KRKC COUNTRY

SACRAMENTO-On Monday, August 31 the California State Legislature overwhelmingly passed AB 3005, the Expedited Dam Safety for Silicon Valley Act, authored by Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister). The bill received bipartisan support for important changes in law that will help facilitate the expedited and expert construction of the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project in Santa Clara County – a project that is urgently needed to ensure the safety and water supply of the region. “Today’s overwhelming vote of support by the Legislature underscores the critical importance of expediting the Anderson Dam project,” Assemblymember Rivas said. “The clock is ticking on a catastrophic dam failure in case of a large earthquake, and we can’t allow bureaucratic delay to increase risks to public safety, water security, and environmental protections.” Built in 1950 and owned by the Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water), Anderson Dam will not withstand an earthquake of magnitude

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Monday, August 31 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 7,980 people, while 71,744 people have been tested in the County. 2,140 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 530 in King City, 627 in Greenfield, 638 in Soledad, 222 in Gonzales, 38 in San Ardo, 62 in Chualar, 14 in San Lucas while 9 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 2,594 are from person to person transmissions, 2,231 have come from community transmissions, 478 people have been hospitalized, 58 people have died, 5,059 people have recovered, 2,146 are under investigation and 1,766 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

The CDCR reported on Friday, August 28 that an inmate died from apparent COVID-19 related complications at the Correctional Training Facility at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad. The inmate died at an outside hospital on Thursday, August 20. This is the first inmate at the prison in Soledad to die related to COVID-19. Right now 63 inmates at the CTF in Soledad have tested positive for the virus, and 46 of those cases have come in just the last two weeks, while 7 CTF employees have tested positive for COVID-19 during the pandemic, as of August 28. Two have been able to return to work.

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Sunday, August 30 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 7,850 people, while 71,166 people have been tested in the County. 2,093 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 515 in King City, 612 in Greenfield, 624 in Soledad, 219 in Gonzales, 39 in San Ardo, 61 in Chualar, 14 in San Lucas while 9 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 2,581 are from person to person transmissions, 2,221 have come from community transmissions, 477 people have been hospitalized, 56 people have died, 5,034 people have recovered, 2,050 are under investigation and 1,753 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

Help is available for those impacted by our Monterey County fires. Monterey County, in partnership with FEMA and California Office of Emergency Service, is opening a Local Assistance Center. The center will open on Sunday, August 30th and will be open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm through September 5th . It will be located at the Monterey Conference Center, 1 Portola Plaza in Monterey. Parking next to the center is free of charge. Because of the pandemic, COVID-19 protocols are in place for those both working at and using the center so that these services can be provided safely. There will be temperature checks at the door and the number of people allowed in at one time will be limited to assure social distancing. Face coverings are required and please stay 6 feet from others while getting the services you need. The Local Assistance Center will offer extensive information and sources for re-entry and recovery for both residents and businesses. This is a ‘one stop’ shop for resource

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Friday, August 28 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 7,619 people, while 68,933 people have been tested in the County. 2,012 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 502 in King City, 586 in Greenfield, 597 in Soledad, 212 in Gonzales, 31 in San Ardo, 61 in Chualar, 14 in San Lucas while 9 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 2,519 are from person to person transmissions, 2,177 have come from community transmissions, 475 people have been hospitalized, 55 people have died, 4,900 people have recovered, 1,960 are under investigation and 1,713 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

Thanks to the re-opening of all fire zones in the River and Carmel fires onb Thursday, August 27 all Monterey County Evacuation Shelters and Centers are now closing. The Monterey Conference Center, which had been used as an evacuation center, will be transitioning in the next few days to host a Local Assistance Center for those impacted by the fires. Anyone needing assistance related to the fires before the center is open should contact 211. Monterey County has a virtual assistance center available with recovery information and links which can be located online at www.co.monterey.ca.us/2020Fires

