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Showing posts from May, 2019

South Monterey County Road & Lane Closures

Major scheduled road and lane closures for South Monterey County from June 2 to June 7 include: Highway 101: San Ardo: June 3 One lane closure will occur along northbound Highway 101 in San Ardo for guardrail repair work  from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Highway 101: San Antonio Bridge – First Street, King City: June 4 – June 7 One lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between the San Antonio Bridge and First Street in King City for paving work from 4:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Highway 101: First Street, King City: June 4 – June 7 The on and off ramps on northbound and southbound Highway 101 at First Street in King City will be closed for paving work from 4:30 am. to 4 p.m. Highway 101: Wild Horse Road, Bradley:  June 4 – June 7 The on and off ramps on northbound and southbound Highway 101 at Wild Horse Road in Bradley will be closed for paving work from 4:30 am. to 4 p.m. Please keep in mind that construction work is weather-depen

Driver charged for DUI in 1 vehicle rollover outside of King City

A 1 vehicle rollover took place sometime after 5:30 am about 6 miles outside of King City on Friday morning, May 31. The CHP reports that the driver swerved down the grade south of San Lucas Road and Northbound Jolon which caused the vehicle to rollover. The driver received major injuries and had to be transported to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas. Alcohol did play a factor in the accident and the driver was charged with driving under the influence. 

Brush fires put out in South Monterey County

Cal Fire crews were busy extinguishing brush fires to close out the month of May on Friday, May 31. According to Cal Fire PIO Johnathan Pangburn, a 2 acre vegetation fire sparked at 1:45 am off of Metz Road and Blue Jay Lane outside of Soledad and was contained by fire crews in about 90 minutes, 3 spot fires flared up at around 10 am off of Jolon Road and San Lucas Road outside of King City and were controlled within 30 minutes, while another roadside spot fire was contained off of Bitterwater Rd X Industrial Way in King City sometime between 12 pm and 3 pm. No injuries were reported from these fires.

Madera man pleads guilty to inappropriate conduct with minors in South Monterey County

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, May 31 that on Thursday, May 30, 20-year-old Angel Vasquez of Madera, pled guilty to 8 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, one count of oral copulation with a minor, and one count of violating a court order. There was a total of seven minor victims. The incidents occurred in South Monterey County between 2017 and 2018 as Vasquez engaged in sexual intercourse with seven minor females who were between 14-years-old to 17-years-old, when Vasquez was between 18 and 19 years of age. Vasquez impregnated four of the minors, however three of the minors had miscarriages. After Judge Mark E. Hood ordered Vasquez not to have any contact with the seven minors, Vazquez continued to contact three minors. Vasquez will be sentenced on July 18 and faces up to 4 years and 4 months in prison. In addition, he will be required to register as a sex offender. The case was investigated by Detectiv

Residential Burglary Suspect Arrested in Paso Robles

On Wednesday, May 29 at 10:23 am the Paso Robles Police Department received a call from a resident on the 2800 block of Park Street, reporting that someone had entered her house while she was upstairs. A resident heard noise and confronted a suspect inside of her home. The suspect was surprised and took off running out the door going through a wood fence and the resident contacted the police. A Paso Robles Police officer noticed a man running on the railroad tracks away from the area. Officers were able to catch up to the man and quickly noticed that he matched the description that was provided. The female victim confirmed with the PRPD that the man caught was who had entered her house. The man arrested has been identified as 35-year-old Joseph Godfrey of Atascadero who was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail for 1st degree residential burglary and possession of drugs.

Battle of the Books recap at Santa Lucia School

A ton of kids at Santa Lucia Elementary School in King City were in attendance to watch 2 teams go at it in a Battle of the Books competition on Thursday, May 30. Teacher Brannon Larson and along with other teachers and Administrators were on hand to host the action again this year. Larson asked a set of questions to both teams of kids about some books that they read within the last couple of months. Winning the Battle of the Books competition was the team of the Happy Hippos 25 to 5 over the team of the Green Giraffes. The 3 kids on each team received 1st place and 2nd place medals.

Vegetation fires knocked down in San Ardo

Two brush fires broke out in the San Ardo area on Thursday afternoon, May 30. According to Cal Fire PIO for Monterey and San Benito counties Johnathan Pangburn, the first blaze sparked sometime after 1 pm off of Dudley and Paris Valley Road scorching over 13 acres and was controlled by fire crews in about 2 hours, while the 2nd blaze flared up a little after 3 pm in the San Ardo Oilfields burning 3 acres and was contained in less than 1 hour. An air attack, 2 tankers, 7 engines, a bulldozer, a hand crew, a helicopter and response from South Monterey County fire units were all on site to assist. A few structures were threatened and there were no injuries. The cause of both fires is under investigation.

