KRKC COUNTRY

The Greenfield Police Department reported on Saturday, March 30 that officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop on Vineyard Drive on Tuesday, March 26 on a vehicle for a traffic violation. The driver, 25-year-old, Jaime Penia of King City and the passenger, 28-year-old, Juan Arreola of Greenfield, were contacted and after an investigation, Penia was found to be driving under the influence of Xanax pills and was taken into custody. During a search of Penia, Arreola and the vehicle, Cocaine, over 100 Xanax pills and a loaded firearm were located. Arreola was also taken into custody.

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Thursday, March 28 that Monterey County Superior Court Judge Mark E. Hood sentenced 44-year-old Jose Zarco of Greenfield, to 4 years in prison for engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor and committing sexual battery. Zarco lived with the underage girl and her mother between October of 2015 through March of 2016. The young girl was under the age of 16 at the time, and Zarco was between 40 to 41 years old. The girl reported that she had sexual intercourse with Zarco numerous times when her mother was not home and stated that she consented to the sexual intercourse with Zarco, but later recanted her statement and denied engaging in sexual intercourse with Zarco because she was concerned about Zarco getting into trouble. However, during an interview with law enforcement, Zarco admitted that he engaged in sexual intercourse with the young girl. According to research into sexual assault victim beh

If you're planning to visit Pinnacles National Park soon, please be advised that there will be no shuttle service on Saturday, March 30. Visitors who wish to access the Bear Gulch Day Use area should be prepared to hike 3 miles from the Pinnacles Visitor Center. For more information call 831-389-4486 or go online to www.nps.gov/pinn.

At the Greenfield City Council meeting on Tuesday night, March 26 in the Council Chambers Mayor Lance Walker made a proclamation proclaiming the month of March as Women's History month. Mayor Walker also recognized several women who have done so much for the Greenfield community that included Marty Horton, Ashley Hubbard, Jessica Melgoza, Ann Rathbun, Dawn Vest, Mayor Pro-Tem Nely Martinez and a few others along with other women who were unable to attend the meeting. In other business, Jackie Gomez-Whiteley provided the Council with a Greenfield Police Operations Data Analysis report. Gomez-Whiteley indicated that the Greenfield PD is below the state average for violent crime, property crime and total crime. Gomez-Whitley also mentioned that according to a 2016 FBI uniformed crime data report the average response time involving the Greenfield Police Department to reach in progress crimes calls was 6.1 minutes. Many residents were also in attendance to voice their support of the C

At the King City City Council meeting on Tuesday night, March 26 at City Hall the Council recognized the successful seasons that the King City Boys High School Cross Country and Soccer teams recently had. The KCHS Boys Cross Country squad captured the 2018 Central Coast Section title during the Fall of 2018, while the KCHS Boys Soccer team grabbed CCS Runner-up honors during the 2018-19 winter sports season. The Council also honored outgoing Parks and Rec Commission Volunteers Ricky Humphreys and Sharlene Hughes for their 7 years of service. During their 7 years on the Commission they helped improve the playground equipment at Forden Park and they assisted the City with a Summer Day Care Program Day Camp. In addition, they were also very instrumental with helping put together a staff for the City Pool, helping organize and put on fundraisers for the City Pool and they did a lot of work with the Recreation Director. Carmen Gil from the Monterey County Health Department along with 2 Ki

It was a little wet outside, but overall it turned out to be a nice day in front of King City City Hall as King City In Bloom held a dedication ceremony for work that was recently completed that consisted of putting in new flower beds, a new King City City Hall sign and a wind sculpture on Tuesday, March 26. King City In Bloom Co-Chairperson Laurie Slaten praised the King City City Manager Steve Adam, the City staff and the volunteers for the work that they put into this project which began in early 2017 and was mostly funded through donations.

