Monterey News

Monterey sandwich shop owner Bennett Compagno accepted a plaque Monday in front of his store on Prescott Avenue from the National Association for Uniformed Services for his dedication and commitment to helping the troops.

NAUS Chapter President Karl Karl headed the effort to thank Compagno, who has sent care packages to troops overseas and always welcomes them into his store with a smile, handshake and a good meal.

Monterey Mayor Chuck Della Sala made an appearance at the event and presented Compagno with a proclamation from the City of Monterey.

Also in attendance were Rito Guerra, Aide to State Senator Abel Maldonado, Aide to Assemblyman Bill Monning, Julian Chacon from Congressman Sam Farr’s office, Chris Lopez, from Simon Salinas' office and Chairman of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors Monterey City Manager Fred Meurer.

NAUS is a legislative org

This week marks the 161st year of continuous operation for Monterey's Colton Hall.

Colton Hall is where California's first constitution was drawn up back in 1849, making the golden state the 31st in the union. Local history buffs unveiled a special monument today in recognition of Colton Hall's place in history.

The event was complete with actors dressed in period costume and Central Coast News asked them how California's founding fathers would handle today's big problems.

"Everybody has a right to be heard, everybody has a right to speak." says Kevin Hanstick dressed as Walter Colton. "That is what can take place then, as long as everybody is well-represented as need be, the country is doing right."

Colton Hall is named after Walter Colton, who was Monterey's first mayor.

Carmel Valley resident Jonathan Showe has been to Cuba close to 80 times. He understands the most populated island in the Caribbean, how it has resisted the tides of change – vintage American cars with large tailfins still cruise Havana’s cobblestone streets like sharks – how it still clings to communism, how it stuck with Fidel Castro for 49 years while its nearby northern neighbor the United  States... Read More

At 15, Julio’s friend tattooed “X4” beside his left eye using a sewing needle with an ink-dipped thread. Poke by poke, the Norteño gang symbol sunk into his teenage skin. About a year later, the East Bay native had the tat removed, but not with modern laser treatment; he recalls how a doctor puffed up his face and cut the “14” out with a scalpel. Two months later, the tattoo was back – over his scar.

Now 33 and living in a Salinas halfway house, Julio (whose name has been changed to protect his identity) is close to – once again – removing the gang signifier... Read More