KRKC COUNTRY

The City of Soledad was recently awarded a $7.6 million dollar grant to construct at Metz/Orchard Park (by the Soledad Hartnell College Campus) a new inclusive playground with fencing and shade structures, a splash pad with shade structures, a skate park, an amphitheater with shade structures, a dog park, a botanical garden, one small picnic area with shade structures, a group picnic area with a pavilion and shade structure, a gazebo, a perimeter walking path with fitness stations, an open space area, a restroom, a parking lot, pathways along with light and landscaping throughout the park. The grant is being awarded by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, California State Parks.

The King City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture maybe be relocating very soon. The Chamber went over plans at their annual luncheon meeting on Tuesday, February 25 in the US Forest Service Community regarding a new Chamber Office & Visitor's Center they'd like to move into sometime in 2020 or 2021 which would be off of Vanderhurst and Broadway. The current King City Chamber Office is in the King Town Square off of 200 Broadway. Chamber Director Janet Bessemer said that a lot of the funding for this project will come from city grants in order to make this move happen.

The Blue Zones Project spoke in the Orradre Building at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds on Wednesday night, February 26 and Thursday, February 27 to bring in worksites, grocery stores, restaurants, schools, city leaders, and residents together to talk about making healthy choices easier. This year was the first time that the Blue Zones Project has talked in King City.

On February 24, 2020, at around 7:39 am, Monterey County Communications received a 9-1-1 call reporting that 4 to 6 subjects armed with rifles had entered a residence located at 101 River Drive #21 in King City. The caller also stated that the armed subjects were holding the residents of unit #21 hostage and a grey or silver colored newer model Honda Accord was also involved. Police personnel from the King City Police Department immediately responded to the reported emergency requesting mutual aid assistance from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol. As police personnel arrived at River Drive and began to establish a perimeter to address the emergency a silver colored Honda Accord was seen leaving the scene. Police personnel continued to maintain the perimeter and address the reported emergency at unit #21 while also shadowing the Honda Accord as it left the area until enough units were available to initiate an enforcement stop. A high-risk enforcem

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed Congressman Jimmy Panetta’s (D-Carmel Valley) bipartisan legislation, the Legal Services for Homeless Veterans Act, H.R.3749.  The Legal Services for Homeless Veterans Act directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide grants to organizations that provide legal services to homeless veterans and veterans at risk for homelessness.  The legislation would also appropriate at least $20 million to organizations that have a focus on providing assistance to women veterans and their families. "Accessing legal aid should not be an added hoop to jump through for veterans struggling with or on the brink of homelessness.  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," said Congress

At the King City City Council meeting on Tuesday night, February 25 at City Hall the Council approved on a vote of 3 to 2 the 2nd reading of an Ordinance to allow for Commercial Cannabis Dispensary activity and deliveries in the City of King. Several people addressed the Council during the public comment period regarding why they were against this ordinance, while a few people spoke out about they were for it. Mayor Pro-Tem Carlos Victoria and Councilwoman Darlene Acosta voted no on this ordinance, while Mayor Mike Lebarre, Councilman Rob Cullen and Councilman Carlos DeLeon voted yes for this ordinance.

48-year-old Jerry Mares, a former teacher at Vista Verde Middle School in Greenfield will not be going to prison for having sex with a minor. Mares admitted in court on Tuesday, February 25 to having sex with a 16 year old girl. As part of a plea deal Mares will get felony probation and a suspended prison term. Mares will be formally sentenced sometime in March of 2020. On December 7 of 2018 an investigation from the Greenfield Police Department revealed that Mares was having a sexual relationship with a female juvenile. Mares was arrested and charged with Sexual Misconduct.