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Thursday, August 27 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 7,522 people, while 67,993 people have been tested in the County. 1,981 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 496 in King City, 574 in Greenfield, 592 in Soledad, 208 in Gonzales, 28 in San Ardo, 60 in Chualar, while 23 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 2,456 are from person to person transmissions, 2,135 have come from community transmissions, 468 people have been hospitalized, 53 people have died, 4,791 people have recovered, 1,973 are under investigation and 1,675 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Wednesday, August 26 that Gabriel Gerardo Castillo, a local disbarred attorney, pled guilty to 12 felony counts which included two counts of failure to comply with a Supreme Court Order per Rule 9.20, five counts of unauthorized practice of law, and five counts of grand theft by false pretenses. Castillo was admitted to practice law in the State of California on June 9, 2008. He opened a law practice in Salinas, where he practiced immigration law and criminal defense. After an investigation by the State Bar, the California Supreme Court ordered a 90-day suspension of Castillo’s law license and ordered him to not practice law during this period. The suspension began on October 15, 2016. The Board of Immigration Appeals (“BIA”) ordered a reciprocal 90-day suspension prohibiting Mr. Castillo from practicing immigration law before the BIA, Immigration Courts, and the Department of Homeland Security. Th

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office reported on Monday, August 24 that they've had numerous reports of people receiving messages soliciting donations for firefighting funds that do NOT exist. The County Sheriff's Office is advising the public to exercise sound judgement and not let this criminal element take advantage of you and your desire to help. Stay Safe, Stay Vigilant. For more information or to report a scam alert of this nature, please contact the Monterey County Sheriff's Office at 831-755-5111.

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Wednesday, August 26 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 7,451 people, while 67,481 people have been tested in the County. 1,968 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 497 in King City, 570 in Greenfield, 583 in Soledad, 208 in Gonzales, 28 in San Ardo, 59 in Chualar, while 23 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 2,415 are from person to person transmissions, 2,106 have come from community transmissions, 453 people have been hospitalized, 53 people have died, 4,699 people have recovered, 1,987 are under investigation and 1,647 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

Housing resources for those with medical conditions that impact staying in an Evacuation Shelter Non-congregate housing is available for Monterey County residents displaced by the fires. For those who require acute medical treatment, please contact 911 or go to a hospital to receive services. Those who have a functional impairment can go to an evacuation center and receive accommodations. It is safe to check in at any of the county evacuation sites. www.co.monterey.ca.us/2020Fires. COVID-19 procedures are being followed. Temperatures checks are being taken, please wear your face covering and stay 6 feet from others. For those with a functional impairment that prevents access to an evacuation center, please call 211 to be referred for a telephone assessment by Red Cross staff.

Hotel rooms are still available to fire evacuees who need temporary housing while displaced under Monterey County evacuation orders. These rooms are located at the Asilomar Hotel and Conference Grounds. You must check in at the Monterey Conference Center or the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City to be directed to these accommodations. Only these locations can provide a referral for this temporary housing. These rooms are at no charge to evacuees and meals are provided. It is safe to check in at any of the county evacuation sites. COVID-19 procedures are being followed. Temperatures checks taken, please wear your face coverings and stay 6 feet from others. Donations and volunteering information is available at www.co.monterey.ca.us/2020Fires. Asilomar, or any evacuation shelter or center, is not equipped to accept donations.

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Tuesday, August 25 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 7,393 people, while 66,895 people have been tested in the County. 1,956 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 494 in King City, 568 in Greenfield, 581 in Soledad, 207 in Gonzales, 25 in San Ardo, 58 in Chualar, while 23 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 2,359 are from person to person transmissions, 2,065 have come from community transmissions, 448 people have been hospitalized, 53 people have died, 4,602 people have recovered, 2,030 are under investigation and 1,623 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

2 people entered guilty pleas recently in Monterey County District Court after being busted along with a handful of other people in drug sting operation that occurred in Salinas, Soledad and Greenfield on August 9 of 2018. On Monday, August 24, 25-year-old Gabriel Vasquez of Salinas pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 10 years in Federal Prison and 26-year-old Eric Lopez of Soledad pled guilty to being a Felon in possession of a firearm and bodyarmor and was also sentenced to 10 years in Federal Prison. Awaiting sentencing are 24-year-old Destinee Zavala of Salinas who pled guilty on May 6, 2020 to conspiracy to distribute heroin and will be sentenzed on August 28, 2020, while 27-year-old Arturo Carreon of Salinas pled guility on June 3, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and will be sentenced on September 30, 2020.

