KRKC COUNTRY

Over 30 people were at the King City Library for the dedication of a new microfilm scanner on Wednesday, May 30. The funding for this new microfilm scanner was made possible through donations, the San Antonio Historic Association and from a grant provided by the Community Foundation for Monterey County. CFMC Program and Scholarships Officer Josh Warburg said that they provided the King City Library with a grant of $5000 to help pay for the new microfilm scanner which cost around $8000.

Many people at a press conference made their voices heard about the cannabis issue and showed their support for District 3 Monterey County Supervisor candidate Alejandro Chavez in front of Mary Chapa Elementary School in Greenfield on Wednesday, May 30. Chavez also addressed the crowd talking about the concerns they brought forth and also asked for their support in the upcoming June 5 midterm primary.

Samuel Bruce Dodson, 81 of King City passed away on Sunday, May 27, 2018 at his home with his family at his side. He was born April 8, 1937 in Oakland, California. In his early years he was a boy scout.  He graduated from Cal Poly and was a rodeo clown.  He moved to San Lucas California and worked at Eade’s Feedlot as a cowboy and ranch hand.  It was there he met his wife of 56 years, Melvina.  They were married November 24, 1961. After working the feedlot he became the business owner of Wildhorse Café (where he said he went from feeding cattle to feeding people).  He was also the business owner of Wildhorse Propane and Ciudad Del Rey Store, Motel and Trailer Park. Bruce enjoyed hunting and fishing. He went to Alaska where he shot his first moose.  He also enjoyed going on hunting trips to Montana, Wyoming and Texas. His fishing excursions included, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Oregon, Bishop and Monterey.  Bruce was an active member of the NRA and was president of the SoMoCo Fire Bo

Many people were in attendance for a swearing in ceremony of a new Greenfield Police Sergeant Christina Gunter on Tuesday afternoon, May 29 in the City Council Chambers. Gunter comes to the Greenfield Police Department with over 27 years of experience working for the Department of Justice and Narcotics Enforcement, the Monterey County DA’s Office and the Santa Cruz Police Department. Gunter is now 1 of 4 Sergeants on staff with the Greenfield Police Department. 

WASHINGTON, DC  – On Thursday, May 24 members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus  that includes Congressmen Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), Tom Reed (R-NY-23), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Thomas Suozzi (D-NY-03), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-08) signed a discharge petition that would force a series of floor votes on 4 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), immigration, and border security proposals under the “Queen of the Hill” rule. More than half of the Republicans who have signed are members of the Caucus. The Problem Solvers Caucus first called for the rule to be employed in a February 7,  letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan , and earlier proposed a  bipartisan agreement  on a set of principles to resolve DACA while continuing to make America’s borders strong and secure. “By working in our communities, succeeding in our schools, and serving in our military, Dreamers are Americans in every way but on paper. As a co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus Immigration Task

The Division II Central Coast Section High School Baseball Championship will be hitting the airwaves on Saturday night, May 26 at 7 pm from San Jose Municipal Stadium as #1 seed Soledad will battle #2 seed St. Francis which can be heard on KC102.1-FM. 

The Farmers Insurance office of Agent Bob White will be re-opening on Tuesday, May 29 located on 108 El Camino Real in Greenfield. A fire caused the office to close about 5 years ago.

Monterey County Health Department announced on Wednesday, May 23 that it has achieved national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). The Monterey County Health Department is now one of 226 state and local health departments that have achieved accreditation through the national effort that launched in 2011. Only 11 of these are located in California. “We are very pleased to be recognized for achieving national standards, and proud of our staff who work so hard to assure that Monterey County residents have access to quality health services and safe environments,” said Elsa Jimenez, Monterey County Director of Health. “We make every possible effort to engage community members, and the Accreditation Board acknowledged this and our responsiveness to community needs.” “Monterey County Health Department joins the growing ranks of accredited health departments in a strong commitment to their public health mission,” said PHAB President and CEO Kaye Bende

Monterey, CA – CAL FIRE is urging caution this Memorial Day weekend due to the increasing fire danger throughout the central coast. This is especially important with the influx of visitors this weekend for recreation, tourism, and multiple music festivals (e.g., Lightning in a Bottle, Cali Roots Festival). The recent cooler temperatures and light precipitation have not been enough to significantly impact the dry vegetation. The National Weather Service forecast is for a warming trend to start this Saturday, increasing through the holiday. With the upcoming weekend’s typical increase in outdoor activities, firefighters will be on high alert. CAL FIRE would like everyone to remember these important safety steps this holiday: Campfires Are Only Allowed in Designated Campgrounds and Legally Permitted Campfire Rings: • Obtain necessary permits for campfires (www.PreventWildfireCA.org) • Clear away grass, leaves, and other debris within a 10-foot perimeter of any campfi