A 2 vehicle accident took place on the Highway 101 Northbound bridge in the King City area at around 10:30 am on Tuesday, March 26. According to the CHP, a Big Rig hit a Cal Trans vehicle that was doing construction work in the #1 lane which caused side damage to the Cal Trans vehicle and caused a front axle on the Big Rig to break off. The crash caused a traffic delay of over an hour. The Broadway onramp leading onto Highway 101 North was blocked off by the King City Police Department at 10:45 am because of the collision and was reopened at around 12 pm. No one was injured in the accident.

A 22-year-old Hispanic man was killed after being hit by a vehicle near Gonzales on Monday night, March 25 sometime after 9 pm. According to the CHP, the driver is a college student from San Luis Obispo who was heading southbound on Highway 101 when he struck the pedestrian who was trying to cross the Highway. One lane on Highway 101 South near Gloria was closed for over an hour. The CHP states that the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. More information will be provided once it becomes available.

A fatal 2 vehicle traffic collision took place on Saturday, March 23 at 6:26 am  in Templeton. According to the Templeton CHP, a Mitsubishi was looking to head eastbound on SR-46 from a dirt parking area of the Jack Ranch Cafe, but was broadsided as a Toyota was going westbound on SR-46. 54-year-old Isabel Fraire of Wasco who was a passenger in the Mitsubishi was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene, while 33-year-old driver Holga Godinezxochitla of Wasco along with passenger 33-year-old Alicia Prudencio and a 49-year-old man from Wasco who was also a passenger were injured and transported to Sierra Vista Hospital. 24-year driver Jose Mendoza of Avenal and 6 passengers in the Toyota were not hurt. Alcohol and/or drugs are not suspected in this accident. The crash is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Monterey, CA – On Monday, March 25 at 10:32 am the Soledad Fire Department (FD)/CAL FIRE and CAL FIRE Gonzales Station responded to a call for a 1 vehicle collision on Highway 101, just north of Camphora Gloria Road, in the City of Soledad (Monterey County). CAL FIRE and Soledad FD/ CAL FIRE responded with assistance from the Correctional Training Facility FD. There were approximately 11 firefighters on the scene. Upon arrival, Firefighters discovered that an SUV had collided with the highway center divide. 2 adults and 5 children were treated at the scene. A total of 5 air ambulance helicopters were dispatched to the scene to transport patients to nearby hospitals. All other patients were taken by ground ambulance to nearby trauma hospitals. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the CHP. Soledad FD partners in a cooperative agreement with CAL FIRE for fire services. Soledad FD staffs one engine in the city 24/7 with 2 firefighters. The CAL FIRE Gonzales Station fire engin

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels put on a spectacular display at the 2019 California International Airshow at the Salinas Municipal Airport on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24. The weekend performance by the Blue Angels was their first in Salinas in about 10 years. Plus, attendance numbers rose significantly during the 2 day event.

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Monday, March 25 that Judge Mark E. Hood sentenced 30-year-old Agustin C. Serrano of Greenfield to 20 years in state prison for repeatedly stabbing a woman he dated. On the morning of January 20, 2017, Serrano and the victim engaged in conversation in the kitchen of the Greenfield home where they both rented rooms. The 2 had dated for about 3 months prior to the incident. Earlier, she told him she wanted to end their relationship, since she was 23 years older than Serrano. After their conversation, the victim got up to walk to her room. Serrano suddenly grabbed her by the neck, from behind, with his right hand. He then violently stabbed her with a knife he held in his left hand. Serrano cut her throat and stabbed her in the chest and right arm and leg. He immediately fled to Mexico. More than a year later, on August 1, 2018, Detective Leonel Guzman tracked Serrano down in Yuba City, California. He

