KRKC COUNTRY

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, October 30, U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-19), Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Collin Peterson (D-MN-07), Mike Simpson (R-ID-02), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01), and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25) introduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, H.R. 4916, to provide a compromise solution for American agriculture. The bill was introduced with the strong bipartisan support of 24 Democratic and 21 Republican Members of Congress. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which was negotiated over several months with input from agricultural stakeholders and labor organizations, is a bipartisan solution for America’s agriculture industry and farmworkers by providing stability, predictability, and fairness to one of the most critical sectors of our nation’s economy. Click here for a one-pager. Click here for bill text. "For many years, farmers and farmworkers on the Central Coast have faced continued uncertainty when it comes to ag

PASO ROBLES, CA – On Wednesday, October 30 at approximately 1:40 pm, Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services responded to a commercial business at 820 28th Street for a reported structure fire. The first unit arrived at scene within approximately three minutes. Upon arrival, smoke was visible from the eves and open storage unit doors. Firefighters located and extinguished a fire in the ceiling of a bathroom without further extension. Two fire engines and one Battalion Chief from Paso Robles responded. Under the City’s automatic aid agreements, two fire engines and one Battalion Chief from CAL FIRE/SLO County, one fire engine from Templeton Fire, and one ladder truck from Atascadero Fire immediately responded. Additional on scene assistance provided by Paso Robles Police Department and San Luis Ambulance Service. The fire was contained at approximately 1:59 pm. The fire was caused during a plumbing repair operation.

CalFresh recipients in South Monterey County may be eligible for replacement benefits for food spoiled due to the recent power outages if the food was purchased using CalFresh benefits in October 2019. To begin the process of replacing CalFresh benefits, recipients may call the Monterey County CB Care Center at 1-877-410-8823, or they can visit any of the DSS district office locations: Salinas Office 1000 S. Main St., Ste. 216 Salinas CA 93901 Toll Free Phone #: 1-866-323-1953 Seaside Office 1281 Broadway Ave. Seaside Ca 93955 Toll Free Phone #: 1-866-323-1953 TTY/TTD Phone #: (831) 393-0950 King City Office 116 Broadway St. King City CA 93930 Toll Free Phone #: 1-866-323-1953 TTY/TTD Phone #: (831) 386-0537 Monterey County CB CARE Center 1-877-410-8823 CALL TOLL FREE Business hours: Monday thru Friday 8:00 AM—5:00 PM Automated self-service available after hours

The SPCA for Monterey County is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who abandoned a tiny puppy in Chualar on Tuesday, October 29. The small eight week old black and white terrier mix was found abandoned in a box on Washington Street in Chualar around 8:15 in the morning. The property owner contacted the SPCA. SPCA Humane Officers responded to the scene to rescue the puppy and bring her back to the SPCA for veterinary treatment and care. The puppy, who SPCA staff are calling Sally, is now safe at the SPCA. The SPCA gave her a veterinary exam and a warm bath and she is now enjoying clean water, fresh food, and cozy bedding. If you have any information about this case or can identify the puppy, please contact the SPCA at 831-373-2631. All calls are confidential.  To donate to help abused and neglected animals, please call the SPCA at 831-264-5421 or donate online at www.SPCAmc.org. The owners could potentially be char

District 20 Congressman Jimmy Panetta sounded off with his support on Wednesday, October 23 to the House Committee on Ways and Means regarding H.R. 4742 which is the Protecting American Lungs Act, a bipartisan bill to tax nicotine absorption from vaping products at the same rate as nicotine from cigarettes. Congressman Panetta talks voted yes for this bill along with other lawmakers. The Committee passed this important legislation, and it was also passed on the House on the floor by a vote of 24 to 15.

A collision involving 2 pickup trucks occurred on Highway 101 Northbound near the Hudson Offramp exit in Greenfield at 6:52 pm on Tuesday night, October 29. One of the trucks was hauling a trailer. According to the CHP, the driver of the pickup truck that was transporting the trailer received minor injuries that consisted of cuts and abrasions, while the trailer was jackknifed as it crashed into a guardrail on the center divide. Traffic was backed up in the left lane for over an hour and a half because of the debris and glass in the roadway, while the CHP and other law enforcement agencies were on site to investigate before a few tow trucks arrived to assist. Alcohol and drugs were not a factor in the crash, while the cause of the accident is unknown. 