The City of Soledad announced on Tuesday, February 25 that one of their police officers had died in a traffic accident this past weekend. Interim Chief of Police Damon Wasson stated that Officer Kevin McArthur died in a motorcycle crash in San Jose. Officer McArthur has been in the Soledad Police Department since 2014 and was also a sergeant in the Army Reserve. In addition, Officer McArthur was also recognized two years straight as 'Officer of the Year' and is survived by his parents who reside in Salinas. Soledad City Manager Michael McHatten sent his condolences to Officer McArthur's family and friends in a message through a news release saying that, "I want to take this opportunity to extend my deepest condolences and prayers to his family and friends during this painful and difficult time," said McHatten. "This terrible loss is also a reminder of the tremendous debt of gratitude that we owe to our police officers who serve our city every day and put th

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, February 25, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced that he introduced gun safety legislation to ensure completion of background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) system.  Currently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is statutorily required to purge incomplete gun background checks from its systems if they are not completed within 88 days, a practice that could allow gun sales without a completed background check.  Congressman Panetta’s legislation, the NICS Data Integrity Act, H.R. 5949, will eliminate the statutory requirement to purge NICS data on background checks and instead maintain the data in its systems until the check is complete.  "When data is purged from the NICS system, there is no way to know how many people have purchased guns without a completed background check or how many firearm purchases would have been blocked if the background checks were complete," said Congressm

A new AM/PM Convenience store and Arco Gas Station opened it's doors off of the Walnut exit off of Highway 101 in Greenfield on Monday, February 24. Store Manager Ramona Ash says that this has been in the works now for a couple of years as they have a lot of snacks and drinks to purchase, while they also have diesel gas along with regular gasoline if you're looking to fill up your vehicle.

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, February 23 through Saturday, February 29. Highway 101: San Ardo  - East Garrison: February 25 One moving lane closure will occur along southbound Highway 101 between San Ardo and East Garrison for vegetation control work from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 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: Lockwood/San Lucas – Paris Valley Road: Long-Term Closure One long-term lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Lockwood/San Lucas Road and Paris Valley Road for K-rail and excavation work. Highway 101: Lockwood/San Lucas – Paris Valley Road: Feb. 24 – Feb. 28 There will be full closure of the on and off ramps of northbound & southbound Hi

On Friday night, February 21, officers from the Paso Robles Police Department arrested 4 people for DUI. One of the arrests involved felony charges after 44-year-old Michael Lee Jauregui of San Miguel was involved in an accident with a parked vehicle. Unfortunately, his passenger was injured in the collision. Jauregui showed signs of alcohol intoxication at the scene and a DUI investigation was conducted. Jauregui was arrested and his blood alcohol level was more than double the legal limit. He was booked in the San Luis Obispo County Jail for felony DUI and related charges. This was the only DUI in the Paso Robles area stemming from a traffic collision on Friday night, February 21. The other 3 DUI arrests resulted from officers conducting traffic stops throughout the evening. The PRPD is asking people to remain watchful for impaired drivers and to please do not drink and drive! Officers are out in force conducting traffic stops and saturation patrols through a grant from the Offi

PACIFIC GROVE, CA – On Thursday, February 20, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced that he introduced H.R. 5920, the bipartisan Monarch Action, Recovery, and Conservation of Habitat (MONARCH) Act.  Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Rodney Davis (R-IL-12), and Rob Woodall (R-GA-07) co-led introduction of the House bill.  Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced a companion bill in the Senate. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would provide urgent protections for the struggling western monarch butterfly, a pollinator that is integral to supporting American agriculture and whose population has dropped by 99% since the 1980s. "My district on the central coast of California is home to four of the top 10 high priority overwintering sites for western monarch butterflies.  Sadly, as climate change continues to degrade their habitat, we have seen a huge decline in the number of monarchs on the Central Coast and along their migratory path," said Congre

On Sunday, February 16 King City Police Officers began an investigation regarding a man with a firearm. KCPD Officers responded to the area of the 1200 Block of San Antonio in King City. An investigation revealed that 41-year-old Mario Trujillo Mora of King City was in possession of 2 firearms and several rounds of ammunition. Mora was located by Greenfield Police Officers on Tuesday, February 18 and was taken into custody without incident. Mora was transported and booked into the Monterey County Jail charged with felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition and possession of an unregistered assault weapon. Anyone with further information regarding this case is encouraged to call the King City Police Department at (831) 385-4848, Sgt. John Dow at (831) 386-5969 or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME. Your call may remain completely anonymous. The investigation is continuing, and no other information is being released at this time.

