KRKC COUNTRY

According to the Monterey County Office of Education on Tuesday, March 31 school closures in all 24 Districts and 7 Charter schools in the County will continue through the end of the school year due to the coronavirus outbreak. County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss said though that the 2019-2020 school year is not over as online distance learning is still going on and added that schools are working to set-up important milestones such as graduations in a different format or at a later date.

An update from the Monterey County Health Department on Tuesday, March 31 reports that the number of confirmed conronavirus cases in the County has gone up slightly by 2 people for a total of 42. Ten of the cases are travel-related, 15 have come from person-to-person transmissions, seven were through community transmissions, eight people have been hospitalized, 10 are under investigation and now two people have died. The Monterey County Health Department has tested 616 people since testing in their lab began for COVID-19 on March 6.

SALINAS, CA – On Tuesday, March 31 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) applauded unanimous House passage of the bipartisan Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, H.R. 6322.  The legislation minimizes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student veterans as schools and universities have taken proactive measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.  Congressman Panetta cosponsored the measure. “We must ensure that student veterans do not lose their GI benefits due to adverse impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 will help student veterans continue their studies without interruption, loss of income, or unexpected expenses,” said Congressman Panetta.  “It is my hope and expectation that the Senate will act swiftly to pass the legislation so it may be signed into law.”  “We cannot let any student veterans lose their work study payments, have their housing cut off, exhaust their disaster housing stipend contin

SALINAS – In a letter dated March 24, 2020, Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) thanked Speaker Anthony Rendon for his leadership during the current COVID-19 crisis, and urged the State’s attention to the needs of agricultural businesses and farmworkers during this critical time. This essential sector of our economy faces significant challenges with respect to labor availability, housing, and health and safety – challenges that will be exacerbated as this disease continues to spread. “I am calling on the Governor and Administration to help protect agriculture and its workers, one of the most vital industries in this state,” said Rivas. “District 30 is known as the salad bowl of the world, and all of California supplies a great deal of this nation’s produce and other food products. That’s why, during the COVID-19 shelter in place orders, the State has recognized agricultural workers as ‘essential critical infrastructure workers.’ We must continue to provide healthy foods to our

An update from the Monterey County Health Department on Monday, March 30 reports that the number of confirmed conronavirus cases in the County has now increased by 4 people for a total of 40. Ten of the cases are travel-related, fifteen have come from person-to-person transmissions, seven came through community transmissions, seven people have been hospitalized, one person has died and eight are under investigation. The Monterey County Health Department has tested 561 people since testing in their lab started for COVID-19 on March 6.

An employee at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad has tested positive for the coronavirus. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation reports that 1 member of their staff tested positive at the end of the week of March 22, but it was not reported how many others have been tested. One inmate at Salinas Valley State Prison has been tested for the virus, while one inmate at the Correctional Training Facility has also been tested. However, each inmate has not received a positive confirmation. Overall, 18 CDCR prison and care facility employees have tested positive across the state of California.

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for Monterey County from Sunday, March 29 through Saturday, April 4.  Highway 101: Wild Horse – First Street, King City: March 31 – April 3 Traffic breaks will occur along northbound Highway 101 between Wild Horse Road and First Street for shoulder work from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Highway 101: Wild Horse Road, King City: April 2 – April 3 Full closure of the off and on ramps to northbound and southbound Highway 101 at Wild Horse Road will occur for paving work from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Highway 101: Wild Horse – First Street, King City: March 31 – April 3 Traffic breaks will occur along northbound Highway 101 between Wild Horse Road and First Street for shoulder work from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Traffic breaks along southbound Highway 101 will only occur on April 3. Highway 101: San Ardo – First Street, King City: April 2 – April 3 A moving lane closure will occur along northbound Highway 101 between San Ardo and First S

An update from the Monterey County Health Department on Sunday, March 29 reports that the number of confirmed conronavirus cases in the County has now increased to 36 people. Ten of the cases are travel-related, twelve came from person-to-person transmissions, six were through community transmissions, eight cases are  under investigation, six people have been hospitalized and 1 person has died. The Monterey County Health Department has tested 452 people since testing in their lab for COVID-19 began on March 6.

