Skip to main content

Posts

UPDATE on County of Monterey Government Center Closure in Salinas

  County of Monterey Government Center Reopening — Postponed — Finalizing Routine Environmental and Safety Checks Thorough comprehensive building testing nearing completion following plumbing and fire suppression maintenance; essential services continue uninterrupted at temporary locations. SALINAS, CA — September 16, 2026 — The County of Monterey Administrative Office, in coordination with the Board of Supervisors and the County’s Facilities Division, has announced that the reopening of the Government Center at 168 W. Alisal Street is tentatively set for early to mid-week, the week of September 21, 2026. Contractors and environmental consultants have made excellent progress restoring the building following a recent sewer line malfunction. During the final stages of this work, crews identified a standard maintenance item in the building's fire sprinkler system that requires important repairs and testing. To ensure a seamless, fully operational, and comfortable environ...
Recent posts

County of Monterey Government Center Closure in Salinas has been Extended

  The County of Monterey Government Center, located at 168 West Alisal Street in Salinas, will remain closed until further notice. Government Center services will continue with the following temporary service arrangements remaining in place that include: Visitors seeking Treasurer-Tax Collector services should follow the posted signage at the Government Center for current service location information. Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and the Assessor-Clerk-Recorder’s Office will have staff available in Conference Room E-118, next to Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren’s office, in the East Wing at 142 W. Alisal Street, first floor. Public Defender’s Office staff will continue assisting the public by phone at 831-755-5058 and in person at the Law Library located at 142 West Alisal Street, Suite E-107. Staff will be available from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Auditor-Controller’s Office is working remotely, with limited in-person Accounts Payable and Payroll ser...

King City Pool Fence Renovation Project is Underway

The King City Aquatic Center Fence Renovation Project began on Tuesday morning, September 15 which includes replacement and improvement of the perimeter fence of the facility.    In April of 2026, the King City City Council approved the project and awarded the work to Big Wakoo Fencing of Atascadero.  The project utilizes 2023 state funding secured from Senator Anna Cabellero’s office in the amount of $400,000 for the purpose of improving City recreation facilities. Other funded projects included renovation work of the King City tennis courts in 2024 and the replacement of the pool chlorinator system in 2026.   The Aquatic Center, originally built in 1941, has been modified and improved several times over the years. The new fencing will meet current regulations and expand a portion of the facility to allow for better control and security of the picnic area adjacent to the north side facility entrance. The project is expected to be completed within 4 weeks, and the Ki...

Soledad Police Department is Investigating Stabbing Incident Involving Juvenile on September 4

  Soledad, CA – On Friday, September 4, 2026, at approximately 3:31p.m., Soledad Police Department officers responded to a report of a stabbing on Gabilan Drive and Benito Street. Upon arrival, officers located a male juvenile suffering from a single stab wound to his leg. Officers immediately began investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. The juvenile was transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to Natividad Medical Center for treatment. The victim was uncooperative with officers during the initial investigation. Officers also learned that approximately 10 minutes had passed between the incident and when police were notified. As a result, limited information regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident is currently unavailable. At this time, no suspect has been located or taken into custody. Based on the information currently available, investigators believe this was an isolated incident and there is no known ongoing threat to the general public. The...

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...