KRKC COUNTRY

SALINAS, CA – On Tuesday, November 26, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced that Salud Para La Gente and Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas received federal grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Salud Para La Gente in Watsonville received a federal grant totaling $1,823,238.00 and Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas in Salinas received a federal grant totaling $2,767,682.00. "Community health centers play a vital role keeping Central Coast families healthy," said Congressman Panetta. "These grants will help our health centers provide community members with the care that they need and deserve." The funding for these grants comes through the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Health Center Cluster grant program, which is one of many programs that distributes Affordable Care Act (ACA) funding to community health centers across the country. The purpose of the FY2019 health center program awards is

Every Thanksgiving, families come together to share a meal and enjoy time together. For too many families in our community, the stress of putting food on the table can cause undue anxiety during this season meant for giving thanks. In partnership with California Water Service, Supervisor Chris Lopez is taking this opportunity to alleviate just a little bit of that stress. Working through local schools and non-profits, they are honored to be distributing care packages that include a turkey voucher from California Water Service, and a matching gift card to help put together all the trimmings that families need to gather around and enjoy a wonderful dinner. Supervisor Lopez stated, “Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our lives and our many blessings. Growing up in Southern Monterey County, I learned that you look out for each other and take care of every member of your community. I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with California Water Service to help make this season just

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As millions of motorists head out for the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) throughout Monterey County and Statewide is prepared for one of the busiest travel weekends in America. Unfortunately, in the past, Thanksgiving has also been one of the deadlier holidays on our roadways. To help motorists arrive at their destinations safely, the CHP will implement a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) and deploy all available officers through the holiday weekend. The MEP begins at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 1. During the MEP, CHP officers will educate motorists and enforce traffic safety laws throughout the state to ensure everyone has a safe holiday. Officers will be actively looking for unsafe driving practices, including impaired or distracted driving, unsafe speed, and vehicle occupants who fail to buckle up. "Holiday travel can be stressful. By putting some simple safety

The amount of people that have become sick from an e-coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce has gone up. The news broke sometime during the week of November 17, 2019. The Centers for Disease Control states that 27 additional cases have been reported bringing the total to 67 cases in 19 states No deaths have been reported but 39 people had to be hospitalized, while 6 people developed a type of kidney failure. The outbreak has been linked to romaine lettuce grown in Salinas, California and consumers are advised to avoid lettuce grown from that area. In addition, the public is being told that if they aren't sure where the lettuce came from then they should get rid of it.

On Saturday, November 23 and Monday, November 25, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (S.A.F.E.) Team was out all over the county checking up on registered sex offenders. Many of the offenders were found to be in compliance, however 3 were found to not be that included: 21-year-old Matthew Isiah Diaz who was visited at his residence on the 600 block of Madera Avenue in Greenfield. Diaz was found to be violating the terms of his probation. 31-year-old Miguel Angel Morales Mendez was visited at his residence on the 100 Block of 5th Street in Greenfield. Mendez was found to be violating the terms of his proation. Plus, 31-year-old Amalia Soto of the 10600 Block of Merritt Street, Castroville was also contacted. Soto was found to be violating the terms of her parole. The Sheriff’s Office S.A.F.E. Team routinely conducts operations to ensure that registered sex offenders are in compliance with their registration obligations and/or terms of superv

On Saturday morning, November 23 at about 4:30 am Monterey County Sheriff's Deputies responded to Grant Street in Chualar for an in-progress domestic violence incident. According to the call, 25-year-old Gilberto Perez Acosta had punched the mother of his child in the face and choked her. After the victim called 911, Acosta went outside to his truck. The first to arrive at the home was a deputy, alone and without immediate backup. Acosta repeatedly rammed his truck into the deputy’s patrol car in what appears to be his attempt to get away, but, the deputy remained calm. Acosta stopped ramming the deputy’s car when his truck became partially disabled and was taken into custody without further incident. The deputy suffered injuries during the assault and was treated at a local hospital. Acosta also was treated for injuries and is now in the Monterey County Jail without bail.

