KRKC COUNTRY

In the City of King’s ongoing efforts to improve the Mesa Del Rey Airport, work is now under way to install new runway lights, conduit and a new electrical control room. However, the work will unfortunately require a temporary closure of the Airport beginning February 3, 2020 through February 9, 2020. During this period, the Contractor will shut down the runway for 7 consecutive days to remove the existing lighting and install new lighting. A letter has been sent to all hangar lessees, a Notice to Airman (NOTAM) will be issued to pilots, and the Contractor will install trailer mounted signs indicating the runway is closed. Hangar lessees will be allowed to access their hangars during this period, but may not enter the runway area. The City’s Public Works Department will also be coordinating with the Contractor to perform crack sealing on the runway during the closure period. The City anticipates the overall project to be completed by the end of February. Please contact 831-386-59

Salinas, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, January 31 that 38-year-old Hector Hernandez of King City and owner of Hernandez Roofing, was sentenced by Judge Pamela Butler to 5 years of felony probation for insurance fraud and state tax evasion. As a term of probation, Hernandez was ordered to pay $159,059.03 in restitution to his workers’ compensation insurance carrier, State Compensation Insurance Fund. Between 2013 and 2016, Hernandez secured a workers’ compensation insurance policy for his business through the State Compensation Insurance Fund (“SCIF”). In order to pay lower insurance premiums, he denied having any employees. The District Attorney’s Office opened an investigation in February 2016, obtaining building permits showing that Hernandez handled about 96 roofing jobs in a 4 year period. Interviews of workers and homeowners revealed that he used at least 3 employees for these jobs. Hernandez attempted to conceal the empl

On Thursday evening January 30, the Greenfield Police Department (GPD) was contacted by the Greenfield Union School District regarding threats made by an anonymous source on the Stop It App. The threats were serious in nature and were directed at Vista Verde Middle School and its administrative staff. GPD initiated an investigation immediately. Due to the anonymous nature of the threats, the validity of the threats could not be determined. The GPD worked with school district staff to create a security plan to ensure the safety of students and staff on campus. The GPD, along with their local law enforcement partners, provided an increased presence on campus and in the surrounding area. That presence continued until the end of the school day on Friday, January 31. The safety of the students and staff is their primary concern and any threats of violence, even if deemed not credible, are taken very seriously. At this time there have been no reported incidents at the school. The investiga

On Thursday, January 23, the CHP San Luis Obispo Communications Center began getting several 911 calls of people reporting a man walking two mules eastbound in the middle of the westbound lane of Nacimiento Lake Road near Chimney Rock Road outside of Paso Robles. CHP Dispatch received no less than seven separate calls from motorists reporting the man and his mules were an extreme traffic hazard and nearly causing collisions. A CHP officer responded to the location and upon arrival, observed the man, later identified as Mr. John Sears, leading two mules in the traffic lane. The mules were walking side by side and taking up a large portion of the traffic lane. Vehicles were being forced to go into the opposing lane and over double yellow lines in order to avoid Mr. Sears and his mules. Upon contact, Mr. Sears was asked to stay out of the traffic lane and on the shoulder. Mr. Sears became very argumentative and uncooperative, but eventually moved out of the roadway. After several more c

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – With excitement and expectations running high for the Super Bowl 54 on February 2, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds everyone that their game plan for the day should include getting home safely. Whether people are attending parties or hanging out in a bar, planning for a safe ride home will be their best defensive move.  Option plays include calling a cab or ride-sharing service, using public transportation, or lining up a designated driver in advance.  Those who host parties should take care of the most valuable player, the designated driver, with plenty of non-alcoholic beverages. “Driving impaired is completely preventable,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said.  “Lives are on the line.  Not only are innocent people at risk, impaired drivers stand to lose money, their freedom, their license, and their vehicle.” Alcohol is not the only substance that can lead to an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI).  Cannabis, prescription drugs

Over 1,000 3rd graders from Elementary Schools throughout South Monterey County attended Farm Day on Thursday, January 30. The event which is held 3 times a year in King City, Salinas and Monterey was put on by numerous volunteers and Monterey County Ag Education in the Rava Equestrian Center and the Topo Ranch Event Center at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City.