The Transportation Agency for Monterey County reports that there will be more major scheduled road and lane closures in Monterey County taking place from Sunday, March 24 through Saturday, March 30. Highway 68 – Salinas River: March 25 – March 29 There will be alternating lane and ramp closures on eastbound and westbound Highway 68 between Spreckles Blvd and Reservation Road for bridge work. The work will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Highway 68 – Salinas River: March 24 – March 29 There will be alternating night-time lane and on ramp closures on eastbound and westbound Highway 68 between Spreckles Blvd and Reservation Road for bridge work. The work will occur from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Highway 101: Camp Roberts – San Luis Obispo County Line: March 26 A moving lane closure will occur on Highway 101 between Camp Roberts and the San Luis Obispo County Line for striping operations taking place on Tuesday, March 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Highway 101: San Ardo – San Luis Obisp

KING CITY – Due to an outbreak of Virulent Newcastle Disease in California, the Salinas Valley Fair will cancel poultry shows and exhibits at the 2019 Salinas Valley Fair. The decision was made after a new case of the disease was reported in Alameda County on March 15th and based on the recommendation of Dr. Annette Jones, California State Veterinarian and Director of Animal Health and Food Safety Services with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA),  that all poultry shows and poultry exhibitions be cancelled throughout the state due to the disease. Virulent Newcastle Disease is a highly contagious respiratory disease of birds, including chickens, that spreads quickly. According to CDFA, the disease does not affect meat or eggs but is almost always deadly to poultry. Virus particles can spread quickly by direct contact between birds, and people can spread the disease by moving infected birds, moving equipment and feed, and by wearing clothing and shoes that have

Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Wednesday, March 20 that on Tuesday, March 19, 38-year-old Guadalupe Mendez of King City, pled guilty to felony welfare fraud. The plea was taken by Monterey County Superior Court Judge Carrie Panetta. Between the months of March 2014 and November 2014, Mendez was receiving both cash aide (CalWorks) and food stamps (CalFresh) claiming that she was unemployed and needed these benefits to support her family. A subsequent investigation by the Department of Social Services and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office revealed that Mendez was in fact employed and receiving income through In Home Support Services (IHSS). This resulted in her household receiving income well above the income threshold level to receive any benefits. In addition, it was discovered that Mendez had misrepresented her employment and income on her eligibility status reports as well as to the Department of Social Services. Mendez’s misrepres

PASO ROBLES, CA – On Tuesday March 19, at approximately 1245 PM, the Paso Robles Department of Emergency Services responded to a report of an apartment building on fire on the 1200 block of Alamo Creek in Paso Robles. First arriving firefighters found fire and smoke showing from a second story apartment. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the original unit and prevent it from spreading to the adjacent 7 apartments. Damage to the building’s electrical system caused all units to be uninhabitable. 29 residents were displaced. All displaced occupants have been working with the Red Cross to find temporary housing. Two fire engines and Two Battalion Chiefs from Paso Robles responded. Under the City’s automatic aid agreements, one fire engine and one Battalion Chief from Cal Fire / San Luis Obispo County, one fire engine from Templeton Fire, and one fire engine from Atascadero Fire all responded to assist. A total of 15 firefighters responded to the incident with additional assi

On Tuesday, March 12, the National Park Service (NPS) announced the selection of Pinnacles Recreation Company to operate a campground and store at Pinnacles National Park. The concession contract was awarded through a competitive selection process. This commercial operation will provide a significant recreational opportunity for visitors at Pinnacles National Park, and is critical to providing a positive visitor experience. The Pinnacles campground is a 50 acre, 137 site campground with 81 tent sites, 37 RV sites, and 14 group sites. The contract includes the operation of a campground store. “The staff and partners at Pinnacles National Park are excited to welcome Pinnacles Recreation Company to central California” said Acting Superintendent Lisa McInnis. “We look forward to continuing to meet the needs of our visitors through innovative, environmentally sensitive, and high quality commercial services.”  Pinnacles Recreation Company is a newly founded California company, and this is

16-year-old Rose Escobar out of Salinas who was named the winner of this year's 2019 Miss Salinas Valley Fair competition on Saturday, March 16 at the Fairgrounds in King City stopped by the KRKC and KC102 studios to talk about what it was like to take part in this in year's competition. Escobar will be an Ambassador of this year's 75th annual Salinas Valley Fair in King City which will be from May 16 to May 19 at the Fairgrounds.

