Deep Breaths

DEEP BREATHS… Squid is still wondering, what was the big fuss over Monterey Public Library’s Drag Queen Storytime on June 11. Squid thinks: Kudos for being inclusive. “The library is here to tell stories for everyone,” Library Director Brian Edwards says. The event sold out; more than 100 people showed up.

To Squid, the event looked pretty similar to other storytimes and everyone seemed to have fun, adults as well as kids. “A lot of people in this room, like me, come from spaces where being queer is not celebrated. Experiencing these types of events as an adult is extremely impactful as well,” says Nick Zafiratos, communications officer for Monterey Peninsula Pride.

Good vibes aside, it sparked a protest outside of the venue, Oscar’s Playground. Protesters had signs labeling the event as “grooming” or “immoral.” If anything was immoral – or rather, demoralizing – Squid notes the star of the show, Saint Sellos, didn’t feel comfortable sharing their real name due to the potential for online harassment.

Too bad the haters didn’t just listen in; the event was fun. It was not sensational. All in attendance survived.

For those who are still grudging: Take a deep breath. Inhale… exhale. If that doesn’t work, maybe tune in on Tuesdays at 12:30pm to another Monterey Public Library offering – mindfulness sessions.

AG ASK… Squid isn’t big on technology – it doesn’t work very well underwater. But Squid does get excited when Squid hears about new projects that work on land. So Squid has been eagerly waiting for the launch of Reservoir Farms, a new ag tech incubator promised in spring 2025, a season that has come and gone. During a budget hearing of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors on May 28, Squid got an idea of why – the project needs cash.

Jackie Cruz, a VP at Hartnell College, requested the board match an $895,000 grant from the California Jobs First initiative. Reservoir CEO Danny Bernstein added, “A local match strengthens our competitiveness as we go after millions more in grant dollars and significantly more public and private funding.” (He notes this is not to fund the whole initiative, but to send a clear signal to Sacramento that Monterey County is serious.)

Four companies have already committed, he said, bringing $20 million in venture capital with them. “But,” Bernstein said, “they will only commit if we can deliver the infrastructure they need.”

In a tight budget year, board members were attracted to the potential revenue Reservoir Farms could bring in, promising to create high-paying jobs in agriculture. So they voted 5-0 to offer support. However, $50,000 was all they could offer.

That leaves $845,000. That’s a lot of green, and it does not grow in local fields.