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, November 22 that 50-year-old Navneet Mathur of Mountain View was convicted of driving under the influence and driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level above 0.08%. On July 7, 2018 at approximately 6:30 p.m., County Communications received a call from a citizen driving on Highway 101 near King City, who reported that a vehicle was swerving over the median line multiple times. The vehicle, driven by Mathur, was stopped within minutes by California Highway Patrol Officer Jeremy Patch. After an initial investigation and completion of Field Sobriety Tests, Mathur was arrested for DUI and chose to submit to a blood test. The blood test results from the California Department of Justice determined that his BAC level was 0.114%. At trial, the 911 caller testified that he called 911 because he thought the defendant “was going to kill someone.” On November 21, 2019, Judge Efren Iglesia sent

SALINAS, CA – On Friday, November 22, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) released the following statement after speaking with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, Frank Yiannas about the ongoing investigation into an E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce: "Today, I spoke with FDA leadership about the bacterial contamination outbreak linked to romaine.  As the representative of the Salinas Valley, food safety is of the utmost importance to me and my constituents.  I urged Deputy Commissioner Yiannas to work collaboratively and communicatively with industry partners to minimize any health risks to consumers and reduce the loss of safe and healthy crops that are not connected to this outbreak.  He promised to provide my office with daily updates throughout the investigation.  I will continue to work with the FDA, CDC, and our producers to ensure that the investigation is completed in a timely manner so that our consumers are

SALINAS, Calif. —U.S. health officials are advising people to stay away from romaine lettuce that is grown in Salinas, as they look into a food poisoning outbreak. They also mention that you should not eat the leafy green if the label doesn’t indicate where it was grown. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is searching for the cause of an E. coli outbreak that has made 40 people sick in more than a dozen states. Romaine lettuce has been connected to repeated food poisoning outbreaks, including one before Thanksgiving in 2018. There are still no clear cut clues as to exactly why romaine lettuce continues to make people sick, but food safety experts state that the difficulty of eliminating risk for produce grown in open fields and eaten raw. The FDA reports that its inquiry has led investigators to farms in Salinas and that they're searching for the contamination source.

PASO ROBLES, CA – The Paso Robles Police Department and Paso Robles Fire Department will be conducting a rapid response and active shooter training exercise at the Paso Robles City Hall on November 22, 2019. Active shooter and rapid response incidents are increasing across the Unites States. Both the Police Department and Fire Department are committed to the safety and well- being of all citizens within our community. To stay prepared for this type of event, the Police Department and Fire Department will be conducting a series of rapid response trainings in the upcoming months. In order to conduct this training, the Paso Robles Library, City Hall and the accompanying parking lot, will be closing for business at 2:30 PM. In addition, Park St. between 9th and 11th St., as well as 10th St. between Spring St. and Pine St., will be closed at noon. The buildings will reopen for business at their regular hours on November 23, 2019. The parking lot as well as street closures will reopen at

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, November 21, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill spearheaded by U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-19), Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Mike Simpson (R-ID-02), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01), and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25), passed the House Judiciary Committee on an 18-12 vote, recommending the legislation for a vote in the full U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan effort was negotiated over eight months with input from agricultural stakeholders and labor organizations and was introduced with the support of 26 Democrats and 23 Republicans. “The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is a critical, bipartisan step forward for both our farmers and farmworkers that will help ensure the continued success or our agriculture and America,” Congressman Panetta said. “I am proud to have worked on this bill with Chairwoman Lofgren and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I urge House leadership to protect our existing fa

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, November 19, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, and 132 Members of the House Democratic Caucus wrote to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urging him to hold a vote on H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Check Act of 2019 and H.R. 1112, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019. Both passed the House with bipartisan support more than 260 days ago and have been blocked from Senate consideration despite widespread public support. A copy of the letter is below. It was signed by Alma Adams (NC-12), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Ami Bera (CA-07), Don Beyer (VA-08), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Anthony Brown  (MD-04), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), André Carson (IN-07), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-27), David Cicilline (RI-01), Gil Cisneros (CA-39), Katherine Clark (

The King City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture announced on Monday, November 18 that Dr. Timothy and Phoebe Cheney has been named Citizen of the Year, The Garden House has been named Business of the Year, while Jan Harkness and the Monterey County Dance Theatre have been named Friends of the Community. The King City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture will be recognizing all 3 recipients at their annual awards banquet and dinner sometime in early 2020 in the Orradre Building at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds at a date that has been determined.

