KRKC COUNTRY

The week of June 25 is beautification week in King City. Waste Management Public Sector Manager Kristin Skromme encourages people to set out extra bags of garbage and recycling and adds that if they aren't able to do that then you can join her and other people at the King City Cleanup event in the Mildred Avenue Parking lot at King City High School on Saturday, June 30 beginning at 8 am and they'll be there until the dumpsters are full. They'll also accept bulky items, appliances and household hazardous wastes. They'll also take materials at the Jolon Road Transfer Station. They'll be hosting another cleanup event sometime this November. 

The Pine Canyon Fire Department along with  CAL FIRE BEU ,  CAL FIRE  San Luis Obispo, the Lockwood Fire Deparment and the San Ardo Fire Department responded to a reported vegetation fire at Dead Mans Gulch in San Ardo on Monday night, June 25 sometime after 7pm. The blaze was contained to over 360 acres. No one was injured, no structures were damaged and the cause of the fire is unknown.

The Farm Bill barely passed in the House on Thursday, June 21 by 2 votes about 1 month after it was rejected. District 20 Congressman Jimmy Panetta said that one of the reasons why it was passed the 2nd time around was due to the fact that the House Republicans were able to come to a deal with far right Republicans dealing with the Freedom Caucus. Congressman Panetta is hoping that the Farm Bill will pass in the Senate and if it does pass he hopes it will represent their interests on the Central Coast involving their specialty crops, organics and especially the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program  Monterey County Farm Bureau Executive Director Norm Groot thinks the Farm Bill could benefit the Salinas Valley for research purposes involving harvesting because of the labor shortage in the area if it is passed in the Senate and by President Trump.

29-year-old Pedro Juan Elizondo of Greenfield, was sentenced to 13 years in prison on Friday, June 22 for domestic violence incidents last year with his girlfriend. Elizondo has a long criminal history including a “strike” under California’s “Three Strikes Law”. This doubled the prison term he would have otherwise received. Two of the four charges he pled guilty to in the current case are also “strikes” for future purposes.   From June 18 through June 20 of 2017 Elizondo and his girlfriend Jane Doe, were fighting at various locations. Elizondo’s girlfriend and her sister had a system where she could use a code word to alert her sister if she was in trouble. At some point during these dates her family became concerned about her and contacted her at which time the code word was used. The sister, who was able to locate Elizondo’s girlfriend, had a confrontation with Elizondo who then made criminal threats against her. The girlfriend’s family then contacted law enforcement who tr

As you may have read or heard, President Trump on June 20 signed an executive order to keep families from being separated at the U.S.-Mexico border. District 20 Congressman Jimmy Panetta appreciates the fact that the President is doing something about this by not implementing a zero tolerance policy. However, Panetta said that President Trump's executive order only keeps families together detained in custody which he says is a violation of the law and feels that this issue may go to courts and that lawsuits will be filed against the Federal Government. Panetta stated that he has no idea what will become of the the Keep Families Together Act Bill that he and his colleagues introduced on June 15 since it is a minority supported bill. 

A car fire sparked on Highway 101 Southbound near Old Stage Road in Gonzales on Wednesday morning, June 20. The Gonzales Fire Department reports that the fire broke out at around 4:26 am on a mid-size sedan and it took the GFD 20 minutes extinguish the blaze. No information was provided regarding whether anyone was injured at all or not. The cause of the fire is unknown.

A wildfire that sparked sometime on Tuesday, June 12 off of Coalinga Highway and Airline Highway east of King City titled the Beaver fire is now 100% contained burning over 215 acres. This blaze was in the same area where the Airline Fire burned for over week before it was 100% contained sometime early last week scorching over 1300 acres.

Even though a lot of teachers and students are off for the summer there were still plenty of items discussed at the King City Union School District Board meeting at the Magnet Arts Auditorium on Wednesday night, June 20. Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Taylor provided a staffing update. Taylor said that they had a movement of 17 staff members in preparation for the 2018-19 school year. Del Rey Elementary School will have 5 new teachers, Magnet Elementary will have 1, Santa Lucia will have 4 new teachers and Chalone Peaks Middle School will have 4 new General Education teachers and 4 new Special Education teachers. The adoption of the 2018-19 budget that was presented by Superintendent Rory Livingston was approved unanimously by the Board. More details regarding how the budget is looking will be talked about further at another regular Board meeting in a few months.

