KRKC COUNTRY

(SACRAMENTO) – On Monday, September 30, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1628, authored by Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister).  “I am thrilled that Governor Newsom has signed AB 1628 into law, a critical step towards achieving environmental justice for communities that too often bear a disproportionate share of harmful pollution,” stated Rivas. AB 1628 updates the state’s definition of “environmental justice” to include the “meaningful involvement” of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies to ensure low-income communities and communities of color are substantially involved in the decision making process. “Whether it’s about access to clean air and drinking water, or safe and affordable housing, everyone deserves protection from environmental and health hazards and must be empowered to be involved in key decisions that impact their

According to the  Monterey County Resource Management Agency, Public Works has begun two road projects in South Monterey County that will improve roads heavily used by agribusiness and winery tourism. Work began on both Arroyo Seco and River Roads on Monday, September 30. Signage alerting users to the work is also now in place. Project impacts will be light the first week, but beginning on Monday, October 7, those who use these roads will see traffic control and a pilot car during construction hours which are Monday through Friday, 7 am to 5 pm. Public Works is coordinating with area growers to reduce impacts of the projects on harvesting activities. Pre-work studies on roadway viability were done last spring. In both locations, the roadway will undergo a complete transformation using an eco-friendly process. Crews will dig down 15 inches, bringing up materials that will be collected, recycled and reused with new material at the site to rebuild the roadway to last another 15 to 20

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, September 29 through Saturday, October 5. Highway 101: Camp Roberts: Now – October 11 One long-term on-ramp closure will occur along southbound Highway 101 at Camp Roberts for paving work from 6 am to 2 pm. Highway 101: San Ardo – San Lucas: Now - December 31 One long-term lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between the Paris Valley Road overcrossing and the Rancho undercrossing for grinding and paving work. Highway 101: Wild Horse – First Street, King City: Now – January 2020 One long-term lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Wild Horse Road and First Street for roadway excavation work from 5 am to 12 pm. Please keep in mind that construction work is weather-dependent.

Over 50 people showed their support on Saturday, September 28 off of Nestles Road and Los Coches Drive in Soledad during a groundbreaking ceremony as construction got underway with the Premiere Cinemas Movie Theater. Soledad Community Development Director Brent Slama said that this is something people in Soledad and many of the surrounding areas have wanted for a long time that will create over 150 jobs in the city. The Theater will have 8 movie screens which will be expandable to 10. Work on the new movie theater is expected to be complete sometime during the summer of 2020.

Over 50 people were on hand for a Grand Opening ribbon cutting ceremony of the newly expanded and dedicated Albert and Donna Oliviera Mee Memorial Hospital Greenfield Clinic on Friday, September 27. Hospital Board Chairman Mike Howard said that the new facility allows them to expand their primary medicine care for pediatrics, podiatry, obgyn services and laboratory services. They're also hoping to offer radiology and mammography services very soon. Mee Memorial Hospital CEO Mike Hutchinson was very pleased that the work with this project that cost just under $4 million through community contributions was finished in 9 months by Avila Construction.

A power outage took place in King City, Lockwood and San Lucas on Friday night, September 27. According to a P,G&E Spokesperson, the outage began at 7:46 pm and power was restored at 8:54 pm. The outage affected 5,070 customers in King City, 184 customers in Lockwood and 240 customers in San Lucas. A total of 5,494 customers were without power in those areas for over an hour. The cause of the outage was equipment failure.

Two male juveniles along with 18-year-old Xavier Jimenez were arrested in Gonzales on Thursday night, September 25 at around 8:34 pm on suspicion of a battery incident that occurred near the 400 block of Fourth Street. Jimenez was booked into the Monterey County Jail and charged with resisting police, battery on a police officer, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and for conspiracy to commit a crime, while the two male juveniles were sent to Juvenile Hall on similar charges.

