KRKC COUNTRY

More details have emerged from a fatal accident that occurred south of Chualar on Monday morning, February 25. The California Highway Patrol reports that a Gonzales man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after he caused the deadly four-car crash. The accident took place on Highway 101 south of Chualar at around 9:30 am. The CHP states that 19-year-old Jordan Flores Navarro was driving south in a silver Jeep Cherokee when he lost control, struck the concrete median, rotated in the air, and began to collide into oncoming northbound traffic.  The silver Jeep Cherokee struck a black Acura RSX, a white Pontiac Grand Prix, and a blue Saturn VUE.  The black Acura RSX was being driven by nineteen year old Liseth Perez from Soledad.  The driver of the Acura and her passenger suffered minor injuries and were both transported to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas.  The white Pontiac Grand Prix was driven by a fifty year old Soledad resident.  Due to the impact, the driver

At the King City City Council meeting on Tuesday night, February 26 at City Hall Mayor Mike LeBarre and the Council recognized Tony Virrueta of the American Red Cross as American Red Cross month is coming up in March. In another presentation Karen Jernigan and Craig Coffman provided a brief presentation about what's been going on within the last few years with Pinnacles Gateway Partners. In other business, the Council approved to waive the 1st Reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 15 of the Municipal Code governing Wastewater Discharge Regulations. The Council also agreed to waive the first 1st Reading and pass an Ordinance by adding Chapter 7.38 of the Municipal Code by governing Wireless Telecommunications Facilities in the Public Right of Way and passed an Ordinance in the Municipal Code to raise penalties for the illegal discharge of fireworks to $1000 for each fine that is issued. The prior fine was $100 for the 1st violation, $200 for the 2nd violation and $500 for any s

On Tuesday, February 26 at around 2pm, officers responded to King City High School to conduct a follow up investigation regarding a fight which occurred earlier in the day. Officers contacted 2 male Hispanic Juveniles, both 15 years of age during the investigation, and they were each found to be in possession of brass knuckles and folding lock back knives while they were on school grounds. Both juveniles were taken into custody without incident and transported to Monterey County Juvenile Hall. Anyone with further information regarding this case is encouraged to call Officer Juan Rodriguez at (831) 386-5978, the King City Police Department at (831) 386-5980 or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME.  Your call may remain completely anonymous. The investigation is continuing.

(Photo courtesy of NPS)-Bear Gulch Cave is now open at Pinnacles National Park. However, Park employees ask visitors to please use caution when hiking through the cave, as there is still water along the trail.

Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Monday, February 25 that on Friday, February 22, 34-year-old Brandon Keen was sentenced to 141 years-to-life in prison. On January 16, 2019, Keen was found guilty by a jury for murdering his cellmate and assault with a deadly weapon by an inmate at the Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad. Keen was sentenced pursuant to California’s 3 Strikes law as he has previous convictions for arson, assault with a deadly weapon and mayhem. Pursuant to law Keen was sentenced to 3 life sentences for the crimes he was convicted of resulting in 141 years-to-life. As Judge Timothy P. Roberts handed down the sentence Keen yelled out in open court and in front of the victim’s family members, that he had “No regrets” that he “Loves it” and “Wants more of it”. On October 4, 2013, Keen, while serving a 25 year prison sentence at Salinas Valley State Prison for mayhem, was found in his cell unharmed after he alerted correctional officers

A 4 vehicle accident on Highway 101 near Chualar on Monday morning, February 25 at around 9:30 am has resulted in the death of 1 person, while 7 others were injured. A 50-year-old man from Soledad was killed in the collision, while 7 people were transported to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas to be treated for injuries. The CHP reports that a jeep was heading southbound, lost control and went into the center divide. In addition, the jeep then went airborne into the northbound lanes, striking 3 other cars before stopping. The northbound lanes of Highway 101 just south of Chualar reopened to traffic at around 1:52 pm.