Pinnacles National Park needs volunteers June 1

Pinnacles National Park is looking for volunteers as they celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1 at 9 am. Projects may include removing non-native plants, cleaning up trails, and collecting native seeds. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. Groups larger than 10 should register at pinn_volunteer@nps.gov or call 831-389-4485 for more information.

Greenfield City Council recap

At the Greenfield City Council meeting on Tuesday night, May 28 the Council passed a resolution appropriating $5000 to be added from other private monies and offered as a reward for the successful arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of 16-year-old Luis Cuevas Gonzales in Greenfield on January 4, 2018. With the approval of the resolution the reward is now up to $10,000. An Aunt of Cuevas Gonzales thanked the Council for their support and is hoping that people will come forward with more information that will help lead to an arrest. Greenfield Mayor Lance Walker said that they'll do whatever they can to help.

Edward Jones donates 2 new Flat screen TVs to Sun Street Centers

Sun Street Centers in King City which provides the most comprehensive and effective services for education, prevention and recovery of alcohol addiction and drug abuse were presented with 2 new flat screen TVs on Wednesday, May 29. Edward Jones Financial Advisor Alex Gourley in King City helped raise $625 from a luncheon and raffle that he hosted in Castroville on Wednesday, May 22 to purchase the Flat screen TVs that will be put in the dining and common room areas of Sun Street Centers Womens and Mens Facilities in King City.

SMCRWF is mailing packages to military troops June 4

Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be sending packages to servicemen and women serving in Afghanistan on Tuesday, June 4.  If you would like to participate in this on going project, please drop off items for the troops at the South County Newspapers office located at 522-B Broadway Street in King City, the King City Library which is at 402 Broadway or call (831) 385-1333 to arrange a pick up. Southern Monterey County  Republican Women Federated has partnered with Operation Care and Comfort, an all volunteer 501 (c)(3) organization. Additional information regarding a list of desired items for the troop boxes is available at the Rustler office or the Library and donations for postage are greatly appreciated. For more information on this outreach project, call Karen Leonhard at (831) 385-1333.

3 vehicle accident in King City

An accident involving 2 moving vehicles and a parked car occurred off of South Mildred Avenue and Reich Street in King City at around 3:45 pm on Tuesday afternoon, May 28. The King City Police Department states that a vehicle heading eastbound on Reich caused the collision by failing to stop at a stop sign and ended up striking a vehicle that was going southbound on Mildred. A parked vehicle was also hit during the crash. The people in 2 of the vehicles received minor injuries and were not transported to a Hospital.

EMS Respond to DLMS in Paso Robles

PASO ROBLES, CA – Paso Robles Department of Emergency Services, San Luis Ambulance and the Paso Robles Police Department responded to the Daniel Lewis Middle School at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 24 for a report of students exhibiting medical symptoms of an unknown nature. In total, 9 students were evaluated for symptoms that resulted from inhaling an unknown substance from a vape pen. Per County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department EMSA Policy #210 a level 1 Multi Casualty Incident was declared. All Patients were triaged according to EMSA guidelines and were eventually released back to parents or school officials. One patients was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

Assembly Passes Farmworker Housing Act of 2019

(SACRAMENTO) – On Friday, May 24, the California State Assembly passed AB 1783, legislation introduced by District 30 Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) that will streamline the process to build dignified, family-friendly housing for farmworkers in California. The bill passed with bipartisan support and a 59-11 vote in the Assembly. AB 1783 will now be heard in the California State Senate.  “California’s housing shortage has been particularly tough on farmworkers and their families,” said Rivas. “As the grandson of a farmworker, I grew up in farmworker housing myself. I know how critical it is that the farmworkers who help feed us and contribute to our state’s economy have a safe and decent place to call home. AB 1783 provides farmworkers and their children an opportunity for a better life.” AB 1783, the Farmworker Housing Act of 2019, creates a new streamlined process for farmers to partner with non-profit organizations to build high-quality farmworker housing on agricult