On Thursday, January 30 at around 11:50 AM, Greenfield Police Officers received information regarding a male subject on the 1100 block of Tyler Avenue who may have been in possession of a firearm. Due to the close proximity of the schools and as a precaution, Greenfield High School and Vista Verde Middle School were placed on lockdown. Officers contacted the man and conducted a search of a nearby residence and did not locate a firearm. The investigation deemed the area safe at which point the schools were given an “all clear” and the lockdown was lifted sometime between 12 PM and 12:30 PM.

The King City Union School District filed a lawsuit sometime during the week of January 19, 2020 according to the law firms Baron & Budd and Panish Shea & Boyle against JUUL Labs Inc. 14 other California school districts have joined in a lawsuit against JUUL Labs Inc. The release said the districts are suing the company for its role in creating an e-cigarette epidemic and a resurgence of nicotine addiction in youth that affects the educational and learning environment. The other districts involved in the lawsuit include Los Angeles Unified, San Diego Unified, Glendale Unified, Compton Unified, Anaheim Elementary, Ceres Unified, Chico Unified, Davis Joint Unified, Campbell Union High School, Poway Unified, Rocklin Unified, Alcanes Union High School and Anaheim Union High School. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, or a court-ordered prohibition against an act, and abatement remedy, or a removal of a problem. They districts are also seeking compensation for damages to re

If you walk or drive down 600 Broadway Street you'll notice that King City True Value is now King City Ace. The change officially went into effect on Tuesday, January 28 as the new Ace sign was hung up. Owner Johnny Alcantar said that this is something that he and his family have wanted to do for the last couple years since they purchased the business from Suzanne and Chuck Krause in 2017 who previously owned the business as King City True Value for 40 years. Alcantar stated that they made the change from King City True Value to King City Ace due to the fact that Ace offers more for your money with a great rewards program that they offer their customers. Alcantar said that their hours of operation will still be Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm, 8am to 5pm on Saturday and 9am to to 5pm on Sunday. Alcantar indicated that customers who come inside their store to shop will notice that there is more inventory and that they're going to offer more rental services and free deliv

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, January 26 through Saturday, February 1. Highway 101: Wild Horse – First Street, King City: Now – March 2020 One long-term lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Wild Horse Road and First Street for roadway excavation work from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Highway 101: Camp Roberts Rest Area – San Ardo: January 29 One moving lane closure will occur along northbound Highway 101 between the Camp Roberts Rest Area and San Ardo for a spraying operation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Highway 101: Monterey Road – East Garrison, San Luis Obispo County: Now – March 2020 One long-term alternating lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 in  San Luis Obispo County between Monterey Road and East Garrison for miscellaneous road work from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please keep in mind that construction work is weather-dependent.

SALINAS, California – Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced Monday, January 27 that 31-year-old Hue Xiong of Fresno was sentenced to 180 days in the Monterey County jail and was fined $8,000 for hunting and poaching-related crimes, including: hunter trespassing, taking deer and wild turkeys out of season, failing to obtain wild pig tags before hunting, and failing to affix tags to wild pigs after take, as well as for driving with a suspended license. Xiong was also ordered not to hunt in Monterey County for 3 years. All illegally taken wildlife was forfeited, along with lead ammunition that is not authorized to be possessed while hunting in California. Xiong may serve his jail sentence through home confinement. In February of 2018, trail camera photographs captured Xiong hunting on private land near Parkfield in South Monterey County. The landowners recognized Xiong from previous contacts and reported the trespassing to the California Department of Fish and