On Sunday, February 24, 2019, the Paso Robles PD investigated a disturbing Snapchat post sent to several Paso Robles High School (PRHS) student’s cell phones. The Internet post contained a photo of an AR-15 rifle with the caption “Don’t go to school, there’s a school threat.” Ultimately, officers determined three PRHS students were linked to the social media post; however, any perceived threat was unfounded. Paso Robles PD officers, detectives, school officers and school officials immediately began investigating the social media post and quickly identified three high school students linked to the Snapchat post. The Snapchat post was created by a male PRHS student while playing Fortnite with two male high school friends. Officers determined the AR-15 rifle depicted in the online post was a screen shot image captured from the Internet; none of the students has access to an AR-15 rifle. The teens involved with creating the ‘Snap’ said the post was only intended to be shared amongst them

On Sunday, February 24 at approximately 3:36 pm, the Paso Robles Department of Emergency Services responded to a residence on Bridgegate Lane for a reported structure fire. The sole occupant was unaware of the fire in an unattended area of the house until an operating smoke detector alarmed. The occupant exited the structure safely prior to firefighter arrival. First arriving firefighters found smoke inside the residence and confined the fire to a back bathroom. The fire was extinguished without any further damage to the remaining structure. Two fire engines and one Battalion Chief from Paso Robles responded. Under the City’s automatic aid agreements, 1 fire engine and 1 Battalion Chief from CAL FIRE/SLO County, 1 fire engine from Templeton Fire, and 1 engine from Atascadero Fire immediately responded. Additional on scene assistance was provided by the Paso Robles Police Department and San Luis Ambulance Service. The fire was contained at approximately 3:48 pm. The cause of the fi

The Transportation Agency for Monterey County reports that from Monday, February 25 until Friday, March 1 there will be alternating lane and ramp closures on eastbound and westbound Highway 68 between Spreckles Blvd and Reservation Road for bridge work on the Salinas River from 9 am to 3 pm. There's also going to be alternating night-time lane and on ramp closures from Monday night, February 25 until Friday night, March 1 on eastbound and westbound Highway 68 between Spreckles Blvd and Reservation Road for bridge work on the Salinas River which will take place from 7 pm to 6:30 am. In addition, there will be a lane closure on northbound and southbound Highway 101 in Bradley between the Camp Roberts Rest Area and the San Antonio River Bridge for guardrail repair work Monday, February 25 and Tuesday, February 26 from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm.

King City High School is inviting the community on Tuesday night, February 26 at 6 PM in the school’s Auditorium as they welcome National Speaker & Author Robb Halladay to talk! In his educational presentation titled VAPING: What’s in the Mist? Halladay will explain what every teen and parent needs to know about the new trend that is affecting schools across the state. The event is free and open to the public!

The winter High School sports season came to a close on Saturday, February 23 for the King City Boys Soccer team who lost a 1-0 heartbreaker to Leigh of San Jose in the Division 4 Central Coast Section Championship at Fremont High School in Sunnyvale. The Mustangs came close to scoring twice in the game as they had a goal waved off during the 24th minute because of a foul that was called against them in the 18 yard box and as time was winding down in the 2nd Half the Mustangs had another goal called back by the officials who said that they were offsides during the play inside the 18. The Mustangs also had a penalty kicked stopped by the Leigh keeper in the 1st Half. King City Boys Head Soccer Coach Jaime Cortes is very proud of his team despite the final outcome. The Mustangs finished the season with a record of 15-7 and 2 as they played in a CCS title game for the 1st time in over 30 years.

At least 1 person is dead from a 4 car accident that occurred on the northbound lanes of Highway 101 south of Chualar at around 9:30 am on Monday morning, February 25. Law enforcement officials report that 1 vehicle was traveling south when it overturned onto the northbound center divide. Monterey County Regional Fire states that 7 people were involved.  More information will be provided once it becomes available.

Kids at a school in Soledad came across rodent droppings on slices of pizza during lunch on Thursday, February 21. Parents of the students at San Vicente Elementary School were notified of the incident. The Soledad Unified School District has stated that teachers and staff removed all potentially contaminated pizza from students and pulled all remaining pizza from the oven. The elementary school's food storage, preparation and serving areas were inspected and revealed no signs of pests or animals according to the district. The district also indicated that they are working with the contracted management company to track the problem back to its source. The Monterey County Health Department is also involved.

The Alliance on Aging 4th Annual Trashion Show received a lot of support from people in the King City community and many of the surrounding areas on Thursday, February 21 in the Orradre Building at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds. Over 20 models went down a catwalk wearing outfits made from recyclable material as this year's show had a western theme to it. The event is a fundraiser for the Alliance on Aging.