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major  scheduled  road and lane closures  for Monterey County from  Sunday, March 10 through Saturday, March 16 –  newest   information is in   red .  Please keep in mind that construction work is weather-dependent. Highway 1: Big Sur Library – Molera Park Entrance, Big Sur: March 20 – March 21  One-way traffic controls will be in place on Highway 1 from the Big Sur Library to the entrance to Molera Park/Coast Road in Big Sur for pavement work from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Highway 1: Rocky Creek Bridge, Big Sur: March 18 – March 22  One-way traffic controls will be in place on Highway 1 near the Rocky Creek Bridge for road repairs and work on the bridge from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Highway 1: Vincente Creek Bridge, Big Sur: March 21 – March 22  One-way traffic controls will be in place on Highway 1 at the Vincente Creek Bridge due to repair work on the bridge from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Work hours on Friday will be 7:30 a.m. t

Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Monday, March 18 that 37-year-old Vanessa Lizeth Aguilar of Soledad who owns a cannabis delivery service in Salinas, was sentenced on Friday, March 15, 2019 to 3 years of probation for failing to carry workers compensation insurance. Judge Thomas Wills also ordered Aguilar to pay a $3,500 fine. Aguilar faces up to 1-year in county jail and additional fines if she violates her probation. Aguilar owns Golden Essentials Delivery. Her company, which has 8 employees, began doing business, under state and city licensing, on January 1, 2018. Since she has employees, California law requires that Aguilar maintain workers compensation insurance. While she initially did have workers compensation insurance, her policy with the State Compensation Insurance Fund expired on March 26, 2018. On June 27, 2018, Monterey County District Attorney Investigators asked Aguilar to provide verification that she had workers compensation insura

Farmers Insurance Agent Robert Cullen in King City was presented a remarkable opportunity in the Big Apple as he gave a speech to 40 Financial Advisors about Investments at the New York Exchange on Friday, March 15. Cullen also had a chance to check out the atmosphere on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange and said that it wasn't as intense as he thought it would be on a day when the market did well.

KING CITY, CA-Four young women competed Saturday, March 16 in the 2019 Miss Salinas Valley Fair contest and when the last judge’s sheet was tallied, Rose Escobar of Spreckles was chosen to represent the Fair. Also competing was August LaMacchia (Lockwood), Nicole Reynolds (Atascadero) and Sydney Gray (Salinas). “I am looking forward to working with Rose to promote our 75th Salinas Valley Fair this spring”, said Darla Mantel, Competition Coordinator of the Miss Salinas Valley Fair contest.  “She is a skilled horsewoman and poised speaker capable of delivering an engaging invitation to inspire attendance to our Fair”. Rose Escobar is the daughter of Gary and Cheri Escobar and is a Junior with the Monterey County Home Charter School. One of Rose Escobar’s dreams is to run for Miss California Rodeo Salinas and have the opportunity to represent the Salinas Valley western way of life. She has participated in the Pageant of Flags at the 2018 California Rodeo and in the California Rodeo gr

Four young women will be competing for the Miss Salinas Valley Fair crown Friday, March 15th and Saturday, March 16th in King City. The competition will be held at the Salinas Valley Fair’s Rava Equestrian Arena on Friday and in the Orradre Building on Saturday. This year’s winner will reign at the Salinas Valley Fair Kick-Off, April 27th and during the annual Fair, which will be held May 16-19 in King City. The competitors are from Atascadero, Lockwood, Salinas and Spreckels that include:  AUGUST LAMACCHIA 16 year old August LaMacchia is a Junior at Notre Dame High School in Salinas. Her parents are Peter and Trish LaMacchia of Lockwood. August has been involved in 4H and local fairs since she was very young. She is a regular around the barns having competed in several horse shows and junior livestock shows. This year she plans to show a steer at the Salinas Valley Fair and will be competing in the Salinas Valley Fair Horse Show, too. She hopes hard work will pay off at this year