25 cyclists will be stopping through for a group forum at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in King City located on the corner of Bassett and South Third on Sunday night, May 27 at 7 pm. Rev. Dr. Carl Hansen that these cyclists are involved in missionary work in war torn war countries for a group called "Love Does" and they're involved in projects in Kenya, Uganda, India and Iraq. 

The Greenfield City Council was in session on Tuesday night, May 22. Mayor Pro Tem Avelina Torres said that they went over many different items that they feel are important to their budget such as having a new courthouse, having cameras in the city limits, setting money aside to help the parks and to put up a new Greenfield welcome sign. The Greenfield City Council will meet again to talk about their budget further on Tuesday, June 5.

Overall attendance numbers at the 2018 Salinas Valley Fair in King City were very strong with festivities finishing up on Sunday, May 20. Fair CEO TJ Plew said that 39,616 people attended this year's Fair which is a 3% decline from 2017, but indicated that the attendance this year was larger than it's been in previous years. 

The Semifinals of the Division II Central Coast Section High School Baseball Playoffs will be on the air on Wednesday, May 23 at 4pm as #1 seed Soledad will take on Christopher which can be heard on AM 1490 and 104.9-FM KRKC Country.

The Livestock Auction at the Salinas Valley Fair in King City was a huge success on Saturday, May 19. Fair CEO TJ Plew said that over $2.2 million was brought in with 890 lots and 115 fewer animals for sale. Plew also said that one special moment from the Livestock Auction was when Andrew Perez of Aromas was able to return and show off his animal this year after being unable to do so in 2017 because of how he was battling cancer.  

The King City City Council was in session on Tuesday night, May 22 at City Hall. Mayor Mike LeBarre presented a proclamation to Public Works Supervisor Fernando Suarez in recognition of National Public Works Week. A public hearing was held going over an amendment of the General Plan Use Element Text and Map, the City’s Zoning Code Text and Map and Historic Corridor Revitalization Plan Related to Seasonal Employee Housing. After over 20 minutes of discussion the Council approved the introduction and waived the 1 st reading for an Ordinance adopting seasonal employee housing standards and amending a zoning map designating a dual land use designation. The Council also approved unanimously the introduction and waived the 1 st reading for an Ordinance amending the FSZ zoning district of the Historic Corridor Revitalization Plan and by reference the C-2 zoning district and the zoning code by deleting farmworker housing as an allowable use. The Council also passed by a 3-1 vote for an i

WASHINGTON, DC  – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) signed a discharge petition on Friday, May 18 to force a vote to restore net neutrality protections. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) moved in December 2017 to roll back net neutrality rules for Internet providers put in place under the previous Administration. On May 16, the Senate passed a measure restoring net neutrality rules. “Net neutrality has a huge impact on the central coast of California’s entrepreneurs, small businesses, and economy. That is why I was against the FCC’s decision to repeal net neutrality rules,”  said Congressman Panetta.  “I am proud to stand with my colleagues and take action to restore net neutrality, which will promote competition and free speech, and protect consumers throughout California.” In January 2018, Congressman Panetta cosponsored a resolution, introduced by Congressman Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania, to overturn the “Restoring Internet Freedom” order that the FCC adopted. Th

GREENFIELD, Calif. - Law enforcement agencies on Monday morning, May 21 in the Greenfield City Hall Chambers addressed the media and other members of the public about new information involving homicide cases in South Monterey County.  Greenfield Police Chief Denise Oglesby, and King City Police Chief Robert Masterson, put on a news conference to provide an update to the public on the following Major Crimes Unit Investigations involving,  a 2006 King City Homicide of 21-year-old Jose Cruz Rojas, a 2007 Greenfield Homicide of 42-year-old Martin Macareno and a 2018 Greenfield Homicide of 16-year-old Luis Cuevas. 16-year-old Luis Cuevas was shot and killed on the 1000 block of Oak Street on January 4, 2018. When officers arrived, they found him on the sidewalk with gunshot wounds to the body. He was pronounced dead at the scene.  Authorities said Cuevas was approached by multiple suspects.  A $3,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction