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, September 26, Congressmen Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Don Young (R-AK) sent a letter to House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee leadership requesting retention of Section 602 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020.  Section 602 provides a basic needs allowance for low-income military service members facing unique costs associated with military service.  Frequent moves, high rates of spousal unemployment, and a lack of nearby family support are all factors compounding the ongoing problem of hunger in military communities, particularly in areas where benefits do not keep pace with high cost-of-living.  The bipartisan letter was signed by 31 Members of Congress. "Due to a technical barrier in the law that counts a servicemember’s housing allowance as income, many military families are ineligible for benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  We should be making it easier

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, September 26, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) voted for the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act of 2019, H.R. 1595, to allow cannabis-related businesses in states with existing regulatory structures to access the banking system.  The legislation passed by a vote of 321 to 103. "The current conflict between federal and California laws greatly limits the cannabis industry’s ability to access banking services.  That’s why our local cannabis businesses operate on an all-cash basis that creates safety concerns for owners and employees, as well as compliance and oversight challenges," said Congressman Panetta.  "The SAFE Banking Act will grant those operating legitimate cannabis businesses access to banking services available to other industries, leading to more accountability and enhanced public safety." The SAFE Banking Act of 2019 establishes a safe harbor for any depository institution that chooses to provide ba

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, September 25, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced that the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery was awarded a federal grant totaling $6,417,059.00 from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA).  The grant will be used for the expansion of the cemetery. "Local leaders, community members, and veterans have worked long and hard for the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery.  This federal investment adds to that ongoing effort by helping the cemetery meet the goals for its master plan.  I thank Senator Bill Monning for his ongoing work and advocacy at the state level to help open the cemetery and now ensure that the cemetery evolves," said Congressman Panetta.  "Together, we will continue to work to ensure the advancement of the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery so that our community can continue to provide a lasting tribute to those who served our country." "The approval of fu

At the King City City Council meeting on Tuesday night, September 24 at City Hall the Council honored and congratulated longtime Joanne Banuelos on her retirement with a Mayor's Proclamation for keeping the community informed on City business with a column that she wrote in the King City Rustler Weekly Newspaper for 14 years. In other business, the Council approved the 1st Reading of an Ordinance regulating Industrial Hemp. City Manager Steve Adams that this Ordinance only pertains to manufacturing use of Industrial Hemp, not cultivation. The Council also approved an Ordinance amending Chapter 5.34 of Title 5 of the King City Municipal Code pertaining to Itinerant Vendors, Solicitors and Peddlers. Also during the meeting resident Connie Bauer addressed the Council to let them know that she received word from the head of Mee Memorial hospital who stated that they're going to hold a public forum on Wednesday, October 9 in the Orradre Building in King City at 2:30 PM and at 5:30

National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area has issued a Heat Advisory for Wednesday, September 25 from 11 AM to 7 PM PDT in Monterey County. This includes: Southern Salinas Valley/Arroyo Seco and Lake San Antonio, Northern Salinas Valley/Hollister Valley and Carmel Valley, Northern Monterey Bay-Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast, Greenfield, King City, Salinas, Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Live Oak, Seaside, Monterey, and Marina. For more information: https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mtr&wwa=heat%20advisory

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, September 24, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) released the following statement in support of the U.S. House of Representative’s impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump. "A recent whistleblower complaint alleges that the President sought improper assistance from the Ukrainian government for his own personal and political gain.  The Intelligence Community Inspector General report of the complaint determined it to be credible and of urgent concern.  As mandated by law, the Inspector General report on the whistleblower complaint must be provided to Congress.  The Administration’s refusal to comply with this legal requirement leaves Congress no other option but to begin a formal impeachment investigation.  "I support this inquiry because, and as I have always stated, we must secure evidence upon which to base such a significant decision as the impeachment of a sitting president.  If the evidence proves that the President explici

