KRKC COUNTRY

Firefighters in Gonzales knocked down a blaze that sparked in a trailer with garbage in it that was hauled by a vehicle off of Iverson Road and Gloria Road on Monday, November 29 at 2:21 pm. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Paso Robles, CA – On Sunday night, November 28 at approximately 8:00 PM, a carjacking incident occurred on the 1200 block of Creston Road. The suspect approached an occupied vehicle with his hand on his right side, implying that he was armed, and demanded that the victim get out of the vehicle. The victim feared the suspect had a weapon and immediately got out of the vehicle and the suspect fled in the victim’s car. The car was located a short time later unoccupied. On Monday morning, November 29 at approximately 8:50 AM, the victim called and reported that the suspect was currently walking on Creston Road. PRPD Officers’ contacted 29-year-old Richard Garcia of Paso Robles who fled on foot. Garcia was taken into custody a short time later without incident and was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail charged with resisting arrest, possession of methamphetamine, felony charges of carjacking and stealing vehicle, with a bail enhancement. Garcia was named as a person of interest in

MONTEREY COUNTY – A construction project at the Safety Roadside Rest Area (SRRA) on US 101 near Camp Roberts will result in the long-term closure of the northbound and southbound SRRAs starting Tuesday Nov. 30. The closure of the Camp Roberts SRRA is scheduled to be in effect through Sept. 2022. During construction, crews will replace the 30-year old wastewater treatment system with one compliant with current codes and water quality standards. As part of the new infrastructure package, a water and wastewater monitoring system will permit tracking of resources and provide the ability to troubleshoot systems. These improvements will enhance reliability, keeping the SRRA open more consistently, and allow a variety of repairs to be made remotely. Revamping of the landscaping will result in some downsizing of lawn areas and an irrigation meter will help promote water conservation. This closure will also permit the construction of a break room for janitorial crews on the

The Greenfield Police Department reports that 3 more thefts were filed during the week of Thanksgiving involving catalytic converters that were stolen in 3 vehicles in the city of Greenfield. The first reported theft happened on Thanksgiving day on Thursday, November 25 at 2:25 am off of Cedar Drive, the 2nd reported theft occurred on Friday night, November 26 at 9:21 pm off of 3rd Street, while the 3rd reported theft took place on Sunday, November 28 at 4:05 pm off of Cedar Drive. If anyone has any information they're asked to call the Greenfield Police Department at 831-674-5111. The Gonzales Police Department is also looking into a theft of a catalytic converter that was stolen off of the 800 block of Appaloosa Way on Wednesday morning, November 24 at 8:35 am. If anyone has any information about this theft they're asked to contact dispatch at the Gonzales Police Department at 831-755-5111.

King City, Calif. – Millions of us will be traveling to visit friends and family over the holidays. The King City Police Department encourages everyone to have a holiday game plan that includes a designated sober driver. During the pre-Christmas and New Year’s holiday season Nov. 30-Dec. 14, King City Police will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Tragically, there is an uptick in impaired drivers during the holidays. During the 2019 Christmas (Dec. 24-Dec. 26) and New Year’s Day (Dec. 28, 2018-Jan. 2, 2019) holiday periods, there were more drunk-driving related deaths (210) throughout the country than during any other holiday period in 2019. “We want everyone to enjoy the holidays and be safe,” said Chief Keith Boyd. “The more people who plan ahead and find a safe, sober ride home from holiday parties and get togethers, the more the merrier.” King City Police reminds drivers that a “DUI Doesn’t Just

On Wednesday night, November 24 at approximately 10:15 PM, PRPD officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Carl’s Jr on Black Oak Drive. Through the investigation officers learned that the suspect fled the business without stealing any money. Officers were unable to locate the suspect at the time of the incident. Three hours later, at approximately 1:30 AM, on Thursday, November 25 PRPD officers were dispatched to a report of an armed robbery at Chevron on Ramada Drive. On arrival, officers contacted the victim/employee at Chevron and learned that the suspect had fired one shot from a handgun, into the wall behind the employee. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of money from the employee and fled the area. It was believed the suspect fled the area in a BMW sedan. Approximately one hour later, at 2:30 AM, on Thursday, November 25 a PRPD Officer located a BMW matching the description near the highway 46 and US 101 corridor. Immediately upon seeing the officer the BMW fle