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Monday, August 24 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 7,274 people, while 65,894 people have been tested in the County. 1,927 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 489 in King City, 553 in Greenfield, 577 in Soledad, 204 in Gonzales, 23 in San Ardo, 58 in Chualar, while 23 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 2,299 are from person to person transmissions, 2,024 have come from community transmissions, 445 people have been hospitalized, 52 people have died, 4,466 people have recovered, 2,029 are under investigation and 1,592 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

( UPDATED)   EVACUATION SHELTERS (24 HRS) THREE   (24 hrs )  emergency shelters  have been setup by Monterey County.  Has the capacity for meals and sleeping accommodations. ·           CARMEL:  Carmel Middle School  -4380 Carmel Valley Road.  Has the capacity to provide meals and sleeping accommodations. ·           SALINAS:  Sherwood Hall –  940 N Main St. ·           MONTEREY:  Monterey Conference Center  – 1 Portola Plaza, near Pacific Ave. NOTE:    Face covering is required.   Evacuees MUST provide proof of residency in the fire evacuation zone–current ID or a bill, or a statement or vehicle registration.  Temperature checks will be taken.  Be prepared to social distance.   EVACUATION CENTERS (8AM – 8PM) Providing water, snacks, device charging and rest stop for evacuees and for info on Red Cross assistance. ·           KING CITY:  King City Library –  402 Broadway, King City.   LAGUNA SECA–RV CAMPING  (CLOSED) Alert:   Weather Tech Raceway Laguna Seca on Highway 68 –  1021 Monter

]Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Sunday, August 23 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 7,226 people, while 65,457 people have been tested in the County. 1,911 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 487 in King City, 551 in Greenfield, 566 in Soledad, 203 in Gonzales, 23 in San Ardo, 58 in Chualar, while 23 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 2,294 are from person to person transmissions, 2,016 have come from community transmissions, 445 people have been hospitalized, 52 people have died, 4,454 people have recovered, 1,991 are under investigation and 1,590 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

Monterey County is opening the Monterey Conference Center as an evacuation center. The conference center is located at 1 Portola Plaza in Monterey, near Pacific Avenue.   This is an evacuation center, which provides information and support, snacks, water and charging for devices for evacuee.  The hours of service are 8 am to 8 pm.   The center located at Laguna Seca is now closed. Those who are sheltering with RVs and camping will be allowed to stay at the Laguna Seca recreation area.   The evacuation center at the King City Library remains open, while an evacuation center at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds is also open.   The evacuation shelters at Carmel Middle School and Sherwood Hall also remain open

SACRAMENTO – On Friday, August 21 Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) announced that the Senate’s Appropriations Committee did not advance AB 2954, The Natural and Working Lands Climate Goal. This critical bill—with broad support from cities, land trusts, and climate organizations—would have required the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to collaborate with other relevant state agencies and departments to identify an overall climate goal for California’s natural and working lands. Those areas comprise over 90% of California’s landscape and have the potential to sequester significant amounts of carbon in soils, plants, and trees.   Rivas said, “I am disappointed that this urgently needed legislation to address climate change solutions did not advance out of the Senate Appropriations Committee. We need only look at this week’s extreme heatwave and hundreds of fires to recognize that this issue cannot wait. Using natural and working lands to sequester and capture carbon is a nec

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Friday, August 21 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 6,964 people, while 63,989 people have been tested in the County. 1,830 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 475 in King City, 529 in Greenfield, 541 in Soledad, 192 in Gonzales, 19 in San Ardo, 53 in Chualar, while 21 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 2,245 are from person to person transmissions, 1,966 have come from community transmissions, 428 people have been hospitalized, 51 people have died, 4,351 people have recovered, 1,937 are under investigation and 1,531 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Friday, August 21 that Johnny Estrada of Gonzales, age 58, Daniel Estrada of Gonzales, age 22, and Saldivar Geronimo Estrada of Salinas, age 24, were sentenced to prison for a group assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury for the benefit of the Norteno Criminal Street Gang. On June 30, 2019 police officers responded to a residential neighborhood within the City of Gonzales for a man who had been attacked. The Gonzales police investigation revealed that the victim knew his attackers and had been drinking at local bars with them the preceding night of June 29. 2019. After a night of partying at establishments within the cities of Soledad and Gonzales the victim was accused by the Estrada family Norteno criminal street gang members of being a Sureno, rival gang member. After the night of drinking the victim went to Johnny and Daniel’s house, who are father and son respectively. The victi

