The Buzz 07.24.25

FREE SPEECH

Two-thirds of Americans support federal funding for public radio, a survey conducted by The Harris Poll concluded, even though Congress approved $1.1 billion in cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The survey, conducted July 9-11 among 2,089 adults, found that 58 percent of Republicans and 77 percent of Democrats supported funding public radio with taxpayer dollars. Also, 7-in-10 respondents, of both Republicans and Democrats, agreed that they rely on public radio for public safety. With the cuts, which President Donald Trump advocated for, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will lose its federal funding for the next two years. Most of that money goes to National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service, which have been in the crosshairs of the current presidential administration due to its perceived bias against Trump. The House and the Senate approved the cuts on mostly party-line votes, with two House Republicans voting against it.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“To watch them eat star thistle is like… how is your mouth handling that?” - Michael Klain, co-founder of California Grazing Co., the company contracting with the City of Monterey to manage the goats and sheep grazing on the Old Capitol Project site as a way to reduce potential wildfire fuel (see story, montereycountynow.com)

GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK

GOOD:

The Covid-19 pandemic was a terrible time, especially for those that lost loved ones – at least 940 people died in Monterey County due to the virus between 2020 and 2023. A memorial is now under construction to remember those that passed, as well as honor health workers and other helpers, the County of Monterey announced on July 15. Located at the county’s government center in Salinas and funded mostly by donations, the memorial includes five transparent colored panels representing each of the five county districts, composed of pieces of colored glass to signify the county’s diversity. It’s expected to cost $340,000 and will be completed in early August. “Each life lost to Covid-19 mattered and leaves a hole in the hearts of loved ones, family members, friends and surrounding community,” said Supervisor Luis Alejo, whose office contributed $100,000 of its discretionary funds.

GREAT:

In February the Monterey High School girls wrestling squad captured their first-ever Central Coast Section championship. Last week, Monterey wrestlers took to an even bigger mat. Tillia Perry and Sophia Sevaaetasi of the girls team were joined by Manuel Ruiz and Gabriel Dela Rosa from the boys team at the 2025 USA Wrestling Junior and 16U national championships, held July 10-19 at the Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota. The event set a record, with 8,531 entrants across all weight classes, competing on 30 mats inside the stadium. Perry competed at 120 pounds freestyle and made it to the round of 128, as did Sevaaetasi at 125 pounds. Ruiz grappled through five matches at 132 in both Greco-Roman and freestyle. Dela Rosa made it through nine matches at 120 in both formats.