On Monday, September 23, 2019, at approximately 1:07 pm, a bank employee from Pacific Premier Bank, located at 545 12th St. in Paso Robles, reported a person just entered the bank wearing a blue long sleeve shirt, blue jeans, gloves, a fedora style hat with a skull on the side, and wearing a mask that resembled an elderly man. The male suspect entered the bank, approached a bank teller, brandished a revolver handgun and demanded money. The teller complied to avoid a confrontation and the suspect left the bank holding a small bag that contained an undisclosed amount of money, and walked northbound toward 13th Street. The bank employee, who had originally called 911, was still on the telephone with Paso Robles Police Dispatch as the suspect exited the bank, and yelled at the suspect. The suspect was holding the revolver in his hand and started to run northbound through the alley toward 13th St.. Paso Robles Police patrol units arrived in the area of the bank within one minute of the in

On Wednesday, September 18 at around 4 pm a Hispanic male adult reported to Greenfield Police Officers that he was sexually assaulted while being treated at a local medical clinic. The case was turned over to the Major Crimes Unit and their ensuing investigation revealed that the victim was an unwilling participant in a sexual act and immediately reported it to the Greenfield Police Department. On Friday, September 20 at 10 am 23 year-old suspect Miguel Gutierrez was contacted by Investigators from the Major Crimes Unit to obtain a statement from him. The suspect Gutierrez admitted his culpability, was arrested and booked at the Monterey County Jail charged with unlawful oral copulation. Due to the nature of the incident no other information is being released at this time, as the investigation is continuing. Anyone with further information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Det. Leo Guzman at (831) 888-7168 or Det. Joshue Partida (831) 386-5991 of the Major Crimes Investig

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Monday, September 23 that on Thursday, September 19, 38-year-old Faustina Santana of Soledad was sentenced on a violation of probation for failure to ensure minors attend school every day and arrive on time. The violation of probation was found true by Monterey County Superior Court Judge Heidi K. Whilden. The probation violation occurred from May 10 of 2018 thru May 31 of 2018 as her daughters failed to attend school. One of her daughters had 9 full days of absences and three partial days of unexcused absences, while her other daughter failed to attend school from May 10 of 2018 thru May 30 of 2018 and had 7 full days of absences along with 3 partial days of unexcused absences. On Thursday, September 19, an amended criminal complaint was filed charging Santana with a misdemeanor violation of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The victim in this case is one of her daughters who accrue

Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, September 22 through Saturday, September 28 – newest information is in red. Highway 101: Camp Roberts: Now – October 11 One long-term on-ramp closure will occur along southbound Highway 101 at Camp Roberts for paving work from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Highway 101: San Ardo – San Lucas: Now - December 31 One long-term lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between the Paris Valley Road overcrossing and the Rancho undercrossing for grinding and paving work. Highway 101: Wild Horse – First Street, King City: Now – January 2020 One long-term lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Wild Horse Road and First Street for roadway excavation work from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please keep in mind that construction work is weather-dependent.

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, September 20 that Emilio Valencia of Greenfield was convicted of one felony count of possessing an unregistered firearm and one misdemeanor count of resisting arrest after a four-day jury trial. On January 13, 2018, King City police officer Jace Bernal conducted a routine traffic stop near Sherwood Avenue and Soberanes Street. When the driver pulled over, he immediately stepped out with a handgun and started walking toward the officer. The officer drew his own gun, took cover behind his patrol vehicle, and ordered the passenger, Emilio Valencia, to remain where he was. Within seconds, the driver dropped his gun near the rear of his vehicle and fled. At the same time, Valencia crawled over the center console, exited through the driver’s door, and then ran north on Sherwood Avenue. As the officer watched where the driver was headed, Valencia had picked up the gun unnoticed. The officer cha

WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, September 20, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced legislation to protect and promote the United States’ domestic garlic industry.  The Giving Agriculture Relief from Loopholes in International Commerce (GARLIC) Act prevents harmful and unfair tariff engineering of Chinese dried garlic imports. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for dried garlic carries a 29.8% duty rate.  However, current tariff line loopholes allow importers to classify their products as roasted, toasted, or as mixed vegetables and pay a lower duty rate, ranging from 8.3% to 11.2%.  These products are then marketed as simply dried garlic to consumers.  This trend has caused a decline in market shares for U.S. producers despite their ability to meet U.S. demand. "The central coast of California is home to some of the best garlic growers and processors in the world.  Unfortunately, loopholes in our tariff schedule have allowed for Chinese garlic importers to disingenuously

