Reward offered in Monterey County animal mutilation cases

A California-based animal protection organization is offering a $2,500 reward for information regarding alleged mutilation, killing and dumping of animals in South Monterey County.
Rhonda Somerton, a volunteer with the Humane Farming Association (HFA), received a tip about animal mutilation in September and obtained public records regarding the issue. Multiple dogs were dumped in the Salinas River bed in November 2016, Somerton found in public records. According to an HFA release, since then, Somerton said she's found bodies of chickens and turkeys in bags with candles, flowers and herbs commonly used in "ritualistic animal sacrifice." She also found four dog carcasses and two dismembered goats. The reward is being offered for information that leads to the conviction of those responsible for the alleged animal abuse. The nonprofit association asks for anyone with information about animal dumping to contact them at montereycountyanimaltips@hfa.org. In response to a Press release put out by the The Humane Farming Association on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, where it is alleged that Monterey County Animal Services had “full knowledge of animal dumping on the Salinas River.” Monterey County Animal Services acknowledges that in November of 2016, a call was received regarding “multiple bodies dumped” in the riverbed near the Elm Street bridge in Greenfield. An officer was dispatched to discuss the situation with the reporting party. The next day, a body was delivered to the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center for a necropsy. The necropsy, while suspicious, did not provide any definitive information to conclude it represented an animal cruelty case, or lead to any suspects.
Since that time, there have been zero reports or tips provided to this agency in regards to deceased animals, of any kind, being found at this location – or with regard to suspected animal cruelty at this location. Monterey County Animal Services encourages the public to report any instances of animal cruelty or abandonment by calling 831-769-8850 or online at www.mtyhd.org.

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Fatal 3 Vehicle Accident Involving Wrong Way Driver on Highway 101 Outside of King City on January 10

A fatal multi-vehicle collision happened on Saturday night, January 10 at 9:51 p.m. on northbound Highway 101 outside of King City. According to the King City CHP a 2016 Toyota Tacoma driven by 65-year-old Paul Lee Cooper of Otis, Oregon was heading the wrong way going southbound in the northbound lanes south of Jolon Road, while a 2006 Toyota Corolla driven by 33-year-old Dinora Maribel Gomez of Salinas was heading northbound on Highway 101 south of Jolon Road in the #1 lane and a Honda Accord driven by 36-year-old Ignacio Sangerman of King City was also traveling northbound on Highway 101 south of Jolon Road but was in the #2 lane. Due to Cooper's level of impairment his vehicle went the wrong way on Highway 101 going directly into the path of Gomez' vehicle causing the rear of her car to crash with the front of the vehicle driven by Sangerman. Cooper was arrested, sustaining major injuries and was transported to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas where as of January 12 is...

Monterey County DA Releases Preliminary Information Concerning an Officer Involved Shooting Incident that Occurred Outside of Soledad on December 16

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King City City Council Announces Selection of José Arreola as New City Manager

January 7, 2025-Following an extensive recruitment process, José Arreola has been selected by the King City City Council to be its next City Manager. Arreola will replace Steve Adams, who is retiring after serving in the position for the past 10 years. Arreola was selected from 31 applicants and 8 finalists for the position. The King City City Council will formally consider the proposed city manager contract at its meeting on Tuesday night, January 13. Arreola's first day on the job is scheduled to be February 23. José Arreola has a distinguished career of serving the community with a particular commitment to youth. He has worked for the City of Salinas for 12 years as their Community Safety Program Manager, Community Safety Administrator and Assistant to the City Manager. Among other responsibilities, Arreola has led several programs to eliminate gang violence which aligns well with the City of King’s efforts and priorities. Prior to that, Arreola worked as an Educa...

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