Need to get your taxes done? The Alliance on Aging can help. This nonprofit is providing FREE income tax preparation for Seniors in English and in Spanish. This 1 day only tax assistance program will take place on Monday, March 18 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the King City Recreation Center located at 401 Division Street. Taxes are prepared on a first come, first served basis. Please bring your 2017 tax returns, a photo ID, social security card, w-2 “wages & tax statement” form, 1099 forms and related items that include dividends, distributions from pensions, IRA, etc. For questions and more information, call 831-646-4931.

Pinnacles National Park is hosting a service project on Saturday, March 16 from 9 am to 1 pm for a morning of volunteer work as they remove non-native plants and clean up some trails. Check-in will be at 8:45 am at the east side Pinnacles Visitor Center next to the Campground. Remember to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. For questions or to register a larger group of more than 10 people, call 831-389-4485 or email Pinnacles National Park at pinn_volunteer@nps.gov.

The Greenfield City Council went over a number of different topics at their regular meeting on Tuesday night, March 12 in the Council Chambers. As City Manager Paul Wood and other employees begin to put together this year's Fiscal Budget the Council agreed that they want more input from the community regarding what they're doing. The Greenfield City Council also approved to waive a rental fee for a program that is put on in a facility owned by the City. This program is funded by the Action Partnership Group for kids ages 0 to 5. The program also operates out of Patriot Park.

On Wednesday night, March 13 at 9 pm Police Officers in King City responded to a robbery on the 900 block of Broadway. Upon arrival and during the investigation officers were advised of a suspect who hit a male victim and forcibly took his wallet with cash inside. The search for the suspect began and he was located on the 200 block of Broadway 30 minutes later. 21-year-old Jesus Bautista was arrested and booked on robbery charges.

At the King City City Council meeting on Tuesday night, March 12 at City Hall the Council agreed to move forward and accept a Wastewater Rate Study that was presented by Bartle Wells Associates regarding what the future costs will be for this project a Wastewater Treatment Facility in the years to come and how rates could rise substantially. Staff will prepare and distribute a Proposition 218 Public Hearing Notice for Wastewater Rate Increases as proposed in the study. The Council also approved an Ordinance adding Chapter 7.38 of the City Code regarding governing Wireless Telecommunications Facility in the Public Right of Way.

On Tuesday morning, March 12 at around 8:40 am, King City Police Officers responded to a non-injury accident off of San Antonio Drive and Metz Avenue with a vehicle on it's side. Upon the officer's arrival a blue Jeep was on it's left side blocking the Union Pacific Railroad Tracks at that intersection. The ensuing investigation revealed that a white Ford van was heading southbound on Metz Avenue stopping for the posted stop sign and then it continued through the intersection striking the blue Jeep as it was traveling westbound on San Antonio Drive causing it to flip onto it's side. Union Pacific Railroad was advised of the collision and blocked tracks. The tracks were blocked for 45 minutes while the investigation was conducted. The driver of the blue Jeep was the sole occupant and was transported by AMR Ambulance to a local Hospital as a precaution as she was complaining of pain, while the driver of the Ford van had no injuries. The King City Police Department remin

The Salinas Valley Fair Junior Fair Board (JFB) is hosting their annual ‘Pedro’ party on Friday night, March 15 at the Fairground’s Pavilion Building in King City starting at 6 PM. Admission is $5 per person which includes food and drink. Prizes have been donated by local businesses for the top players. This year, organizers expect most participants will have a chance to walk away a “winner”.  Members will vote on how to best use the proceeds for the benefit of the community. Proceeds from past events have purchased equipment for the fair including a new livestock scale or have been donated to charitable causes such as the ALS Foundation. The Salinas Valley Fair (SVF) Junior Fair Board (JFB) is a Fair sponsored youth volunteer organization modeled after the Fair’s governing board.  The youth group was established in 1969 to foster future leaders and formally organize a youth volunteer force for the Salinas Valley Fair.  Today, Junior Fair Board members collectively provide over 1,500

