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Paso Robles, CA – On Tuesday, June 30 Paso Robles Police Department Detectives, along with San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Investigators arrested 24-year-old Vivianna Rodriguez of Paso Robles for being an accessory to the murder of Trevon Perry. As this investigation continues to unfold it is anticipated additional arrests will be made. Rodriquez was transported to the San Luis Obispo County Jail and booked into custody charged with Accessory to murder, a felony. Anybody with further information is encouraged to call Detective Bryce Lickness at 805-227-7450 or Crime Stoppers at 805-549-STOP.

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Monday, June 29 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 1,642 people. Four-hundred-thirty-three of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 146 in King City, 134 in Greenfield, 40 in Gonzales and 100 in Soledad, while 13 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 573 are from person to person transmissions, 459 have come from community transmissions, 130 people have been hospitalized, 15 people have died, 999 people have recovered, 320 are under investigation and 589 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

The NWS 2019-20 Rain Year which runs from July 1 - June 30 officially ends on Tuesday night, June 30. According to the National Weather Service the King City area accumulated 13.24 inches of precipitation for the season.

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, June 30 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20) led Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR-04), Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01), and 14 other Members in calling on the White House Coronavirus Task Force to immediately address the safety needs of American firefighters and the communities they serve, as the COVID-19 pandemic persists and the 2020 wildfire season progresses. “Our nation’s federal wildland firefighters are always prepared for the worst-case scenario, but the COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented challenges that require several coordinated federal actions.  Specifically, we urge you to act swiftly to ensure firefighters have sufficient and consistent access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 testing; work with relevant federal and state agencies to develop a detailed strategy to ensure community safety in the event of mass evacuations; and support policies that fairly compensate firefighters

PASO ROBLES, CA – At approximately 5:30 PM on Monday night, June 29, Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services responded to the 1000 block of Vine Street for a reported fire out. Shortly after arrival of the responding unit, it was determined the fire was suspicious and may have been intentionally set. Further investigation determined the fire was started with the aid of a flammable liquid. Fortunately, a nearby resident was able to quickly extinguish the blaze and minimize damage to the structure. If members of the public have any information regarding the arson fire or suspicious activity during the early morning hours or late afternoon of June 29th in the 1000 block of Vine Street, please contact the Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services at 805 227-7560 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 805-549-STOP.

SALINAS – On Saturday, June 27 Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) announced his selection for Woman of the Year for Assembly District 30, Cecelia Ponzini, of Morgan Hill, California. The award ceremony at the Capitol in Sacramento was postponed indefinitely because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, Rivas presented the official Assembly plaque to Ponzini at her home. Rivas said, “Cecelia is a special part of this community, contributing so much of her time and energy to the needs of others. I had wanted to wait and present this award at the Capitol celebration that we typically hold. But, as I see her continuing to help so many families during this pandemic—and with the uncertainties around when we might be able to hold large events again—I didn’t want to wait any longer.” Cecelia Ponzini exemplifies the best of Assembly District 30, with her hard work, tenacious spirit, and compassion. She spent parts of her childhood in foster care in Southern California, before land

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Monday, June 29 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 1,605 people. Four-hundred-twenty-one of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 140 in King City, 130 in Greenfield, 40 in Gonzales and 98 in Soledad, while 13 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 541 are from person to person transmissions, 436 have come from community transmissions, 122 people have been hospitalized, 14 people have died, 930 people have recovered, 342 are under investigation and 569 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

Paso Robles, CA – On Sunday, June 28, Paso Robles Police Department Detectives, along with the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, arrested 23-year-old Nicholas Ron, of Paso Robles, for the murder of Trevon Perry. Perry went missing in the early morning hours of March 15. Friends and family reported him missing on March 16. The Paso Robles Police Department Detective Bureau, with the assistance of the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, has followed several leads and has served dozens of search warrants throughout the state. Detectives identified a suspect, Nicholas Ron, who is believed to be an acquaintance of Trevon Perry. Last week, during a search warrant in Riverside, CA, PRPD Detectives, along with SLO DA Investigators, located human remains that are believed to be those of Trevon Perry. On the evening of Sunday, June 28, investigators located Nicholas Ron at his place of employment in the 1300 block of Spring Street and took him into custody wit