According to the Gonzales Police Department two theft reports were filed on Tuesday, November 23 of catalytic converters in 2 vehicles in the city of Gonzales. The reported thefts happened just before 10 am off of the 400 block of Venice Way. If anyone has any information they're asked to contact dispatch at the Gonzales Police Department at 831-755-5111.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — During extremely dry, hot, and windy weather, being able to differentiate wildfire smoke from fog and other false indicators is invaluable to analysts in Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) Wildfire Safety Operations Center and fire agencies. That’s why PG&E is testing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning capabilities in the growing network of high-definition cameras across Northern and Central California to see how it can enhance fire-watch and response capabilities. This year, PG&E, in collaboration with ALERTWildfire, has installed 138 new HD cameras across High Fire-Threat Districts, in accordance with its 2021 Wildfire Mitigation Plan. Of those 138 cameras, 46 of them are included in the new AI testing program in partnership with Alchera and ALERTWildfire. A similar pilot was conducted with Pano through participation in EPRI’s 2021 Incubatenergy Labs Challenge. PG&E began installing HD cameras in 2018, as part of its

The Sylvano and Maria Boronda International Study Program is offering student scholarships for a two-week program of study in Florence and Rome, Italy, this coming summer. The deadline for online applications, including electronic samples of creative work, is midnight on Dec. 1. Student applicants must be at least 18 and reside in Monterey County. As directed by the will of the donor, Lester D. Boronda, they also must be “students of unusual promise in the arts, namely, painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, drama, music or dance.” Students selected for the program will study and travel under the direction of a Hartnell College instructor. They will receive expenses for air and ground transportation, lodging and a meal allowance. In addition, accident insurance will be covered for the duration. Due to global COVID protocols, the trip may be rescheduled to domestic, United States destinations in the event travel to Italy becomes prohibited. To apply, please visit https://www.ha

King City, Calif. – With millions of families throughout the state expected to hit the road to visit friends and family for Thanksgiving in 2021, King City Police reminds everyone to always buckle up. “Regardless of how far you are going for Thanksgiving, it is important to always wear your seat belt,” Chief Keith Boyd said. “We want everyone to get to their destination safely and enjoy the holiday. A seat belt is one easy way to ensure that happens.” During the 2019 Thanksgiving Maximum Enforcement Period, 42 people died on roads throughout California. Of the 27 who died on roads within California Highway Patrol jurisdiction, 11 were not wearing seat belts. Under California law, children under two years old who weigh under 40 pounds or are under 40 inches tall must ride in a rear-facing car seat. Children under the age of eight or under 4’ 9” tall must be secured in a car or booster seat. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, th

According to the Gonzales Police Department they have received several theft reports of catalytic converters in vehicles recently in various neighborhoods in the city of Gonzales. On Monday, November 22 at 6:22 am the Gonzales PD reported that 2 vehicles parked off of the 1600 block of Spumante Way had catalytic converters stolen. The Gonzales PD advises residents to please be vigilant and to report any kind of suspicious activity of this nature by calling dispatch at 831-755-5111.

SALINAS, CA – On Monday, November 22 Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grant totaling $3.46 million for the Salud Para La Gente healthcare organization. Salud Para La Gente has healthcare clinics in Santa Cruz County and North Monterey County that during the COVID-19 pandemic provided tens of thousands of tests, administered over 30,000 vaccines, delivered over 200 prescription medications, and published 27 in-language communication campaigns. “Salud Para La Gente has long been a cornerstone for our home on the Central Coast by providing the necessary health care for those who need it the most. During the pandemic, especially, its clinics worked diligently to treat and vaccinate the farmworker and immigrant communities that got hit hard with COVID-19,” said Rep. Panetta. “This grant will not only help Salud Para La Gente continue its amazing work as a healthcare provider, it also will help solidify it as the mor

Salinas, Calif. – Monterey County District Attorney’s Office will have a specialized prosecution team that handles alcohol and drug-impaired driving cases through a $526,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). “Impaired driving is a growing problem, particularly with drivers suspected of operating a vehicle under the influence of both alcohol and drugs, our county has a concerning number of under 21-year-old DUI drivers causing serious injury and fatal collisions” Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni said. “This program allows us to focus specifically on holding those who decide to drive impaired accountable for their dangerous actions and to outreach and educate young drivers in an effort to prevent these tragedies from occurring.” The specialized prosecution team will also partner with the statewide Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Training Program (TSRP) to provide training to other prosecutors and investigators, as well as collaborate with

