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Former CDCR Correctional Officer from Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad is Convicted on Felony Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on October 23 that 43-year-old Lorena Hernandez Alvarado of King City and former correctional officer at Salinas Valley State Prison was remanded to serve 364 days in jail and was placed on felony probation for 5 years. She earlier pled no contest to felony insurance fraud and admitted the fraud exceeded $100,000 in loss and pled guilty to two separate DUI cases. The fraud case arose out of a workplace injury claim made by Alvarado in April 2021. Alvarado claimed she injured her shoulder, neck, back and knees while wielding a heavy shield to protect herself from liquid thrown on her by an inmate at Salinas Valley State Prison. The prison’s insurance company – State Compensation Insurance Fund – accepted Alvarado’s insurance claim. Alvarado never returned to work and received well over $200,000 in insurance benefits, including wage replacement and health care treatment. In the ensuing investigatio...
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Upcoming Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Services in South Monterey County

  Monterey County, CA - SPCA Monterey County is offering low-cost mobile spay and neuter services in South County, thanks to the support of our donors. Upcoming Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics: Thursday, October 22: King City Recreation Center, 401 Division St., King City. ALMOST FULL Wednesday, November 4: Greenfield Cultural Arts Center, 215 El Camino Real, Greenfield. Appointments available now.  Thursday, November 12: King City Recreation Center, 401 Division St. Appointments available now. Thursday, December 3: Greenfield Cultural Arts Center, 215 El Camino Real, Greenfield. Appointments available now.  The cost for our SPCA Mobile Spay/Neuter clinics is just $75 for dogs and puppies and $35 for cats and kittens. The price includes the pet’s surgery and rabies vaccination. The surgeries are available to pets 2 months to 6 years of age, weighing 2 to 30 pounds. These clinics are open to all Monterey County residents.  Deposits to hold your spot are required. ...
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Monterey County Public Defender's Office in Greenfield will be on October 22

  The County of Monterey Public Defender’s Office is pleased to announce the opening of its new Greenfield location, marking an important step toward expanding access to justice and strengthening services for South Monterey County residents.   A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating this expansion will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the City of Greenfield Council Chambers, located at 599 El Camino Real, Greenfield, CA. This location will also serve as an additional site where the Public Defender’s Office will provide services to the community.   The Public Defender’s Office provides legal representation to eligible individuals in criminal matters and certain limited civil proceedings, following appointment by the court. Recognizing that South County residents often face limited access to legal and supportive services, the office is committed to helping bridge this gap by establishing a greater presence in the community.   As staffing and op...
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Halloween Tricks and Treats Event is Happening at the SPCA Monterey County on October 24!

  SPCA Monterey County invites children and their families to their 2nd annual Halloween Tricks and Treats event!  The event takes place on Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at SPCA Monterey County, located at 1002 Monterey-Salinas Highway across from Laguna Seca.   Enjoy treats for children and fun for families. Costumes are encouraged but not required. You’ll learn about the SPCA, see fun and spooky decorations, enjoy trick or treating, and have the chance to meet adoptable pets at this free and fun walk-through event.  What: Halloween Tricks and Treats at SPCA Monterey County Where: SPCA Monterey County, 1002 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Salinas When: Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm About SPCA Monterey County SPCA Monterey County is your nonprofit, independent, donor-supported humane society that has been serving the animals and people of Monterey County since 1905. The SPCA is not a chapter of any other agency and does not have a parent or...
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Office of Traffic Safety Awards $56,800 Grant to the King City Police Department for Traffic Enforcement Program to Increase Safety on Roads

  King City, Calif. – King City Police Department announced on October 19 that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads. The grant program runs through September 2027. “We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” King City Police Sergeant Cody Hughes said. “Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone." The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including:  DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers. High-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law. Enforcement operations focused on the most dangero...
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Nearly $2.8 Million in New State Funding Advances Salinas Regional Soccer Complex Expansion; Speaker Robert Rivas and Senator John Laird Strengthen the Public Investment Behind the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex’s Continued Growth and Transformation

  SALINAS, CA – The Salinas Regional Soccer Complex will receive $2.765 million in new State of California funding through two investments championed by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senator John Laird, providing significant new resources for the continued development of the 68-acre community and regional sports complex. The funding comes as construction moves forward on 8 new fields and weekly use at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex has grown to nearly 16,000 players, families and visitors. Together, the state investments strengthen a public-private funding model that has brought state, federal, county and local government together with foundations, businesses and individual donors to build the Complex over multiple phases. Speaker Rivas Secures $1.5 Million for Capital Improvements The 2026-27 state budget includes $1.5 million for capital improvements at the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, building on Speaker Rivas’ longstanding support for the facility and its role in c...
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California Rodeo Salinas Unveils 2027 Commemorative Poster Featuring Cutting Champion Nette Hoover; Artwork Celebrates the Return of Cutting to Salinas and a Special Family Legacy

  SALINAS, CA – October 16, 2026 – The California Rodeo Salinas unveiled its 2027 commemorative poster during the annual Stockholders' Dinner on Thursday, October 15. The artwork features Nette Hoover riding her mare, Jazzen, and celebrates the return of a cherished Rodeo tradition, the Debbie Pedrazzi Memorial Cutting. Cutting returned to the California Rodeo Track in 2026, honoring the history of the sport in Salinas and the lasting legacy of Debbie Pedrazzi. The event was especially meaningful this year when Debbie's daughter, Nette Hoover, was crowned Champion, taking home the coveted gold and silver belt buckle. The special victory brought the tradition full circle, making Nette and Jazzen a fitting choice for the 2027 commemorative poster. The original artwork was created by Western artist Missy Jenkins, whose realistic portrayals of horses and Western life have appeared on rodeo posters and in publications throughout the country. Born and raised in Carmel, California, Mi...
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