At 11:03 p.m. on Sunday, January 26, the South Monterey County Fire Protection District (FPD) in cooperation with CAL FIRE responded to a call for a structure fire on Dixie Street in Bradley (Monterey County). The fire was reported to be a single-family dwelling. South Monterey County FPD responded with CAL FIRE, Camp Roberts Fire, American Medical Response, San Luis Ambulance, and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. There were 5 fire engines and a water tender along with 15 firefighters on the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found a residence fully involved in flames. One person sustained burn injuries and was transported by air ambulance to a burn center in Fresno. Firefighters contained the fire to the structure of origin, while the fire was controlled within an hour, and crews remained on the scene for several hours due to extensive mop up. There were no firefighter injuries during the incident, while the residence is destroyed. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Hundreds of people were at the Orradre Building at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds to show their support for the King City Chamber Commerce and Agriculture's Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday night, January 25. Being named Citizens of the Year were Dr. Tim and Phoebe Cheney, Jan Harkness of the Monterey County Dance Theatre who has helped produce many plays over the years was named Friend of the Community, while taking home Business of the Year honors was The Garden House.

PASO ROBLES, CA –On Friday night, January 24 at 1030 pm, Paso Robles Police officers conducted a traffic stop on the 900 block of Vines Street with a 2005 Ford Mustang occupied by 2 males. While officers were speaking with the occupants, they noticed the passenger of the vehicle, AR/Jesus Moreno Gonzalez, had a magazine to a firearm sticking out of his front pocket.  The Officers immediately took the proper safety precautions and safely detained both males without incident. Officers located an unregistered Glock 9mm stuffed down the front of Moreno Gonzalez’s waistband. Moreno Gonzalez was arrested and booked into SLO County Jail for 25400(a)(1) PC- possession of a loaded concealed firearm in a vehicle and 25850(a)PC- possession of a loaded firearm on persons in a vehicle. So far this in the month of January 2020, the PRPD has recovered the firearms depicted in the photos, from cases in the city of Paso Robles. Most if not all the guns were stolen, not registered, or possessed ille

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, January 24 that 52-year-old Charles Kenneth Lafferty has been charged with 9 felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon. These incidents involved Lafferty firing projectiles at 9 different vehicles driving on Monterey County highways between November 2019 and January 2020. Lafferty was arrested in Nipomo, California on Wednesday, January 22 following an investigation into 69 reported projectile attacks on drivers between February 2019 and January 2020. Lafferty will be arraigned on Monday, January 24 at 1:30 p.m. The District Attorney expects to file additional charges by Monday, January 27.

The Paso Robles Police Department is searching for a woman who they say tried to cash a stolen check from the Paso Robles Coastal Tractor store for nearly $10,000 at the American Rivera Bank. The check was stolen sometime between January 1 and 14 of 2020. The woman in the photos posted was associated with a white Dodge Magnum. If you recognize her or have any useful information then please call the Paso Robles Police department at 805-237-6464.

If anyone in South Monterey County is looking for a good Orthodontist Wow Smiles located at 741 Front Street in Soledad is now accepting new patients. On Thursday, January 23 they held a Grand Opening celebration about 1 month after they opened their doors. They also have an Orthodontist Office in Salinas. They offer free consultations specializing in braces, invisalign and retainers. In addition, they also provide interest free payment plans that are as low as $99 a month. Wow Smiles in Soledad is open Monday through Friday from 8:15 am to 5:15 pm. For questions or to make an appointment call 831-296-1130 or go online to www.wowsmiles.com.

South County residents who may commute on Highway 101 and State Route 156 in the Prunedale and San Benito County area can now breathe a sigh of relief as the Monterey CHP arrested 52-year-old Charles Lafferty in connection with a projectile investigation on Wednesday, January 22. The investigation goes back to February 19, 2019 as 69 incidents of vehicles traveling upon SR-156 and US-101 in the Prunedale area, as well as on SR-156 in San Benito County were struck by projectiles. 4 adults and 1 child received minor injuries as a result of being hit by glass during these incidents. The CHP believes that Lafferty carried out these attacks alone using a sling shot and glass marbles. Although Lafferty was in possession of a silencer at the time of his arrest, the CHP does not believe a firearm was used during any of these incidents.  Lafferty is currently in custody at the Monterey County Jail on $250,000 bail after being booked by CHP investigators.