Salinas — The last day to register to vote for the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election for Monterey County is February 18, 2020. Register to vote: ·       Online at https://www.registertovote.ca.gov/ by 11:59 p.m. on February 18, 2020 ·       In person at Monterey County Elections office by 5:00 p.m.; or ·       By mail post marked by February 18, 2020. To be eligible to register, you must be: (1) a United States Citizen; (2) a California resident; (3) at least 18 years of age on or before Election Day; and (4) not be in prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony. Register in person or vote early at the Elections office, 1441 Schilling Place – North Building, Salinas, CA 93901. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Voters who miss the registration deadline can still register conditionally and cast a provisional ballot in person at the Elections office or at their designated polling place from February 19 – March 3. For

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, February 16 through Saturday, February 22. Highway 101: Northbound East Garrison – San Ardo: February 18 One moving lane closure will occur along northbound Highway 101 between East Garrison and San Ardo for vegetation spraying from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Highway 101: San Ardo – Airport Boulevard: February 19 – 21 One moving lane closure will occur along northbound & southbound Highway 101 between San Ardo and Airport Boulevard for vegetation spraying from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Highway 101: Southbound East Garrison – San Ardo: February 20 One moving lane closure will occur along southbound Highway 101 between East Garrison and San Ardo for vegetation spraying from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 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 Stre

A 1 vehicle accident took place in the Templeton area on Sunday night, February 16 at around 9:30 pm as 42-year-old Zackary Thomas Boswell of Cambria was driving a Polaris Ranger 700 UTV to 18844 State Route 1 south of Ragged Point. There were 2 passengers in the front seat as well as 2 other passengers in the bed portion of the Ranger. Due to Boswell's alcoholic intoxication, he allowed the Ranger to veer from an otherwise safe path of travel by veering off the property and rolling down a 30-foot embankment. The Ranger ejected all 5 occupants and came to rest in the northbound lane of State Route 1. No one was wearing helmets or seat belts at the time of the collision. The crash resulted in minor to major injuries to 3 of the occupants. Cal Fire personnel responded and tended to the injured parties. They were transported to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center via Cambria Ambulance, while Boswell was arrested at the hospital for Felony DUI Causing Injuries.

San Luis Obispo, CA—The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Officer received notice sometime on Sunday evening, February 16 that federal authorities are no longer considering Camp Roberts as a potential site to house any returning travelers who may or may not be infected with novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein said “We remain prepared to work with federal and state partners should future decisions turn back to Camp Roberts as a resource.” Dr. Borenstein also expressed her appreciation and admiration for “the prompt and professional response shown by local hospitals, EMS providers, and County personnel." On Sunday morning, February 16 local health officials throughout Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties stated that they were advised by state and federal authorities to get ready for the possibility that passengers who test positive for coronavirus from a Cruise Ship in Japan, but no longer require hospitalization could be transported to Camp Rober

The Monterey County Health Officer said on Sunday, February 16 that there is no certainty at this time that passengers with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) from the Diamond Princess cruise ship will be arriving at Camp Roberts. However, local officials have been advised by state and federal authorities to prepare for the possibility that passengers who test positive for COVID-19 but no longer require hospitalization may be sent to Camp Roberts for the remainder of their isolation period. The County is actively involved in coordinating with state, federal and local partners – including the County of San Luis Obispo – to protect the health and well-being of local residents.  “We understand that a federal team will provide the staffing, food, and medical care at Camp Roberts,” said Dr. Edward Moreno, Monterey County Health Officer. “The Monterey County Health Department is working to ensure that we protect the health and well-being of Monterey County residents.” There are currently n

SACRAMENTO – On Wednesday, February 12, Assemblymember Robert Rivas (Hollister) introduced three bills aimed at improving access to fundamental services in rural California, including high-speed internet, rural healthcare, and court services. These bills focus on access and equity, two values important to rural communities. “Rural communities are often underserved and overlooked when it comes to basic services that should be available to all Californians. It is unfortunate that as we enter a new decade, socioeconomic status is still linked to high-speed connectivity at home. AB 2163 will equip all California fairgrounds with adequate broadband and telecommunications infrastructure needed to support our local, regional and state emergency and disaster response personnel and systems,” Rivas stated. Broadband offers many benefits, both to people and society as a whole. Access to high-speed internet is critical for participation in civic, economic, and education systems. “Clearly, rura

