Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported shooting at a residence located on the 84000 block of White Road in Parkfield. On Thursday May 21, 2026, about 11:00 AM, Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies contacted the victim, who reported that 45-year-old Elena Juarez of San Miguel, had fired multiple rounds toward him while he was seated inside his vehicle. Deputies detained Juarez at the scene and recovered a Ruger .357 caliber revolver. During the investigation, a witness reported observing Juarez point the firearm toward the victim’s vehicle and fire from about 250 yards away. Deputies determined that multiple rounds were fired in the direction of the victim as he attempted to leave the property. The victim reported that additional rounds were fired as he fled the area and believed one round struck a nearby tree, causing bark and debris to impact his vehicle. Based on statements, witness accounts, and physical evidence collected at the scene, Juarez was arrested an...
Public Health Officials Urge Immunization as Pertussis (“Whooping Cough”) Cases Increase in Monterey County
County of Monterey public health officials urge residents to stay up to date with their pertussis immunizations due to a recent increase in the number of reported pertussis cases this year. Since January 1, 2026, the County of Monterey Health Department has received 43 reports of pertussis infections among Monterey County residents, in comparison to 11 reported infections during the same timeframe in 2025. The 43 pertussis infections reported during the first five months of 2026 exceed the 36 infections reported during the entire twelve months of 2025. Age of individuals reported to date in 2026 ranged from 3 months to 78 years, with nearly half of cases being between the ages of 5 and 17 years. Newborns are at the highest risk for complications of pertussis. “I strongly encourage women to get vaccinated during weeks 27 to 36 of each pregnancy. Immunity developed by mothers during pregnancy is passed to newborn infants,” states Dr. Edward Moreno, Health Of...