WASHINGTON, DC  – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) released the following statement on Saturday, May 19                                    about the Farm Bill vote that occurred on Friday, May 18 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Panetta said that, "the failure of the Farm Bill on the House floor yesterday was due to a flawed process and unnecessary partisanship. Although historically bipartisan, the Agriculture Committee became partisan when the Majority decided to put forward and hastily pass an underfunded Farm Bill, and insist on unproven and untested changes to the bill's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Despite its lack of proper investments in critical programs for specialty crops, organics, and beginning farmers and any evidence to support such serious modifications to SNAP, the bill passed out of the committee on a party line vote. Once the politically-driven and policy-flawed bill reached the House floor, it rightfully faile

Monterey County District Attorney Dean D. Flippo announced on Friday, May 18 that on Thursday, May 17, Judge Carrie Panetta sentenced 24-year-old Ricardo Balli of Gonzales, to a term of 6 years and 8 months in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. On October 25 of 2017, a jury found Balli guilty of 5 felony charges including battery causing serious bodily injury, assault by means likely to cause great bodily injury, domestic violence, and vandalism for 3 incidents involving 3 different female victims. Additionally, the jury found true a special allegation that Balli personally inflicted great bodily injury to 1 of the victims. During the October trial, all 3 victims testified. The first victim, who was a stranger to Balli, was struck by him at the King City Fairgrounds in May of 2016 with such force, she lost  consciousness. She was left with a concussion, injuries that required 13 stitches and chipped teeth. Balli attacked the second victim, who was his girl

The Quarterfinals of the Division II Central Coast Section CIF High School Baseball Playoffs will be hitting the airwaves on Saturday, May 19 at 2 pm as #1 seed Soledad will battle Saratoga from Hartnell College in Salinas which can be heard on KC102.1-FM.

District 20 Congressman Jimmy Panetta, as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, introduced a couple of amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Thursday, May 17.   The first would prohibit funds from being used to hold a child at Department of Defense facilities if a child has been separated from his or her parent by immigration officials or due to prosecution of a parent for unlawful entry under the Immigration and Naturalization Act. This comes after reports that Health and Human Services plans on inspecting 4 military bases to house children. Congressman Panetta believes that families should not be separated due to immigration procedural logistics, saying that contradicts American values. Prosecuting parents for border crossing and separating them from their children should not be used as a deterrent to family migration. This practice suggests a lack of understanding about the violence many families are fleeing in their home countries and should n

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division assisted by the Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) team provided an early morning wake up call to 49-year-old Jody Lee Elzey on the 45000 block of Appaloosa Way in King City on Thursday morning, May 17. Elzey came to the attention of the Sheriff’s Office through numerous community tips, from concerned citizens about him selling drugs. Upon service of the search warrant Elzey was found to be in his room smok ing crystal methamphetamine from a glass pipe. A search of his residence was conducted and over a half pound of crystal methamphetamine, packaging materials and a scale were located.  The street value of this seizure was approximately $4000 to $8000, depending on how and in what quantity the methamphetamine is sold. The Investigations Division was supported in this operation by the California Highway Patrol – Coastal Division Air Operations Helicopter.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP), Monterey Area, is seeking qualified men and women to become CHP Public Safety Dispatchers (PSD).  Bilingual candidates (Spanish-speaking) are especially encouraged to apply. To assist prospective candidates and provide information about this interesting and rewarding career, the CHP Monterey Dispatch Center is conducting a Hiring and Pre-Examination Seminar.  A recruiting seminar will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2018, at the CHP office on 960 E. Blanco Road, Salinas, CA  93901, beginning at 6:00 pm.   The PSD examination will be held the week of July 9, 2018, (the final filing date for applications to take that exam is May 31, 2018).   Anyone with questions about the seminar, the examination, or seeking general information may contact a Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor II Nicole Stewart @ (831)796-2193.   Interested parties are also encouraged to go on-line to  CHPCAREERS.COM   – and click  the Become a Public Safety Dispatcher  li