On November Saturday, 20 at approximately 5:51 am, officers from the King City Police Department and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a report of a man on the 600 block of Canal Street with a firearm threatening to kill a victim. Upon arrival, officers contacted the man identified as 37-year-old Adrian Hernandez Osorio of King City. During a search of Hernandez Osorio officers located a replica firearm, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Hernandez Osorio was safely taken into custody charged with Terrorist Threats, Displaying an Imitation Firearm, Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Further investigation determined Hernandez Osorio suspected the victim was involved in criminal activity and breaking into vehicles when, in fact, he was merely gathering property from his own vehicle. The King City Police Department would like to remind the community not to take matters into their own hands when they suspect someone is engaging in

Hartnell College Athletics’ record of excellence in men’s and women’s cross country attained new heights on Saturday, Nov. 20 at the 2021 California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Championship in Fresno. The men’s third-place team score – led by Isaac Gensel’s second-place individual finish – gave them their first state trophy, eclipsing a program-best fourth place in 1992. The women matched their program-best team mark of second place, also achieved in 2015 and 2018, and placed four runners in the top 30. The combined showing was the Panthers’ finest ever, before a large and electric crowd that included friends, family and many Hartnell cross country alumni. Head Coach Chris Zepeda, who joined Hartnell in 2006 and became head coach for cross country and track and field in 2018, said the accomplishment is magnified by the size of the colleges they faced. Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), which won the state women’s race and placed second in the men’s, is more

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures in South Monterey County from Sunday, November 21- November 27. Please note, the US 101/Camp Roberts Rest Area is set to CLOSE for several months on Tuesday, Nov. 30 for a major water/wastewater systems upgrade. Caltrans will suspend all lane closures during the holiday period, unless responding to a traffic incident. CHP will be performing traffic breaks along northbound Hwy 101 at Wild Horse Road to First Street for pavement repair from 8 am – 4 pm. Highway 101: NB Jolon Road and First Street: Long Term CHP will be performing traffic breaks along northbound Highway 101 from Jolon Road northbound to First Street to allow for a paving operation from 5 am - 4 pm. Highway 101: SB Jolon Road and First Street: Long Term CHP will be performing traffic breaks along southbound Highway 101 from Jolon Road southbound to First Street to allow for a pavement work from 5 am - 4 pm. Highway 101: Canal Street – Jolon Roa

SALINAS, CA, November 19, 2021 – Fred Hooker became the President of the California Rodeo Salinas and debuted the 2022 commemorative poster last night at the Rodeo’s annual stockholder dinner. The colorful poster honors late Freestyle Bullfighter Ross Hill who was a fan-favorite known as the ‘Alabama Slamma.’ Hill competed in the freestyle bullfights in Salinas for many years, winning the championship in 2007, 2008 and 2018. Over the years he made numerous friends and fans across the Salinas Valley who were saddened to hear the news that 38-year-old Hill had passed away in an accident in March of 2021. “It warms my heart for the California Rodeo to be able to honor Ross in this way. He meant a lot to our committee and community,” says new Rodeo President Fred Hooker. The California Rodeo Salinas has donated to Hill’s foundation established by his family to carry out his wish to help children reach their full potential as a small token of appreciation and to further the cause. More inf

The Hartnell Community College District on Nov. 17 launched a nationwide search for a permanent superintendent/president to be appointed in the spring of 2022 and start work in July of 2022. Members of the district’s Governing Board voted unanimously at their regular meeting on Nov. 16 to approve a position announcement, search timeline and the composition of a search committee that will identify and recommend finalists for their consideration. They will be assisted in the search by Community College Search Services, a California-based firm hired with unanimous board approval on Oct. 19. Interim Superintendent/President Raúl Rodríguez, appointed in July 2020, will continue to serve through June of 2022. The position announcement, posted with other documents and information on the Hartnell College website , highlights Hartnell’s goal of continual innovation to “serve the needs of our region’s diverse and growing population and ensure accessible higher education for all.” The deadline f