PG&E has confirmed that areas in Monterey County that were impacted by the Public Safety Power Shutoff will be re-energized in the next 24 hours. Residents and businesses who don’t see the power come back on by Monday evening, October 28 can expect power on Tuesday, October 29. Here are some good steps and precautions to take in advance of the power returning: • Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can cause damage. • Wells need to be inspected if the power is out for 12 hours or more. If you are served by an individual well or community well system, please contact the Monterey County Health Department, Environmental Health Bureau at (831) 755-4505 or sws@co.monterey.ca.us for more information. • When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. • If your medication

Road and lane closures are still in place throughout Highway 101 in South Monterey County during the week of October 27, 2019 that motorists should be aware of as we head into November. Major scheduled road and lane closures for South Monterey County this week are as follows: Highway 101: Camp Roberts: Now – November 22 One long-term lane closure is still occurring along northbound and southbound Highway 101 at Camp Roberts for pavement work from 7 am to 2 pm. Highway 101: Camp Roberts: Now – November 29 One long-term off/on-ramp closure is still in place along southbound Highway 101 at Camp Roberts for paving work from 7 am to 2 pm. Highway 101: San Ardo – San Lucas: Now – December 31 One long-term lane closure is still in effect along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between the Paris Valley Road overcrossing and the Rancho undercrossing from San Ardo to San Lucas for grinding and paving work. Highway 101: Wild Horse – First Street, King City: Now – January 2020 O

Due to Pacific Gas & Electric power outages for fire prevention in Soledad and Gonzales, Hartnell College has cancelled its for-credit classes in those communities the afternoon and evening of Monday, October 28. This cancellation, announced by Dr. Lori Kildal, vice president for academic affairs, specifically affects classes offered at Soledad High School and Gonzales High School. Hartnell’s classes at Greenfield High School and at the King City Education Center are not affected by the shutoffs at this time. Hartnell will continue to monitor PG&E's Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) activity and provide information about college classes on Tuesday, October 29, and beyond as soon as possible.

Resources/Information for County Residents During Public Safety Power Shutdown Some residents in Monterey County will be impacted by a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff. The shutoff is expected to begin Saturday evening, October 26 about 10:00 p.m. and will last at least until Tuesday, October 28th. PG&E expects to begin re-energizing lines Monday afternoon, but delays may occur if there is powerline damage due to winds. PG&E expects 9,000 customers in Monterey County to be impacted by this power shutoff, the majority of which are in the following areas: • Aromas • Royal Oaks • Gabilan Acres/ San Juan Grade Road / Old Stage Rd to the San Benito County Border • Gabilan Foothills Off of Old Stage Rd and Zabala Rd. • Chualar, • Gonzales • Soledad • Greenfield Residents in the shutoff zone will receive a call from PG&E. If you are wondering if you will be impacted, you can check your address on the PG&E Webpage: If you are not sure how to prepare for this

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, October 25 that 41-year-old Antonio Carlos Gonzalez of King City was convicted during the week of October 20, 2019 after a jury trial of felony vandalism. During the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 31, 2019, Soledad Officers were dispatched to Mariscos El Rey Nayar Mexican Restaurant for a report of a possible burglary in progress. Upon arrival, officers located Gonzalez in the near vicinity of the business. Officers discovered that two windows and the glass front door of the restaurant had been shattered. Security camera footage showed that Gonzalez used a metal bar to break the windows and the glass door to the restaurant. The cost to repair the windows and doors was $2,233.05. Gonzalez will be sentenced before the Honorable Pamela L. Butler at 8:45 am in Department 3 of the Monterey County Superior Criminal Court on December 6, 2019. He faces a maximum of 5 years in county jail.

One vehicle overturned off of Cattlemen Road and Wildhorse Road in King City sometime after 4:30 pm on Thursday afternoon, October 24. Two people in the car received moderate injuries from the crash, while the cause of the accident is unknown.