PASO ROBLES, CA – On Thursday, September 19 at 10:30 AM, officers from the Paso Robles Police Department received a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic collision on the river walkway under the 13th Street bridge near River Road. Officers arrived and learned that a City of Paso Robles utility truck conducting maintenance had struck a 27-year-old white male adult who was lying on the walkway. It's unknown if the man was sleeping or had medical issues which caused him to lie on the walkway. The man was pronounced deceased at the scene. Alcohol and drugs do not appear to be a contributing factor in this accident. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Paso Robles Police Department at 805-237-6464 or if you want your call to remain completely anonymous contact the Crime Stoppers' 24-hour hotline at 805-549-STOP or by texting “SLOTIPS” plus your message” to CRIMES (274637).

WASHINGTON, DC   –  Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced that his office is accepting applications for service academy nominations.  Candidates interested in attending one of four U.S. service academies, including the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, or U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, must submit applications and other necessary documents to Congressman Panetta’s office by Monday, October 14, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. PST. "As a U.S. Representative, I have the privilege of nominating young people from our Central Coast communities to attend our nation’s military academies,"  said Congressman Panetta.   "I commend the candidates for their pursuit of service to our country, and I look forward to assisting them in any way that I can." Students interested in being considered for a nomination by Congressman Panetta must have already filed an application for admission to their service academy or academies of cho

A fatal bus crash that occurred late Wednesday night, September 18 at around 11:40 pm in the Templeton area has killed 1 person and injured several others. The CHP reports that the crash happened as 39 year-old Bradley Dratnol was driving a 2005 Prevost XL2 traveling eastbound on State Route-46 just east of McMillan Canyon Road. The bus was traveling in the #2 lane (slow lane), at 55 to 60 miles per hour when for unknown reasons Dratnol allowed the bus to leave the roadway. The bus continued along the dirt shoulder through a barbed wire fence and dense vegetation for 200 yards before driving off a 50 foot cliff and subsequently the front of the bus impacted the bottom of the dry river bed. Two people were ejected during the collision with one of those people sustaining fatal injuries. Five other occupants on the bus sustained moderate to severe injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals. David Turner died in the accident, while Dratnol, 26 year-old Carl Hardin, 59 year-old Jed

(SACRAMENTO) – On Wednesday, September 18, Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s illegal decision to revoke California’s authority to combat air pollution from vehicle tailpipe emissions. “Make no mistake, climate change is real and the time to act is now. Yet Trump continues to deny science and take our nation backwards, putting our environment and public health at risk. The administration’s recent actions are appalling and unconstitutional. The state of California has taken a collaborative approach to address tailpipe pollution and climate change with automobile makers in order to protect the health of our nearly 40 million residents,” said Assemblymember Robert Rivas. “California has led the way in our nation’s efforts to combat climate change and 13 states have chosen to adopt our stronger greenhouse gas standards,” continued Rivas. “I will urge our Attorney General to use the judicial system to block Trump’s ill

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, September 18, District 20 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH) introduced the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Modernization Act to simplify and modernize federal student loan forgiveness programs. Recent U.S. Government Accountability Office reports have found major deficiencies in the U.S. Department of Education’s administration of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and Temporary Expanded Public Service Loan Forgiveness (TEPSLF) program. "The PSLF and TEPSLF programs were created to encourage promising, responsible graduates to serve their nation.  Unfortunately, the programs have become a bureaucratic nightmare.  The Administration is failing its duty to competently execute the law," said Congressman Panetta.  "The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Modernization Act will simplify and modernize federal student loan forgiveness program.  We must support the nurses, teachers, emergency

Monterey County, California — The Southern Monterey County Foundation, an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, has $18,000 available to grant in 2019 to nonprofit organizations, public programs and other groups serving South Monterey County Residents. Grants are expected to range from $500 to $2,000 and focus on projects and programs that benefit the communities of South Monterey County, which covers King City and all points south, excluding the coastal region. Grant proposals are due by 5:00 pm on Friday, September 27, 2019 and decisions will be announced in late November of 2019. Applications can be found online at www.cfmco.org/SMCF. For questions please contact Brian Thayer, CFMC Senior Philanthropic Services Officer, at (831)375-9712 x144 or email him at briant@cfmco.org.

Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, September 15 through Saturday, September 21. Highway 101: Camp Roberts: Now – October 11 One long-term on-ramp closure will occur along southbound Highway 101 at Camp Roberts for paving work from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Highway 101: San Ardo – San Lucas: Now - December 31 One long-term lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between the Paris Valley Road overcrossing and the Rancho undercrossing for grinding and paving work. Highway 101: Wild Horse – First Street, King City: Now – January 2020 One long-term lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Wild Horse Road and First Street for roadway excavation work from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please keep in mind that construction work is weather-dependent.

One person has been detained as the Soledad Police Department investigate multiple reports of sexual comments and attempted kidnapping. There have been 4 reports made to the SPD recently stating that a man is driving around schools, where he approached young females, made "inappropriate sexual remarks" and attempted to lure them into his vehicle. The man is being described as Hispanic, in his 20s, driving a beige or tan SUV. Some victims, according to Soledad PD, were walking to or from school. The person of interest was approached Monday, September 16, but he is not yet being identified as a suspect. The Soledad Police Department is asking anyone with information to call them at (831) 755-5111.

We have more information regarding a multiple vehicle crash that occurred on Monday, September 16 at around 3:50 pm in Greenfield. According to the CHP, a 30-year-old King City man was driving a 2001 Chevy Silverado, northbound on Metz Road, south of Elm Avenue, at approximately 80 MPH, a 63-year-old Salinas Man was operating a 1996 Honda Civic, northbound on Metz Road, south of Elm Avenue, at  55 MPH, while another King City driver was traveling southbound on Metz Road, south of Elm Avenue, at an 55 MPH in a 2002 Honda Accord. The King City man who driving the Chevy Silverado allowed the front of his vehicle to collide with the rear of the 1996 Honda Civic which did not sustain damage in this collision. The Chevy Silverado then swerved from the northbound lane, into the southbound lane, and directly into the path of the Honda Accord. The Chevy Silverado and the Honda Accord sustained catastrophic damage as a result of this crash. The King City driver of the Chevy Silerado immediatel

35-year-old inmate Adam Beck who walked away from a Minimum Support Facility at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad on Saturday, September 14 was nabbed in an apartment and taken into custody without incident in San Francisco on Monday night, September 16. Beck was reported missing during a routine count at around 5 am on Saturday, September 14 and is serving 4 years for evading or attempting to evade a peace officer while driving recklessly, and for carrying a concealed dagger. His earliest possible parole date is December of 2019.

One person was injured in a head on collision on Metz Road and south of Elm Avenue in Greenfield sometime before 4 pm on Monday, September 16. The CHP reports that a male driver reportedly got out one of the vehicles and fled, while an Air Ambulance was paged to the scene to tend to the the person who was injured. Both lanes on Metz Road were closed for over an hour. The cause of the accident is under investigation. More information will be provided once it becomes available.

SOLEDAD – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are searching for a minimum-security inmate who walked away from the Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) Minimum Support Facility in Soledad on Saturday, Sept. 14. 35-year-old Inmate Adam Beck, was discovered missing during a routine count at 5:00 a.m. Beck was not in his assigned area as a dining worker. The CDCR’s Office of Correctional Safety, the California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies are assisting in the search for Beck. Beck is a white male, 5’11” tall, weighing 170 pounds with green eyes and a bald head. He was received by the CDCR in September of 2018 from Placer County and Santa Clara County to serve 4 years for evading or attempting to evade a peace officer while driving recklessly, and for carrying a concealed dirk or dagger. His earliest possible scheduled parole date was December of 2019. Beck was last seen wearing gray shorts and a white T-shirt. Anyone who sees i