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, February 12, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) voted for the Protecting America’s Wilderness Act, H.R. 2546, to provide permanent protections for large connected landscapes in California, Colorado, and Washington by designating approximately 1.37 million acres of federal land as new, expanded, or potential wilderness and safeguarding more than 1,200 miles of river as components of the National Wild and Scenic River System. Congressman Panetta successfully incorporated an amendment to the bill to allow the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture to manage for fire, insects, and diseases in wilderness areas designated by the legislation. "On the central coast of California, we are no stranger to the threat of wildfires on our federal land. Wildfires don’t stop at property lines, so neither should our federal efforts to combat wildfires and better manage our forest land," said Congressman Panetta. "My amendment

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, February 12, the bipartisan Helping Our Senior Population in Comfort Environments (HOSPICE) Act, introduced by Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20) and Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY-23), unanimously passed the Ways and Means Committee, recommending the legislation for a vote in the full U.S. House of Representatives. "Hospice patients, family members, and caregivers should have the confidence that their hospice is a safe environment during an already difficult time.  My bipartisan legislation will hold bad actors accountable, enhance the integrity of the entire hospice program, and improve the quality of care for patients in the last stages of life," said Congressman Panetta.  "I urge House leadership to improve the hospice benefit and protect patients by scheduling our bipartisan bill for a floor vote." "When my mother became sick, there was nothing I wouldn’t have done to cure her, but she taught me that what truly mattered to

Sometime during the week of February 9, a Paso Robles Police officer attempted to talk with Richard August II near Denny’s. August had a felony parolee at large warrant out for his arrest and fled upon seeing officers. August bolted into the riverbed, running at a full sprint, while trying to keep an eye on the pursuing officer. August’s attempt to get away flopped when he was clotheslined by a low hanging tree branch. August was apprehended and found to be in possession of heroin.

Paicines, CA — Annual measures to protect nesting raptors of Pinnacles National Park will be reinstated as of January 21, 2020, announced Blanca Alvarez Stransky, park superintendent. “We ask you to refrain from any off-trail hiking and climbing in the following sensitive areas: the High Peaks, the Balconies Cliffs area, the Piedras Bonitas/Gargoyle area, Resurrection Wall, Little Pinnacles/Yaks Wall, and the Egg Rock/Teapot Dome areas,” said Stransky. “These climbing advisories have allowed the park’s nesting raptor population to grow. Last year, seven pairs of prairie and peregrine falcons produced a total of 21 fledglings inside the park. Additionally, other raptors including American kestrels, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, Cooper’s hawks, long-eared owls, barn owls, and great horned owls had a successful nesting season.  Park researchers continue to monitor raptors to better understand these interesting and beautiful birds. Without the cooperation from

Salinas, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Thursday, February 14 that Judge Rafael Vazquez sentenced 42-year-old Nataniala Uta to 3 years in prison after he pleaded no contest to felony assault likely to cause great bodily injury and felony burglary. In July of 2019, a cannabis business in Soledad employed Uta. However, Uta became angry about a personnel matter and drove to the business with a codefendant, Joe Ramirez. Video surveillance captured Uta using a crowbar to pry open the door to the business. Uta then entered the office and stole a brand-new laptop. Both Uta and Ramirez also stole some marijuana. In November of 2019, while Uta was in custody at the Monterey County Jail, he took part in a 6-on-1 group assault on another inmate. Surveillance video from the jail showed that Uta and 5 other inmates attacked another inmate. The video revealed that Uta struck the victim at least 5 times. The victim suffered bleeding from his nose an