On Thursday, October 24, at 9:50 am, a King City CHP Officer attempted to make a traffic stop on a 2018 Ford C-Max traveling in excess of 100 mph, southbound on Highway 101 near Hobson Avenue, north of King City. The 2018 Ford was driven by 25 year-old Kevin Medina a parolee from Merced County. Medina failed to stop for the officer and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Medina drove southbound on 101 to the Jolon Road off-ramp in King City and hit a 2015 Dodge pickup driven by Gary Briant of Carmel. Briant was driving southbound on the off-ramp at around 55 mph when Medina's vehicle rear-ended his Dodge. After the non-injury collision, Medina continued driving a short distance on Jolon Road before fleeing on foot from the Ford. The CHP Officer gave chase and was able to apprehend Medina a short distance from Medina's vehicle. Medina was arrested for felony evading a peace officer without further incident and was booked into the Monterey County Jail.

On Thursday, October 24 at approximately 12:30 PM, officers responded to the area of Cesar Chavez Elementary School on a report of a suspicious male with a firearm near the intersection of Thorp Avenue and Tuscany Way. As a precaution, Cesar Chavez Elementary School was placed on lockdown at around 1 pm while the report was investigated. Officers conducted area checks of the surrounding neighborhoods, spoke with citizens and reviewed city and home camera footage, but were unable to locate a suspect or confirm a crime was committed. Once it was determined that the area was safe, the lockdown was lifted within minutes. If you have any information regarding this incident, please call Detective Dyels of the Greenfield Police Department at 831-674-5111.

San Luis Obispo Police Officers were in pursuit sometime on Wednesday night, October 23 of a burglary suspect traveling northbound on US 101 from California Blvd. The suspected vehicle was described as an older green Ford Thunderbird. CHP units intercepted the vehicle north of the town of Santa Margarita on El Camino Real as it attempted to make a traffic stop. The driver failed to yield and entered Northbound 101 reaching speeds of over 100 mph. The suspect exited at Cubaril Avenue traveling over the freeway, and re-entered Highway 101 traveling northbound on the southbound off ramp. CHP units paralleled the suspect vehicle and saw it drive off the road and strike a tree on the Morro Road on ramp to southbound 101. Atascadero Police Officers surrounded the vehicle, while CHP officers took the driver into custody. 41-year-old Selena Monique Grijalva of San Jose was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail with bail set at $50,000.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a 30-year-old Greenfield man was killed after a wrong-way crash on Highway 1 near Vista Point at around 11:35 pm on Wednesday night, October 23. The man was heading the wrong way southbound on Highway 1 south of Vista Point while speeding, while a man from Palo Alto and a man from Watsonville were in a Ford Mustang also going southbound on Highway 1. The CHP said that the driver of the Mustang was not able to avoid a head-on crash with the other vehicle. The Greenfield driver of the car going the wrong way died of his injuries at a Hospital in Watsonville, while two passengers in the car, a 27-year-old woman from Greenfield and a 25-year-old woman from Greenfield, were taken to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas with major injuries. The driver and passenger in the Mustang also had major injuries and were taken to Valley Medical Center in San Jose. Southbound Highway 1 was shutdown for 3 hours while the CHP investigated. Officers believe dr

At the King City City Council meeting on Tuesday night, October 22 at City Hall Mayor Mike LeBarre and City Manager Steven Adams spoke about the Helen Putnam Award that the City received at the League of California Cities Annual Conference at the Long Beach Convention Center during the week of October 13 for their Comprehensive Plan to end Youth Violence. In addition, after over 2 hours of discussion the Council approved to recommend that City Manager Steven Adams and other staff draft up changes to the City's Cannabis ordinance to address matters that pertain to allowing cannabis dispensaries, changes to tax rates, expanding zones where hemp manufacturing is allowed and other proposed Code changes. Over half a dozen people that reside in King City and the surrounding areas spoke during the public comment period to address the Council with different comments regarding what they think about this issue.

A brush fire sparked sometime before 2 am underneath a Highway 101 overpass in King City on Wednesday morning, October 23. Fire crews were quickly able to knock it down within a matter of minutes as the blaze only burned a quarter of an acre. No injuries were reported, while the cause of the fire is unknown.