SALINAS, CA, November 19, 2021 – The 35th President of the California Rodeo Association is Fred Hooker. Hooker took the reins on Thursday, November 18th at the annual stockholder’s dinner in Salinas. He is a fourth generation Californian who has been active in his family farming operations in southern California and Monterey County. Hooker is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degrees. He has been active in many local groups: Salinas Jaycees, Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce, Gonzales Young Farmers and Agriculture Leadership Class 16 to name a few. His Rodeo experience includes the Bluegrass Committee, Round Up Day Barbecue Committee and Concessions prior to serving as an Officer. His full biography can be found below. There were progressions and one new addition to the six officer positions besides the new president: 1st vice president is Steve Davis, 2nd vice president is Bob Eggers and Tom N

A vaccine clinic will held in the Soledad High School Multipurpose Room on Monday, November 22, 2021, from 1pm to 5pm focused on 5 to 11 year olds. For more information call 831-678-2665

The Greenfield Police Department is looking into another report of a catalytic converter that was stolen from a vehicle in Greenfield on Wednesday night, November 17 at 6:09 pm off of 10th Street. If anyone has any information they're asked to call the Greenfield PD at (831) 674-5111.

Over 120 cowboys, cowgirls and youngsters from the central coast are expected to compete in this year’s Monterey County Ranch Rodeo at the Salinas Valley Fair Rava Arena on Sunday, November 21 in King City beginning at 8 am. The production is a fundraiser for the Monterey County Cattleman’s and the Salinas Valley Fair which will feature events that demonstrate the skills needed for everyday working ranch hands. Events include: Open Cut & Rope, Single Steer Stopping, Open Sorting, Open Calf Branding, Match Calf Branding, Ladies Calf Branding, Over 50 Calf Branding Junior Calf Branding. NEW! Ladies Breakaway

The Greenfield Police Department is looking into more reports of catalytic converters that were stolen from vehicles in Greenfield on Tuesday, November 16. The first reported theft happened at 7:32 am off of Elmwood Drive, while the 2nd reported theft took place off of 9th Street at 6:25 pm. If anyone has any information they're asked to call the Greenfield PD at (831) 674-5111.

More details have been put out regarding a stolen vehicle pursuit in South Monterey County on Tuesday, November 16 that resulted in the death of a pedestrian, while 2 police officers were injured. The pedestrian killed during the chase has been identified as 65-year-old Guadalupe Garcia of Soledad who was the father of a local law enforcement officer. The driver 24-year-old Paulo Cesar Alcaraz Ortiz was arrested and charged with murder and evading police. According to the Soledad Police Department, the chase began in Greenfield at 10:15 am as officers attempted to try and stop the driver using a spike strip on Highway 101 in Soledad. The Soledad PD stated that the person behind the wheel was driving recklessly and was trying to hit pedestrians and other cars. The pursuit ended off of the intersection of Front Street and Nestles Road in Soledad. One of the officers injured was Soledad Police Chief Damon Wasson. Investigators indicate that Police Chief Wasson drove head-on into Ortiz

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors at their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 16 voted in favor 3 to 2 to suspend a masking requirement of its Indoor Face Covering Ordinance, effective immediately. This means while wearing face coverings in indoor public settings remains strongly recommended, it is no longer required. The county’s indoor face covering ordinance is currently tied to CDC Community Transmission Rates. The requirement to wear masks indoors was triggered when Monterey County reached the “Substantial” level of those rates; however, the ordinance allows the Board the option to suspend those requirements, which they did. Additionally, at their upcoming December 8 meeting, the Board is expected to get a report on local metrics and COVID-19 data reporting and may consider revising its indoor face covering ordinance to be tied to local data reporting vs CDC rates. All county residents are reminded to continue to follow state face covering requirements (https://covid19.

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Tuesday, November 16 that the Honorable Rafael Vazquez sentenced 56-year-old Rosalio Rocha of Soledad to 18 years in prison for committing 2 counts of child molestation upon 2 victims. Both offenses are violent felonies and are considered “strikes” under California’s Three Strikes law. In addition to his prison sentence, Rocha was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. In August 2020, the first female victim told a friend that Rocha, a family member, molested her when she was under 14 years of age. The girl's friend informed another individual, who then reported the molestation to the Soledad Police Department. Detective Gustavo Gomez interviewed the first female victim who stated that Rocha molested her on several occasions, mostly over the clothing. Through Detective Gomez’s investigation, he discovered that another individual, involving a 2nd female victim had previously reported t

A crash involving a big rig and a sedan happened off of Highway 101 Northbound north of Chualar on Tuesday, November 16 at 10:51 am. Minor injuries were reported from the collision. The cause of the accident is unknown.