(SACRAMENTO) –The California State Legislature on Friday, September 13 passed AB 936, authored by Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister), which improves the state’s preparedness to protect people and communities from a potential spill of nonfloating oil. “It is essential that we do everything we can as a state to protect our marine life, waterways, and public health from any potential oil spills,” said Rivas. “Nonfloating oil spills pose unique challenges, as this type of oil tends to sink to the bottom of our oceans and lakes, and can require specialized techniques and equipment for cleanup. AB 936 will ensure that California is prepared to protect our coastal regions, and all communities through which oil is transported, in the event of a nonfloating oil spill.” Former California Secretary of Natural Resources and former Assemblymember John Laird explained, "Since the first major coastal oil spill decades ago, California has developed a strong response system, a system

On Thursday night, September 12 at 6:59 pm 23-year-old Chelsea Taylor of Atascadero was driving her 2009 Nissan Versa southbound on State Route-41 approaching Homestead in the Templeton area, while a 2016 Ford, driven by 58-year-old Jon Wells of Templeton was traveling northbound on State Route-41 also approaching Homestead in the Templeton area. For reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Ford failed to yield to oncoming traffic; subsequently, the driver of the Ford turned directly into the path of the Nissan. Taylor was transported by ground to Sierra Vista Hospital to be treated for a fractured femur. Impairment is not suspected; however, the collision is still under investigation.

On Thursday, September 12 the Gonzales Police Department along with the assistance of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office executed a Narcotics Search Warrant at 33 Ninth Street in Gonzales. 51-year-old Mauricio Ruacho of Gonzales was found to be in possession of 2 ounces of methamphetamine, 5 ounces of marijuana, drug packaging materials, digital scales and other items indicating he was involved in the sale and distribution of illegal narcotics. Ruacho was taken into custody and booked into the Monterey County Jail on numerous drug related charges as well as being a felon in possession of ammunition.

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, September 12, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced the Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act, to remove barriers for undocumented immigrant victims and witnesses who may be eligible for protections under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and other federal laws.  This bill will strengthen existing protections and ensure immigrant survivors of crime can work with law enforcement to prosecute criminals. The bill lifts arbitrary caps on the number of “U” visas available for undocumented immigrant witnesses and victims of violent crimes who cooperate with law enforcement.  The bill also prevents “U” visa applicants and “T” visa human trafficking victim applicants from being detained or deported prior to obtaining immigration protections provided by those types of visas or protections under VAWA.  Finally, the bill allows applicants to be issued work authorization permits within a statutory timeline,

(SACRAMENTO) – The California State Legislature has passed two strong environmental justice bills, AB 1252 and AB 1628, authored by Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister). The two bills take important steps to assist and empower low-income and minority communities throughout California. The legislation, which enjoyed bi-partisan support, now heads to the Governor for consideration. “I’m proud to author legislation to protect the health of all people, especially our low-income and minority communities that too often bear a disproportionate share of harmful pollution,” said Rivas. “AB 1252 and AB 1628 will help ensure frontline communities receive vital resources and have a seat at the table on key decisions that impact their health and safety.” “By allowing CalEPA to issue advance payments for the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program, AB 1252 would make these grants more accessible to community based organizations working in disadvantaged communities and in turn, help bui

WASHINGTON, DC – During the week of September 8, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) voted to pass bills that will block oil and gas drilling along the coasts of the United States. In January 2018, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management published a draft offshore leasing plan that could open the entirety of America’s Pacific and Atlantic coasts, including in the Davidson Seamount in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, to oil and gas exploration and drilling.  That plan was strongly condemned by Republican and Democratic local, state, and federal leaders on both of the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. The Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, H.R. 1941, which Congressman Panetta cosponsored, would address these concerns by establishing a permanent moratorium on oil and gas leasing along the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. "The Administration’s actions could threaten the protections of the Davidson Seamount in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and leave our country