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Sunday, June 29 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 1,548 people. Four-hundred-four of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 134 in King City, 125 in Greenfield, 39 in Gonzales and 94 in Soledad, while 12 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 540 are from person to person transmissions, 436 have come from community transmissions, 121 people have been hospitalized, 13 people have died, 924 people have recovered, 312 are under investigation and 557 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation reports that an inmate who walked away and escaped a Minimum Support Facility at Salinas Valley State Prison Tuesday night, June 23 has been nabbed in Nipomo. 37-year-old inmate Edgar C. Delgado, reportedly walked away from the prison's Minimum Support Facility, which was confirmed during an emergency count at around 8:20 pm. However, the CDCR stated that Delgado was located in Nipomo on Friday afternoon, June 26 sometime before 2 pm. Agents from Fresno and the Bay Area along with members of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Gang Task Force acted on leads they received during the investigation and found Delgado at a fast food restaurant. Delgado was arrested and transported back to Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad. His case will be sent to the Monterey County District Attorney's Office to consider escape charges. Delgado came to the Salinas Valley State Prison in 2019 from Santa Barbara County and was se

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, June 25 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) and 47 Members of Congress announced the introduction the Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now (GREEN) Act. This legislation, the principles of which were first unveiled last November, works to tackle the threat of climate change through the tax code. This includes an unprecedented extension and expansion of renewable energy use to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “Our economic recovery from this pandemic requires smart investments and incentives to foster economic development and job growth.  Focusing these incentives on green technologies, the economic engines of the future, will combat the climate crisis already impacting our communities.  We cannot allow one crisis to be swapped for another unchecked."  said Congressman Jimmy Panetta.  “The Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now (GREEN) Act will ensure that our economy will recover better prepared to combat the climate crisis thr

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, June 25 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and Congressman Paul Cook (R-CA-8) led 48 bipartisan members of Congress, an equal number of Democrats and Republicans, in requesting House leadership preserve clean energy jobs by delaying and pushing out the phase down of clean energy investment tax credits. “The central coast of California is home to thousands of clean energy jobs, and clean energy tax incentives support those jobs.  Due to this pandemic, however, projects have been on hold and workers have been let go, with critical tax credits going unused,” said Congressman Panetta.  “Delaying the phase down of these tax credits and extending their timeline will preserve the clean energy industry and its workforce, and ensure that we have the capacity to continue to deploy low- or no-emission energy generation so we can fight the climate crisis while supporting our economic recovery.” “As constituen

SALINAS, CA – On Thursday, June 25 Congressman Panetta (D-CA-20) released the following statement in response to the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, H.R. 7120, which passed the House by 236 to 181.  This bill would better hold law enforcement officials accountable for misconduct, bolsters transparency through data collection and accuracy on wrongdoings and negligent use-of-force, and improves police training and policies. “Passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is the first major action on police accountability and reform in decades.  The legislation will improve accountability, focus on training with new federal use of force standards, combat racial profiling, and create national databases for better informed decisions about policing in America.  I am proud to have been an original cosponsor of this bill and provided my insight as a former prosecutor and current representative of the Central Coast, said Congressman Panetta.  “As our Nation calls

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Friday, June 26 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 1,429 people. Three-hundred-seventy-four of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 128 in King City, 112 in Greenfield, 37 in Gonzales and 84 in Soledad, while 13 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 523 are from person to person transmissions, 419 have come from community transmissions, 120 people have been hospitalized, 12 people have died, 906 people have recovered, 258 are under investigation and 537 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Thursday, June 25 that Ricky Osborn was sentenced by Judge Rafael Vazquez after pleading guilty to crimes arising out of the poaching of a trophy bull elk. Mr. Osborn was placed on probation for three years, was ordered to pay $23,045, to stay away from the Big Sandy Wildlife Area, to complete a hunter’s safety course, to forfeit his firearms, is banned from owning firearms for the next ten years, is banned from hunting for three years, and will be required to submit to searches by law enforcement without a warrant or probable cause. On December 11, 2019, Ricky Osborn was hunting with two co-defendants on private property and in the Big Sandy Wildlife Area near the town of Bradley. Mr. Osborn killed a 3 to 5 year old trophy bull elk in the winter, outside of an established hunting season. He was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2010 misdemeanor conviction. He was hunting without a lic