Cal Fire crews extinguished an RV that caught fire at a rest stop in Bradley off of the East Garrison exit on Highway 101 Northbound on Wednesday, June 20. Cal Fire crews were paged to the scene at 12:36 pm, putting out the fire sometime after 1 pm. The RV was a total loss and the blaze in the vehicle created a small 1/10 th of an acre brush fire from the center divide off of the East Garrison exit on Highway 101. No one was injured, but the rest stop in Bradley had to be shutdown for at least over an hour. The cause of the fire is unknown. 

WASHINGTON, DC   – District 20 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) joined 5 other members of Congress on Tuesday, June 19 to introduce the Keep Families Together Act, H.R. 6135, to protect children from being needlessly separated from their parents at the border. This bill is the House companion to the Keep Families Together Act, which was introduced in the Senate by Senator Dianne Feinstein.  “The Administration’s new 'zero-tolerance' policy purposefully separates mothers, fathers, and children without any reunification plan. This disheartening policy demeans what we stand for and who we are as a nation. Intentionally separating children from their parents to deter immigration, punish asylum seekers, or leverage resources for a border wall is vindictive and wrong,”  said Congressman Panetta.  “Past Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama had the option to needlessly separate families at the border, but they also had the compassion and common-sense not to implement thi

Parkfield, CA – At around 4:06 pm on Tuesday, June 19, units from the California  Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) responded to a vegetation fire  on Ranchita Canyon Road near the Monterey/San Luis Obispo County line, southwest of  the town of Parkfield. Three aircraft, one helicopter, eight fire engines, two dozers, two  hand crews, a Battalion Chief, a Fire Investigator, and an Information Officer were  dispatched to the fire.  Upon arrival, firefighters reported that the fire had burned approximately 10 acres, and  had potential to go to 40 acres.   Forward progress of the fire was stopped at 4:36 pm  and the fire was declared out at 6:07 pm.   The fire burned a total of 12 acres.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.   There were no injuries to firefighters during  this incident.

The Beaver Fire east of King City that broke out sometime on June 12 off of Coalinga Highway and Airline Highway is 98% contained. The blaze has burned over 215 acres. Cal Fire Captain and Public Information Officer John Spooner said that the cool conditions have helped them fight this blaze.

The City of King will be launching King City Community Power (“KCCP”) electric energy service on July 2, 2018. Each PG&E customer will be sent another notice about how to opt-out of KCCP if you want to stay on with PG&E electric service. Otherwise, your account will be transferred automatically. As a King City Community Power Customer you will receive lower rates, assist in funding for new solar streetlights, no-cost solar for low-income families and more use of clean energy. The City of King is also looking at possibly building a new solar power plant. For more information, go online to: kingcitycommunitypower.org.

As I reported on Monday, June 18, Jaime Fontes was let go as the City Manager of Greenfield by a vote of 3 to 2 during a Special Council meeting held on Friday night, June 15. Dozens of people at the meeting showed their support for Fontes including former Mayor John Huerta who at first stated that he was surprised by the decision of the Council and feels that this could have serious ramifications for the Councilmembers who chose to dismiss Fontes as City Manager. The lawsuit that Fontes files against the city of Greenfield could be in excess of $1 million. Huerta, who was the Mayor of Greenfield for over a decade said that Fontes did a lot during his short time as City Manager for 1 year such as helping building a new Courthouse, getting new retail businesses in the city of Greenfield, putting the city in the right place to be a financially sustainable community and he was open to other projects, services or investments that the cannabis industry needs locally in Greenfield. The