PASO ROBLES, CA – On Saturday, March 28 at around 5 AM, a Paso Robles resident heard his garage door opening and went to investigate. The Resident located a Hispanic male adult near his vehicle. The male, later identified as 26-year-old Ricardo Magana, had opened the garage door and was attempting to get into the victim’s vehicle. During the confrontation, Magana ran back to a black Ford Edge that was waiting for him in front of the residence. The victim stated Magana got into the passenger seat and noticed a Hispanic female, later identified as 24-year-old Christina Rogers, in the driver’s seat. A juvenile was also seen in the backseat of the vehicle. The black Ford Edge fled the area at a high rate of speed. The juvenile was later identified as a 16-year-old female and was related to the involved parties. Paso Robles Police Officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. As the officer approached the driver, the vehicle fled. Officers again found the vehicle on a resid

A report from the Monterey County Health Department on Friday, March 27 states that the number of confirmed conronavirus cases in the County has now climbed by 5 people for a total of 32. Ten of the cases are travel-related, six came from person-to-person transmissions, nine were through community transmissions and seven cases are  under investigation. The Monterey County Health Department has now tested 452 people since they began testing in their lab for COVID-19 on March 6.

Paicines, CA – Pinnacles National Park, in response to guidance from California State, Monterey County, and San Benito County public health authorities, is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As of Saturday, March 28, Pinnacles National Park will offer very limited services outside those that support visitor or resource protection. At Pinnacles National Park, the following services and operations will be suspended in order to comply with state and local orders: • The Park will close to all day-use visitors and vehicular traffic. • The campground will remain open for campers with reservations. • The previous trail, facility, and operational closures remain in effect. The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Pinnacles National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, sta

PASO ROBLES, CA – On Friday, March 27, the Paso Robles City Council has adopted an Urgency Ordinance affirming the orders of the Emergency Services Director and Public Health Officer of the County of San Luis Obispo related to the COVID-19 State and Local Emergency. This allows the City to enforce two recent County orders. The first provides a temporary moratorium on certain residential and commercial evictions due to COVID-19. Tenants must provide required notice to landlords and are responsible for paying all rent within six months of the local emergency. Violations of the Shelter in Home Order may be enforced as well. Business violations in Paso Robles can be reported at 805-237-6464 or through the County Enforcement Line at 805-788-2222. The Police Department’s Code Enforcement Division will be following up on business violations and is asking for cooperation following these orders. If a business chooses to stay open despite a determination that the business is not essential, a

WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, March 27 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) voted in favor of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, S.3548. "Today, I flew back to our nation’s capital so that I could vote for and Congress could pass the CARES Act, which will provide urgent relief to employers, employees, and their families on the central coast of California.  During this unprecedented pandemic, Congressional Democrats and Republicans continue to come together and ensure that the federal government works for our constituents by providing the funding for the resources required by our communities," said Congressman Panetta.  "This package includes expanded unemployment insurance, direct payments to workers, and payroll and rent assistance to small businesses.  The bill also provides funding for large industries with many employees to stay afloat, but mandates strict oversight procedures to protect those workers.  The legislation further funds reso

WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, March 27 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced that he cosponsored the Frontline Health Care Workers Assistance Act.  The legislation will require the administration to use the powers of the Defense Production Act (DPA) to direct the procurement of urgently needed resources such as masks, gloves, gowns, face shields, ventilators, and other supplies for medical professionals who are on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic, ensure that prices of in-demand goods are not inflated, and organize distribution for medical supplies.  Additionally, the Frontline Health Care Workers Assistance Act requires federal agencies to analyze the resource gap based on projected requirements of health care workers responding to COVID-19, differentiating it from other DPA efforts.  Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06) and Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45) are the lead sponsors of the bill. Originally enacted in 1950 after the Korean War left the U.S. in nee

According to the Monterey County Health Department on Thursday, March 26 the number of confirmed conronavirus cases in the County has now gone up by 3 people for a total of 27. Nine of the cases are travel-related, eight came from person-to-person transmissions, four were through community transmissions and six cases are under investigation. The Monterey County Health Department has tested 403 people, while they started testing in their lab for COVID-19 on March 6.

California’s Department of Motor Vehicles in King City and all of their field offices statewide will be closed for the rest of March so they can be thoroughly cleaned in order to “protect the health and safety of customers and employees during the coronavirus pandemic.” Those locations are expected to reopen on April 1. The department is canceling in-office appointments for those who had visits scheduled between March 27 and March 31.