King City Police Chief Bob Masterson along with Police Captain Keith Boyd and Viridian Weapon Technologies CEO & President Brian Hedeen on Thursday, June 25 during a Press Conference at the King City Police Department introduced and talked about 19 new Mounted Gun Cameras and Holsters the King City PD recently purchased for $12,000 which will be paid to Viridian in installments for over 3 years. The King City Police Department is the first law enforcement agency in the state to implement this gun camera technology for their Officers.

A brush fire that began sometime after 4 pm on Sunday, June 21 off of Interlake Road and River Road in Lockwood burned 195 acres and is now 100% contained as of 7 pm on Thursday night, June 25. No structures were threatened and no injuries were reported.

Hartnell College Athletics awarded the $1,000 Bill-Elliott Student-Athlete Scholarship to four students on June 24 in recognition of their outstanding athletic and academic accomplishment while attending Hartnell. Two of the four were also valedictorians in the graduating class of 2020, with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. The two women scholarship recipients are Daniela Salazar-Salas, a track and cross country team member, and volleyball team member Jesslyn De Anda. The two men are football team member Drew Schuler and Doug Lynch of Hartnell’s newly revived Swim/Dive team. The scholarship winners were selected from among nine students nominated by head coaches in Hartnell’s 14 men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletic teams, all of whom are transferring to four-year universities this fall. The remaining five honorees will receive a $100 gift certificate. “Congratulations to all of you,” said Dan Teresa, dean of academic affairs, athletics, physical education and health. “We

MONTEREY/SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY – Three solar-powered direct current fast-charging (DCFC) electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at the Camp Roberts Rest Areas along US 101 in Monterey County and at the Shandon Rest Area near Hwy. 46 East in San Luis Obispo County. These are the first, solar-powered DC-fast charging stations being operated in the United States. These locations were selected to encourage longer travel trips in by electric vehicles in remote rural areas. These locations now provide EV motorists access to renewably powered DC Fast Charging stations. “With over 650,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road in California, the installation of these stations at strategic locations along the state highway system will allow the public to travel with greater ease, convenience and zero tail-pipe emissions,” said Caltrans District 5 Sustainability Manager Aileen Loe. The Camp Roberts and Shandon ChargePoint Express250 charging stations are powered by the EV

The City of King would like to remind everyone in the community of the City’s fireworks regulations.  Fireworks may only be discharged from 12 pm on June 28 through 10 pm on July 4. Only safe and sane fireworks purchased from permitted fireworks stands are allowed.  All other fireworks are prohibited at all times.  Illegal fireworks can cause injury, fires, and disturbance to residents and animals. As a result of concerns received from the community, the City Council increased fines for the illegal discharge of fireworks in 2019.  The fine for a fireworks related violation is now $1,000 per violation.  The King City Police Department is actively patrolling and enforcing these violations.  Anyone with information on persons and/or locations discharging illegal fireworks is encouraged to contact Police Dispatch at 831-385-8311. The City of King requests everyone to celebrate July 4th in a safe manner, follow City restrictions, and be respectful of others.  You may contact City

June 25, 2020 | Atascadero, CA – The Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival Committee gave the Charles Paddock Zoo $10,000 from the 2019 Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival. Every year the committee donates to the Charles Paddock Zoo and other community organizations using proceeds from the Festival, known in 2019 as The Central Coast RESERVE Experience.  “The 2019 Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival Committee is pleased to donate $10,000 to the Atascadero Charles Paddock Zoo to continue their great work on the animal habitats according to the zoo master plan. It is important to the committee to give back not only to the zoo, but to other great community projects that benefit the residents of our community,” said Barbie Butz, chairwoman of the Festival Committee.  The committee plans to continue to give back to the Charles Paddock Zoo and community from some of the proceeds made by the Festival. Every ticket purchased from the festival goes toward helping our community.  This donation is give