Monterey County has reached a settlement agreement on May 15 with the plaintiffs who sued to halt the implementation of the initiative known as Measure Z. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, the County will avoid the potential for millions of dollars in attorney fees and costs, potentially tens of millions of dollars.   The pressure of the County’s $36 Million budget deficit next fiscal year, and more in  the following fiscal year, contributed to the Board’s decision.  The settlement preserves the County’s right to vigorously defend the portion of Judge Wills’ March 1, 2018 Judgment that left Measure Z’s “Fracking Ban” in place.  Under the terms of Measure Z, the policy prohibiting land uses in support of well stimulation – known as the “Fracking Ban” -- is effective immediately in the inland area of the County, except for the former Fort Ord area. County staff will modify the County’s 2010 General Plan and Local Coastal Program consistent with the language of Measure Z and Ju

Monterey County District Attorney Dean D. Flippo announced on Tuesday, May 15 that Judge Carrie Panetta sentenced 66-year-old Margarito Juarez Zamarron of King City to a term of 25 years to life and a consecutive 15 years to life in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.  On April 9 of 2018, a jury of 7 men and 5 women found the defendant guilty of 1 count of a forcible lewd act upon a child of 6 years of age, 2 counts of a lewd act upon a child of 13 years of age and 1 count of a lewd act upon a child of 14 years of age. In addition, the jury found true a special allegation that the defendant committed lewd acts upon more than 1 victim.  The panel deliberated for 2 hours after hearing testimony from the victims, who are currently 19, 18, and 15 years of age. In 2016, 1 victim reported to the King City Police Department that she was touched in 2006 by the defendant, an extended family member. During the investigation completed by the King City Police Department and a Mon

Opening Round action of the Division II Central Coast Section CIF High School Baseball Playoffs will be on the air on Wednesday, May 16 at 4 pm. #1 seed Soledad will host Prospect which can be heard on AM 1490 and 104.9-FM KRKC Country and King City will play at Gilroy which can be listened to on KC102.1-FM.

Monterey County District Attorney Dean D. Flippo announced on Friday, May 11 that 32-year-old Julio Meraz of King City, has been sentenced to serve 6 years in prison for possessing methamphetamine while being armed with a firearm.  On June 21 of 2017, Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies pulled Meraz over for unsafe traffic maneuvers and as deputies approached Meraz, he looked back at them and began making quick movements inside of his car, ignoring the deputies’ calls to step out of   his car with his hands up. When the Sheriff deputies reached the car, they discovered a torn baggie with  methamphetamine residue inside.  Through further inspection, deputies saw that Meraz had spread a large amount of methamphetamine throughout the car.  Deputies also discovered a backpack on the passenger floorboard, that contained Meraz’s debit  card, along with a Glock 23 semiautomatic handgun.  On Friday, May 11, the Honorable Pamela L. Butler sentenced the Defendant to 6 years in prison for his

The world’s top professional cyclists will be coming through King City to compete in the Amgen Tour on Tuesday, May 15. The riders will start on the 300 block of Broadway Street and ride out of town on 1 st Street towards Highway 101. The riders will also circle through the hills east of King City, cycling by the Mesa Del Rey Airport as they pass through in route to the finish line at Laguna Seca Raceway. There will be several temporary road closures in order to facilitate this cycling race that include: -Broadway Street from 3 rd Street to Vanderhurst Avenue from 8 am Monday, May 14 until 5 pm on Tuesday, May 15 -Broadway Street from 1 st Street to 3 rd Street from 8 pm on Monday night, May 14 until 5 pm on Tuesday, May 15 -Broadway Street from Vanderhurst Avenue to Russ Street from 8 pm on Monday night, May 14 to 5 pm on Tuesday, May 15 -Vanderhurst Avenue, 2 nd and 3 rd Street from Lynn Street to Bassett Street from 8 pm on Monday night, May 14 to 5 pm on Tuesday,

Monterey County announced on Thursday, May 10 the appointment of Ms. Valerie Ralph as Clerk of the Board.  Ralph comes to the County from Monterey County Superior Court, where she had a 21-year career, most recently serving as Operations Manager responsible for day-to-day operations, budget and fiscal services, planning and coordinating a variety of services with court units and divisions as well as outside agencies. Ralph will begin her duties on  May 26 and h er salary will be $120,550 per year.

A 5K Run and Walk fundraiser for the King City High School Cross Country team will be held on Saturday, May 12 at 9 am at Chalone Peaks Middle School. Entry forms for the event can be picked up Chalone Peaks Middle School, King City High School or at Del Rey, Magnet and Santa Lucia elementary schools for $7 per person on Friday, May 11 or $10 per person the day of the event on May 12 between 8 am and 8:30 am. For more information you can contact Keith Wells at 385-0367.