Monterey High School Head Football Coach Henry Lusk has been put on paid administrative leave after an incident that took place at a football game against Soledad High School on October 18. In a letter sent out to Monterey High School families, school administrators informed the families that Coach Lusk is on leave pending an "investigation of this personnel matter."  The letter said because it is a personnel matter, "there are not many details they can share due to confidentiality." Soledad High School Athletic Director Nick Twitchell said that the "incident did not involve anyone from Soledad High School or the Soledad High School football team."

​The King City Union School District has been notified of inappropriate communications between a student and a staff member. The District stated that after a preliminary investigation, there appears to be substance to the allegations and the employee has been placed on administrative leave while a full investigation is conducted.  The district is not releasing any other information in order to protect the student's privacy, but they have confirmed that the student's parents were immediately notified. ​ According to a message through the KCUSD website, "The well-being of every student is a paramount priority in their schools and in their District. They also said that they want to assure their school community that they take swift and consistent action to uphold all policies to maintain student and staff safety.

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, October 23, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) voted in support of the Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy (SHIELD) Act, H.R. 4617, to combat foreign interference in American elections. "Foreign adversaries attacked our elections in 2016 and are setting their sights on 2020," said Congressman Panetta.  "Today, the House acted to protect the integrity of our elections. The SHIELD Act safeguards our democratic process from foreign intervention and holds individuals engaged in attacking our elections accountable." This comprehensive legislation: Creates a duty to report illicit offers of campaign assistance from foreign governments and their agents. Helps prevent foreign interference in future elections by improving transparency of online political advertisements. Closes loopholes that allow foreign nationals and foreign governments to spend in U.S. elections. Restricts exchange of ca

It's that time of year again as the Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated will be sending packages to servicemen and women serving in Afghanistan at their regular meeting at Lawrence's Restaurant in King City on Tuesday, November 5. You can also leave your donated items at the King City Rustler Newspaper Offices located at 522 Broadway Street, Suite A in King City. SMCRWF Secretary Kathy Fornone said that the troops are in need of paperback books, magazines, small containers of toothpaste, toothbrushes, chapstick, beef jerky, breath mints, small deodorant, foot powder and hand wipes. The donations will be handed over to Operation Care and Comfort to mail off to our troops serving abroad. For more information call 831-385-1333.

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, October 23 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a federal grant totaling $1,663,670.25 to Monterey County for Palo Colorado roadway repairs.  The funds will reimburse Monterey County for repairs related to the severe winter storms that took place in February 2017. "When this road was completely washed out, our local crews got to work. The repairs made last year got the road back into shape for the many people who rely on it to safely travel to work and school," said Congressman Panetta.  "I am proud to have helped secure this FEMA grant that will reimburse the county for roadway repairs made to Palo Colorado.  I will continue to engage with FEMA officials to ensure not only that our communities have the financing they need for storm repairs but that we make federal investments in resilient infrastructure so that the

Two different vehicle collisions occurred south of the Jolon Road exit and North of Broadway on Highway 101 North in King City sometime between 7:30 and 8:30 on Tuesday night, October 22. According to the CHP, the first accident involved a solo vehicle that struck a guardrail, while the 2nd crash took place with 2 vehicles that rear ended each other. Traffic was backed up for over 30 minutes. No one was injured, while the cause of both accidents is unknown.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) voted in support of the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act of 2019, H.R. 724, to criminalize certain acts of animal cruelty. The legislation unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday night, October 22. In 2010, Congress passed the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act, which made the creation and distribution of animal crushing videos illegal. However, the underlying acts of cruelty against animals were not included. The PACT Act closes this loophole by prohibiting certain cases of animal abuse. "Those who knowingly commit acts of animal cruelty must be subject to criminal penalty," said Congressman Panetta.  "The bipartisan Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act is common-sense policy that provides law enforcement additional authorities to combat animal cruelty." This legislation was brought to the House floor for debate and a vote by utilization of the new House “

A 3 vehicle accident took place sometime after 6 am on Tuesday, October 22 off of Arroyo Seco Road and Los Coches Road in Greenfield. No one was injured, while the cause of the crash is unknown.