A tree fire flared up at around 1245 pm off of the 45000 block of Merritt Street and Pine Canyon Road in King City on Monday afternoon, February 10. The fire was phoned in by neighbors in the area. Firemen from the South Monterey County Fire Protection District Pine Canyon Station, the King City Fire Department and Cal Fire knocked down fire sometime after 130 pm. 2 homes were threatened and were not damaged, while no one was injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, February 9 through Saturday, February 15. 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: Lockwood/San Lucas – Paris Valley Road: Long-Term Closure One long-term lane closure will occur along northbound and southbound Highway 101 between Lockwood/San Lucas Road and Paris Valley Road for K-rail and excavation work. Highway 101: Southbound East Garrison: February 11 The off ramp on southbound Highway 101 at southbound East Garrison will be closed for electrical work from 9 a.m. to 1:30 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 

Over 20 people showed their support at Sol Treasures in King City on Friday night, February 7 for a Meet the Artist event. For the month of February the theme of their show was "Call of the Wild." Celene Oliveros who grew up in King City and who now lives in Burlingame featured 6 unique pieces of artwork that inspired her to paint after she took a 5 1/2 month trip to India to study yoga, while Salinas residents Heather Lang and Michael Pistono of Seeking Venture Photo showcased a lot of their nature and adventure photography work that they shot in Africa, Iceland and Big Sur. The animals that were featured in their photos were some lions, giraffes, birds and leopards.

WASHINGTON, DC – On Monday, February 10 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20) and Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY-23) introduced the bipartisan Helping Our Senior Population in Comfort Environments (HOSPICE) Act, legislation to require additional oversight and transparency of Medicare hospice providers. In July 2019, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) released two reports that identified significant deficiencies in the quality of care delivered to Medicare hospice enrollees.  According to the OIG’s two reports, 87 percent of hospices had at least one care deficiency between 2012 and 2016.  Twenty percent had at least one serious deficiency, meaning that the health and safety of a beneficiary were in jeopardy or the hospice was limited in its capacity to deliver adequate care.  Currently the only remedy to penalize a poor performing hospice is removal from the Medicare program.  The OIG issued a series of recommendations for the improvement

WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, February 7, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) announced that he cosponsored H.R. 3884, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act. The bill decriminalizes marijuana at the federal level, reassesses marijuana convictions, and invests in local communities. "The federal government has lagged behind as states like California continue to modernize how we regulate and decriminalize cannabis," said Congressman Panetta. "The MORE Act not only deschedules cannabis at the federal level, it also provides a roadmap for states to legalize in a just and equitable manner." The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act: Decriminalizes marijuana at the federal level by removing the substance from the Controlled Substances Act. This applies retroactively to prior and pending convictions, and enables states to set their own policy. Requires federal courts to expunge prior convictions, allows prior offenders to re

WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, February 7, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize and observe the month of April as “International Parental Child Abduction Month” to raise awareness of, and opposition to, international parental child abduction. According to the Department of State, from 2008 to 2015 more than 9,000 American children were taken abroad by a parent to obstruct their current or former spouse from seeing the child. International child abduction has devastating long-term impacts on both the children and the left-behind parents. Research shows an abducted child is at significant risk of short- and long-term problems, including anxiety, eating problems, nightmares, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and aggressive behavior. Their left-behind parents face similar struggles. "Every year, hundreds of Americans experience the horror and tragedy of international parental child abduction. Compounding the problem, it is incredibly diff

WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, February 7, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) sent a letter to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Charles P. Rettig demanding answers about the agency’s omission of the MilTax program when advertising free tax preparation and filing programs for military servicemembers. The IRS recently was quoted in a national publication and posted a press release promoting improvements to the Free File program and its benefits for servicemembers, without mentioning the MilTax program.  The MilTax program, run by the Department of Defense (DOD), provides free tax preparation and filing software for all military servicemembers, regardless of income, whereas Free File is only free for servicemembers earning $69,000 or less. In his letter to Commissioner Rettig, Congressman Panetta points out the issues with mentioning Free File in the context of servicemembers without mentioning MilTax.  He asks why the IRS has not advertised the program, if they have consulte