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Thursday, June 25 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 1,416 people. Three-hundred-seventy-four of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 128 in King City, 112 in Greenfield, 36 in Gonzales and 85 in Soledad, while 13 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 512 are from person to person transmissions, 399 have come from community transmissions, 118 people have been hospitalized, 12 people have died, 862 people have recovered, 281 are under investigation and 523 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation reported on Wednesday, June 24 that 3 inmates at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad have tested positive for COVID-19. The agency states that they are active and new within the last 14 days. A total of 3 employees at the prison have tested positive for COVID-19, and one has returned to work, while 2 employees at the Correctional Training Facility tested positive and both have also returned to work.

Monterey, CA – As the Central Coast transitions into spring and summer, CAL FIRE has declared fire season and suspended all burn permits within the State Responsibility Area and Local Responsibility Areas under contract with CAL FIRE, in San Benito and Monterey Counties. This suspension takes effect June 29, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. and bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris. “The last few years saw devastating reminder’s that the public cannot let their guard down. Together, we must continue to adapt and evolve to be able to withstand the intensity of these fires, keeping in mind, that the only way to mitigate the damage they cause is through prevention and preparation,” said Chief Thom Porter, CAL FIRE director. “The potential is great for the dry, hot weather that fueled the massive fires over the last few years will return again this year, so it is up to the public to be ready.” “The recent vegetation fires in San Benito and Monterey Counties showcase the importance

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Wednesday, June 24 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 1,397 people. Three-hundred-seventy-four of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 127 in King City, 113 in Greenfield, 36 in Gonzales and 85 in Soledad, while 13 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 483 are from person to person transmissions, 381 have come from community transmissions, 112 people have been hospitalized, 12 people have died, 814 people have recovered, 307 are under investigation and 505 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

According to the California Department Corrections and Rehabilitation, 37-year-old Edgar C. Delgado an inmate escaped from Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad Tuesday night, June 23. The CDCR reports that Delgado walked away from the Soledad prison's Minimum Support Facility during an emergency count at around 8:20 pm. Delgado was admitted from Santa Barbara County on March 1, 2019 to serve a 4-year sentence for possessing or owning a firearm by a felon and possession of a controlled substance for sale. He was scheduled to be released in June of 2021. CDCR's Office of Correctional Safety was sent out to search the area and is being assisted by local law enforcement including California Highway Patrol. Delgado is described as: Hispanic Black hair Brown eyes Goatee Five feet, seven inches tall Wearing a gray sweatshirt and gray sweatpants If you see Delgado, immediately contact law enforcement or call 911. If you have any information on his whereabouts, cont

PASO ROBLES, CA –The River Fire which broke out in the Salinas Riverbed on Monday, June 22 sometime before 2 pm has been contained. The fire burned 15 acres, destroyed 2 homes, and caused damage to 9 others.  The evacuation order will be lifted on Tuesday, June 23 at 3:00 pm. Residents may begin returning to their homes at that time. Street closures may still be in effect as utility crews continue to work in the area. Identification will be required to enter any areas where street closures remain.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Paso Robles Police Department at 805-237-6464.  For previous updates and more information visit www.prcity.com 

SALINAS, Calif. ― Hartnell College is one of just 300 educational and cultural institutions across the United States to share in $40.3 million awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities from federal CARES Act funding for COVID-19. Hartnell is the only California community college to receive the award. The college will use its $263,000 grant, announced June 22, over the next six months to strengthen online teaching in its humanities programs, which include languages, the arts, ethnic studies and philosophy, as well as social sciences such as psychology and political sciences. The college also offers a liberal arts degree with 12 different areas of emphasis. The only other Californian higher education institution to receive one of the grants was the California College of the Arts in San Francisco, and Hartnell was one of only a handful of community colleges selected, among such well-known recipients as Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania and the Alvin Ailey