On Friday, October 18, Greenfield Police Officers were dispatched on a call involving a potential shooting that would occur at Greenfield High School. The School Resource Officer and Patrol Officers quickly responded by contacting school administration. The student and the student’s parents were interviewed and cooperated with police throughout the investigation. As the investigation continued, multiple students were thoroughly interviewed and it was determined that the threat was a rumor started on the social media application Snapchat. In the conclusion of the investigation, it was determined there was no credible or direct threat made. Although the threat was not substantiated, there was a heightened police presence at Greenfield High School on Monday, October 21. The Greenfield Police Department takes all threats of school violence seriously and they encourage their community to report any suspicious social media posts or concerning behavior. They also encourage parents t

WASHINGTON, DC – On Monday, October 21, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) led his Democratic colleagues from the California Congressional Delegation in calling on the administration to stop a proposed rule to restrict states’ flexibility in administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in California. This proposal, which limits states’ ability to set their own Standard Utility Allowances (SUAs) based on local experience with utility costs, would reduce benefits for nineteen percent of SNAP recipient households nationwide, and as many as 8,000 households could lose eligibility altogether. This proposed rulemaking would also disproportionately impact working families, the elderly and people with disabilities. "Low income Californians rely on CalFresh," said Congressman Panetta.  "By taking away our state’s ability to take into account local utility benefits to determine SNAP benefits, the administration is forcing families

The City of King in partnership with the Small Business Development Center and the King City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture will be holding a series of two free business workshops to assist current small business owners to become more successful. They are part of the City’s economic development efforts. Programs will take place in the City Council Chambers from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. October 23 & 30. Translation services will be available. For more information or to register for one of the business workshops call the City of King at 831-385-3281 or go online to kingcity.com.

Major scheduled road and lane closures for South Monterey County during the week of October 20, 2019 are as follows: Highway 101: Camp Roberts: Now – November 22 One long-term lane closure is occuring along northbound and southbound Highway 101 at Camp Roberts for pavement from 7 am to 2 pm. Highway 101: Camp Roberts: Now – November 29 One long-term off/on-ramp closure is in place along southbound Highway 101 at Camp Roberts for paving work from 7 am to 2 pm. Highway 101: San Ardo – San Lucas: Now - December 31 One long-term lane closure is still in effect along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between the Paris Valley Road overcrossing and the Rancho undercrossing from San Ardo to San Lucas for grinding and paving work. Highway 101: Wild Horse – First Street, King City: Now – January 2020 One long-term lane closure is still going on along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Wild Horse Road and First Street for roadway excavation work from 5 am to 12 pm. Plea

District 30 Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) and the United Farm Workers will announce the passage of AB 1783 the Farmworker Housing Act of 2019 on Monday, October 21 from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at the Central Coast Farm Worker Center located at 118 East Gabilan Street in Salinas. Assemblymember Rivas, Civil Rights Organizer Dolores Huerta, UFW President Teresa Romero, and invited elected officials will share why AB 1783 is an important landmark bill that will ensure high-quality housing for farmworker families. 

Earthquake early warning alerts will become publicly available throughout California this week, the Governor's Office of Emergency Services said on Wednesday, October 16. The system's statewide debut of Thursday, October 17 coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake that ravaged the San Francisco Bay area on Oct. 17, 1989, as well as the annual Great Shakeout safety drill. The warnings produced by the ShakeAlert system will be pushed through a smartphone app called MyShake and the same wireless notification system that issues Amber Alerts. The state earthquake app, developed at the University of California, Berkeley, is available for download to IOS users through iTunes and through GooglePlay stores for Android phones. The system does not predict earthquakes. Rather, it detects the start of an earthquake and calculates location, intensity and sends alerts to areas where shaking is likely to occur from quakes of magnitude 4.5 or greater. The al