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, February 6, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) voted to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, to strengthen workers’ power to stand together and negotiate for bigger paychecks, better benefits, and safer working conditions. The PRO Act, which is the most significant upgrade to U.S. labor law in 80 years, is a direct response to the struggle that many hardworking families are facing to keep pace with the rising costs of education, child care, housing, and other basic essentials. "The PRO Act will strengthen the federal laws that protect workers’ right to join a union. I voted for this bill to help hardworking people by strengthening the basic right of American workers to stand together and negotiate for higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions," said Congressman Panetta. Research consistently shows that workers who are represented by unions earn higher pay, have safer workplaces, and are more likely to have e

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, February 6, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) voted for H.Res. 826 to disapprove of the President’s proposed cuts to Medicaid services through his new illegal block-grant scheme. Last month, the administration announced a new waiver authority, referred to as the “Healthy Adult Opportunity,” that would allow states to receive a waiver to block grant their Medicaid programs for adults in the expansion population.  The waiver undermines crucial protections of the Medicaid program and gives states broad authority to scale back important beneficiary protections, restrict eligibility standards, and limit access to prescription drugs. This proposal would push Medicaid recipients off lifesaving medicines, impose unaffordable premiums to maintain coverage and leave more vulnerable families exposed to catastrophic medical bills – with ruinous consequences for rural hospitals, for families seeking opioid addiction treatment for their loved ones and for middle-c

PASO ROBLES, CA – On Wednesday night, February 5 at approximately 10:30 pm, officers from the Paso Robles Police Department responded to the Spirit Gas Station located at 1637 Spring Street for a report of an armed robbery. A male adult entered the business holding a black semiautomatic handgun and demanding money from the cash register. The suspect was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black gloves, blue jeans, and had a dark bandana covering his face. The suspect was inside the store for several minutes and fled on foot west bound towards Oak Street.  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. Persons wishing to remain anonymous are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers' 24-hour hotline at 549-STOP or by texting “SLOTIPS” plus your message” to CRIMES (274637). 

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, February 5, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) voted for H.R.2382, the USPS Fairness Act, to end the pre-funding mandate for the United States Postal Service (USPS). The legislation will solve the most pressing financial problem facing the agency and provide relief to communities who have experienced service delays. "I have heard from community members from across the Central Coast about ongoing mail delivery delays and issues, and from postal workers who are overworked and under-resourced. These problems are due in large part to the pre-funding mandate that has burdened the agency. This arbitrary mandate has done more harm than good to the agency, leading to service cuts and hindering competition with other delivery services. Today’s legislation seeks to repeal that mandate, and restore fiscal sanity to this critical service," said Congressman Panetta.  "The USPS Fairness Act will not only end USPS’s financial crisis but will allow the

Salinas, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Wednesday, February 5 that on February 4, 2020, Judge Carrie Panetta sentenced 30-year-old Jesus Lopez, Jr. of King City, to 2 years and 8 months in prison after entering a plea of no contest to felony attempted extortion. The defendant’s sentence was doubled as a result of a prior strike conviction under California’s Three Strikes Law. This case arose in the context of domestic violence cyberbullying. In May of 2019, the victim broke up with Lopez due to his use of methamphetamine. She told him she did not want any contact with him, but he continued to call her repeatedly. She blocked his number, but his harassment did not stop. He first tried to get her fired by calling her boss and accusing her of theft and drug use. When that was not successful, he began harassing and cyberbullying her. On May 4, 2019, he called her 17 times and texted her 21 times. She did not respond. On May 5, 2019, he cal

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Wednesday, February 5 that Monterey County Superior Court Judge Timothy P. Roberts pronounced sentence on 38-year-old David Player, an inmate at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad, for possessing two stabbing weapons on the state prison grounds after his conviction by jury on January 17, 2020. Previously, Inmate Player was convicted of multiple serious and violent felonies, including second- degree robbery, attempted voluntary manslaughter with a firearm, attempted willful murder with a firearm, and assault by a life prisoner upon a correction officer. He also suffered convictions for brandishing a weapon on a peace officer and custodial possession of a weapon. In prison he sustained administrative rule violations for fighting, sexual misconduct, and weapons. The trial jury found that Inmate Player did suffer three serious and violent prior convictions. Based on his prior serious and violent

A 2 vehicle accident happened off of 13th Street and Walnut Avenue in Greenfield sometime before 7:30 pm on Tuesday night, February 4. According to the King City CHP, two Toyota vehicles were involved in the collision. One Toyota was heading north on 13th and another was traveling east on Walnut. The vehicle going north on 13th ran a stop sign and t-boned the vehicle that was driving east on Walnut. Both of the drivers picked up minor injuries from the crash. The driver in the Toyota heading north on 13th was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.