WASHINGTON, DC   – District 20 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) released a statement on Friday, June 15 to commemorate the 6th anniversary of the announcement of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. “Six years ago, President Barack Obama established the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, an initiative that gave young undocumented immigrants an opportunity to remain in and give back to the only country that they have ever known. These brave young men and women stepped out of the shadows, only to have the rug pulled out from underneath them when the current Administration announced plans to end the program. “We were reminded that our government's system of checks and balances is still in place when, in March, the Supreme Court delayed the Administration’s decision until further notice. I encourage those who previously received DACA to submit a renewal request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. “Nevertheless, I understan

Jaime Fontes was voted out as the City Manager of Greenfield in a Special Council meeting on Friday night, June 15. Dozens of people in Greenfield showed their support for Fontes during a public comment period of the special session which lasted over an hour. The Council said that they fired Fontes without cause pursuant to paragraph three of the employment agreement. Fontes’ Attorney John Klopfenstein said that they plan on filing a lawsuit against the city which could be in excess of $1 million and stated that Fontes was let go because of how the Council recently requested that he fire a Department Head and Fontes said no. Klopfenstein indicated that what the Council asked Fontes to do was illegal. After the public comment period the Council went into closed session for over 45 minutes and came out with their decision to terminate Fontes as City Manager without cause by a vote of 3 to 2. The Council approved during the closed session unanimously to appoint Paul Wood as interim Ci

Cal Fire reports that a wildfire that started flaring up sometime on Tuesday, June 11 off of Coalinga Highway and Airline Highway east of King City titled the Beaver fire is now 70% contained and has still burned over 215 acres. 

Bill Gittler and KRKC were presented the Western Fairs Association Blue Ribbon award at the Salinas Valley Fair Appreciation Dinner in the Orradre Building at the Fairgrounds on Thursday night, June 14. Gittler and KRKC were recognized with this honor by The Salinas Valley Fair Board for everything that they've done over years at the Fair, but especially with putting the Livestock Auction on AM 1490 KRKC during the Fair.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office reminds people to beware of a caller reported to be “Lt. Charles Whitman.” He’ll tell you that you have misdemeanor warrants for your arrest based on your non-response to a Grand Jury summons and that you call him at 831-920-0562 to take care of the warrants. He’ll also tell you to ask for him or a “Sgt Stephanie Love.” This is a scam! Do not call the phone number. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office does not have anyone employed by either name. The Sheriff’s Office does not contact people over the phone for outstanding warrants and would never ask anyone for money over the phone. A Monterey County resident who received a call, did the right thing by calling the Sheriff’s Office first to see if they had anyone by that name. When she was told that they did not, she did not call the number. County employees are not immune to these scam calls either. A County employee received a call on her department office phone. She promptly called and

A wildfire that broke out sometime on Tuesday, June 12 off of Coalinga Highway and Airline Highway east of King City titled the Beaver fire has burned over 215 acres and is now 65% contained. This blaze is in the same area where the Airline Fire burned for over week before it was 100% contained sometime on June 10 or 11 scorching over 1300 acres.

The financial situation in the City of King is getting better, but there could be tough times ahead. The King City City Council at their regular meeting on Tuesday night, June 12 approved their  Fiscal Year 2018-19 Budget Adjustments and adopted a Resolution establishing the appropriation limit from tax proceeds for the 2018-19 Fiscal Year. City Manager Steven Adams said that the City of King has significantly reduced the debt in the General Fund from $2.5 million to around $2 million and they've funded new programs to address some critical needs in the City, but Adams stated that most of the new efforts have been funded by grants and selling some property. In order to continue to do that they need to find ways to generate more ongoing revenue. Adams said that the local Sales Tax measure that's going to be proposed at the next Council meeting on June 26 which would be on the upcoming November ballot is very important for the City of King as they address their structural budge

Dozens of people celebrated a King City In Bloom dedication ceremony for a new windmill and landscaping project leading into the entrance of San Lorenzo Park on Wednesday, June 13. The City of King along with many people and local merchants in and outside of the community assisted with this project which was mostly funded through donations. 

