from San Carlos Street at Ninth Avenue to 908 San Carlos St. The map was finalized and approved by U.S. Postal Service Address Management Systems and the County of Monterey, with the County currently integrating the new addresses into its systems, as well as coordinating notifications with agencies and service providers that rely on standardized address data, according to a report to the Carmel City Council on Tuesday, June 2. The Council voted 5-0 to confirm implementation of the system. Official notices will be sent to property owners about activating the addresses in the coming weeks. GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK THE WEEKLY TALLY The iconic red caboose along the Rec Trail on Cannery Row sold for its full asking price, and is now in escrow. The anonymous purchaser plans to move it to a private estate in California. Source: Ed Ciliberti, seller $75,000 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “The evidence supports a finding that [Smurfit Westrock] entered into negotiations with a closed mind.” -John Giannopoulos, an administrative law judge with the National Labor Relations Board, in his ruling finding Smurfit Westrock in Salinas acted in bad faith over health insurance negotiations with workers (see story, montereycountynow.com/news). RUN ROSES for the t foh r e A Kentucky Derby Event Benefiting Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey is strengthened by the generosity of community members like you. Thank you for your unwavering support and for helping us uplift the dignity of our neighbors. Thank You for Supporting Thank you to our Sponsors! sport coats soft coats outerwear shirting sweaters trousers carmel plaza carmel-by-the-sea new arrivals
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