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, November 19, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) introduced legislation to create a tax credit to encourage municipalities to purchase and use zero-emission buses. The Green Bus Tax Credit Act creates a 10% manufacturer’s tax credit for electric and hydrogen fuel-cell buses. "Municipalities across the central coast of California are trying to transition their fleets to greener models, but the cost can strain their local budgets," said Congressman Panetta. "This tax credit will encourage the development and deployment of zero-emission buses in California and the country and will assist our communities in playing their part in the fight against climate change." California law mandates that all new municipal buses purchased by municipalities must be zero-emission starting by 2029, and all fleets must be zero-emission by 2040. This legislation will encourage municipalities to meet that requirement ahead of time by reducing the price of

On Tuesday morning, November 19 at 4:08 am CHP Officers in Templeton were dispatched to a report of a wrong way driver. Witnesses stated that the driver got on and drove northbound on the southbound lanes of Highway 101 from State Route 46 West near the Target Shopping Center in Paso Robles. The driver crashed shortly after when she drove into the perimeter fence on the west side of Southbound 101. When Officers arrived on the scene, witnesses told them that a woman jumped from the car and ran away from the median. The Officers instructed the witnesses to stand by as they chased after the woman and caught her a short distance away. 37-year-old Jennifer Martin of Paso Robles attacked the CHP Officers and began punching and biting them until the Officers were able to take her into custody. Martin was later booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail charged with battery of an officer, resisting arrest and resisting with force that may cause bodily injury. 

A box came loose from a truck that shattered the windshield of a vehicle on Highway 101 Northbound off of Arroyo Seco Road between Soledad and Greenfield on Tuesday morning, November 19. According to the CHP, the accident happened at 11:40 am and no one was injured.

Legislative Package Introduced by the House Ways and Means Committee WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, November 19, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) released the following statement after the House Committee on Ways and Means introduced draft legislation, the Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now (GREEN) Act to invest in green energy and efficiency and combat climate change. "We on the Ways and Means Committee are committed to enacting policies that will tackle the climate crisis, build more resilient infrastructure, and boost the clean energy sector and creation of green jobs. The GREEN Act is an important step in achieving those goals by building on current successful tax incentives that promote the development of green energy and promotion of efficiency improvements," said Congressman Panetta. The GREEN Act includes Congressman Panetta’s legislation, H.R. 5163, the Green Bus Tax Credit Act, to create new tax credits for electric or hydrogen fuel cell buses. It also

According to the King City Police Department 53-year-old Armando Sanchez of King City has been reported as missing. Sanchez is a Hispanic male who is listed at 4 feet 11 inches tall, weighing at 175 pounds with short black and gray hair and brown eyes. Sanchez was last seen by family members on Saturday, November 16 at 7 am leaving his residence in King City. Sanchez could possibly be heading to Salinas or San Luis, Arizona. There are no known vehicles associated with Sanchez as he does not drive and is known to use public transportation. Sanchez is also known to glasses due to vision problems. If anyone has any information about Sanchez' whereabouts, please contact the King City Police Department at 831-385-4848.

WASHINGTON, DC – On Monday, November 18, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) introduced the bipartisan Open Skies Treaty Stability Act. The legislation prevents the President from unilaterally withdrawing the United States from the treaty. Specifically, prior to any withdrawal, it would require the administration certify to Congress that exiting the treaty is in the best interests of U.S. national security, and develop a comprehensive strategy to mitigate against reduced military capability. The Open Skies Treaty provides the 34 state signatories the ability to conduct reconnaissance flights over each other’s territories. Late last year, the United States demonstrated that Open Skies Treaty mechanisms reaffirm American commitments to allied partner nations. Following Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea, the United States and its allies conducted an extraordinary observation mission over Ukraine intended to demonstrate an assurance to Ukrainian security. &q

Paso Robles, CA – On Monday, November 18 at 9:20 am, the Paso Robles Police Department received a report of a traffic collision with injuries at State Route 46 and Buena Vista. PRPD units arrived on the scene and found a gray 2002 Buick and a red 2001 Ford Ranger that were involved in the accident. The driver of the Buick, an 83-year-old male from Coronado Ca, was found dead inside his vehicle. Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in this crash, while the names of the involved parties are being withheld at this time. Traffic on State Route 46 was affected for about two hours while emergency personnel cleared the roadway. Anybody with information regarding this collision is encouraged to call the Paso Robles Police Department at (805) 237-6464.

Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, November 17 through Saturday, November 23. Highway 101: Camp Roberts: Now – November 22 One long-term lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 at Camp Roberts for pavement from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Highway 101: North San Miguel – Camp Roberts: Now – November 29 One long-term off/on-ramp closure and lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between North San Miguel and 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 Horse Road and First Street

A crash involving a white pickup truck and a semi occurred sometime after 3:30 pm on Highway 101 Northbound off of Major Farms between Soledad and Greenfield on Monday, November 18. Traffic was backed up for over 30 minutes. No one was injured, while the pickup was totaled from the accident. The cause of the collision is unknown.

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Monday, November 18 that 39-year-old Jose Aceves of King City pled to guilty one count of armed robbery and one count of resisting arrest. Aceves also admitted that he has a prior strike conviction. On September 4, 2018, Aceves entered a 7-Eleven store located on Broadway Street in King City. Aceves asked the victim for a pack of cigarettes. The victim retrieved the cigarettes and handed them to Aceves who then pulled out a knife and demanded money from the cash register. The victim opened the register and backed away. Aceves stole $200 in cash and left the store. Approximately 45 minutes later, Aceves returned to the area while police officers were on the scene. Officers recognized Aceves as the perpetrator from viewing the store’s surveillance video. Aceves led officers on a short foot pursuit before he was apprehended. Judge Andrew G. Liu will sentence Aceves on January 15, 2020. Aceves face

The City of King has been notified by Union Pacific Railroad that they will be performing emergency safety improvements along the Union Pacific rail crossing on Lonoak Road beginning Monday, November 18. As a result, Union Pacific Railroad will be closing the Lonoak Road railroad crossing at First Street to through traffic from, Monday, November 18 beginning at 9 am until 12 pm on Tuesday November 19. Residents, businesses and employees in that area are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid travel at that location during the times identified. A detour will be established, which will include Lonoak Road east to Highway 25, north on Highway 25 to Bitterwater Road, and then west along Bitterwater Road to King City.

On Wednesday, November 13, at 3:30 pm off of the 400 block of 10th Street in Greenfield, an 11 year old girl reported to Officers of the Greenfield Police Department that she had been sexually molested by her stepfather 27-year-old Fausto Hernandez De Jesus of Greenfield. Due to the nature and complexity of the investigation, the investigation was turned over to investigators of the Major Crimes Unit. The ensuing investigation revealed that the victim had been abused by her stepfather over a 2 year period. When De Jesus was interviewed by investigators, he admitted to the crimes. De Jesus was transported and booked into the Monterey County Jail charged with Lewd Acts with a Child Under 14 years of Age and Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Minor. charged with Lewd Acts with a Child Under 14 years of Age and Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Minor. Bail was set at $1.3 million. No other information is being released at this time as the investigation is continuing. Anyone with further information

According to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, on Tuesday ,November 12, deputies busted 4 men and 1 woman for burglary and a slew of other charges in the Sycamore Flats area which is outside of Arroyo Seco and less than 10 miles west-southwest of Greenfield. Deputies arrested 19-year-old Luis Alfredo Acosta, 20-year-old Mildred Ayala, 19-year-old Christopher James Reed, 21-year-old Ismael Juan Serrano and 21-year-old Emanuel Vargas Mojica. All 5 individuals were discovered vandalizing property inside the home of an 82 year old man.

On Friday morning, November 15 at 9:20 am, Pacific Premier Bank located on 12th Street in Paso Robles was robbed at gun point. Employees reported that 2 men entered the bank holding handguns, wearing masks and demanding money. The men left the bank and fled in a Gold Honda. With the assistance of the California Highway Patrol Air Operations Unit, the suspect vehicle was found on the 1800 block of Oak Street. Since then Paso Robles Police Officers were able to find a second vehicle of interest and are requesting the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle. This investigation is ongoing, and no one was hurt during this incident. Any information regarding this incident or the associated vehicle is asked to contact the Paso Robles Police Department at 805-237-6464.

