SOLEDAD – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials are investigating the death of an incarcerated person at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) as a homicide. On Sept. 21, 2026, at approximately 12:50 p.m., correctional staff observed inmates 28-year-old Dillon King and 44-year-old Justin Learmont approach inmate 43-year-old Michael Loftin in a recreation yard and begin battering him with an improvised weapon. Staff immediately intervened, quelling the attack. King and Learmont were secured in handcuffs. An improvised weapon was recovered at the scene. Staff activated 911 and initiated life-saving measures. A medical doctor at the institution pronounced Loftin dead at 1:19 p.m. King and Learmont were placed in the restricted housing unit pending further investigation by the SVSP Investigative Services Unit and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office. The Office of the Inspector General was notified. Loftin was most recently received from Del Norte C...
JOLON, CA — On Tuesday, September 22 Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that the County of Monterey Department of Public Works, Facilities, and Parks has received a $9,784,000 federal grant to rehabilitate approximately 8.7 miles of Jolon Road (from the Mission Road south to Bradley Lockwood Road). Running parallel to U.S. Highway 101, Jolon Road is the only corridor that serves U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hunter Liggett. The funding comes from the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP), which addresses deficiencies in community infrastructure that supports a military installation’s readiness. “I am thrilled to see that this grant was secured and that Jolon Road will be getting necessary safety improvements,” said Rep. Lofgren. “It’s fantastic news for the Monterey County residents that regularly drive this narrow road, especially our brave troops at Fort Hunter Liggett that rely on it. I commend Supervisor Lopez and Monterey County for their work on this issue, and I’ll...