January marked a milestone for, as well a speed bump in the continuing evolution of Cal State Monterey Bay which was established 30 years ago at Fort Ord, the former Army base straddling Marina and Seaside.

On Jan. 12, the Herald published news of the university’s latest deal with the Pebble Beach Company, aimed, in part, at giving students a leg-up in entering the local workforce upon graduation.

The Pebble Beach Scholars Program was built on the existing partnership between the university’s Sustainable Hospitality Management program and Pebble Beach. The new scholars program aimed to provide students with financial support, housing, internships and career development for students.

“I think that this program is a win-win for our students, it’s a win-win for our community and it’s a win-win for Pebble Beach and Monterey Bay because we will continue to strengthen the workforce in this area,” said Quiñones.

The first cohort launched in the fall and included eight students. Students were to be provided with up to $5,000 per year — for up to four years — for tuition, books and other educational costs, as well as continued campus housing during academic breaks. The housing assistance ensured students had access to housing for summer internships and work opportunities outside the school year. The university explained that most importantly, the program will allow students to learn from top industry experts at a world-renowned resort as they continue their studies and enter the workforce.

David Stivers, the CEO of the Pebble Beach Company, said that since 2019 the company has had more than 60 students from CSU Monterey Bay complete internships with Pebble Beach.

“For us, the scholars program is the next chapter in a very successful relationship that we already have with the university,” Stivers continued.

Things weren’t all rosy though on campus as students and faculty returned to campus after winter break.

“While Monday, (Jan. 22) marked the start of the spring semester, CSU Monterey Bay’s campus was eerily quiet and devoid of students as faculty and staff participated in the first day of a historic statewide strike,” wrote the Herald’s Molly Gibbs.

Megan O’Donnell, co-president and chapter lecturer representative of CSUMB’s California FacultyAssociation chapter, said the Monterey chapter represents approximately 500 faculty and staff members on campus — the majority of whom were participating in the strike.

“I think most of the students rightly understood that they should stay home today or stay in the dorms,” O’Donnell said.

The strike — reportedly the largest university faculty strike in U.S. history — included faculty and staff at all 23 CSU campuses across the state. The scheduled week-long walkout came after more than seven months of failed negotiations between the CSU Chancellor’s Office and the California Faculty Association.

But by that evening the strike was over as the CFA and CSU management reached a tentative agreement which called for general salary increases and boosts in parental leave by four weeks.

Other happenings

The Whole Enchilada, one of the most recognizable and popular restaurants to grace Highway 1 in Moss Landing closed its doors, bringing an end to a family business after about 45 years. In November, restaurant co-founder Ray Retez had died at age 93.

In 1979 Retez and his wife Janice bought the Moss Landing Inn next to an existing gas station along the two-lane highway. The business grew and when the station location was put up for sale, the couple bought it, renovated the property and opened The Whole Enchilada Restaurant, along with close friend Denis Keith, in 1981.

Another local health care option in Monterey County was announced as Kaiser Permanente revealed plans to open a clinic in Salinas.

The career of former Seaside High football star Ron Rivera took another turn as he was fired as head coach of the Washington Commanders. Rivera, a long-time standout linebacker for the Chicago Bears, had also been the head coach of the Carolina Panthers.

After a year filled with controversy, Carmel Unified School District took a step to try and help stabilize the embattled organization by promoting Sharon Ofek superintendent. Ofek had been acting as the district’s interim superintendent since April 2023. Former superintendent, Ted Knight, had received a payment of $770,000 after submitting his letter of resignation.