A stolen vehicle pursuit in South Monterey County on Tuesday, November 16 has resulted in the death of a pedestrian, while 2 police officers were injured. According to the Soledad Police Department, the chase began in Greenfield at 10:15 am as officers attempted to try and stop the driver using a spike strip on Highway 101 in Soledad. The Soledad PD stated that the person behind the wheel was driving recklessly and was trying to hit pedestrians and other cars. The pursuit ended off of the intersection of Front Street and Nestles Road in Soledad. One of the officers injured was Soledad Police Chief Damon Wasson. Investigators indicate that Police Chief Wasson hit the suspect head-on which brought the chase to an end. The other officer is with the Greenfield Police Department.

The Greenfield PD is looking into 2 separate incidents of vandalism that took place on Sunday night, November 14 in Greenfield. The first incident happened off of the 50 block of Via Salvagno at 7:11 pm, while the 2nd incident came about off of the 300 block of 8th Street at 7:51 pm. If anyone has any information they're asked to call the Greenfield Police Department at (831) 674-5111.

The Greenfield Police Department is investigating a report of a burglary that occurred in Greenfield on Saturday night, November 13 at 9:40 pm off of the 300 block of 10th Street. If anyone has any information they're asked to call the Greenfield Police Department at (831) 674-5111.

WASHINGTON, DC – On Monday, November 15 Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) was invited to the White House to join President Joseph R. Biden for the signing ceremony of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The enactment of this transformational legislation will make the American economy more competitive, create millions of good-paying jobs, and provide historic funding for climate change resiliency and sustainability. “Our nation’s infrastructure and transportation systems are in desperate need of improvement and modernization. Now, with this historic signing of the bipartisan infrastructure package, we will start to see federal funding going towards local projects all across the country and in our home on the central coast of California,” said Rep. Panetta. “From wildfire resiliency and green buses to rural broadband and water infrastructure, this once-in-a-generation legislation will secure the foundation of economic opportunity for California’s 20th district

A 3.3 magnitude earthquake shook things up in southeastern Monterey County on Monday morning, November 15 at 1:30 am. The U. S. Geological Survey states that the quake originated over 4 miles northwest of Parkfield. No damages or injuries were reported.

PASO ROBLES, CA –The City of Paso Robles is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Assistant City Manager, Chris Huot (Hue-Ott), effective January 3, 2022. Mr. Huot was selected after a competitive nationwide recruitment process. Over the past 6 months, the city’s recruiting firm led a rigorous recruitment and selection process. Over 40 applications for the position were received by the city. The process included multiple interview sessions with the community, city staff, and the City Council enabling all participants to provide their feedback to the City Manager prior to the final selection. Throughout the extensive selection process, Mr. Huot consistently ranked as the top candidate. Most recently, Huot served as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Bakersfield, CA. Since 2015, Mr. Huot helped lead California’s fastest growing large city, providing strategic oversight across all city operations and a staff of over 1,800. Since 2019, Huot has overseen a portfolio of depar

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for South Monterey County from Sunday, November 14- November 20. Highway 101: NB Hwy 1 at Wild Horse Canyon Road to First Street : November 15 - 19 CHP will be performing traffic breaks along northbound Hwy 101 at Wild Horse Road to First Street for pavement repair from 8 am – 4 pm. Highway 101: Southbound Hwy 101 at San Ardo to San Luis Obispo County Line: November 17 CHP will be performing traffic breaks along southbound Hwy 101 at San Ardo to San Luis Obispo County line for a spray operation from 9 am – 3 pm. Highway 101: NB Jolon Road and First Street: Long Term CHP will be performing traffic breaks along northbound Highway 101 from Jolon Road northbound to First Street to allow for a paving operation from 5 am - 4 pm. Highway 101: SB Jolon Road and First Street: Long Term CHP will be performing traffic breaks along southbound Highway 101 from Jolon Road southbound to First Street to allow for a pave

