The Facing Seaside IV Project and Exhibition
The Monterey County Weekly
DLAMP students visit the Monterey County Weekly HQ in Seaside
The Monterey County Weekly stands as a cornerstone of independent journalism on California’s Central Coast. Since its founding in 1988, the paper has grown into a vital voice for the Monterey County community, championing transparency, accountability, and public service through fearless reporting and thoughtful storytelling. With a mission rooted in investigative integrity and community connection, the Weekly continues to uplift local journalism while empowering the residents it serves.
At a time when many regional papers have downsized or disappeared entirely, the Monterey County Weekly has remained fiercely committed to local coverage. Its team of dedicated journalists reports deeply on issues affecting the region—from city politics and housing to environmental conservation, education, and immigration. Their in-depth investigative work has uncovered government missteps, spotlighted social injustices, and given voice to underserved communities. This commitment to truth-telling has earned the Weekly statewide recognition and numerous awards, including from the California Newspaper Publishers Association.
One of the most significant ways the Weekly contributes to local journalism is through its accessibility. As a free, independently-owned publication available in print and online, it ensures that quality news is not a luxury, but a public right. The paper’s comprehensive event listings, arts and culture features, and public service reporting make it an essential resource for residents and visitors alike.
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Monterey County Weekly Studio and Business Visit
Monterey County Weekly Business Interview
Name: Bradley Zeve
Name of business: the Monterey County Weekly
● Are you from Monterey County, if not where are you from?
Born in Pittsburgh, PA. Lived in Monterey County for 36.5 years.
● When did you move to Seaside?
1991
● What brought you to Seaside?
Moved our offices into our current location.
● When was your business established in Seaside?
1991
● What was the main reason / motivation to start your business?
Change the world. Report on news, arts, culture and entertainment. Provide a new independent voice for the community.
● Do you have an educational background that helped start up the business or are you self taught?
Studied philosophy in school. Worked on the college radio station and wrote music reviews for the college paper, so yes!
● How did you learn all that you do, who were your mentors, or folks who encouraged / supported you when you decided to start your business?
Found mentors at independent newsmedia conferences, plus other like minded people who loved/supported what we were doing.
● Is this work that has been in your family for generations, or did you start this business with a vision of your own?
Started on my own, own vision.
● Who are your inspirations? (business or otherwise)
MLK, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, I.F. Stone, Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, Henri Cartier-Bresson, I.M. Pei, etc.
● What would you say is your business specialty?
Fiercely independent journalism.
● What are your hopes and dreams for the future of your business?
More of the same. Thrive.
● What would be a single piece of advice that you would give someone who is thinking of starting up their own business?
Commit. Takes everything you have. Be patient. Find ways to reboot, reenergize. Take long walks to soothe yourself. Have great friends and mentors to listen to your challenges, offer support, maybe mentorship. Be resilient. Repeat.
● What are your feelings about community, what does community mean to you here in Seaside? Is community important to you?
An essential ingredient and motivator. I do what I do to help create a greater good. It’s not just about me—but the whole.
● How does the community influence and or engage with your business?
So engaged, reading us, sending in photos, writing letters, supporting our advertisers, supporting MCGives!, etc.
● Were you thinking of setting up your business in any other location? Or was it always meant to be here in Seaside?
Accident. Good luck. Loved the architure, could afford to move here.
● Do you have any plans for expansion?
Not currently, but open to the idea.
● Who is your typical customer?
Readers and businesses. Independent thinkers, indpedendent businesses.
● What is your customer demographic, who are you trying to reach?
Locals between the ages of 21 and up, who are interested in news, arts & culture.
● Do you have social media for your business? What platforms?
Yes, all platforms.
● Do you have a current website? If so, please list it below.
www.montereycountynow.com
● How are you currently marketing to potential customers?
In the Weekly, in Monterey County NOW.
● What support would you be interested in for your business?
Read us. Share our stories.
● Please provide an example of our community in action in relation to your business? Or when do/have you feel most supported by the community?
Started MCGives!
● How does your business show up for the community?
Everyday in our news coverage, special projects.
● Over the years, what have you seen change in Seaside? Good and/or bad.
Both/and. Two steps forward, one-step back. The revitalizaiton of Broadway is a good step, but the politics has ebbed forward, then backwards. Seemed to be more open, progressive, now going the other way, although it’s fluid.
● What would you like to see more of in Seaside? (if anything)
More independent businesses move in.
● What sets your business apart from the other businesses in the area? What makes your business unique, desirable or in demand in 2024?
Independent and fiercely supportive of independent businesses’ successs.