WASHINGTON, DC  – District 20 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) released a statement this week on reports that the Department of Homeland Security will more frequently separate families seeking asylum at the border. Congressman Panetta said that, “Reports that the Department of Homeland Security will separate parents from their children at the border go against our nation’s values. Families fleeing violence and turmoil in Central America and lawfully seeking asylum in the United States should be treated compassionately, not like criminals. The Trump Administration’s push to undermine America’s established asylum system is undue at a time when undocumented migrant border crossings are at a historic low." Congressman Panetta went on to say that “This news underscores the compelling need for comprehensive immigration reform that includes earned pathways to citizenship and the necessary, but reasonable, security along our border and urges Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen to work

PAICINES, CA—A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 233,000 visitors to Pinnacles National Park in 2017 spent $13.3 million in communities near the park. That spending supported a total of 171 jobs, $6.5 million in labor income, $10.3 million in value added, and $16.4 million in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Pinnacles National Park.  “ We’re proud to welcome visitors from all over the world to Pinnacles National Park,” said  Superintendent Karen Beppler-Dorn. “National park tourism is a significant driver in the national  economy, returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service, and it’s a big factor in our  local economy as well. We appreciate the partnership and support of our neighbors and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities.”  The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas  of the U.S. Geological Survey and Lynne Koontz of the National

The Greenfield City Council was in session on Tuesday night, May 8. Matt Huerta, Housing Program Manager for the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership gave a presentation regarding what they’re all about. Councilman Lance Walker and Councilwoman Nely Martinez both spoke about how beneficial farm worker housing would be in the Greenfield area. Huerta agreed and said that Monterey Bay Economic Partnership will support any kind of leadership role that the city of Greenfield can provide on this issue.

The King City City Council was in regular session on Tuesday night, May 8 at City Hall. Dr. David Phillips who recently retired from his dental practice after 40 years in King City in March was recognized with a Mayor’s commendation from Mayor Mike LeBarre and the City Council.  In other business the King City City Council approved the 2 nd Reading of an Ordinance amending section 9.08.010 of Chapter 9.08 of Title 9 of the King City Municipal Code requiring that all dogs on public property be on a leash. The Council also approved the introduction of an Ordinance amending Municipal Code Section Chapter 15.50 of Title 15 pertaining to Water Efficient Landscape Requirements, provisions related to landscape and improvements in water quality and adopting by reference the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance of the State of California. The Council also passed unanimously an interim urgency Ordinance extending a moratorium on the issuance of any new permit for the establishment of o

Investigators with the South County Major Crimes Investigations Unit arrested a 2 nd suspect related to an alleged kidnapping, beating and robbery on Tuesday, May 8. 34-year-old Jose Luis Mendez Rojas of Greenfield was arrested in Soledad without incident. Investigators report that on April 29 a Hispanic male adult contacted investigators from the Major Crimes Unit and reported  that he was approached by an unknown male who threatened him to drop charges and not testify against the suspect in this case. The victim previously reported on March 22 that he was kidnapped, robbed at gunpoint for an undisclosed amount of cash and beaten. The investigation identified 20-year-old Tania Ortiz as one of the suspects involved in the incident. Ortiz was taken into custody on April 19 and is currently being held at the Monterey County Jail on kidnapping and robbery charges.  The investigators would like to thank the public for their help in this  investigation. Anyone with further information in

John Miller, history teacher at Chalone Peaks Middle School in King City recently received a Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching grant to Singapore from the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. The announcement was made on April 27. Miller was awarded County Teacher of the Year in 2016 and was also placed as a Finalist among the top 6 teachers in the State of California in 2016. Miller is 1 of over 30 people who will be travelling to Singapore for this teaching program during the 2018-19 school year. The project that Miller worked on that that helped him receive this honor involves games which help reach kids who may not be very high in their literacy skills, but could improve how they read, write and become more enthusiastic about class and learning. Miller said that he has been successful using games with his students at Chalone Peaks Middle School and is curious to see whether this will work with low literacy kids in Singapore.

A tractor trailer was involved in a rollover northbound on Highway 101 near the Jolon Road onramp in King City on Friday morning, May 4. The CHP reports that the rollover occurred just after 11 am as traffic was affected for about 1 hour and was reduced to 1 lane because of the accident and debris. 3 units were on the scene to assist, there was damage to a guardrail and Highway 101 northbound was clear for full travel at around 12:48 pm. No one was injured.

