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CHP Targets Impaired Drivers During Labor Day Weekend

SACRAMENTO — As Labor Day weekend approaches, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is urging motorists to plan ahead, make responsible choices and never drive impaired. To help keep California’s roads safe, the CHP will conduct a Labor Day Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from 6:01 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7. During the HEP, CHP officers statewide will focus on removing impaired drivers from the road and educating motorists about the dangers of driving under the influence. The CHP’s HEP coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which runs Aug. 19 through Sept. 7. “There is no excuse for driving impaired. If you choose to drink or use a substance that affects your ability to drive, make a plan and stay out of the driver’s seat. Your decision could be the difference between everyone getting home safely and a tragedy that can change lives forever.” CHP Commissioner Sean Dur...

Jury Convicts San Simeon Man of Assault Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury and Battery at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on September 3 that on September 2, 2026, after a two-day jury trial 69-year-old David Carl Goad of San Simeon, was found guilty of felony assault by means likely to cause great bodily injury and misdemeanor battery committed on state parks property. On May 17, 2026, Goad began to disassemble a toilet in the restrooms at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, in Big Sur, to fix an issue with the toilet. The victim, a State Parks maintenance employee, asked Goad to stop what he was doing and leave the restroom to allow State Parks maintenance staff to fix the problem. Goad became hostile and combative with the victim, ultimately attacking the victim from behind when the victim turned his back to close and lock the restroom door. The victim testified that Goad placed his hands around the victim’s neck and applied pressure. The victim was able to break free after a brief struggle and report the incident t...

Baby Turkey Vulture Rescued from Big Sur Wildfires Recovering at SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Center; SPCA Monterey County provides emergency animal rescue and sheltering support as crews battle the Timber and Plaskett fires

SALINAS, CA — A baby turkey vulture rescued from the Big Sur wildfires is now safe and recovering at the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. A California State Parks Ranger discovered the juvenile bird near Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park along a closed stretch of Highway 1 in Big Sur. Arriving at the SPCA Wildlife Center thin, cold, and smelling strongly of smoke, wildlife rescue specialists believe the young bird was forced to fledge prematurely when he and his parents fled the heavy smoke and flames from the nearby Timber Fire. At an estimated 40 to 50 days old, the nestling left his nest weeks early. Turkey vultures typically begin fledging between 9 to 11 weeks (63 to 77 days) of age. Weighing just 780 grams, roughly the size of a teddy bear, he is significantly lighter than a typical 2,000-gram adult. Despite his ordeal, SPCA Wildlife Center specialists expect him to make a full recovery with warmth, supportive care, and proper nutrition. As a fi...

Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Advisory for Monterey County

Continuing wildfire activity involving the Timber and Plaskett Fires is generating smoke that is significantly impacting air quality in the Big Sur region and southern Monterey County. Current Air Quality Index (AQI) measurements range from GOOD to VERY UNHEALTHY for communities directly downwind of the fires such as Lockwood, King City, San Ardo, Bradley, and Camp Roberts. As of this advisory, modeling indicates the low-pressure system, which is generating westerly winds and smoke transport to the east, will be present until at least early next week; therefore, expect this pattern of smoke transport to continue until then. Air quality will be variable and unpredictable as conditions change depending on wind direction and fire activity. The Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD) will continue to follow the situation and issue advisories when appropriate. MBARD monitors air quality in our region. Updates on the current air quality...

Mee Memorial Brings Advanced Vascular Imaging to South County with New CT Technology

KING CITY, CA, September 1, 2026: Mee Memorial Healthcare System (MMHS) is proud to announce the arrival of a new advanced state-of-the-art SCENARIA View 128 CT system. This new technology is part of the MMHS Diagnostic Imaging and Emergency Department renovation project and represents a major advancement in local diagnostic imaging capability, enabling South County residents to access advanced vascular and cardiac imaging services close to home. By utilizing the SCENARIA View’s rapid 0.35-second scan speed and high-resolution 0.625mm thin-slices, Mee Memorial can now produce incredibly detailed images of the vascular structure in a fraction of the time while helping reduce radiation dose and contrast use. "Bringing this new technology to Mee Memorial is about providing the best possible care to our community," said Timothy Watson, MD, Director of Radiology Services. "This new CT machine allows for both faster and more accurate diagnoses, which...

Traffic Stop in Soledad Leads to Pursuit and Arrest of Juvenile on August 28

Soledad, CA – On Friday night, August 28, 2026, at approximately 9:20 p.m., a Soledad Police Department officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop near Monterey Street and Third Street. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as a male juvenile from Soledad, failed to yield and led officers on a pursuit which continued out of the city and came to an end near US-101 and Soledad Prison Road after the vehicle became disabled. The juvenile was subsequently taken into custody by officers. During the investigation, officers contacted the registered owner of the vehicle, who confirmed that the juvenile did not have permission to drive the vehicle and requested that it be reported as stolen. The juvenile was booked and transported to Monterey County Juvenile Hall, where he is facing multiple serious charges related to the incident. The Soledad Police Department would like to thank the Gonzales Police Department and Monterey County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during this in...