Holiday Enforcement at Lake Nacimiento & Lake San Antonio

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office in cooperation with the Monterey County Parks Office and Cal Fire is reminding everyone about an increased law enforcement presence at Lake Nacimiento over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office will also be collaborating with the Monterey County Sheriff's Office who will be taking the same approach at Lake San Antonio. Because of the large increase in visitors expected at the lake during this time period, there exists a potential increase in problems and issues for boaters and campers. As a result, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office, Monterey County Sheriff's Office, and Monterey County Park Rangers will be deploying more patrols on water and land. Deputies will be taking a pro-active approach to keep incidents from escalating and to ensure the safety of all those visiting the lake. Here are a few tips to help make sure this is a safe and fun holiday for everyone at t

CHP stresses seat belt usage for Holiday weekend

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – With summer around the corner, Memorial Day weekend traffic will likely increase on California roadways. In the interest of traffic safety, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will conduct a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) on US 101 between Salinas and San Luis Obispo. Seat belt usage is the focus of the Memorial Day MEP which will run from 6 p.m. on Friday, May 24, to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 27. During the MEP, CHP officers will be out in force throughout California looking for traffic safety violations and making efforts to educate motorists to ensure a safe holiday. Officers will also be watching carefully for distracted drivers and those who are impaired by drugs or alcohol. “One of the simplest things a person can do to stay safe is to buckle up,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley. “Not only does the law require vehicle occupants to wear a seat belt, but it helps protect against injury or death.” Nearly half (46 percent) of all vehicle occupants kil

Greenfield man sentenced for DUI

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced that 26-year-old Florentino Merino of Greenfield was sentenced on Thursday, May 23 to 2 years in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher having previously been convicted for numerous priors of driving under the influence. On September 15, 2018, a Greenfield police officer observed a white Honda Accord with a dark tint on the front driver side window and initiated a traffic stop. The officer contacted the driver who identified himself as “Omar Perez” with a date of birth in August 1991. It was later discovered that the driver’s true name was Florentino Merino Mendoza, with a date of birth in August of 1992. While the officer was speaking to Merino, the officer smelled a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath. Additionally, he had watery, bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech. Merino admitted he con

South Monterey County men arrested for Greenfield kidnapping incident

On Wednesday, May 22 Investigators from the Major Crimes Unit were able to execute arrest warrants on 22-year-old Esteban Aguilera in King City, 19-year-old Jose Andres Hernandez in Salinas, while the third suspect involved in this crime was incarcerated on unrelated charges during the execution of the arrest warrants and has been identified as 38-year-old Gustavo Rios Mora of Greenfield. The arrest warrant was served while he was in custody. Aguilera has been charged with kidnapping for ransom, false imprisonment, witness intimidation, assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury and committing a crime while out on bail, while Hernandez has been charged with kidnapping for ransom, false imprisonment, witness intimidation and assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury. Mora has been charged with kidnapping for ransom, false imprisonment; witness intimidation; assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury and committing a crime while out on bail.

75th Annual Salinas Valley Fair recap

KING CITY, CA – Salinas Valley Fair CEO TJ Plew reported this week that nearly 30,000 people came out to celebrate the 75th annual Salinas Valley Fair, May 16-19, in King City, despite the unseasonably cool weather and scattered rain showers throughout the weekend. As it was reported early this week, the area’s agricultural and business community was on hand to support 4-H and FFA members at the Junior Livestock Auction that grossed an impressive 2.2 million dollars. This year’s auction supported youth from 5 counties and raised funds for local causes. Notable sales at the auction include the sale of two market steers raised by Brooke and Maddison Mullins of Chualar 4H.  Each of the 1200 pound steers sold for $26/lb with the Mullins sisters donating proceeds to the fund to “Save JT” who was born with Triosephosphate Isomerase Deficiency (TPI). Buyers also showed support for Paul Padilla off King City FFA. Paul’s market goat sold for $100/lb with proceeds of the sale going towards the

Chris Lopez listening session recap in Greenfield

So many people made their voices heard regarding a variety of community issues at a listening session held by District 3 Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez and Greenfield Mayor Pro Tem Nely Martinez at the Greenfield Public Library on Tuesday night, May 21. The issues brought forth by the community included concerns about vocational training, reporting concerns to the city about the Police or other Departments and what the process is for doing that, while affordable housing issues were also discussed. Supervisor Lopez is looking to hold his next listening session in Gonzales on a date that has not yet been determined.