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, October 17, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), and Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) – all members of the House Agriculture Committee – introduced legislation to authorize a 5 percent annual funding increase over the next 5 years at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The America Grows Act restores U.S. commitment to publicly-funded agriculture research, while most domestic agriculture research has declined. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).  "As the representative of the Salad Bowl of the World, including the Salinas Agricultural Research Station, I want to ensure that our producers have all of the tools they need to continue to innovate and compete in the global economy," said Congressman Panetta, a member of the House Agriculture Committee and founder of the House Agriculture Research Caucus.  "The America Grows Act is the type of st

The King City Police Department is warning parents in the area about the dangers of the Social Media App Snapchat which is used on smart phones. The King City PD reports that sexual predators have been using Snapchat to talk with children and send them explicit pictures. The photos and messages are displayed for a few seconds and then they disappear without a trace. The King City Police Department or any other law enforcement agency cannot access a Snapchat account due to the fact that the Social Media application does not freely cooperate with police investigations. The King City PD reminds parents to talk with their children about the dangers of Social Media, restrict the amount of freedom they have on Social Media, that they search their child's Snapchat account for any explicit messages and they report any explicit information they find on Social Media to them by calling 385-4848.

On Wednesday morning, October 16 at 10:26 am, Greenfield Police Officers responded to a residential burglary in progress on the 500 block of El Camino Real. As a precaution to ensure the safety of students and staff, Mary Chapa Academy was placed on lockdown. After approximately 10 minutes, the incident safely concluded with 4 juveniles being detained and the lockdown was lifted. The investigation is ongoing.

On Wednesday, October 16, the League of California Cities announced the City of King won the 2019 Helen Putnam Award in the category of Public Safety for its Comprehensive Plan to End Youth Violence. The announcement was made at the opening ceremonies of the League of California Cities Annual Conference at the Long Beach Convention Center which is attended by officials from cities throughout California. Mayor Mike LeBarre was present to accept the award on behalf of the City of King. Facing several years of serious gang violence problems, the King City City Council appointed a community task force in 2016 to develop what became its Comprehensive Plan to End Youth Violence. The Plan includes 24 measures under the categories of Prevention, Intervention, Enforcement, Re-Entry and Public Outreach. The City approved 19 of the measures within the first year and a half through a series of partnerships, including an extensive after-school program, youth diversion program, security camera sys

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, October 16, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) voted to oppose the President’s decision to end U.S. efforts to prevent Turkish military operations against Syrian Kurdish forces in Northeast Syria. "The rash decision to pull out U.S. troops from Syria is not only premature, it undercuts America’s credibility as a leader and reliable ally," Congressman Panetta said. "The decision threatens our status abroad and our security at home." Congressman Panetta voted for H.J. Res 77, a bipartisan resolution noting that thousands of Syrian Kurds have for years fought courageously with American forces against the brutality of ISIS. The resolution refers to recent diplomatic pledges of support for Kurds from U.S. officials, as well as warnings from the U.S. intelligence community that “ISIS is intent on resurging” and recruiting individuals in Syria. As Turkey continues a military offensive against Kurds, the resolution state

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, October 16, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee passed Congressman Jimmy Panetta’s (CA-20) bipartisan legislation, the Legal Services for Homeless Veterans Act, H.R.3749, recommending the legislation for a vote in the full U.S. House of Representatives. "Accessing legal aid should not be an added hoop to jump through for veterans struggling with or on the brink of homelessness.  It is essential that Congress ensure that our veterans are properly supported," said Congressman Panetta.  "The Legal Services for Homeless Veterans Act provides veterans, and supportive and surrounding organizations, the resources necessary to help them resolve legal issues and get back on their feet so that they can get back to being an integral part of our community and country." "We must do more to get our veterans off the streets and into affordable housing so that they can live in dignity and comfort," said Congressman Cisneros (CA-3

According to the US Geological Survey a magnitude 4.7 earthquake hit 10 miles south to southeast of the Tres Pinos area at around 12:42 pm on Tuesday, October 15. Previous reports had the quake measuring at 5.0 and 4.8. The earthquake was felt in Salinas, Chualar, King City, Greenfield, Soledad, Gonzales and many of the surrounding areas of South Monterey County. The depth of the quake was 5.6 miles. No injuries or damages were reported.