Hartnell College announced on Thursday, March 26 that they will continue online classes for their students who attend classes in Salinas, King City and Soledad until further notice due to the threat of the coronavirus. Hartnell College campuses in Salinas, Soledad and King City are no longer looking to April 7 as an anticipated end date for online instruction and student services. Instead, they'll continue with their current situation until further notice as they continue to review and respond to government public health orders and recommendations from the county, state and federal levels. The health and safety of the Hartnell College community and the greater community are their highest priority.

The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE), most of the school districts, and charter schools, in concurrence with the Monterey County Health Department, announced on Thursday, March 26 that they do not anticipate schools returning earlier than Monday, May 4, 2020. If the State and Monterey County Health Officer Stay at Home/Shelter in Place Orders are lifted sooner than May 4, 2020 and schools are deemed safe and ready for students to return, communities will be notified by their school at least one week prior to the reopening date. A letter signed by the county superintendent and school leaders is attached. With more and more confirmed cases in our County, our state and our nation, now more than ever, it is important communities in Monterey County heed the Stay at Home/Shelter in Place Orders to prevent further spread of COVID-19. School leaders recognize that potentially schools may need to stay closed for the remainder of the academic year and will provide regular updates a

SALINAS, CA – On Wednesday, March 25 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) led a bipartisan group of six lawmakers in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos urging the Department to develop guidance and resources for primary, secondary, and higher education institutions in creating distance learning curriculums, including best practices and guidance regarding remote learning equipment procurement.  The members of Congress ask the Department to publicly publish information regarding resources for the benefit of educators across the country. “The outbreak of COVID-19 presents new challenges for educators and in a stressful environment.  The Department should do all it can to ensure educators have the guidance and resources they need to support students temporarily out of the classroom at all levels of learning,” the members wrote.  Full text of the letter here and below: Dear Secretary DeVos, As schools and colleges across the country close t

(Monterey County, CA)  The statewide shelter-in-place order announced by Governor Gavin Newsom last Thursday excludes the most essential businesses, and like other public utilities, waste recovery and recycling services are vital to public health, maintaining sanitary conditions and safe disposal of solid waste throughout the County. Landfill operations will remain open until further notice, and garbage/sanitation services will continue to provide uninterrupted curbside pickup through the COVID-19 health crisis, though this remains a dynamic situation. Monterey Regional Waste Management District (MRWMD) operates the landfill and resource recovery operation for western Monterey County just outside of Marina. The landfill, materials recovery facility (MRF) and household hazardous waste (HHW) facility are open for normal business, however the administrative offices, Last Chance Mercantile retail store and donation center, CRV bottle/can buy back center and landscape product sales are t

According to the Monterey County Health Department on Tuesday, March 24 the number of confirmed conronavirus cases in the County has risen by 4 people for a total of 24. The County Health Department has tested 365 people. Nine of the cases are travel-related, six came from person-to-person transmissions, four were through community transmissions and five cases are still under investigation. One of the confirmed COVID-19 cases involved a non-sworn civilian employee with the Salinas Police Department who may have picked up the coronavirus from traveling out of state. That employee is now in self isolation, while over a dozen Salinas Police Department employees are affected, but are non-symptomatic. However, they're also all in self isolation as a precaution.

MONTEREY, California – Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Tuesday, March 24 that her Environmental Protection Unit entered into a stipulated judgment with Azcona Harvesting, LLC for failing to take their employees to a physician immediately after they were exposed to pesticides through drift. The judgment requires Azcona Harvesting to pay a $55,000 civil penalty and includes an injunction prohibiting them from violating this requirement in the future. Reiter Berry Farms, Inc., the party responsible for the pesticide application at issue, had previously stipulated to a judgment requiring payment of $195,200 in civil penalties and costs, as well as an injunction, for violations related to pesticide drift. On June 28, 2017, at approximately 5:30 a.m., employees of Reiter Berry Farms (which markets its berries under the Driscoll’s label) began a pesticide application on the Hartnell Ranch in Salinas. At around 6:30 a.m. an Azcona Harvesting crew arrived a

The Monterey County Health Department states that 6 new cases of the new novel coronavirus were reported in Monterey County on Monday, March 23. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county is now at 20. Six of the cases are travel-related, five came from person-to-person transmissions, four were through community transmissions and five cases are under investigation. The Monterey County Health Department's Public Health Laboratory began testing for COVID-19 on Friday, March 6 and as of Saturday, March 21 the lab has completed COVID-19 testing for 271 people.

