KRKC COUNTRY

  WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, January 15 U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will distribute $14,346,751 to the City of Santa Cruz to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.   “As the threat of climate change becomes more severe, it is important to make investments that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment. Thanks to this federal funding, the City of Santa Cruz will be able to increase access to EV charging infrastructure for residents and visitors alike. Even when there is partisan talk questioning the climate crisis, we vow to continue following sound science and supporting the allocation of federal resources for sustainable projects that boost our local economies,” said Reps. Lofgren and Panetta.   The project, known as the Monterey Bay Region Equitable EV Charging Project, aims to install EV charging ports at 44...

SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on January 15 that as they observe National Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January, the District Attorney’s Office is reaffirming its commitment to combat human trafficking and support survivors in the community. Human trafficking is a grave offense that destroys lives and families, and it continues to plague communities everywhere, including right here in Monterey County. Throughout this month, the Monterey County DA's Office is emphasizing the need for increased vigilance, public education, and stronger partnerships to end trafficking in all its forms. We stand in solidarity with survivors and are committed to ensuring that traffickers face justice. In honor of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the District Attorney’s Office is facilitating a number of local efforts to bring necessary and invaluable resources to their community. These efforts will help the local law enforcement c...

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on January 15 that 46-year-old Jubentino Matias Aguilar of Greenfield, was sentenced to 40 years in state prison by Judge Pamela Butler. On April 11, 2023, the victims mother brought them to the Greenfield Police Department after her daughters, Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 – aged 8 and 12 - told her that the defendant, who had previously been a member of the household, had sexually molested them while he had lived with the family. Officers obtained detailed statements from the girls, in which they described multiple sexual assaults by the defendant. Both girls provided invaluable assistance to the officers investigating their case. After the defendant was arrested, he made a statement to officers in which he admitted to engaging in sexual contact with the 2 young girls. The defendant entered pleas of no contest to 4 counts of Forcible Lewd Acts on a Child. The charges constitute four “strikes” unde...

  Monterey County Farm Bureau supports their local farmworker community during recent Customs and Border Protection actions in California counties.   Participating at the Wednesday, January 15 press conference at the County’s Administrative Offices in Salinas, Monterey County Farm Bureau’s Executive Director reiterated the importance of their essential workforce in the Salinas Valley.   “Farming depends on a stable and reliable workforce, one not under threat. We appreciate the farmworkers’ vital contributions to the national food supply as essential workers,” stated Norm Groot. “We cannot change the fact that farmworkers were considered essential during the pandemic; the circumstances remain the same, these are essential workers.”   Monterey County Agriculture is a $4.3 billion-dollar economic sector that depends on 55,000 farmworkers to harvest crops each year, primarily immigrants; some have resided in Monterey County communities for decades...

  There will be a recycling event for wreaths that were placed on veterans graves on December 14.  Volunteers can bring hand clippers and meet at the King City Cemetery located at 1010 Broadway in King City at 10am on Saturday, January 18. Farm animal owners can pick up the foliage that day, while students can participate and will receive community service credit.  Please contact Kathy Imamura, (408) 802-4437 for further information.

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on January 10 that Judge Rafael Vazquez sentenced Kevin James Powell to 76 years to life in state prison for first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder. On September 14 of 2022, the dead victim and his brother were in town for work staying at a Motel 6 in King City. That night, after returning from dinner at their sister’s house, they stood outside their room talking. Meanwhile, Powell parked his car nearby. The victims paid no attention as Powell—a stranger to the victims—stepped out, rummaged in the rear passenger seat of his car, and then suddenly produced a three-foot axe and attacked them with it. One victim ran and escaped with minor injuries; the other tripped, suffered serious injuries from the assault, and later died at the hospital. On December 11, 2024, a jury convicted Powell of first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder. Furthermore, the jury found Powell used ...