Greenfield High School students displayed some art in the 1 st annual art show at the GHS Library on Thursday, May 3 and Friday, May 4. The work put on display was from students that are in art classes being taught by Greenfield High School Art teacher Nathan Kreir. Some of the same art students from Greenfield High School will show off their art at the Salinas Valley Fair from May 17 to May 20 in King City. 

Quite a few people showed their support at a Cinco De Mayo celebration fundraiser held for Monterey County Sheriff Steve Bernal at the Pine Valley Ranch in San Lucas on Saturday. Sheriff Bernal said that he has been busy on the campaign trail as he tries to get re-elected as Sheriff for another 4 years with the Primaries coming up on June 5 and also is getting ready for budget hearings on June 4.

SOLEDAD — Less than 24 hours after being reported missing, authorities captured 2 California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) inmates who escaped from the minimum-support facility at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) on Sunday, May 6. At approximately 2:45 am on Monday morning, May 7, CDCR Special Service Unit and Fugitive Apprehension Team officers, operating on information developed during the investigation, located 23-year-old Richard P. Almanza and 35-year-old Jonathan J. Damiano at a hotel in the Del Paso Heights area in Sacramento. They were quickly taken into custody without incident and are being transported back to the Salinas Valley State Prison. Almanza and Damiano were reported missing at approximately 8:55 am on Sunday morning, May 6. Notification was immediately made to local law enforcement agencies to assist in the search. Almanza was received by CDCR in July of 2016, from Santa Barbara and is serving a 4 year, 8 month sentence for bu

SOLEDAD, Calif. - Two inmates at the Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad, escaped on Sunday morning, May 6.  The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is searching for Richard Almanza and Jonathan Damiano. Both are inmates serving time for burglary at the minimum security prison.  Lt. Eduardo Mazariegos states that they were last seen running through a nearby vineyard, and would have had to get over a 6 foot fence at the facility.  Lt. Mazariegos says they were reporting as missing at approximately 8:55 am and at that time, the inmates were walking to the dorms after breakfast, before heading to the yard.  Almanza is 23 years old, is 5 feet 8 inches tall, is 134 pound with brown eyes, black hair and tattoos. He is serving a 4 year, 8 month sentence for burglary in the 1st degree and manufacturing/possession of a blackjack as a 2nd striker.  Damiano is 35 years old, 5 feet 11 inches, 225 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair. The Sacramento resident is serving

The King City Chamber of Commerce held their monthly luncheon in the Heritage Room at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds on Thursday, May 3. Fair CEO TJ Plew, Miss Salinas Valley Fair Teagan Soares along with kids of the King City FFA addressed the crowd about what they’re preparing to present at the annual Fair from May 17 to May 20.

A lot of people in King City and throughout South Monterey County were at the Orradre Building at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City on Thursday night, May 3 as Cal State Monterey Bay hosted a 2 hour dialogue about educational attainment and lifelong learning. CSUMB President Dr. Eduardo Ochoa helped facilitate the community dialogue, while the panelists who participated included Greenfield Union School District Superintendent Zandra Jo Galvan, Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance Incorporated CEO Erica Padilla-Chavez and Cal State Monterey Bay Dean of the College of Education Jose Luis Alvarado.   During the dialogue session over a dozen discussion groups were formed and a number of people from those discussion groups addressed Dr. Ochoa, Superintendent Galvan, Padilla-Chavez and CSUMB College of Education Dean Alvarado regarding education concerns that have been affecting them in South Monterey County. 

A man accused of stealing his mother's pit bull from her Soledad home in March of 2018 and lighting the dog on fire appeared in a Monterey County courtroom in Salinas on Thursday, May 3 for a preliminary hearing. According to investigators, Devonte Sirwet-Perea caused the dog, named Kato, to suffer burns over 90% of it's body. A Soledad police officer found the dog abandoned and suffering in Soledad, and it had to be euthanized at a nearby veterinary hospital. Sirwet-Perea was found 2 days later by Monterey County Sheriff's Office deputies in Salinas and he was arrested. The criminal case against Sirwet-Perea was suspended by Judge Mark Hood on Thursday, May 3 after his defense attorney raised concerns about mental competency. Sirwet Perea is still being held in custody though without bail on felony animal cruelty and drug charges.