MONTEREY COUNTY – Here are the major scheduled road and lane closures for South Monterey County from Sunday, March 22 through Saturday, March 28. Highway 101: Camp Roberts Rest Area: Long-Term Closure There will be full closure of the northbound and southbound Camp Roberts Rest Area for electrical and emergency work. Highway 101: Lockwood/San Lucas: March 23 – March 27 There will be full closure of the on and off ramps of northbound & southbound Highway 101 at Lockwood/San Lucas Road for excavation work from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Highway 101: Lockwood/San Lucas – Paris Valley Road: Long-Term Closure There will be one lane closure on northbound & southbound Highway 101 at Lockwood/San Lucas Road for excavation work. 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 miscellan

SALINAS, CA – On Monday, March 23 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) led a bipartisan group of 27 lawmakers in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting targeted assistance for the specialty crop industry in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic.  “As you work to continue mitigating the impacts of this emergency on our nation’s agriculture industry, we ask that you include targeted relief for the specialty crop industry.  Such relief will not only help producers who are facing significant financial challenges but also support efforts to provide food and nutrition assistance to the most vulnerable members of our communities,” the members wrote.  “Specifically, we request regulatory flexibility to implement the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act under the circumstances of this emergency; a commitment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables for federal nutrition programs; and direct support

City staff remain on duty to continue to respond to and address the community’s essential needs.  However, in its efforts to protect the health of our employees and the public, City Hall will now be closed except by appointment only beginning on Monday, March 23, 2020. If you need assistance, you may e-mail the appropriate staff member or call City Hall at 831-385-3281. If necessary, appointments will be scheduled for in-person service. Meanwhile, on Friday, March 20, 2020, the City Council voted unanimously to confirm the City of King Proclamation of Local Emergency.  The City continues its efforts to enforce the Shelter in Place Orders issued by the County Health Officer and the Governor of California.  Everyone is urged to comply with the Governor’s Order and stay at home except for essential needs.  When shopping for food and other essential items, please maintain social distancing of 6 feet from all other people and continue other practices recommended by the Centers for Diseas

SALINAS, CA – On Monday, March 23 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) co-introduced new legislation to help small businesses, nonprofits, and Central Coast workers facing unprecedented economic challenges as a result of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.  Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) is the lead sponsor of the bill. The Too Small To Fail Act takes concrete steps to support small businesses and workers who have been hit hard by this virus.  Among its provisions, the bill would make available zero-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to small businesses and nonprofits affected by the coronavirus outbreak to help keep their doors open and meet their ongoing obligations.  The legislation will also allow for up to $15,000 in grants for small businesses, distributed within three days after a business or nonprofit applies for an EIDL, so that they can receive immediate relief.  In addition, the bill will empower the Small Business Administration (SBA) to defer paymen

A 1 vehicle accident took place off of Jolon Road and 2 miles south of Argyle Road at Fort Hunter Liggett sometime after 3 pm on Saturday, March 21. The CHP reports that the vehicle lost control and rolled 40 to 50 feet off the roadway. The driver received minor injuries. The cause of the crash is unknown.

On Saturday, March 21 the first death of a Monterey County resident due to complications from COVID-19 was reported to the Monterey County Health Department. The adult individual was hospitalized and had an underlying health condition. The Health Department expresses its sincere condolences to the family and friends. No additional information about this individual is being released to protect the family’s privacy at this very difficulty time. “This is a tragic development. The Monterey County Health Department is taking necessary, carefully considered steps to slow down the spread of the disease and to protect those at greatest risk,” said Dr. Edward Moreno, Monterey County Health Officer and Director of Public Health. “We are facing a historic public health challenge and know this is a very difficult time. Our top priority continues to be protecting the health of our community.”  There have now been 14 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Monterey County residents, at least 2 of wh

A report from Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System on Friday, March 20 states that two more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Monterey County which brings the total number of positive cases in the County to 7. SVMHS said that both people tested positive for COVID-19 and added that they have sent 50 lab swabs to the Monterey County Health Department for testing and 5 have come back positive, while two more positive cases have come from other medical facilities. The first two cases were announced Tuesday, March 17, two more were reported on Thursday, March 19 and a fifth case was reported on Friday, March 20 before the 6th and 7th cases came down late on Friday night, March 20. Of those cases, 4 were travel-related and the fifth was from person-to-person spread. Personal information about the patients will not be released due to privacy laws. On Tuesday, March 17 the Monterey County issued a Shelter in Place order and Governor Newsom issued a stay at home order on Thursd