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for South Monterey County from Sunday, January 19 through Saturday, January 25. Highway 101: Wild Horse – First Street, King City: Now – March 2020 One long-term lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Wild Horse Road and First Street for roadway excavation work from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Highway 101: Monterey Road – East Garrison, San Luis Obispo County: Now – March 2020 One long-term alternating lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 in  San Luis Obispo County between Monterey Road and East Garrison for miscellaneous road work from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please keep in mind that construction work is weather-dependent.

A 25-year-old driver from Soledad was caught and arrested after the CHP said he led officers on a pursuit with his big rig tractor on Highway 101 on Sunday, January 19. The chase began sometime on Sunday, January 19 at around 4:15 p.m. as Monterey CHP officers tried to pull over a 1995 Kenworth tractor for vehicle code violations on the highway near Laurel Drive in the Salinas area, but said the driver wouldn't stop and headed north on 101 at 60 to 70 mph. Officers put down a spike strip that flattened both front tires which forced the tractor to pull over onto the shoulder of the highway, but the driver would not to get out. After some negotiation though, the CHP said that the 25-year-old driver from Soledad ended getting out of the Tractor and was arrested. His name has not yet been released.  Highway 101 in both directions at Betabel Road saw delays of about 20 minutes during the incident.

On Friday, January 17 at around 1:58 pm CHP Dispatch was advised by the Monterey CHP Dispatch Center of a pursuit traveling southbound on US-101 from Monterey County entering San Luis Obispo County. A Coastal Division CHP K9 Unit was trying to overtake the suspected vehicle, a White Toyota Camry, that was initially observed as exceeding the maximum speed limit just outside of the King City area. King City CHP attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the suspected vehicle for the observed violation, however instead of yielding to the right shoulder as required by law, the suspected vehicle fled southbound on US-101 until it entered San Luis Obispo County. The Camry continued southbound on US-101 until it entered San Luis Obispo County. Templeton CHP Units deployed a spike strip to disable the fleeing vehicle, but the vehicle avoided the spike strip and continued southbound. CHP Units continued to pursue the suspected vehicle southbound where the suspected vehicle exited 17th Street int

At the Pinnacles Gateway Partners regular meeting on Thursday, January 16 at the West Side Visitors Center at Pinnacles National Park an update was presented about what's recently been going on with Condors that roam the Park from Jessica Millman and Superintendent Blanca Stransky. Millman also gave a presentation about Wildlife Resource Management information across the state.

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, January 17 that a Monterey County jury convicted 38-year-old David Player, an inmate at the Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad, of two counts of possession of stabbing instruments while confined to the Salinas Valley State Prison. During the 4 day trial, the jury heard evidence that, on April 17, 2018, correctional officers attempted to search Inmate Player, but the he resisted the officers’ once they began to search. As officers struggled with Inmate Player, they observed an inmate manufactured weapon—a six-inch sharpened stabbing instrument—fall from Inmate Player’s waistband. Additionally, on October 1, 2018, Inmate Player was involved in a one on one fight with another inmate on the prison yard. Once a correctional officer began to break up the fight, Inmate Player twice attempted to throw a different six-inch inmate manufactured stabbing weapon over the prison walls. Correction

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, January 16, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) and Congressman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01) introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize the over 200 American firefighters who have provided their services to combat the bushfires currently ravaging the Australian continent. The resolution also honors the longstanding partnership between the United States and Australia to share critical firefighting resources during times of crisis. Looking ahead, this resolution expresses the importance of continued cooperation and greater collaboration between the United States and Australia to share research, technology, and best practices related to wildfire mitigation and suppression and to address underlying factors driving extended and more intense wildfire years in both countries. "We are so grateful to these American firefighters for their service to our communities and for their willingness to travel and fight fires for our friends from down under," s

PASO ROBLES, CA – As previously reported, on Tuesday, January 14, the Paso Robles Police Department responded to a stabbing that occurred in a trailer, parked in the Woodland Plaza II parking lot. The victim, a 16-year-old male, had been stabbed in the neck and fled to a local business. He was conscious and immediately attended to by EMS. The victim was later transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery and is in critical but stable condition. Officers learned of an altercation between the 16-year-old male and the owner of the trailer, 24-year-old Michaela Twyman who knew she was a person of interest in this investigation and purposely hid from law enforcement. Paso Robles PD Detectives began to work the case and search for Michaela Twyman. On Thursday, January 16, Twyman was located by the Paso Robles Police Department Community Action Team (CAT) while walking on the railroad tracks just south of San Miguel. She was placed under arrest and transported back to Paso Ro