Madera man pleads guilty to molesting boy in Soledad

Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced this week that on Tuesday, May 21, 23-year-old Jacob Mendez of Madera pled guilty to committing assault with the intent to commit sexual penetration, and annoying or molesting a minor under the age of 18 years of age in Soledad in December of 2018. The assault charge is a violent felony and is considered a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes law. The young boy who was a minor at the time, reported that Mendez, who is a family member, was visiting from out-of-town and was staying with him and his family in Soledad. The victim stated that one evening, Mendez laid down next to him on a mattress and began to touch his body over his clothing. The boy told Mendez to stop touching him. Mendez admitted to the boy that he knew his conduct was wrong because the boy was a minor. Mendez stopped touching the boy and left the bedroom. The boy then fell asleep and awoke shortly thereafter to Mendez sexually assaulting him underne

Suspicious Death being investigated in Paso Robles

On Friday, May 17 at approximately 8:40 AM, EMS personnel and officers from the Paso Robles Police Department received a report of a man lying on the railroad tracks near Pine and 6th Street. EMS personnel arrived on the scene and located an elderly 70-year-old white male adult lying across the railroad tracks next to his bicycle. The subject had a small amount of blood above his left eye and on his cheek. It appeared as if he had fallen off his bicycle and struck his head. EMS personnel attended to him to no avail, and he was pronounced dead. Detectives from the Paso Robles PD as well as the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office responded and took over the investigation. The Union Pacific Railroad was contacted and stopped all incoming trains while the investigation was conducted. The man was not hit by a train and there was no obvious evidence that a crime had occurred. However, this investigation is ongoing and is being treated as a suspicious death until further information i

Man arrested in Soledad for Gonzales Shooting

On Monday night, May 20 the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division assisted by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team served a search warrant on attempted murder suspect Uriel Tirado-Otero’s residence located on Pine Street in Soledad. Tirado-Otero was taken into custody for the shooting of a 17 year old victim which occurred on Saturday, May 18 in Gonzales. Tirado-Otero’s residence was searched and he was later booked into the Monterey County Jail.

2 vehicle collision outside of King City on Hwy 101

A 2 vehicle accident took place off of the Central Avenue intersection and the westside of Highway 101 Southbound about 4 to 5 miles north of King City at around 9 am on Monday morning, May 20. CHP Officer Michael Rigby reports that the crash occurred as an O'Reilly Auto Parts Truck pulled in front of a sedan. No one was injured and the CHP was out doing traffic control for over 15 minutes. 

17-year-old boy shot in Gonzales

Alta Street which is between A and B Streets in Gonzales was shutdown for over an hour because of shooting that took place sometime after 2 pm on Saturday afternoon, May 18. A 17-year-old boy who was shot received major injuries and was transported to a nearby Hospital. His condition is unknown. No information has been released yet regarding the shooter as Police are still trying to compile evidence.

Truck vs House crash outside of King City causes natural gas leak

According to the CHP and Cal Fire as many as 20 residents in 8 homes were evacuated because of a natural gas leak that broke out caused by a truck that crashed into a house that burst a gas pipe outside of King City off of Enfield Road and Pine Canyon Road sometime before 6 pm on Saturday night, May 18. The truck was heading north on Pine Canyon Road and the leak lasted over 2 hours. The evacuated residents were allowed back in their homes sometime after 8:30 pm. PG&E had to shutdown gas lines for an undetermined amount of time. Cal Fire crews were on site until almost 10:30 pm. A passenger received minor injuries from the collision and the driver was arrested for driving under the influence.

New Superintendent selected at Pinnacles National Park

SAN FRANCISCO - The National Park Service announced on May 13 that they have selected Blanca Alvarez Stransky to serve as the superintendent of Pinnacles National Park in central California starting in June. She replaces Karen Beppler-Dorn, who transferred to Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in September. “Blanca is passionate about America’s national parks and the recreational opportunities they provide for all Americans,” said Stan Austin, regional director for the National Park Service’s Pacific West Region. “Blanca's leadership in working with gateway communities along with her extensive field experience in a variety of parks make her a perfect match for this position.” Stransky has 34 years of experience with the National Park Service. She currently serves as the deputy superintendent of George Washington Memorial Parkway. A key milestone for Stransky’s tenure at the parkway is the ongoing rehabilitation project at Arlington House, which will include new interpret

King City City Council meeting recap

It was a packed agenda at the King City City Council on Tuesday night, May 14 at City Hall. Five employees from the Public Works Department received a certificate from Mayor Mike LeBarre in recognition of National Public Works Week. In other business the Council approved to award a bid for the King City Plaza Demolition Project in the amount of $25,980 to Randazzo Enterprises Incorporated and to award a bid for the Asbestos and Lead Abatement Project related to the demolition of that building in the amount of $6,800 to Randazzo Enterprises Incorporated. After almost one hour of discussion, the Council passed to adopt a resolution approving Waste Management's garbage and recycling collection adjusted rates for the 2019-20 Fiscal Year effective July 1, 2019 which will result in a 2.54% increase. The Council also approved to award a bid for the Riverview Gardens Common Landscaping Project in the amount of $42,592 to Wild Bloom Landscapes Incorporated.

