[MONTEREY COUNTY, CA – MARCH 5, 2026] – The Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) is proud to announce the distinguished honorees for the 2026 Champions of the Arts™ Awards. Recipients were selected through a community-driven process, with nominations submitted by the public and reviewed by a panel of esteemed past Champions, including Alfredo Avila, Jose Arreola, Shirmaine Jones of Arts Habitat, and Tammy Lynne Hall. This signature event serves as a vital fundraiser for Arts4MC’s art programs, which bring creative enrichment to Monterey County residents, from veterans to at-risk youth. Arts4MC is thrilled to celebrate this year's honorees: La Guelaguetza, Salinas (District 1): Local celebration preserving Oaxacan cultural traditions HollyAnn Isaac (District 2): Middle School Art Teacher Jamie Jones (District 3): High School Theater Teacher & Sol Treasures Board Member Hanif Panni (District 4): Muralist & Multi-Media Artist Carl Cherry Center for the Arts (District 5...
SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced March 5 that on March 2 a jury convicted 34-year-old Filberto Santiago Martinez of Greenfield of 3 counts of sexual intercourse with a minor age 10 or under in violation California Penal Code section 288.7(a), 1 count of forcible lewd or lascivious act on a child under the age of 14 in violation of California Penal Code section 288(b), and 1 count of lewd or lascivious act on a child under the age of 14 in violation of California Penal Code section 288(a). All 5 offenses are serious and violent felonies and are considered strikes under California’s Three Strikes Law. In June of 2024, Jane Doe and her mother reported to the Greenfield Police Department that Martinez, a family member, had molested Jane Doe when she was approximately 7 to 9 years old between 2017 and 2020. Martinez would touch Jane Doe’s intimate areas under the clothing multiple times a week. He would also force Jane Doe to touch h...