The Monterey County Health Department announced on Thursday, November 14 that they have been awarded $150,000 as part of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety. This grant will bring pedestrian safety education to schools in Soledad and Greenfield. The yearlong grant start date was on November 13, 2019 and will benefit 3 elementary schools in Soledad – Frank Ledesma, Rose Ferrero, and Jack Franscioni and 2 elementary schools in Greenfield – Cesar Chavez and Mary Chapa. The grant will also benefit the community members of Gonzales. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program Grant aims to encourage parents and students to walk or bike to school. Walking to school is an activity that benefits the families by including physical activity and the opportunity to meet other parents. The efforts also aim to reduce pedestrian injuries in the participating cities which had a total of 20 pedestrian collisions recorded by the police in 2018. S

We have more information regarding a fatal tractor trailer accident that occurred off of Metz Road and Elm Avenue between King City and Greenfield at around 9:30 am on Thursday morning, November 14. According to the CHP, 42-year-old Vicente Rodriquez Ramirez of Greenfield was killed in the accident which took place on private property as a tractor trailer ran over him while he was working. Cal OSHA reports that he was an employee of Rio Farms.

A truck overturned with trailers off of State Route 198 between King City and Coalinga at 10:16 am on Thursday morning, November 14. The driver in the truck received minor injuries from the crash. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

One person is dead after being run over by a tractor trailer off of Metz Road and Elm Avenue between King City and Greenfield at around 9:30 am on Thursday morning, November 14. According to Cal OSHA, the person who was killed was a Rio Farms employee, while the CHP reports that the fatal accident happened on private property.

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, November 14, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20) introduced bipartisan legislation to establish National Centers of Excellence at coastal institutions of higher education. The Coastal Resilience Research and Education Act provides the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) the authority to designate public universities and colleges as National Centers of Excellence in Coastal Resilience Research and Education. Such a designation recognizes institutions of higher education that exhibit national leadership in research and education focused on climate change adaptation and mitigation, and formalizes collaboration and partnerships with federal agencies. These relationships will ensure science-based research, information, and policy recommendations are effectively shared with the federal government. The bill is cosponsored by Congressman Michael Waltz (R-FL-06), Congressman Harley Rouda (D-CA-48), Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Congre

King City, CA — It doesn't just protect you, it protects the people around you, including little children, older people, and others who may face serious risks if they get sick. In a nutshell, that's why nearly everyone should get a flu shot every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), "Flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year. For example, during 2016-2017, flu vaccination prevented an estimated 5.3 million influenza illnesses, 2.6 million influenza-associated medical visits, and 85,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations." (www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccine-benefits.htm) To help make it easy for more people to get their flu shots this year, Mee Memorial Healthcare System is offering the service for free in Greenfield and King City. In Greenfield, free flu shots will be available on Thursday, November 14 between 4 pm and 7 pm at the Mary Chapa Literacy and Technology Academy at 490 El Camino Real

Monterey, CA – CAL FIRE plans to conduct a prescribed burn on private property in the Diablo Range east of Pinnacles National Park in San Benito County on Thursday and Friday, November 14-15, 2019. The purpose of the project is to reintroduce fire to the ecosystem, thereby reducing hazardous fire fuels by removing brush and downed woody debris, enhancing the fire safety. This addresses the goal of reducing the severity of future wildfires, by providing added protection and reestablishing natural ecosystems utilizing fire. Reducing hazardous fuels through prescribed fire activities is the most effective and cost efficient treatment that influences future fire behavior and suppression success, and increases ecosystem health.  This type of exercise also provides valuable hands-on training for fire personnel in fire suppression activities while working safely in a controlled environment. The burn will consist of two days of ignition.  Smoke from this prescribed fire is normal,

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Wednesday, November 13 that Federal, State and local officers have made arrests related to the illegal diversion of prescription opiates. The Federal Bureau of Investigations, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office have jointly investigated a widespread criminal ring. The initial investigation by DHCS discovered large amounts of opioids being prescribed out of Monterey County and being filled at pharmacies throughout California. The investigation led to surveillance of several pharmacies and a real estate office in Salinas. An independent investigation by the FBI uncovered other aspects of the criminal ring. The FBI, DEA, DHCS and Monterey County District Attorney’s Office along with the United States Attorney agreed to cooperate in a joint investigation. On August 14, 2019, search warrants were served at the office of Genesis