Two juveniles from Colorado were busted in King City on Wednesday, February 20 accused of two burglaries. King City police responded to a business on the 600 block of Canal Street regarding a burglary report. Upon the officer’s arrival, it was reported that people unknown entered the business and removed the cash register containing an unknown amount of money. The damages and losses are estimated to be at around $1,250. King City police Officers were also paged to another business on the 700 block of South First Street, regarding a burglary. The investigation found that the suspects entered the business by breaking the glass out of the front door, entered and removed miscellaneous electronic items. Damages and losses are estimated to be around $1,800. Evidence located in that crime was located which assisted in leading to 2 suspects and tying the two crimes together which occurred on Tuesday, February 19 and Wednesday, February 20. Investigators from the King City Police Department w

A riot broke out inside a Correctional Training Facility in Soledad last week involving over 20 inmates. Video of the incident on Friday, February 15 was shot through a cell phone by an inmate looking out into the prison yard. The California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation suspects that a cell phone was smuggled in and stated that they are not allowed. The CDCR reports that the fights broke out in Facility C at the Correctional Training Facility on Thursday, February 14 and Friday, February 15. In the fight that broke out on Friday,  25 inmates were involved. The CDCR indicated that officers used pepper spray discharged from 40mm launchers. An officer also fired one warning shot from a state-issued Mini 14 rifle. One inmate suffered scratches and abrasions. No one else was injured. No inmate-made weapons were recovered.

Several tombstones received major damage over at a cemetery in Gonzales on Tuesday morning, February 19. The Gonzales Police Officers were called to checkout what was going on at the cemetery after receiving reports that gravestones were knocked over and severely damaged. The Gonzales Police report that an ex-cemetery employee is responsible. The cemetery groundskeeper has since been fired.

At 8:37 PM on Saturday February 16, the Paso Robles Department of Emergency Services responded to the Lowe’s Home Improvement Center located at 2445 Golden Hill Road for a reported Fire Alarm Activation from the retailer’s alarm company. Prior to arrival a store employee re-contacted the Paso Robles Emergency Dispatch Center and was advised of smoke located in the rear of the building. The incident was upgraded to a full commercial structure fire response. Firefighters arrived on the scene scene and found a moderate amount of smoke coming from the rear of the building. Within 5 minutes of arrival the fire was fully contained. The buildings fire sprinkler system played a significant role in minimizing additional damage to the building and merchandise by holding the fire “in check” until the first engine arrived. All customers were safely evacuated from the store and no injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. Crews remained on the scene for approximately 3 hours conducting

On Friday, February 8 at 4:36 PM, the Paso Robles Department of Emergency Services responded to a reported structure fire at 938 St. Ann. Firefighters arrived at the scene within 4 minutes to discover heavy fire and smoke coming from a garage. Firefighters made an aggressive attack and were able to stop the fire from spreading inside the structure. The structure was occupied at the time of the fire. 3 occupants were able to safely exit the structure. One occupant was examined for smoke inhalation, but refused any further treatment. Two fire engines and 1 Battalion Chief from Paso Robles responded. Under the City’s automatic aid agreements, 1 fire engine and 1 Battalion Chief from CAL FIRE/SLO County, 1 fire engine from Templeton Fire and 1 engine from Atascadero City Fire immediately responded to assist. A total of 13 firefighters were required to bring the situation under control. Additional assistance was provided by the Paso Robles Police Department and San Luis Ambulance. The fir

The westbound lanes of Highway 46, near Hunter Ranch Golf Course, were temporarily closed on Friday afternoon, February 8 as the Paso Robles Police Department investigated a fatal collision that occurred at around 1:50 pm. The crash involved a Toyota SUV and a Kawasaki motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle, a 68-year old man from Atascadero, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the Toyota was not injured. The motorcycle driver's name is being withheld pending family notification. The accident is still under investigation, however it does not appear that alcohol or drugs played a factor. Witnesses said the SUV crossed Highway 46, into the westbound lanes of travel, after pulling out of the Hunter Ranch Golf Course; the driver of the motorcycle, who was also headed west, was unable to avoid a collision and struck the rear of the SUV. The driver of the motorcycle was thrown from his motorcycle, onto the highway, and later pronounced dead at the scene. The

A woman was rescued by the Paso Robles Department of Emergency Services on Monday afternoon, February 4 in the Salinas River. The unidentified woman was found 50 yards from the water’s edge on the 1500 block of North River Road as she was heard by local contractors crying for help and was spotted with water and debris up to her neck. She was rescued by Paso Robles Emergency Personnel and transported by San Luis Ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. CHP Air Operations Division was requested and assisted with reconnaissance of the area for any additional potential victims. The Salinas Riverbed is extremely hazardous during these rain events and ALL Residents are advised to not enter the river bed.

Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Monday, February 4 that 47-year-old Jose Luis Limon Mata of Soledad was convicted in a jury trial of 3 felony counts of corporal injury on the mother of his children, assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury and false imprisonment by violence. Mata is now facing 5 years in state prison. Mata and the mother his children were in a romantic relationship for many years and they had 2 children together. Mata refused to acknowledge fathering the children though, but helped pay some of the bills. On July 18, 2018, Mata and the mother of his kids had an argument over his infidelity, financial issues and his refusal to acknowledge paternity of his 3-year old daughter and 12-year-old son. During the argument, the mother of his children saw some text messages from another woman on Mata’s phone and threw the phone at him. At some point during the argument, she got up to leave the living room and Mata followed her

On Saturday night, February 2 at about 7:39 PM, officers responded to a non-injury traffic accident on the 200 block of 12th Street in Greenfield. The driver of the Saturn vehicle was contacted and identified as 25-year-old Rosalino Martinez. After an investigation, Martinez was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Martinez was arrested and taken into custody.

It may have been wet outside, but that didn't stop more than a couple hundred people from attending the Champions of the Arts Gala at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey on Saturday night, February 3. KRKC and KC102's very own Silka Saavedra was honored with a Volunteer Leader Award for bringing arts and community programming for over 10 years to the city of Greenfield. During her over 10 years as a Volunteer in Greenfield, Saavedra has helped present and promote traditional groups, dance and arts programs through her leadership as chair of the Greenfield Cultural Arts Center and as the Program Director of the Greenfield Harvest Festival.

South Monterey County Animal Rescue will be holding a Tea Party Fundraiser on Saturday, February 2 from 2 pm to 4 pm at the King City Recreation District Banquet Room located at 411 Division Street. The cost is $15 per person. Co-Founder Lucy Jensen said that all of the money they raise will go towards the Vet Care Staff and wellness of their animals and also stated that they'll have dogs at the event that people will have the opportunity to adopt.

The 28th Farm Day made possible by Monterey County Ag Education Inc was in full swing at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City on Thursday, January 31. Coordinator Candi Depauw said that between 1300 and 1400 children along with teachers, chaperones and as many as 200 volunteers took part in this day adding that this was an event regarding Ag teaching Ag at it's best. There was also a Barbecue that was put on by the King City Young Farmers.

King City law enforcement officials are investigating 2 vehicle hit-and-runs that left one man dead on Wednesday night, January 30. The incident occurred on the 700 block of South First Street. When officers responded, they found that a man had been run over by a vehicle and he was pronounced dead the scene. During the investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle that initially hit the victim fled the scene. A second vehicle then struck the male victim again and that vehicle also fled the scene. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin and he was turned over to the Monterey County Coroners office. The cause of death is pending an autopsy. Anyone with further information regarding this case is encouraged to call the King City Police Department at (831) 386-5986 or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME.  Your call may remain completely anonymous.

On Wednesday, January 30 at 12:45 pm officers from the King City Police Department were dispatched to the 600 block of Meyer Street regarding a female juvenile disclosing she had been molested by a person known to her. Investigators from the King City Police Department were called to investigate the incident and the investigation revealed that the victim had been sexually abused by 36-year-old Luis Acevedo of King City with the last incident occurring 6 months ago at a residence in King City. On Thursday, January 31 Acevedo was contacted by Officers from the King City Police Department and taken into custody without incident. Acevedo was transported and booked into the Monterey County Jail and was charged with lewd acts on a child under 14 years of age. Anyone with information in regards to this case is encouraged to call the King City Police Department at (831) 386-5980 or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME.  Your call may remain completely anonymous. The investigation is continuing.