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for South Monterey County from Sunday, January 12 through Saturday, January 18 – newest information is in red. Please keep in mind that construction work is weather-dependent. Highway 101: Broadway – Jolon Road, King City: January 13 – January 16 Alternating lane closure and full on ramp closures will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Broadway and Jolon Road for bridge work in King City from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Thursday. Highway 101: Wild Horse – First Street, King City: Now – March 2020 One long-term lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Wild Horse Road and First Street in King City for roadway excavation work from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Highway 101: Monterey Road – East Garrison, San Luis Obispo County: Jan. 13 – Jan. 17 One long-term alternating lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 in  San Luis Obispo County b

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released on Wednesday, January 15, two 2019 outbreaks of E. coli connected to agriculture in Salinas have been officially reported as over. The CDC posted the follow up information on their website that says that "This outbreak appears to be over. The CDC is no longer advising that people avoid romaine lettuce from the Salinas Valley growing region in California." In November of 2019, the CDC advised the public to stay away from all lettuce grown in the Salinas Valley, while in December, the CDC also reported an outbreak from contaminated Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp chopped salads. With this statement, the CDC also released final numbers for the outbreaks. Overall, the Salinas Valley lettuce outbreak had 167 reported cases in 27 states. Of those cases, 85 people were hospitalized, including 15 people who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome which a certain type of kidney failure. The chopped sal

King City, CA, Jan. 15, 2020 — King City's Mee Memorial Hospital has been recognized by the State of California for the quality of its maternity care. Mee has won a 2019 Honor Roll Award from the California Department of Health and Human Services and Smart Care California, a public-private partnership working to promote safe, affordable health care. The award is given to hospitals that achieve a Cesarean section rate of 23.9 percent or lower for low-risk, first-birth deliveries. In part, the focus on reducing the number of C-sections is a response to a rapid rise in the medically unnecessary use of such procedures across the United States. According to Smart Care California: "Efforts to improve maternity care are starting to yield positive results in California as low-risk, first-birth C-section rates have begun to decline, but significant overuse of this surgical procedure and unwarranted variation persists. The range for low-risk, first-birth C-section rates in Califor

PASO ROBLES, CA – On Tuesday, January 14, the Paso Robles Police Department responded to a stabbing that occurred in a trailer parked in the Woodland Plaza II parking lot. The victim, a 16-year-old male, had been stabbed in the neck and fled to a local business. He was conscious and immediately attended to by EMS. The victim was later transported to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center for treatment. Officers learned of an altercation between the 16-year-old male and the owner of the trailer, 24-year-old Michaela Twyman who was last seen on foot leaving the trailer within minutes of the stabbing. The weapon used in this incident was a folding pocketknife and has been recovered. Twyman has not been contacted by law enforcement and is still outstanding. This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Paso Robles Police Department at 805-237-6464 and ask for Det. Bryce Lickness. Persons wishing to remain anonymous are en

On Tuesday, January 14 at around 3 pm, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) San Luis Obispo Area units were attempting to locate a white 2014 Chevrolet Camaro which was reported as stolen. The vehicle had fled from a traffic stop and was last seen driving on Northbound US-101 while traveling at a high rate of speed on the Cuesta Grade. The CHP unit had lost a visual of the suspected vehicle. A be-on-the lookout was being conducted by CHP Templeton and San Luis Obispo Area units. At around 3:34 pm, a CHP Templeton Area unit located the vehicle traveling northbound at State Route-41 near Homestead Road. The CHP unit turned around and was attempting to overtake the vehicle. The vehicle went around a sharp curve in the roadway while traveling at an unsafe speed. The driver lost control of the vehicle as it traveled off the roadway surface toward the right and the front end of the vehicle impacted an oak tree. The driver, 25-year-old Jonah Fernandes of Corcoran, fled on foot and was later