A wildfire flared up sometime on Tuesday, June 12 off of Coalinga Highway and Airline Highway east of King City titled the Beaver fire. This blaze is in the same area where the Airline Fire burned for over week before it was 100% contained to begin the week of June 10 scorching over 1,300 acres. According to Cal Fire, as of Tuesday morning, June 13, the Beaver fire is 40% contained and has burned over 215 acres.

The King City City Council was in regular session on Tuesday night, June 12 at City Hall going over a number of different items. Resident Jo Kosher provided concerns about how the cemetery looks. City Manager Steven Adams said that the Cemetery is under the Cemetery District and is not under the jurisdiction of the City, but indicated that he’ll be glad to follow up with the Cemetery and address Kosher’s concerns and maybe someone will get in contact with her. Mayor Mike LeBarre provided some stats to the Council that Police Chief Robert Masterson compiled for him regarding how crime is in King City for the first 6 months of 2018 compared to the first 6 months of 2017 since camera systems were recently installed. Mayor LeBarre said that there were 9 fire arm assaults in the first 6 months of 2017 and 0 in the first 6 months of 2018, there were 14 shootings at dwellings or vehicles in the first 6 months of 2017 and 0 in the first 6 months of 2018, 27 vehicles were stolen in the firs

The Monterey-Salinas Transit Board of Directors, community leaders and staff began their work week in a positive way on Monday, June 11 celebrating the opening of MST’s new and expanded Monterey Bay Operations and Maintenance Facility located at One Ryan Ranch Road in Monterey. MST General Manager Carl Sadoroc said that the facility expands from its original 20,000 square feet built in 1978 for a fleet of of 36 buses to a 33,000 square foot facility for up to 88 buses serving communities of the Monterey Peninsula. The $22 million construction project lasted almost 15 months generating about 250 local jobs to the area. The new new expanded facility is dedicated to MST's 1st General Manager Thomas Albert who worked for Monterey Salinas Transit from 1946 to 1982. 

On Saturday night, June 9 a suspect was arrested south of King City for armed robbery and attempted murder in Salinas. 21-year-old Victor Alejandro Valdez of King City is accused of robbing a house of a 43-year-old man at gunpoint on the 1300 block of Rhode Island Street in Salinas on Thursday, June 7. The investigation by law enforcement reveals that Valdez contacted the victim to borrow money and when the victim offered him $100, Valdez demanded all of his money and credit cards, but when the victim refused, Valdez shot him once in the lower body before fleeing the scene. The injury that the victim received was non-life threatening. On Friday, June 8, detectives, SPD SWAT and other agencies served a search warrant of the suspect’s house on Pine Canyon Road near King City where enough evidence was recovered to charge Valdez and he turned himself in. Valdez was booked into the Monterey County Jail for attempted murder, robbery and burglary charges.

A woman’s life turned around following a Volkswagon Beetle rollover that occurred near the Wild Horse Road exit on Highway 101 North at around 2:18 pm on Friday, June 8. CHP Officer McFarland reports that the Volkswagon Beetle was heading northbound crashing into a guardrail and ended up landing on it’s roof. The driver was not injured. The cause of the rollover is unknown.

Assemblywoman Anna Caballero on Wednesday, June 6 recognized   the   Greenfield Community Science Workshop (Greenfield CSW) as her District's Non-Profit of the Year. The Greenfield CSW is a community-based organization committed to enriching the educational experience of historically underserved youth by providing them with a safe, fun, and stimulating environment where they can explore their world through science.    The Greenfield CSW first began facilitating hands-on science activities in local public spaces in 2011.   From the beginning, the goal of the program has been that of instilling in their youth an academic appreciation for science.   The Greenfield CSW has established a robust and growing partnership with the Greenfield Union School District and with a number of organizations in the region. The Greenfield CSW currently runs five major programs across South Monterey County through which it serves 15,000 total youth.   The core program of the Greenfield CSW, this

The Greenfield Cultural Arts Center will be putting on a 5 day a week Summer Art Camp for kids ages 10 to 17 this summer beginning on Monday, June 11 to Friday August 3 from 10 am to 3 pm located at 215 El Camino Real. More information can be found by going online to greenfieldartscenter.org or call 831-3734778 or call 831-402-0206. 