SALINAS – Agricultural Commissioner Henry Gonzales announced on Tuesday, June 23 that the economic value of Monterey County agriculture increased by 3.5% in 2019 as compared to 2018, with crop production values of $4.4 billion. The State-required annual crop report documents the details of the overall increases and decreases. Monterey County’s 2019 top crops include increases between 5% and 15%. As the top crop, leaf lettuce had a 14.6% increase from 2018, mostly due to better pricing for Romaine lettuce. Strawberries benefitted from improved pricing as well and came in 2nd with a 4.9% increase. The 3rd most valuable crop was head lettuce with an increase of 11.9% due to increased production and higher average pricing. Broccoli held to 4th place with an increase of 17.6%, also because of increased production. The Vegetable Crops category showed a 13.6% increase over 2018. The Fruits and Nuts category decreased $15,710,000 to $1,028,146,000 primarily due to a reduction in Wine Grape

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Tuesday, June 23 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 1,341 people. Three-hundred-fifty-one of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 117 in King City, 104 in Greenfield, 34 in Gonzales and 83 in Soledad, while 13 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 458 are from person to person transmissions, 366 have come from community transmissions, 108 people have been hospitalized, 12 people have died, 779 people have recovered, 286 are under investigation and 486 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

(Photo courtesy of Monica M. Rosas) A brush fire sparked sometime after 2:30 pm on Monday, June 22 south of San Ardo off of Sargeant Canyon Road and Pancho Rico Road near Dead Man's Gulch burning 327 acres. The fire was 100% contained sometime on Tuesday morning, June 23. A secondary fire near that area burned 11 acres. No structures were threatened, while the cause of both blazes is unknown.

PASO ROBLES, CA –The River Fire which broke out in the Salinas Riverbed on Monday, June 22 at 1:55 pm is estimated to be 60% contained. Spreading across 15 acres, it has destroyed 2 structures and caused damage to 9. PG&E has reported that power has been restored but crews are still working in the area. Currently, road closures include River Road closed from Creston to Navajo, Creston Road closed from River Road to the west entrance to Ferro Lane, while Capitol Hill, Elm Court, and Almond Street are totally closed off. The current evacuation order remains in place, including the area bound by the current street closures. This impacts 98 households. Emergency Services urges members of the public to avoid the evacuation zone due to hazards in the form of downed power lines, emergency responders and utility companies working in the area. The evacuation center at the Paso Robles Senior Center, 270 Scott Street will remain open while the evacuation orders are in place. The North Co

The King City Police Department has deployed the FACT DutyTM Weapon-Mounted Camera (WMCTM). As transparency in Law Enforcement once again becomes a critical need at this juncture in society today, Chief Robert Masterson and the department have the only technology and tool dedicated to capturing Officer Involved Shootings. King City is the first department in California to complete implementation of the FACT Duty which is in various stages of testing and implementation in over 40 states across the country. “The Weapon-Mounted Cameras were purchased and implemented to capture use of force incidents where officers drew their firearms or were involved in an Officer Involved Shooting,” said King City Police Captain Keith Boyd. “As we have all seen, the country, the community and the world expect objective and immediate evidence of Officer Involved Shootings. And this gun camera does just that. They complement our body worn cameras and we see them as a benefit in modern policing.” “The m

PASO ROBLES, CA –Evacuations are still in place after a fire broke out near the Salinas Riverbed early on Monday afternoon, June 22. The fire that started at 1:55 pm, jumped South River Road in the Capitol Hill neighborhood prompting the evacuation of 559 residences and spreading across 7 acres. The fire is estimated to be 10% contained and forward progress has been stopped. 2 homes were destroyed, and 4 additional homes have been badly damaged. Remaining street closures include River Rd closed from Creston to Navajo, Creston Rd closed from River Rd to the west entrance to Ferro Ln, Capitol Hill, Elm Ct and Almond St are totally closed off. Street closures are expected to last through the night. PG&E has reported a power outage in the area with 2300 affected customers. 6-8 hours are estimated for restoration. The evacuation order has been updated to include the reduced area bound by the current street closures and effects 98 households. The evacuation center will remain open

PASO ROBLES, CA –On Monday, June 22 evacuations have been ordered due to a fire that broke near the Salinas Riverbed earlier in the afternoon. The fire broke out at about 1:55 p.m. The flames have jumped South River Road, prompting evacuations. The evacuation has been ordered in the area bound by South River Road, Navajo Road, Union Road and Walnut/Bolen Drive. Two evacuation centers are being opened at the Paso Robles Veteran’s Hall, 240 Scott St and the Senior Center, 270 Scott Street.