At the King City City Council meeting on Tuesday night, January 14 at City Hall Police Chief Bob Masterson swore in Officer Jace Bernal who is the son of County Sheriff Steve Bernal. Officer Bernal returns to work for the King City Police Department after spending the last couple of years working for the Salinas Police Department. Police Chief Masterson also presented an award and commendation to Officer Kip Bowen for assisting with an accident that occurred at Pinnacles National Park in September of 2019 while he was off duty. Officer Dominic Mercurio was presented with a lifesaving medal by Police Chief Masterson for performing CPR and rescue breathing on an elderly woman in the winter of 2017 until emergency personnel arrived. Officer Yvonne Texis-Flores was also honored with a lifesaving medal for performing CPR on a man off and on for up to 30 minutes until emergency personnel arrived during a drowning incident in June of 2019.  Officer Christian Wood was also presented with a l

(SACRAMENTO) – On Friday, January 10, Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) issued the following statement after Governor Gavin Newsom released his initial budget proposal: “Governor Newsom’s proposed budget continues California’s commitment to elevate working families and address the real challenges that Californians face every day. With strong and innovative investments to improve access and opportunity, our state can extend a vibrant future to all, while ensuring that we are fiscally responsible.” “$750 million to establish the California Access to Housing and Services Fund is a much needed investment to continue addressing our homelessness crisis. I share the Governor’s commitment to tackling homelessness and ensuring our state builds the housing we need.” “The budget includes innovative plans to address the climate crisis and supports our farmers and cultivated lands as part of the solution. The Governor proposes several investments and strategies to increase carbon se

On Monday, January 13 the Soledad Police Department arrested 21-year-old Jeremias Najera Guerrero of Soledad for vandalizing properties located on the 100 block of Main Street, Soledad Street and Kidder Street in Soledad on Tuesday, January 7 with graffiti. The Soledad Public Works Department said that it will cost $3000 to remove and restore those various properties. In addition, Guerrero was also also arrested for vandalizing a fence at the driveway entrance of an apartment complex with graffiti at 438 Benito Street in Soledad on Wednesday, January 8. Guerrero was previously arrested for vandalism graffiti in the same Soledad Downtown area on June 23, 2019. Guerrero admitted to these most recent incidents of vandalism graffiti in Soledad on January 7 & 8 of 2020 and is being held in the Monterey County Jail.

According to a news release put out on Monday, January 13 from Soledad Police Chief Damon Wasson, Detective Gomez was informed on December 3, 2019 of a past tense sexual abuse incident involving a 7-year-old child. The victim who is now 14-years-old provided Detective Gomez and the Salinas Child Advocacy Group a statement indicating continual sexual abuse from the suspect. Using social media and other investigation techniques, Detective Gomez was able to identify the suspect as 59-year-old Ramon Mendoza of El Centro, California. The investigation revealed electronic messages where the suspect corroborated the victim's sexual abuse allegations. Detective Gomez partnered with the Monterey County District Attorney's Office and implemented a plan for the arrest of Mendoza. Based on the evidence, the Monterey County Superior Court issued an arrest warrant for multiple sexual abuse charges against Mendoza. On Wednesday, January 8, Detective Gomez, the Monterey County District Attor

PASO ROBLES, CA – Just after midnight on Saturday, January 11, officers from the Paso Robles Police Department responded to a report of a man setting off fireworks in the alley way of 1900 Park Street. Upon arrival, the initial officer located a black Nissan driving south bound in the alley of 1800 Park Street. When the vehicle noticed the police unit arrive, the driver immediately sped off. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle which continued at a high rate of speed making additional turns. Once a second patrol unit arrived in the area, the vehicle slowed down to yield on the 2200 block of Park Street. As the vehicle came to a slow rolling stop, the passenger, who was later identified as Rudolfo Cerda III, ran from the vehicle. The driver, Nicole Gatto remained in the driver’s seat and was detained on the scene. The second officer on the scene chased Cerda III and was able to apprehend him several blocks away from the vehicle. Once in custody, the officer l