The California Highway Patrol Monterey Area worked along the US-101 South of Salinas corridor on Thursday, September 12 as a joint traffic enforcement operation known as S.T.O.P.P.  The CHP works the Strategic Traffic Operation Planning and Prevention (S.T.O.P.P.) with multiple agencies in Monterey County once a month.  These Monterey County agencies work in each other’s cities to saturate different traffic issues. The combined jurisdictions conducted joint traffic enforcement throughout the South of Salinas US-101 corridor from Gonzales to Airport Blvd. in Salinas Thursday, September 12. The enforcement efforts included CHP Monterey, Monterey PD, Marina PD, and Salinas PD.  By working together a total of 65 citations were written, 2 vehicles towed, and 6 verbal warnings. This is crucial for the safety and well-being of the public in Monterey County.  California Highway Patrol Monterey Area hopes the effort will reduce traffic collisions, injuries and fatalities, and provide publ

On Wednesday morning, September 11 at approximately 9:10 am 35-year-old Bill Keulen of Paso Robles was heading eastbound on State Route-58 w/of W. Pozo Road following two big rig dump trucks at around 40 MPH passing the Santa Margarita Cemetery and approaching a curve in the roadway, while 34-year-old Laurie Trejo of Santa Margarita was driving westbound on State Route-58 w/of W. Pozo Road at approximately 55-60 MPH approaching a curve in the roadway. Keulen accelerated into the westbound lane and attempted to pass both big rig dump trucks as they grew close to the curve in the roadway and accelerated at a high speed as he reached the curve at which time Trejo was westbound in the curve, directly in the path of Keulen. Keulen observed Trejo ahead of him in the curve as he was alongside the lead big rig dump truck and attempted to move back into the eastbound lane as he drew closer to Trejo in the curve, but did not have sufficient clearance and the rear of his vehicle hit the left si

On Thursday morning September 12 at around 1:40 AM, police officers in Greenfield conducted a bicycle stop on the 50 block of Tom Rogers Circle involving 34-year-old Carlos Montes. As officers attempted to stop Montes, he fled and eventually was stopped. Montes was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm in his waistband and was taken into custody for several charges which include possession of a loaded firearm not registered to him, possession of a stolen firearm, evading police officers on a bicycle, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of probation. Montes was booked into the Monterey County Jail.

(SACRAMENTO) – On Wednesday, September 11 the California Legislature passed AB 1783, legislation introduced by District 30 Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) to provide quality, dignified housing for farmworkers in California. AB 1783 will now be considered by the Governor.  “I am proud of my colleagues in the Legislature, who have stood up for the needs of farmworkers and their families,” said Rivas. “This bill will provide the opportunity for children of farmworkers throughout the state to climb out of homelessness and move toward the California dream.” AB 1783, the Farmworker Housing Act of 2019, creates a new streamlined process—cutting through red tape—to build housing on agricultural land. AB 1783 focuses state financial support for farmworker housing that is dignified, permanent and family oriented, rather than for a temporary guest worker program. Civil rights icon Dolores Huerta hailed the passage of AB 1783 as a milestone in farmworker rights: “I thank Assembly

Over 100 people were on hand for a Patriot Day Observance Ceremony at the Garrison Flag Pole at Fort Hunter Liggett on Wednesday honoring the thousands of people who lost their lives during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorists attacks on U.S soil. There were also other 9-11-01 ceremonies held in Greenfield and Soledad. Two planes on that day crashed into the World Trade Center Towers in New York City, a plane struck into the Pentagon in Washington DC and another plane crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Fort Hunter Liggett Army Col. Charles Bell and Fort Hunter Liggett Army Chaplain Levi Marshall spoke at the ceremony, while also participating were Hartnell College student Benny Henneman who played the Bugle and Chalone Peaks Middle School Teacher Chris Andrew who played the Bagpipes.