Deputies from the South County Patrol Division responded to a structure fire at the Western Harvesting Scales on Lonoak Road in King City sometime on Monday afternoon, March 11. No one was injured, but the scale house was engulfed in flames when Deputies arrived. Fire personnel from South Monterey County Fire and CalFire responded, but the building was completely destroyed.

On Monday, March 11 at 3:45 pm King City Police officers were contacted by a local businessman on the 200 block of Broadway who reported that his business accepted a counterfeit 100 dollar bill some time over the weekend. The King City Police Department is advising the public and businesses to be aware that some one is passing counterfeit money in the King City area and to be vigilant about the money they are accepting. If any businesses in King City believe they may have accepted counterfeit money and if anyone has further information regarding this case, please contact the King City Police Department at (831) 386-5980 or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME. 

A lot of judges were on hand to sample many different varieties of wine at the 26th Annual Monterey International Wine Competition in the Orradre Building at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 9. Director Rich Cook was impressed with the number of entries this year indicating that were some new types of wine that was judged this year as well. Cook was also very thankful for all of the work that many of the volunteers put in.

People who reside in Soledad are becoming frustrated regarding dogs barking too much in their neighborhoods. In fact, quite a few people are voicing their concerns on social media by posting comments about the problems with barking dogs in their residential areas. The city has been receiving complaints too. Barking dogs are classified as a public nuisance under city code, and the city of Soledad is now beginning to crack down on owners who don't take responsibility. If you have a complaint about a barking dog that will not stop, the city of Soledad advises residents to call the animal control office at 831-755-5111.

The City of King received notification on Wednesday, March 6 that it's grant application for over $1.5 million for pre-construction activities related to a King City passenger rail platform has been approved. The platform is proposed to allow service by the existing Coast Starlight to King City and access to Fort Hunter Liggett, U.S. Army Garrison and Pinnacles National Park. According to King City Mayor Mike LeBarre, the City has been working for several years on plans for a multimodal transportation center and this funding will be a tremendous step in making that goal a reality. The grant will fund design of the platform services needed to pursue approval from Union Pacific on a needed right-of-way, permits, a new crossing at Broadway Street and other related pre-construction activities. The announcement was part of $13.1 million from Senate Bill 1 State Rail Assistance (SRA) funding approved by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) to advance 9 projects througho

On Tuesday night, March 5, at 10:50 pm 60-year-old Bruce Wayne Eddy of Atascadero was driving a Chevy Impala at 60 miles per hour northbound on US-101 north of Las Tablas Road in Templeton in the #2 lane. A 17-year-old Paso Robles female was walking on the right hand shoulder area of northbound US-101 north of Las Tablas Road and for unknown reasons, stepped into the #2 lane of northbound US-101, directly into the path of the vehicle being hit by the right front fender/windshield area. The female suffered fatal injuries as a result of this collision and was pronounced dead at the scene.  Alcohol and/or drugs are not suspected by the driver. The accident is still under investigation.

A free Community Health Worker Training Program starts on Saturday, March 9 at 8:30 am and runs until 12:30 pm at the Soledad Adult School. This program will be taking place until late April of 2019. You can register at the adult school located at 690 Main Street in Soledad or for questions and more information, contact Melissa Casillas at 831-801-3938.

The rain did not turn away Greenfield Mayor Pro Tem Nely Martinez and other people from all over the state voicing their concerns about a pesticide called Chlopyrifos in front of the Environmental State Department in Sacramento on Wednesday, March 6.  Martinez said that she plans to talk more about her concerns regarding the pesticide Chlopyrifos at the next Greenfield City Council meeting on Tuesday night, March 26.