Soledad, CA – At 3:52 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2018, Soledad Fire Department (FD)/CAL FIRE responded  to reports of a structure fire in the area of the 300 block of Monterey street, in the city of Soledad (Monterey  County).   Soledad FD responded with assistance from, Correctional Training Facility FD, and CAL FIRE. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered part of a fence, miscellaneous car parts, and vegetation well involved with fire.  The fence was partially damaged in the blaze. The fire was contained to the property. There were no injuries during  this fire. Firefighters were able to contain the fire by 4:12 pm.   The cause of the fire is under investigation. No one  was displaced as a result of the fire.

Parkfield, CA – At 11:41 a.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2018, South Monterey County Fire District (SOMOCO)/CAL FIRE responded to a call for a vegetation fire near the intersection of Arroyo Road and the 36000 Elm Ave, south of Greenfield (Monterey County). Aircraft resources responding included; 1 air attack, 2 air tankers, and 1 helicopter. Ground resources included; 1 CAL FIRE Battalion Chief, 5 CAL FIRE engines, 2 CAL FIRE hand crews, 1 water tender from SOMOCO and 1 engine from Greenfield responded. As aircraft arrived flying overhead the air attack officer reported the fire to be approximately 3 acres burning at a moderate rate of spread. With coordinated efforts from both ground and air resources crews were able to keep the fire to only 9.97 acres. The cause of the fire was found out to be a mower. A property owner was using the mower to cut down dry grass and brush. The property owner will be held finically responsible for the suppression costs of fighting the fire

Monterey County District Attorney Dean D. Flippo announced on Thursday, June 7 that 23-year-old Nicanor De Jesus Sanchez of Greenfield pled guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury and admitted causing great bodily injury to multiple victims. Sanchez will be sentenced August 21, 2018 by Judge Julie Culver and faces a possible sentence of 16 years in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.       On February 11, 2017, Sanchez was driving with a blood alcohol content of .23 and crashed his car thorough a road closure gate located at the Elm Avenue bridge east of the City of Greenfield. Sanchez’s Honda Accord spun out of control after crashing through the steel gate and collided with three pedestrians. The pedestrians were crushed between the Sanchez’s car and a steel guard rail and were violently thrown into the Salinas River. Due to an abnormally wet winter the Salinas River was flowing

The San Antonio Mission will be holding their annual Fiesta in Jolon on Sunday, June 10. Mass will kick things off at 9 am, while the festivities begin at 10 am. Volunteer Dominic Gregorio said that this is a fundraiser for the San Antonio Mission and that there will music and great food. Lunch costs $12 per person and parking is free. In addition, the museum has been reopened and tours will be provided to anyone who is interested in learning more about the history of the area. 

As some people were at the polls voting during the midterm primary election on Tuesday, June 5, Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated were busy holding their regular meeting and luncheon at Lawrence’s Restaurant in King City with two guest speakers. District 29 State Assemblywoman candidate Vicki Nohrden spoke along with County Assessor candidate Larry Tack. As of Thursday, June 7, Tack has received over 28% of the vote, while his opponent Stephen Vagnini picked up over 71%. In the District 29 Assemblyman race as of Thursday, June 7, Nohrden had received over 33% of the vote and her opponent Mark Stone had over 66% of the vote. More primary election results can be found online by going to http://montereycountyelections.us .

Monterey County Sheriff Steve Bernal will be serving another 4 years. Sheriff Bernal defeated Scott Davis in the primary election by receiving over 59% of the votes counted through 100% of the precincts on Tuesday night, June 5. Other local races have not been officially decided on with more mail in votes set to come in as District 3 Monterey County Supervisor candidate Chris Lopez has a big lead over Alejandro Chavez and District 30 Assemblyman candidate Robert Rivas and Neil Kitchens are both in the top 2 of that race. More primary election results can be found online at montereycountyelections.us. 

