The Buzz 11.02.23

FREE SPEECH

Since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and Israel responded by declaring war on Hamas, at least 8,000 people in Gaza and 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, according to news reports. Among the dead are journalists who were covering the conflict, as well as journalists who were not reporting on it. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 31 journalists are among the dead – 26 Palestinian, four Israeli and one Lebanese. In addition, the nonprofit reports that as of Oct. 30, eight are injured and nine are missing or detained. (You can read all of their names and short bios at cpj.org.) Since Israel’s ground offensive began in Gaza, there are additional dangers to civilians there, as well as members of the press. The Israel Defense Forces wrote in a letter to Reuters and Agence France-Press: “In the vicinity of journalists and civilians… we cannot guarantee your employees’ safety, and strongly urge you to take all necessary measures for their safety.”

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“We need to think about the totality of the region and get people off the coast.” - Retired congressman Sam Farr, speaking at the California Welcome Center in Salinas about a concept to promote the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail as a tourist destination (see story, mcweekly.com)

GOOD WEEK / GREAT WEEK

GOOD:

On Oct 26, staff from nonprofit Ventana Wildlife Society brought 10 California condors raised in captivity – three from Los Angeles Zoo and seven from Oregon Zoo – to VWS’ release site in San Simeon, where staff had modified the pre-release holding pens to prevent the transmission of a virulent new strain of avian influenza. All of the 10 young condors – an endangered species – have been vaccinated against that viral strain, and will get a final booster shot before being released into the wild, which VWS is set out to do in two separate cohorts on Nov. 28 and Dec. 12. Those birds will be the first anywhere to be vaccinated and released into the wild. Kelly Sorenson, executive director of VWS, says the avian influenza strain HPAI, which led to at least 10 deaths among the California condor flock in northern Arizona, has not been detected within the Central California flock.

GREAT:

Great news for arts in Salinas comes in the form of two grants from the Latino Community Foundation to nonprofits Hijos Del Sol ($50,000) and Artists Ink. The latter will use its $110,000 grant to revise a past and beloved Christmas production, La Posada Magica, a play written by Octavio Solis and composed by Marcos Loya. The tradition of this play is part of the Mexican religious celebration of the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge for Mary to give birth. Originally written for the community of San Diego, this La Posada rendition was revised to include references that are specific to the Alisal community – from the set design and costumes to the script. The grant will allow Artists Ink to pay its cast and crew. There will be multiple showings throughout December, beginning Dec. 1.