Jeff Gorman who's running for Congress in the 20th District and Vicki Nohrden who's running for State Senate in the 17th District provided their thoughts on a number of issues to a packed house at the Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated regular monthly luncheon meeting on Tuesday, February 4 at Lawrence's Restaurant in King City. Gorman spoke about where he stands on National Security, Affordable Housing, the Green New Deal which is proposed to tackle climate change and the Impeachment hearings involving President Trump, while Nohrden went over where she stands with the Green New Deal, Education and Homelessness.

A Greenfield High School teacher was arrested on Tuesday, February 4 after being accused of embezzlement. The King City Police Department said that they were advised of there possibly being an embezzlement reported on January 13, 2020. An investigation revealed that 51-year-old Adrienne Lara had medical notes that were fake or altered, allowing her to get funds illegally. Lara is facing charges of embezzlement, forgery, theft of public funds and altering medical records. The South Monterey County Joint Union High School District said that Lara has been put on administrative leave and will not be on campus while the charges are pending. District Superintendent, Brian Walker, stated that “The District has fully cooperated with law enforcement during their investigation, and will continue to do so as needed. In spite of this unfortunate issue, the District remains focused on our primary mission of educating our students." If you have any information regarding this case, you are enc

A 1 vehicle accident took place at 12:55 pm on Tuesday, February 4 off of Highway 101 Northbound south of Chualar. The CHP reports that a dark blue Kia spun out of control before it came to rest on it's wheels partially blocking the #2 lane before it was towed away. No one was injured.

A vehicle collision took place with a parked vehicle off of Paso Robles Street near the northbound 101 off-ramp just after 11 am on Tuesday, February 4. Those reporting the incident informed Paso Robles Dispatchers that the driver had exited his vehicle and was running away from the collision. Upon arrival, a Paso Robles Police Department Officer contacted the suspect who was in the middle of Paso Robles Street and yelling. The suspect, who was later identified as 32-year-old Darren Santagelo of Atascadero immediately became violent toward the officer by kicking and punching him. The officer deployed his Taser and with the assistance of arriving officers was able to get the suspect into custody. Paso Robles Emergency Services arrived to render aid to Santagelo, who continued to resist the officers and medical treatment. Santagelo was eventually restrained and transported to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center for injuries sustained in the traffic collision. Through the initial inve

The National Weather Service reports that the King City area picked up 0.61 inches of moisture for the month of January 2020 and so far for the 2019-20 rain season we've received 8.23 inches of precipitation. As you may know by now our rain year began on July 1 of 2019 and ends on June 30 of 2020. In January of 2019 the King City area accumulated over 4.51 inches of precipitation.

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, February 2 through Saturday, February 8. 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: Broadway – Jolon Road: February 4 – February 5 One lane closure will occur along northbound Highway 101 between Broadway and Jolon Road for bridge work from 8 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, CA – On Sunday, February 2, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) announced that he has invited Pablo Martinez, a former farmworker living and working on the central coast of California, as his guest the State of the Union speech by President Donald Trump which will be on Tuesday, February 4. Pablo worked in the fields of Monterey County for 16 years alongside his parents, harvesting and cultivating grapes, lettuce, strawberries, broccoli, onion, garlic and tomatoes. Pablo attended the Hartnell Community College extension located in King City while working in the fields. He graduated in 2019 with his Associates Degree in Communications from Monterey Peninsula College. As a farmworker and President of the Dreamers in Action Club at Monterey Peninsula College, Pablo deeply understands the impact that Congressman Panetta’s Farm Workforce Modernization Act would have on farmworker communities. "For us as undocumented people, we deserve to have a path to citizenship because we