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, November 13, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20) introduced the Veterans Earned Transportation Act (Vets ETA). The legislation reauthorizes a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program providing transportation services to or from VA facilities or other locations in connection with vocational rehabilitation, counseling, and medical examination, treatment, or care. Congressman Van Taylor (R-TX-03) is the lead cosponsor of the bill. For over 30 years, the VA has provided safe and reliable transportation for veterans and family members who are mobility-challenged. The program is set to expire in September 2020.  Congressman Panetta’s bill would make the program permanent. "Vets ETA reauthorizes the Veteran Transportation Service program that provides transportation for veterans to obtain necessary mental, physical, and vocational care.  This bill would make that service permanent in order to ensure that veterans get the care that they need and deser

Over 100 people attended a groundbreaking ceremony in Soledad on Friday, November 8 as work on the Hartnell College Soledad Education Center began. The new facility is being funded through Measure T, which is a $167 million bond measure that was approved in November of 2016 by voters in the Hartnell Community College District, while the new 16,750-square-foot multipurpose educational center is being built on 3.7 acres of land at the northeast corner of Metz Road and Orchard Lane across from San Vicente Elementary School. The general contractor for this project is Dilbeck & Sons, while the design architect is In Studio Architecture. The new Hartnell College Educational center in Soledad is scheduled to open sometime in the spring 2021 and it will include 4 classrooms, both wet and dry science laboratories, a Student Success Center, a courtyard and a community room. A groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the King City Education Center which is also a Measure T funded projec

Law enforcement is searching for 3 juveniles and an adult connected to a stolen car chase that took place throughout South Monterey County and ended in Salinas on sometime Tuesday night, November 12. According to authorities, a white BMW was stolen in Manteca. Officers spotted the vehicle near San Ardo which led to a high speed chase to Salinas. The suspects then got out on foot in the area of Hawkins Road and Abbott Street in Salinas. Ammunition was discovered in the stolen car. Several law enforcement agencies are still searching for the suspects.

A 1 vehicle accident involving a pickup truck occurred at 9:53 am on Tuesday morning, November 12 on Highway 101 Northbound off of Alvarado between King City and Bradley. The lone driver in the truck received minor injuries from the crash and was transported to a nearby Hospital to be treated. The cause of the collision is unknown. 

On Friday, November 9, 31-year-old Rigoberto Martinez Trujillo was arrested in Gonzales for conspiring to commit a felonious assault and robbery against a victim. Trujillo was booked into the Monterey County Jail.

On Sunday, November 10, at approximately 11 PM, officers responded with the Greenfield Fire Department to a report of a structure fire on the 400 block of Clifton Court. Emergency personnel located sheds in the backyard of a residence which were fully engulfed. The fires were put out by the fire department. No other buildings were damaged and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. With winter upon us, we wou ld like to remind everyone to be cautious in the way you heat your home. Some of the common mistakes made that lead to house fires are: - Fireplace with no fire screen - Dirty chimney or wood stoves - Space heaters too close to the wall, drapes or bedding - Open flames such as candles - Damaged electrical equipment - The use of multiple extension cords connected to each other - Christmas trees near heat sources (such as a fireplace or heater) - Cooking appliances not turned off after use Be sure to have and test your smoke detec

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, November 12, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) cosponsored the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act to authorize the establishment of a memorial for service members of the Global War on Terrorism in the Reserve section of the National Mall. The proposed locations outlined in the bill include: Constitution Gardens, West Potomac Park, and the JFK Hockey Fields. Congressman Panetta, along with the bill’s sponsors, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06) and Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI-08), are veterans of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) serving in the Navy, Army, and Marines, respectively. "As a veteran of the Global War on Terrorism, I am honored to commemorate my brothers and sisters in arms who have served in this conflict. This bipartisan legislation demonstrates our nation’s veneration for those who defend our democracy, and the sacrifice endured by their loved ones," said Congressman Panetta. The passage of the bill woul