During the early portion of the week of November 7, 2021 the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes Unit and MADCAT busted 33-year-old Edward Carranza of Salinas and 34-year-old Christopher Verduzco of Soledad. Carranza and Verduzco are known gang members and had been on the run for quite some time as they were wanted Parolees. Previously, Carranza had been sentenced to 12 years in prison for assault with a deadly weapon on Monterey County Sheriff's Detectives. Both men were tracked down at a motel in Gilroy and were found to be in possession of loaded firearms at the time of their arrest. During the investigation, Sheriff's Detectives also discovered drugs and burglary tools. Carranza and Verduzco were both booked into the Monterey County Jail for their warrants, along with weapons and drug related charges.

SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, November 12 that a jury found 32-year old Carlos Hernandez of Greenfield guilty of 1 count of misdemeanor battery on his child’s parent and 2 counts of cruelty to a child. On June 18, 2021, the mother of Hernandez’ 4 children went to Hernandez’ residence to pick up their young daughter. During the custody exchange, an argument ensued. Hernandez grabbed and pulled the woman's hair and then punched her in the face in the presence of 3 of their young children. The woman drove immediately to a safe location, called 911 and waited for police to arrive. Greenfield Police Officers Jesus Rangel and Erik Santiago were dispatched to the woman’s location and investigated the domestic violence incident, and eventually arrested Hernandez. They both testified that the woman sustained an injury to her mouth that caused bleeding. Judge Jennifer O’Keefe presided over the trial and sentenced Hernandez t

A vehicle crashed into a power pole off of Folleta Road and Alta Street on Highway 101 Southbound in Chualar on Wednesday, November 10 at 3:53 pm. Traffic was backed up for over an hour and some residents in that area were without power for over a couple of hours. No injuries were reported. The cause of the accident is unknown.

On Wednesday morning, November 10 sometime between 9 am and 10:30 am the Monterey County Sheriff's SWAT Team and the San Jose PD busted a man in Soledad suspected of robbing some Banks within the last couple of weeks in the Bay Area. The San Jose Police Department with the assistance of the Monterey County Sheriff's SWAT Team served a warrant at a home of the suspect off of the 500 Block of Viejo Gabriel in Soledad. Arrested was 24-year-old Christian Ruiz of Soledad. Ruiz was booked into the Monterey County Jail and will be facing charges in multiple counties. Around this time Soledad High School was put on a shelter-in-place order. According to a message released to parents, the school stated that "there was law enforcement activity in a neighborhood near Soledad High School and as a precaution, they activated their shelter in place order at Soledad H.S. keeping students in classrooms from 9:40 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Once the police activity concluded, the shelter in place o

Salinas, CA -- Dozens of employers from multiple industry sectors are expected to attend the South Monterey County Job Fair at the Soledad Community Center on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 4pm-7pm. The Monterey County Workforce Development Board (MCWDB), the City of Soledad, and the Soledad Parks & Recreation District are teaming up to sponsor the in-person event to help people get back to work locally. “We are strongly committed to serving South Monterey County and are pleased to be partnering with the City of Soledad on this job fair. We look forward to seeing job seekers and employers from all South County communities there and giving them the opportunity to connect,” said MCWDB Executive Director, Christopher Donnelly. "We look forward to bringing our residents and our neighbors together with many Salinas Valley employers to the Soledad Community Center to participate in our South County Job Fair,” said Brent Slama, Soledad City Manager. “As we come back as a more re

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced that 33-year-old Sarah Valdez of Gonzales was sentenced on November 9, 2021 to 6 years and 8 months in state prison after pleading no contest to 2 counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and 1 count of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury. On October 25, 2020, at 3:35 a.m., after drinking alcohol at a social gathering, Valdez left Gonzales and headed towards Salinas with her friend Samuel Bravo and her 2 sons, ages 6 and 8. Driving at speeds of over 100mph, Valdez lost control of the vehicle and crashed off the roadway into an agricultural field where the vehicle rolled several times. First responders located Valdez’s vehicle more than 200 feet off the roadway. Bravo was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The 2 minor children were rushed to the hospital where the 6 year-old later succumbed to his injuries, while the 8 year-old was treated and r