Robert Rivas press conference recap in Salinas

District 30 Assemblyman Robert Rivas made his voice heard during a Press Conference in Salinas on Monday morning, May 13 by calling out Governor Gavin Newsom to resist President Trump's recent decision through the BLM to open up over 725,000 acres of public lands and mineral estate to oil and gas drilling across the Central Coast and the Bay area. This land is mostly in Monterey and San Benito counties including some surrounding areas of Pinnacles National Park. Assemblyman Rivas said that he is doing his part to take action on this issue and is urging other people to join him.

Chris Lopez listening session recap in Soledad

District 3 Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez had quite a few people address him about concerns affordable housing and other issues during a listening session at Soledad City Hall on Monday night, May 13. Over 50 people were in attendance. The next listening session that Supervisor Lopez will host will be at the Greenfield Public Library on Tuesday night, May 21 from 530 pm to 7 pm.

1 vehicle accident south of King City on Hwy 101

A 1 vehicle accident occurred on Highway 101 Northbound sometime before 8 pm off of the Jolon and Bradley off ramp on Monday night, May 13. The CHP states that the vehicle went off the road after swerving to the left. The driver received minor injuries. The cause of the crash is unknown.

2 vehicle accident outside of King City on Hwy 101

A 2 vehicle crash took place on Highway 101 Northbound about 1 to 2 miles north of King City involving a white Nissan Sentra and a black Honda just before 11 am on Saturday morning, May 11. CHP Dispatch reports that the accident happened north of Jolon Road and past the Salinas River Bridge. There were injuries from the collision, but no information was provided regarding how many people were hurt. Traffic was backed up on Highway 101 Northbound for almost an hour. The cause of the accident is unknown.

Fatal 1 vehicle accident outside of Greenfield

A Greenfield man in his early to mid 30s was killed in a 1 vehicle crash that hit a eucalyptus tree off of Elm Avenue about 1 mile outside of the Greenfield city limits on Thursday morning, May 9 sometime after 9 am. According to the CHP in King City, the driver was heading eastbound on Elm Avenue and west off of Central Avenue in a 2008 black Ford Fusion as he traveled off of the south shoulder and struck the tree. The cause of the collision is under investigation.

Update on Counterfeit money investigation in Paso Robles

The Paso Robles Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance in possibly identifying a person in some photographs that were released related to counterfeit money transactions that recently took place at a number of businesses. Possession and the use of fraudulent money is both a State and Federal Crime and defrauds local businesses. With the public’s assistance they were able to identify a person of interest in this investigation. The PRPD has identified 41-year-old Brandon Vinnedge of San Luis Obispo County, as a person of interest. The PRPD has distributed this information to other law enforcement agencies in the county along with the vehicle description. Currently there is no arrest warrant for the subject and he is only a person of interest in this investigation. Any information provided by the public as to his whereabouts should be directed to PRPD dispatch at 805-237-6464. Persons wishing to remain anonymous are encouraged to call the Crime Stoppers'

2019 Nacitone Dutch Oven fundraiser is May 11

The 2019 Nacitone Dutch Oven fundraiser event to benefit the Nacitone Museum in Lockwood is coming up on Saturday, May 11 beginning at 12 pm located at 69125 Jolon Road in Lockwood. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased online at eventbrite.com or by calling Lester Patterson at 831-235-7358 on May 9 or May 10. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on May 11 for $30 per person.

Ernie G speaks at VVMS in Greenfield

Latino Empowerment Speaker, Activist & Comedian Ernie G performed to over 60 people at Vista Verde Middle School in Greenfield on Wednesday night, May 8. Ernie G made the crowd laugh and think by inspiring them to do a lot with their lives as he talked about his life experiences growing up in Los Angeles and about the importance of not just attending College, but graduating. Ernie G is hoping that everyone he spoke to realizes that he went through some struggles, but he was able to get through them and succeed. Ernie G is in a new Documentary Film that recently premiered titled "We Rise Up" with the Dalai Lama and a number of globally recognized social entrepreneurs about Leadership and Success.