(SACRAMENTO) – On Sunday, October 13, Governor Newsom has signed AB 1783, the Farmworker Housing Act of 2019, authored by Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) to provide quality, dignified housing for farmworkers in California. “This is a momentous victory for farmworkers who, together with our family farmers, work to bring the freshest produce to market and help feed the entire country,” stated Rivas. “I thank Governor Newsom for standing up for the needs of farmworkers and their families. This historic new law helps both farmworkers and farmers by addressing the tremendous need for construction of farmworker housing throughout California.” AB 1783, the Farmworker Housing Act of 2019, creates an opt in, new streamlined process—cutting through red tape—to build housing on surplus agricultural land, sets quality standards to ensure that the new housing is dignified and family friendly, and puts safeguards in place to protect the environment. AB 1783 focuses state financial supp

According to officials from Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad, 4 inmates were transported to a nearby hospital after a riot broke out during recreational time on Saturday night, October 12. 17 inmates were took part in the riot and officials stated that a weapon was recovered after the melee began. The 4 inmates that were driven to a nearby hospital with injuries were discharged on Sunday, October 13 and transferred back to the prison.

The City of King has scheduled improvements to the Creek Bridge Baseball Park for this winter. The King City Public Works Department will level, aerate, reseed and fertilize the field so that the worn areas of the grass outfield can be restored. As a result, the ballfield will be closed right now through February of 2020 in order to complete the work and provide time for the field to recover and take root. The other areas of the park will remain open during this period. The project is part of an overall Sports Field Improvement Plan recently adopted by the King City City Council. The City of King's sports fields have become deteriorated over time due to deferred maintenance and overuse. The plan includes strategies to upgrade all the fields over the next 2 to 3 years. The Adult Softball Field was renovated in 2018 in partnership with the Adult Softball League. Plans are being developed to upgrade the Little League Field and Soccer Park in the Spring of 2020 through other partnersh

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for South Monterey County from Sunday, October 13 through Saturday, October 19. Highway 101: Camp Roberts Rest Area – San Antonio River Bridge: Wednesday, October 17 One-lane closure will occur along northbound Highway 101 between the Camp Roberts Rest Area and the San Antonio River Bridge for work on the bridge from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.    Highway 101: Camp Roberts: Now – November 22 One long-term off/on-ramp closure will occur along southbound Highway 101 at Camp Roberts for paving work from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Highway 101: San Ardo – San Lucas: Now - December 31 One long-term lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between the Paris Valley Road overcrossing and the Rancho undercrossing for grinding and paving work. Highway 101: Wild Horse – First Street, King City: Now – January 2020 One long-term lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Wild Ho

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – On Monday, October 14, Governor Newsom has signed AB 936, legislation to protect public health and the environment authored by Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister). “I thank the Governor for signing this critical bill to protect the people of California,” said Rivas. “AB 936 takes bold steps to ensure first responders are properly equipped and have the information they need to deal with the unique challenges posed by a spill of nonfloating oil. Our communities are counting on us and this shows a serious commitment to ensure their health and safety.”      “I’m thrilled for the great work that Assemblymember Rivas led to protect our environment from a potential spill of nonfloating oil,” said Former California Secretary of Natural Resources and former Assemblymember John Laird. “The bill fills a critical gap in existing law and I applaud the Governor and Legislature for taking this important action.” "This is good news for all of the sensitive waters in

On Sunday night, October 13 just after 10:30 pm 40-year-old Curis Lee Twissleman of Shandon was driving a Dodge Ram 4 by 4 Pickup southbound on Bitterwater Road from State Route 46 East in Templeton at 40 MPH. Twissleman allowed the pickup to drift off the roadway and onto the right shoulder and it continued off the shoulder and down a steep embankment. The pickup rolled over 1 /2 times down the embankment, coming to a stop on its roof in a dry creek bed. The collision scene was discovered moments later by a passing motorist, and notification was made to the California Highway Patrol. The CHP responded along with Cal Fire personnel and San Luis Ambulance. Twissleman was extricated from the pickup by use of the "Jaws of Life" and was carried out of the creek bed to a waiting ambulance and transported to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo where he was admitted with major injuries. This collision is being investigated by the CHP. Alcohol is believed to be