Paicines, CA – Pinnacles National Park is announcing additional modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of Friday, March 20, 2020 in compliance with CDC guidelines and state-wide health orders, the west side of the park located near Soledad, California will be closed.  Starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 20, all visitors must enter from the east side of the park by way of Highway 25, near Hollister, California. The West Pinnacles entrance gate will be shut, and there will be no vehicular access to that side of the park. National Park Rangers will be stationed at the east entrance to direct visitors and answer any questions. This is in addition to the closure of the High Peaks Steep and Narrow, Balconies Cave, Bear Gulch Cave, and suspension of shuttle services announced earlier this week.  While most restroom facilities will rem

PASO ROBLES, CA- Paso Robles Police Officers arrested the 3rd and final suspect who was wanted in connection with a fire and grand theft incident which occurred on the morning of Sunday, March 15 at Lowe's Home Improvement Center in Paso Robles. Jose Mendoza and Rufino Vargas were arrested on Thursday, March 19 for conspiracy and grand theft, while Jose Ramon Gonzalez Dominguez was arrested on Friday, March 20 for conspiracy, grand theft and arson. Additionally, the stolen property was recovered. This is an ongoing investigation. If you have any other information which may be pertinent to this incident then please call the Paso Robles Police Department at 805-237-6464. The PRPD maintains its commitment to be the safest city and the most trusted police department.

SALINAS - On Friday, March 20 the Monterey County Agriculture Commissioner’s Office and Supervisors Luis Alejo and Chris Lopez along with Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, Monterey County Farm Bureau, Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, Coastal Growers Association, and California Strawberry Commission released a model Advisory for Agriculture Worker Protection During COVID-19 Crisis for better protecting Agriculture and cannabis workers in Monterey County during the Coronavirus pandemic, becoming the first county in the state to do so for its Agriculture and cannabis industries. On Tuesday, March 17 Monterey County issued a “Shelter in Place” Order, and last night California issued a “Stay at Home” Order in response to the coronavirus crisis. Agriculture is included under the “essential businesses” exemptions on both orders, along with other categories of essential businesses. Knowing the critical role farmworkers play in Agriculture, local elected and

Paso Robles Police Officers arrested 2 suspects who were wanted in connection with the Lowes fire / grand theft incident which occurred on the morning of Sunday, March 15.  Jose Mendoza and Rufino Vargas were arrested on Thursday, March 19 for conspiracy and grand theft. Jose Ramon Gonzalez Dominguez is a person of interest in this crime and Paso Robles Police Officers are still trying to locate him for questioning. If you have any information regarding the location of Gonzalez please contact the PRPD at 805-237-6464. This is an ongoing investigation, so please let the PRPD know if you have any information which may be pertinent. The PRPD maintains its commitment to be the safest city and the most trusted police department.

SALINAS, CA – On Friday, March 20 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) wrote a letter to the Small Business Administration (SBA) urging the agency to immediately provide Spanish-language online resources for small business owners seeking coronavirus-related assistance through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Congress passed and the President signed into law H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides the SBA additional funding and authority to make low-interest loans available to businesses facing economic harm from COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, through the EIDL program.  The administration acted quickly to set up a process for states to apply for COVID-19 disaster loan eligibility.  However, administration web pages related to COVID-19 guidance and resources, and pages to apply for COVID-19 EIDL loans, specifically, are only presented in English. “For many hardworking businessowners across a rang

Paicines, CA – Pinnacles National Park is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of March 19, 2020, the following changes will be made to standard operations, to keep in compliance with CDC guidelines and local health orders: • The Nature Center and Visitor Centers are closed. • Shuttle services are suspended until further notice. • Bear Gulch Caves, Balconies Caves, and part of the High Peaks Trail (High Peaks Steep and Narrow) are closed. • Visitors are encouraged to arrive early or in the late afternoon to avoid long delays getting into the park. Another way to avoid long delays is to visit the park on a week day. Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, Park Rangers will be available to answer questions, such as at tables outside and on trails. “The health and safety of our visitors,

According to a report released from the Monterey County Health Department on Friday, March 20 a fifth person has tested positive for the coronavirus in Monterey County. The first two cases were announced on Tuesday, March 17, while two more came down on Thursday, March 19. Four of the people received the coronavirus because of traveling, while a fifth came back positive from person-to-person spread. Personal information about the patients will not be released due to privacy laws. On Tuesday, March 17 Monterey County issued a Shelter in Place order and Governor Gavin Newsom issued a stay at home order Thursday, March 19.