MONTEREY, California – Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, January 10 that her Environmental Protection Unit entered into a stipulated judgment with Reiter Berry Farms, Inc. to settle a pesticide drift incident that occurred on June 28, 2017 that sickened 27 berry harvesters employed by Azcona Harvesting, LLC. Reiter Berry Farms, Inc. markets its berries under the Driscoll’s label. The judgment requires Reiter Berry Farms to pay $195,200 in civil penalties and costs. On the day of the incident, employees of Reiter Berry Farms began applying pesticides, adjuvants, and fertilizers to the Hartnell Ranch in Salinas at approximately 5:30 a.m. At around 6:30 a.m., a harvesting crew arrived at a neighboring farm and began harvesting berries. Within two hours, the harvesting crew began developing symptoms of pesticide exposure including vomiting, nausea, dizziness, eye irritation, and headaches, among other symptoms. Reiter Berry Farms self-reported t

On Wednesday, January 8, Monterey County Sheriff's Detectives served a search warrant on the 51000 block of Pine Canyon Road just outside of King City. Detectives had received information that 25-year-old Oscar Torres of King City was selling methamphetamine and other drugs around the King City area. Torres was located hiding inside his bedroom with all of his drugs. Detectives located a large quantity of methamphetamine, cocaine and money.  Torres was arrested and booked into the Monterey County jail for various drug related charges.

According to a news release put out on Wednesday, January 8, Church Brothers Farms has bought the Green Giant Fresh value-added vegetable business. The acquisition comes about 1 year after they purchased the commodity vegetable business of Growers Express. The new deal will include a Growers Express’ production facility and equipment located in Gonzales. Church Brothers Farms will take in the acquired value-added vegetable product line into its existing Green Giant Fresh sublicense with Growers Express. They're also integrating over 130 Growers Express’ value-added fresh employees into their expanding operation. The entire fresh vegetable program of Growers Express is now a part of Church Brothers Farms. The purchase will enhance the expansion of the company's growing retail fresh vegetable product line for their brussel sprouts, riced vegetables, vegetable noodles, single serve vegetable bowls, and Little Gem lettuce. Growers Express will keep their frozen cut vegetable busin

PASO ROBLES, CA – On Thursday, January 09, just after 12 am, officers from the Paso Robles Police Department contacted 41-year-old Benjamin Keeney in the Golden One Credit Union parking lot located at 128 Niblick Rd. Keeney was found to be in possession of a stolen white Kia Optima and was ultimately placed under arrest. A search of both Keeney and the vehicle produced a revolver with a removed serial number as well as stolen mail, checks, ID’s and computer equipment used to manufacture checks. One of the stolen checks had a scratched-out name and Keeney’s name written in. Also located was a large amount of methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, prescription Xanax pills, methadone, fentanyl and drug paraphernalia. The San Luis Obispo County Auto Theft Task Force (SLOCATT) was actively investigating the stolen vehicle and responded to assist with the investigation. Keeney was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on numerous felony and misdemeanor charges. This is an ongoing inve

The City of King has sponsored neighborhood parties in the city in the last two years. It is part of an effort to help residents meet their police officers, know public safety and meet their neighbors. Neighborhoods are safer when residents know each other and work together to promote safety. This year, the city of King is encouraging neighborhoods to organize their own parties in their block, give up all the permit rates for the parties on the block and receive $ 250 grants to help with food costs and entertainment. Plan a party to meet your neighbors. If you want, you can also invite police officers in your neighborhood, who will attend to greet everyone and answer questions. For more information, you can contact King City City Hall at 831-385-3281.