Tuesday, June 5 is the Statewide Direct Primary Election.  All polling places in Monterey Country and the Elections office will be open for voting from 7 am to 8 pm. A complete list of the polling places is available at:  http://www.montereycountyelections.us/PollingPlaces.html . For more information go online to  www.MontereyCountyElections.us or call (831)796-1499.

A lot of cyclists, roadies and volunteers stopped through at San Lorenzo Park in King City for day 2 of the AIDS Lifecycle Bike run on Monday, June 4. Over 2000 cyclists began the 545 mile journey on Sunday, June 3 in San Francisco and are expected to reach Los Angeles by Saturday, June 9. This year's AIDS Lifecycle Bike Run has brought in a record $16.6 million  for people living with HIV and AIDS.  Megan Reilly, a recruiter for the AIDS Lifecycle Bike Run said that people can get involved with next year’s event by going online to AIDSlifecycle.org or call (323)860-7361.  Cyclists will be stopping through Paso Robles sometime on Tuesday, June 5.

King City, CA  (Photo provided by Jazzy Avheza)  – On  Sunday, June 3 at 3:43 pm, CAL FIRE received a call for a vegetation fire near the area of Southbound Highway 101 at Jolon Road (Monterey County). CAL FIRE responded to the fire with 1 CAL FIRE Battalion Chiefs, 2 Cal Fire Engines, 1 engine from Fort Hunter Liggett, and Southern Monterey County Fire Protection District also responded with an engine and a water tender. Upon arrival of the first firefighters, the fire was progressing toward the river bottom in thick brush. Heavy winds pushed the fire to the south. 2 additional engines and 1 dozer was then requested due to the extreme fire growth and potential. Warm temperature, and gusty winds fanned the flames to 8.6 acres before firefighters contained the fire at 4:48 pm. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Residents are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when in or near the wildland or open areas to prevent a fire. It is important that everyone monitor t

Cyclists taking part in a 7-day AIDS Lifecycle Bike run from San Francisco to LA which began on Sunday, June 3 will be stopping through at San Lorenzo Park in King City sometime on Monday night, June 4. Roadie of this year’s event and retired Dentist Dr. David Phillips said that around 2500 cyclists are trying to raise $15 million for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center in the battle against HIV and AIDS and added that the cyclists will be making their way through sometime between 2 pm and 7 pm. 

Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith visited students, teachers, staff and administration at Mary Chapa Academy in Greenfield on Friday, June 1 made possible by the Turnaround Arts program. This was the 4 th year that Smith has visited Mary Chapa Academy. The kids asked Smith a number of questions about his career in music after 2 different groups of students sang during an outdoor assembly, administration and staff spoke with Smith about the positive work that's being done by the teachers and students at the school and later on Smith also played the drums with some of the students as they were performing during an indoor assembly. 

Tuesday, June 5, 2018 is the Statewide Direct Primary Election;  all polling places and the Elections office will be open for voting from 7 am to 8 pm.    Early voting is available weekdays before the election and on Saturday, June 2 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  at the new Elections office, located at 1441 Schilling Place, the North Building in Salinas. Vote by mail ballots can be returned in person to the Elections office, most city halls, the City of Monterey Library, the Monterey County Health Department, and the Monterey County Free Libraries in Castroville and Prunedale during regular business hours which may vary by location. A complete list of return locations is included in each vote by mail packet. A complete list of the polling places is available at:  http://www.montereycountyelections.us/PollingPlaces.html . For more information visit  www.MontereyCountyElections.us .

During an unrelated investigation, Investigators from the Major Crimes Unit discovered that 19-year-old Jorge Flores of King City, a known southern Gang member, was alleged to have been in a long term sexual relationship with a minor. On Thursday, May 31, Investigators contacted Flores outside his residence on the 200 block of Sussex Way in King City. The female victim who was missing from her residence as reported by her parents was located at Flores’ residence. Flores was interviewed and arrested for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a minor . T he female victim was released to her parents. Flores was booked into the Monterey County Jail and was charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Bail was set at $2,000,000.00. No other information is being released at this time, as the investigation is continuing. Anyone with further information in regards to this case is encouraged to contact Det. Leo Guzman at (8