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, September 11, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) released the following statement on the eighteenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001: "Today, we solemnly remember the terrorist attacks against our nation, and the 2,977 men, women, and children we lost on that horrific day.  We also offer our sincere thanks to those who risked their lives that day and in the months of clean-up that followed. "In July, we in the House overwhelmingly passed, and the President signed into law, a permanent reauthorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act, to provide the financial security and support that 9/11 first responders, survivors, and families deserve. "On this day, and every day, we honor their service and sacrifice." At 8:46 a.m. Congressman Panetta joined his colleagues on the steps of the U.S. Capitol for a moment of silence to observe the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

At the King City City Council meeting on Tuesday night, September 10 at City Hall the Council approved an appropriation of $55,000 to the General Fund in order to repair a water pump at the City Park and Golf Course along with upgrading the irrigation system at the Golf Course. The Council also approved unanimously a Downtown Diagonal Parking Plan and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hartnell Community College District. City Manager Steven Adams will execute an MOU with the HCCD to pay for the parking improvements in the King City Downtown area in order to assist in mitigating parking impacts from the expansion of the King City Education Center.

On Tuesday, September 10 District 20 Congressman Jimmy Panetta, whose district includes a portion of the City of Gilroy, participated in the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force’s Forum on the Urgent Need for Senate Action.  He was joined by dozens of colleagues in criticizing the Senate’s and White House’s inaction on gun violence, and urging the Senate to vote on bipartisan House-passed background checks bills. At the hearing, members of Congress asked witnesses questions to highlight the need for action on gun safety legislation.  Witnesses present at ghe Tuesday, September 10 hearing were: Ret. Chief Daniel Isom – Former Chief of Police for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Vic Bencomo – 22-year Navy veteran, gun owner, and member of Colorado Gun Owners for Safety The Honorable Christine Hunschofsky – Mayor of Parkland Dr. Joseph Sakran – Trauma surgeon and gun violence survivor from Baltimore Ariel Hobbs – Student member of the March for Our Lives Board of D

Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Tuesday, September 10 that 24-year-old  Jose Reyes of Greenfield, was sentenced to 4 years and 4 months in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08 or higher and causing great bodily injury. On October 10, 2015, King City police officers responded to North Vanderhust Avenue for a traffic collision. When officers arrived on scene, they learned that the defendant’s car had struck a five- year-old who was playing on the sidewalk. The victim suffered numerous injuries including a broken leg and numerous lacerations. While talking to the defendant officers saw signs of intoxication and conducted a DUI investigation. The defendant was found to have a .13 BAC at the time of collision. The defendant was originally granted an opportunity of felony probation. After finding that the defendant had violated probation for consuming alcohol, not report

Major scheduled road and lane closures for South Monterey County during the week of September 8 are as follows: Highway 101: Camp Roberts: Now – October 11 One long-term on-ramp closure is still in place along southbound Highway 101 at Camp Roberts for paving work from 6 am to 2 pm until October 11. Highway 101: San Ardo – San Lucas: Now – December 31 One long-term lane closure is still in effect along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between the Paris Valley Road overcrossing and the Rancho undercrossing in San Lucas for grinding and paving work until the end of the year. Highway 101: Wild Horse – First Street, King City: Now – January 2020 One long-term lane closure is sitll taking place along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Wild Horse Road and First Street for roadway excavation work from 5:00 am to 12:00 pm until January of 2020. Please keep in mind that construction work is weather-dependent.

A 2 vehicle collision on Highway 101 Southbound occurred near Jolon Road in King City sometime before 3 pm on Monday afternoon, September 9. The CHP reports that the accident involved a Lincoln Gray Town car and a P,G&E Truck. Both vehicles received moderate damage from the crash and no one was injured.

A one vehicle rollover took place on Highway 101 near San Ardo and north of Los Lobos on Monday morning, September 9. According to the CHP in King City, the accident happened at around 8:30 am as an 18-year-old Seal Beach man was heading south on 101 in a 2005 Toyota Camry which veered into the median, overcorrected and ended up overturning. The crash resulted in minor injuries to a 19-year-old female passenger from Long Beach who was airlifted to a Hospital in Salinas to be treated, while the 18-year male was not injured. Both occupants were wearing their seatbelts. Drugs or alcohol are not suspected in this accident, but fatigue may have played a factor.

A brush fire sparked sometime between 12 pm and 2 pm off of Thorne Road in Greenfield on Sunday, September 8. Cal Fire and other nearby agencies put out the blaze in a matter of minutes. No injuries were reported, while the cause of the blaze is unknown.