According to a recent report from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, on Friday, June 19 an inmate at the Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 at the prison among the inmate population. In addition, three employees at the SVSP have tested positive and one of them had returned to work, while two Correctional Training Facility employees tested positive and both of them have also returned back to work. The CDCR is reporting that 386 inmates have been tested for the coronavirus at the prison.

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Monday, June 22 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 1,291 people. Three-hundred-forty of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 114 in King City, 100 in Greenfield, 33 in Gonzales and 80 in Soledad, while 13 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 454 are from person to person transmissions, 353 have come from community transmissions, 106 people have been hospitalized, 12 people have died, 745 people have recovered, 261 are under investigation and 475 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

The 1200 block of Oak Avenue in Greenfield was closed for a few hours on Saturday, June 20 beginning sometime after 3 pm between 12th Street and San Antonio Drive due to a live power wire that was down on the ground which caused a power outage. PG&E work crews were on the scene to do the repairs and reported that over 1,500 customers were without power. Electricity was fully restored for all customers in that area of Greenfield by midnight on Sunday morning, June 21.

A brush fire that sparked at around 12:30 pm on Tuesday, June 16 about 15 miles Northeast of King City on Highway 25 off of Bitterwater Road is 100% contained and burned 895 acres as of Sunday, June 21. No structures were threatened and no one was injured. The cause of the fire of is under investigation.

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Sunday, June 21 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 1,225 people. Three-hundred-thirty-four of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 113 in King City, 98 in Greenfield, 33 in Gonzales and 78 in Soledad, while 12 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 447 are from person to person transmissions, 352 have come from community transmissions, 104 people have been hospitalized, 12 people have died, 739 people have recovered, 214 are under investigation and 458 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

SALINAS, CA – On Friday, June 19 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20) led Congressman Glenn Thompson (R-PA-15), Congressman James McGovern (D-MA-2), Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), and Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), in calling on House and Senate leadership to include strong funding for global food security efforts in future COVID-19 response legislation.  The letter highlights how COVID-19-related disruptions to global food supply chains disproportionately impact already vulnerable populations, particularly in developing countries. "As producers across the central coast of California and the country continue to deal with disruptions of the supply chain, they still are committed to feeding those who need it the most nationally and internationally.  In fact, the United States is poised to deliver lifesaving assistance to food insecure communities around the globe so that they can survive this pandemic and thrive in the future," said Congressman Panetta.  "That’s why our gover

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Friday, June 19 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 1,156 people. Three-hundred-eighteen of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 109 in King City, 93 in Greenfield, 32 in Gonzales and 72 in Soledad, while 12 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 419 are from person to person transmissions, 326 have come from community transmissions, 98 people have been hospitalized, 12 people have died, 674 people have recovered, 212 are under investigation and 432 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

SALINAS, CA – On Friday, June 19 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced that he co-introduced the Real Economic Support That Acknowledges Unique Restaurant Assistance Needed to Survive (RESTAURANTS) Act of 2020, H.R. 7197.  This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will establish a $120 billion revitalization fund to help independent restaurants deal with the long-term structural challenges facing the industry because of COVID-19 and support the reemployment of workers.  Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) is the sponsor of the legislation. “Restaurants are the bread and butter of the hospitality industry on the Central Coast, and a critical part of our economy and community.  These establishments have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and restaurant workers are at risk of permanently losing their jobs without further action from Congress,” said Congressman Panetta.  “I am proud to co-introduce the RESTAURANT