Counterfeit money used at businesses in Paso Robles

The Paso Robles Police Department is issuing a warning about an increase in counterfeit money use and is asking for the public's help in solving this crime. On Monday, May 6 at approximately 11:15 am, an unknown male entered the Alliance Board Shop located at 1233 Park Street. The man selected a pair of socks paying with a $100.00 dollar bill and was given change for the transaction. It was later discovered that the bill used was fraudulent. The man was last seen wearing a black and grey flannel jacket, black hat and blue jeans. The man was described by witnesses to be in his mid to late 20s with a medium build. The man was last seen getting into a black 2000-2002 Lincoln LS. Officers then responded to 1222 Spring Street for a second report of counterfeit money being passed at a business. In this incident, a heavyset man with a goatee purchased a $100.00 gift card with a counterfeit $100.00 bill and left the business. The man was described by the victim as 5’08” to 5’11” and 3

SMCRWF Recap

At the Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated Luncheon and regular meeting on Tuesday, May 7 at Lawrence's Restaurant in King City, President Dottie Linden from the California Federation of Republican Women Northern Division spoke about a number of issues facing the state. Linden also had nothing but good things to say about what King City Mayor Mike LeBarre has been doing during his time in office. It was also reported that King City High School Seniors Jessica Steele and Kayla Ettinger will each be awarded a $1000 Scholarship from Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated. The news first broke about that on Monday night, May 6 at a King City High School Scholarship Awards Banquet at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds Pavilion in King City which brought in over $152,000.   

Gonzales woman convicted of Assault & Aggravated Trespassing

Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Tuesday, May 7 that on Friday, May 3, 2019, 34-year-old Danielle Garcia of Gonzales was found guilty of assault and aggravated trespassing after a 3 day jury trial. The jury found that the aggravating factor of a person being present during the trespassing was true. Monterey County Superior Court Judge Thomas W. Wills presided over the trial. On Sunday evening August 26, 2018 at 8:00 pm, Garcia arrived at her ex-boyfriend’s house to pick up their 3-year old child pursuant to their court ordered custody agreement. Upon seeing that her ex had a new girlfriend, Garcia began verbally berating both of them. Garcia left with the child, but returned minutes later and forced her way into the home to continue the verbal insults. The victim’s girlfriend dialed 9-1-1 to report the intrusion and verbal abuse. On the call recording, Garcia was heard yelling and cursing. Eventually, Garcia left, but not before striking the victim i

Greenfield Union School District opens new facilities

Over 100 people attended a Grand Opening celebration of a Family Resource Center, an Early Childhood Education Center and some community training rooms at the Greenfield District Office on Friday, May 3. Greenfield Union School District Superintendent Zandra Galvan said that opening these new facilities is something that's been in the works for a couple of years.

King City 5K Run & Walk is May 4 at CPMS

There will be a King City 5K Run and Walk taking place on Saturday, May 4 beginning 9am at Chalone Peaks Middle School in King City to help raise money for the King City High School Cross Country team and to promote health and wellness to the King City community. Registration forms can be picked up from any school in King City and if they are turned into Chalone Peaks Middle School by 4 pm on Friday, May 3 then it costs $7 per person, while if you register between 8am and 8:30am on the day of the event, it is $10 per person.

New Inpatient facility at Sun Street Centers in King City

Over 50 people attended a ribbon cutting ceremony at Sun Street Centers in King City on Thursday morning, May 2 to celebrate the completion of an Inpatient Facility addition. The cost of this project was over $2 million which was funded by grants along with other financial support from donors, the state, the City of King and Monterey County. A phase 3 addition to Sun Street Centers in King City is expected to begin sometime in the Fall of 2019.

Push for Greenfield Courthouse continues to bring buzz

There was a very good amount of community support at a special Greenfield City Council Meeting that was held on Thursday night, May 2 in the Council chambers regarding the consideration and adoption of a resolution involving further support of a Monterey County Superior Court South County Facility to be built and located in Greenfield. After almost 30 minutes of discussion and public comment, the Council passed the resolution. Mayor Lance Walker said that this new courthouse is needed and indicated that this is something that was promised to South Monterey County residents almost 10 years ago. Currently, some people in South Monterey County have to travel to Salinas to go to court or even the Monterey Peninsula. One of the reasons why a courthouse wasn't built in Greenfield in 2010 was because of budget constraints, but now there is money available and 4 acres of property was donated as a site for a courthouse to be built in Greenfield. Mayor Walker said that the costs involved i