On Thursday, November 7 at around 3:45pm an officer from the King City Police Department was on patrol on the 400 block of North Second when he saw a large gathering of juveniles. When they saw the Officer they fled in different directions. The officer was flagged down by a 16-year-old Hispanic female (Victim #1) who advised she had been assaulted by several other females. The ensuing investigation revealed that the 16-year-old female and a friend, a 17-year-old Hispanic female (Victim #2) were involved in an argument with several other female juveniles when one of the suspects in an unprovoked attack struck Victim 1 with her fist and a fist fight began. Victim #2 went to Victim #1’s aid when other suspects jumped in and began fighting. Both victims were knocked to the ground and the suspects began kicking the victims in the head and upper torso area causing moderate injuries. All of the suspects fled upon the officer’s arrival. The Victims’ declined medical treatment. Witnesses i

PAICINES – In recent days, Pinnacles National Park staff and visitors have found several sick or dead Gray Foxes on park trails. One of these foxes has tested positive for Canine Distemper, a disease that can be spread from domesticated dogs to local wildlife species including Gray Fox, Coyote, Raccoon, Skunk, Badger, and possibly Mountain Lion. Canine distemper outbreaks occur periodically in wildlife and can have significant impacts on an affected population. It is difficult to predict how long this outbreak will last, or how many animals will be impacted. Although humans are not known to contract Canine Distemper, domesticated dogs are highly susceptible. People who are considering bringing a pet to Pinnacles should be informed about risks to their pets from wildlife diseases, and to make sure pets are healthy and up to date on vaccines in order to reduce the risk of spreading diseases to park wildlife. In order to reduce the impacts of pets on park wildlife, pets are no

SALINAS, CA – On Friday, November 8, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) introduced legislation to direct research into the correlation between radiation exposure and prostate cancer in veterans. The study would help determine if prostate cancer should be included as a presumptive disability for certain compensation offered to veterans who may have been exposed to ionizing radiation or radiation during their military service. "I have heard from veterans in our community who were denied claims for disability compensation related to prostate cancer," said Congressman Panetta. "Congress must ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs has the proper evidence to make such serious determinations. These findings may lead to appropriate compensation for veterans exposed to radiation during their military service." The bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine or the N

PASO ROBLES, CA – On Wednesday, November 6, 2019, the Paso Robles Police Department arrested 39-year-old Manuel Antonio Ordunez Martinez for resisting arrest and 3 outstanding warrants. One of the outstanding warrants was for felony kidnapping out of Southern California. Officers originally stopped a red Suburban being driven by Martinez for a registration violation. Martinez refused to identify himself and would not roll his window down. As a precautionary measure, Flamson Middle School and Georgia Brown Elementary were both placed on lockdown while officers negotiated with Martinez. Officers spoke with Martinez for close to an hour trying to persuade him to identify himself and exit the vehicle. Due to Martinez’s erratic behavior and his refusal to identify himself, patrol vehicles were placed directly in front and directly behind the Suburban to prevent Martinez from fleeing. Martinez put the Suburban in reverse and officers were forced to break the driver’s side window, to secur

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Wednesday, November 6 that 37-year-old Mariano Florez Diaz of King City, was sentenced to 3 years in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for driving under the influence of alcohol with the special enhancement for a felony DUI prior conviction. On May 20, 2018, an officer observed a white Volkswagen Jetta with a slightly damaged bumper and a broken left taillight nearly hit an already parked car as the driver tried to back into the space. At that point, the officer activated his patrol car’s overhead lights and performed a traffic enforcement stop. Upon contacting the driver, the officer observed that he had red, watery eyes, and there was a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath. The officer noticed that the subject was highly talkative, his speech was slurred and that there was an empty 40-ounce beer bottle and a bottle of whiskey in the automobile that was one quarter e

SALINAS, CA – On Wednesday, November 6, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) cosponsored the Family First Transition Act to help states transform their child welfare systems and keep more children safely at home, instead of placing them in foster care. This legislation will provide states with the tools to successfully implement the Family First Prevention Services Act which became law last year. "Family First was a tremendous first step in transforming our foster care system and safely keeping children with their families," said Congressman Panetta. "When fully implemented, the Family First Prevention Services Act will strengthen communities and provide evidence-based approaches to improve outcomes for kids and their parents.  Our bill gives states the necessary time and resources to improve their child welfare programs to the standards of the Family First law." The Family First Prevention Services Act (Family First), signed into law last February, will