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, January 9, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) voted in support of House Concurrent Resolution 83, a War Powers Resolution limiting the President’s military action against Iran. Congressman Panetta was an original cosponsor of the legislation. "The constitutional power to declare war is vested in the Congress. There is no question that Iran is a leading state sponsor of terrorism, and General Soleimani was the lead architect of Iran’s destabilizing activities around the world. However, Congress has not authorized the President to use military force against Iran. "The United States has the inherent right to self-defense against imminent armed attacks. Unfortunately, the administration has yet to provide sufficient information as to why the operation against Soleimani was necessary and what the overall strategy is for curbing Iran’s regional aggression or nuclear ambitions. "As a former naval intelligence officer who served in Afghanistan,

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for South Monterey County from Sunday, January 5 through Saturday, January 11. Please keep in mind that construction work is weather-dependent. Highway 101: Broadway – Jolon Road, King City: January 6 – January 10 Alternating lane closure and full on ramp closures will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Broadway and Jolon Road for bridge work from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Thursday and from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. Highway 101: Wild Horse – First Street, King City: Now – March 2020 One long-term lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Wild Horse Road and First Street for roadway excavation work from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Highway 101: Monterey Road – East Garrison, San Luis Obispo County: Jan. 6 – Jan. 10 One long-term alternating lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 in  San Luis Obispo County between Monterey Road and

A vehicle overturned over 20 miles outside of King City and West of Highway 25 off of State Route 198 on Wednesday morning, January 8. According to the CHP, the crash happened at around 9:30 am as the driver of the vehicle was heading eastbound on State Route 198 and rolled over. Two occupants in the vehicle were Life Flighted to a Hospital in San Jose to be treated for minor injuries. The cause of the accident is unknown.

Two homes were burglarized in King City on Monday, January 6. According to King City Police Sergeant Steven Kennedy, the first break in took place sometime between 10 am and 12 pm off of the 300 block of South Vanderhurst, while the second burglary occurred at a home off of South 3rd Street and Vivian at around 4 pm. Both residences were forcibly broken into and ransacked, but nothing was taken. Law enforcement has no leads at this time as each incident is under investigation. If anyone has any information regarding both home burglaries then please contact Officer Matt Dillon at 386-5970.

The King City Police Department has issued a scam alert that drivers should be aware of. It states that as of January 2020, if you're caught using your cell phone or holding it while you're driving that you'll receive a $999 fine and a 3 year suspended license. Please note that California state law will not automatically issue a suspension for cell phone violations. However, they will begin issuing points against a license history for more than one violation in a 36 month time frame.

53-year-old Armando Sanchez of King City who was reported missing on Monday, November 18, 2019 was found and reunited with his family to kickoff 2020. According to the King City Police Department, Sanchez walked into their Police station on Thursday, January 2 to let them know that he is fine, back at work and that he went down to Mexico for over a month to get away from his family during the Holidays.

On Sunday night, January 5 at approximately 10:20 PM, Officers from the Paso Robles Police Department received a report of a single vehicle versus tree traffic collision on Airport Road and near Dry Creek Road. Officers arrived and learned that a vehicle was heading southbound when it exited the road. The vehicle struck an oak tree and the driver (the only occupant in the vehicle) died from his injuries. The driver was a 32-year-old man from San Miguel. Anyone with more information about this fatal accident is encouraged to call the Paso Robles Police Department at 805-237-6464. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers' 24-hour hotline at 549-STOP or by texting “SLOTIPS” plus your message” to CRIMES (274637).

According to the US Geological Survey a 3.4 magnitude earthquake was reported 16 miles east of King City at 8:40 am on Friday morning, January 3. Hours after the shaking occurred less than 10 people reported to the USGS that they felt the 3.4 magnitude quake. No damage was reported.

According to the National Weather Service, for the month of December 2019 the King City area received 6.19 inches of precipitation and so far for the 2019-20 season 7.62 inches of total precipitation has been accumulated. Our rain year began on July 1, 2019 and ends on June 30, 2020.

42-year-old Daniel Macias-Victoria of King City who is a suspect in a Gonzales area officer involved shooting and a Salinas Chinatown-area shooting that occurred in December of 2019 appeared in court on Thursday afternoon, January 2 pleading not guilty. Macias-Victoria has been charged with 3 counts of attempted premeditated murder of a police officer, 1 count of evading an officer, 1 count of possession of a firearm and 1 count of possession of drug paraphernalia. His bail was set at $3.6 million and he's expected to be in court again on Tuesday, January 14.