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Monterey County District Attorney Jeanine Pacioni Supports Assembly Bill 46 to Strengthen Mental Health Diversion Law

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on March 12 support for Assembly Bill 46 (Nguyen), legislation that would give courts greater discretion to consider public safety when deciding whether a defendant should receive mental health diversion. This bill closes legal loopholes in California’s mental health diversion law by restoring judicial discretion and ensuring the program provides treatment while protecting community safety. Mental health diversion, created under Penal Code §1001.36, was designed to help individuals suffering from mental illness receive treatment instead of incarceration. However, recent court rulings and statutory limitations have significantly restricted judges’ ability to deny diversion, even in serious and violent cases, leaving courts with limited authority to evaluate whether diversion is truly appropriate. Under current law, once a defendant meets certain statutory criteria, judges have very limited discret...
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Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto Releases Statement on March 11 Regarding Unsubstantiated Threats Against California

  According to Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto the Sheriff's Office is aware of concerns being raised by the public about a possible planned attack on the state of California by Iran. The Sheriff's Office received multiple calls throughout Wednesday afternoon, March 11 from concerned residents regarding this information and has been in contact with their federal partners since the beginning of the conflict and can confirm that THESE THREATS ARE UNSUBSTANTIATED. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office asks that the public exercise caution and not share unverified and non-credible information so as to not cause unnecessary fear and panic in their communities. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office will continue to communicate with their federal partners and if they are made aware of any credible and imminent threats to California or Monterey County, they will communicate this information to the public through their social media platforms and through the local media.
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Notice of Extended Filing Period for Elective Office

  Salinas, CA – The regular candidate filing period for the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election has closed. The filing period for the following offices, in which an eligible incumbent did not file, is extended until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.   OFFICE NAME     Auditor/Controller     Monterey County Superintendent of Schools   Information regarding state office extensions will be added to the Monterey County Elections website as available.   Candidates filing during this period must meet all filing obligations. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call (831) 796-1499, toll-free (866) 887-9274 or email CandidateServices@countyofmonterey.gov.
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Old Dominion to Perform at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles on July 15 With Special Guests Dasha, Annie Bosko!

  PASO ROBLES, CA – The California Mid-State Fair is proud to announce that 8-Time Academy of Country Music “Group of the Year” Old Dominion will perform Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM as part of the Michelob ULTRA Concert Series in the Chumash Grandstand Arena at the Paso Robles Event Center. Openers are Dasha and Annie Bosko. Tickets for the concert go on sale Friday, March 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM and are priced at $70, $80, $90, $110, and $120. Tickets are available online only. To ensure ticket authenticity and face-value pricing, fans should begin their purchase at MidStateFair.com, which links directly to the official ticketing provider. Old Dominion’s skyscraping anthems and electrifying live shows have put the multi-platinum-selling band prominently at the forefront of country music. Fusing clever lyrics and an infectious sound, their lyrical wit and hook-heavy songwriting has certainly proved to be a winning formula for Nashville’s hottest band. Since breaking onto the m...
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Monterey County Elections Announces the 2026 Future Voter Sticker Contest

  Salinas, CA – Monterey County Elections is excited to announce the inaugural, Future Voter Sticker Contest, inviting young artists across the county to showcase their creativity and civic pride. This initiative encourages students to express what voting and community participation mean to them through original sticker designs that will be shared with voters in future election cycles.   Winning designs will be printed and distributed throughout Monterey County at voting locations, outreach events, and community activities. Selected students and their schools will also be formally recognized by the Monterey County Elections Department and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.   The contest is open to local students within the designated grade levels outlined in the official guidelines. Artwork submissions must follow the contest rules regarding size, format, and theme.   For full contest details, including eligibility, submission instructions, and deadlines, plea...
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TAMC’s Call for Art Competition for the King City Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Art Project

  MONTEREY COUNTY – The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), in partnership with the City of King, and Sol Treasures has released a “Call for Art” for the King City Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Art project. This is an opportunity for local artists of all ages and experience levels to create beautiful and interactive artworks on the sidewalks throughout King City to highlight the safe walking routes connecting schools, parks, and community spaces with long-lasting sidewalk art.   The art competition is open to artists who live in Monterey County. It is funded through an Active Transportation Program grant and Measure X and is part of TAMC’s Safe Routes to School program. Artists may compete in one of five categories: Elementary School, Middle School, High School/College, Adult Amateur Artist (18+), and Professional Artist. Compensation will be awarded only to the top designs in each category. Art can be submitted in various sizes of Small – 2’ by 2’, Medium – 3’ ...
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County of Monterey and City of Soledad to Hold Grand Opening of Sendero Interim Housing Site on March 9

  SOLEDAD, Calif. — The County of Monterey and the City of Soledad are marking the first- year milestone of a partnership aimed at permanently resolving a long-standing encampment along the Salinas River. The City of Soledad will host the official grand opening of the Sendero Interim Housing Facility on Monday, March 9 at beginning at 12 pm at 990 Los Coches Drive in Soledad. The 16-bed program is the first of its kind in South Monterey County and is designed to serve as a bridge between unsheltered homelessness and permanent housing. Launched in 2024 and supported by a $4.7 million Encampment Resolution Funding grant from the State of California, the initiative focused on relocating 40 individuals identified during the grant application process for services and housing support. Citing public health and environmental concerns, including the encampment’s proximity to active agricultural fields, officials prioritized immediate relocation. Individuals were temporarily placed in motels...
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