It may have been wet outside, but that didn't stop Grid Alternatives from celebrating their 100th solar installation at 802 Willow Street in King City at the residence of Olga Martinez and Luis Rosas on Tuesday, March 5. Central Coast Grid Alternatives Executive Director Justin Hitchcock said that using solar power will help the family of Martinez and Rosas save a lot of money on electricity bills. Hitchcock stated that they installed solar panel tags on the roof of the house and it uses the sunlight to produce electricity.

Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated was busy with their regular luncheon membership meeting on Tuesday, March 5 at Lawrence's Restaurant in King City. Monterey County Republican Party Chairman Jeff Gorman was the guest speaker talking about what lies ahead in 2020 with the primary election and the General election.

On Sunday morning, March 3, at around 540 am, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) was dispatched to a possible traffic collision on York Mountain Road east of Shadow Canyon Road in Paso Robles. A CHP officer and ambulance personnel arrived on the scene and contacted Daniel Ruiz Rodriguez-Johnson. As the officer spoke with ambulance personnel, Rodriguez-Johnson walked to and entered the unoccupied CHP patrol vehicle. The officer ran towards the patrol car and attempted to prevent Rodriguez-Johnson from driving away. However, Rodriguez-Johnson drove away in the CHP patrol vehicle traveling onto westbound SR-46. Responding CHP personnel located and pursued the stolen CHP unit westbound SR-46 onto northbound SR-1. A spike strip was successfully deployed on the stolen CHP unit. Mr. Rodriguez-Johnson continued northbound on SR-1 where he drove into dense brush on the west shoulder of the highway near Mile Post Marker 70.3. Rodriquez-Johnson exited the stolen CHP unit and fled into dense br

On Saturday night, March 2 Firefighter Sean Schmidt was named the 2018 Volunteer Firefighter of the year at the annual Gonzales Chamber of Commerce recognition dinner. On Sunday, March 3 Schmidt was back on duty responding to calls and installing smoke detectors for residents in the Gonzales community.

On Thursday, February 28, Greenfield Police Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. During the stop, officers located a large quantity of marijuana inside the vehicle. 28-year-old Javier Solis of Greenfield, was in possession of a loaded firearm along with over 4 pounds of marijuana, 1 pound of concentrated wax cannabis, US currency and other smoking paraphernalia. Solis was taken into custody for Carrying a Stolen Loaded Firearm, Possession of Marijuana for Sale, and other drug trafficking related charges. Solis was booked into the Monterey County Jail.

The Orradre Building at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds was packed for the King City Chamber Commerce and Agriculture's Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday night, March 2. Being named Citizens of the Year were Dr. Steven and Cheryl Harrison, the Stage Hands who have produced over 50 shows in 39 years were named Friends of the Community, while taking home Business of the Year accolades was Tacos La Potranca.

Kids were all over the Greenfield Public Library for Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss' Birthday on Saturday, March 2. Library Branch Manager Dawn Vest said that this day was a great way for them to promote literacy. Greenfield Mayor Pro Tem Nely Martinez also read a few books. There was also a drawing done and a lot of kids were awarded many different books.

The Greenfield Union School District will be hosting a Teacher Job Fair this Saturday, March 2 from 10 am to 1 pm in the Boardroom at the Greenfield Unified School District located at 493 El Camino Real. For questions and more information call 674-2840, extension 2021.

The 1st Annual Community Softball Tournament brought to you by the Greenfield Police Association, South County Skills Academy and Greenfield Little League will be taking place on Sunday, March 3 beginning at 9 am at Patriot Park in Greenfield. The public is invited to check it out.

If you're concerned that your dog or cat may runaway and you won't be able to find them again then have no fear, South County Animal Rescue will be at the King City Rec Center on Sunday, March 3 from 12 pm to 3 pm to help as they'll be holding a free Microchip clinic for your pet.