The Buzz 03.26.26

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.

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)

GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK

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.