Monterey County is opening Sherwood Hall in Salinas as an evacuation shelter for fire evacuees and the Monterey County Library Branch in King City as an evacuation center. Sherwood Hall is open now as a shelter for evacuees. The facility had already been established as a stand-by alternative housing site for COVID-19 and is equipped for providing sleeping accommodations and services for those in need. COVID-19 protocols are in place for the shelter. Those coming to the shelter will need to have face coverings and be prepared to social distance and follow directions from shelter staff regarding COVID procedures. Temperature checks will be taken for everyones safety. To access the shelter, evacuees must provide proof of residency in the fire evacuation zone, whether it is a current ID, bill, statement or vehicle registration. If you are evacuating with pets, there is assistance being arranged through the SPCA. Please contact the SPCA at 831-264-5455 if you need safe housing for your anim

PASO ROBLES, CA – On Thursday, August 20 at approximately 11:50 AM Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services responded to a report of a structure fire at 1631 North River Road in Paso Robles. First arriving units arrived within 4 minutes to find smoke showing from a 20 by 20 commercial structure with no exposures threatened. The fire was contained at 12:04 PM to just one room of the structure. Two fire engines, one paramedic squad and one Battalion Chief responded from Paso Robles. Under the City’s automatic aid agreements, two fire engines and one Battalion Chief from Cal Fire / SLO County responded to assist. A total of 12 firefighters responded to the incident with additional assistance from both Paso Robles Police Department and San Luis Ambulance Service. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

SALINAS – The Monterey County Board of Supervisors, Chairman Christopher Lopez, Supervisor Luis Alejo, Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner Henry Gonzales, and agricultural industry leaders came together to request N95 respirators for the essential agricultural workforce. “This is the same group that created the Advisory for Agricultural Worker Protection During COVID-19 Crisis on the Central Coast of California”, said Gonzales. As a result of this request, the County secured 100,000 N95 respirators to protect this critical part of our local workforce. This essential workforce feeds the state, the nation, and the world. The partnership, including the Coastal Growers Association, Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, Monterey County Farm Bureau, and the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association with County leaders, secured the N95 respirators through a request placed with California's Office of Emergency Services. This week, the Monterey County Agricultural

August 21, 2020 | Atascadero, CA – Emily Reneau President & CEO of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce announced on Thursday, August 20 her resignation, effective September 14, 2020. “I am grateful to the Atascadero Chamber Board for the opportunity to lead this organization,” Reneau said. “The Board of Directors is comprised of some very talented and creative people who have supported the business community during the toughest time in recent history.  The decision to transition at this time is met with mixed emotions and I know the Chamber has a solid foundation and will continue to thrive.”   Reneau has accepted the position of membership manager for the Paso Robles Wine Alliance (PRWCA).  “I started my career at the Paso Robles Vintners and Growers Association which evolved into the PRWCA.  I am excited to go back to my roots ,” said Reneau . Tom Jones, 2020 Chair of the Atascadero Chamber Board, resident of Atascadero and Director of Strategic Initiatives for PG&E, thanked R

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Thursday, August 20 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 6,865 people, while 63,332 people have been tested in the County. 1,801 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 469 in King City, 520 in Greenfield, 530 in Soledad, 190 in Gonzales, 18 in San Ardo, 53 in Chualar, while 21 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 2,171 are from person to person transmissions, 1,915 have come from community transmissions, 419 people have been hospitalized, 49 people have died, 4,233 people have recovered, 1,967 are under investigation and 1,502 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Wednesday, August 19 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 6,785 people, while 62,781 people have been tested in the County. 1,783 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 466 in King City, 517 in Greenfield, 520 in Soledad, 188 in Gonzales, 18 in San Ardo, 53 in Chualar, while 21 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 2,114 are from person to person transmissions, 1,876 have come from community transmissions, 409 people have been hospitalized, 47 people have died, 4,140 people have recovered, 1,988 are under investigation and 1,478 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Tuesday, August 18 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 6,662 people, while 61,805 people have been tested in the County. 1,754 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 458 in King City, 514 in Greenfield, 507 in Soledad, 186 in Gonzales, 16 in San Ardo, 53 in Chualar, while 20 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 2,050 are from person to person transmissions, 1,808 have come from community transmissions, 400 people have been hospitalized, 46 people have died, 4.016 people have recovered, 1,974 are under investigation and 1,434 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.

(MONTEREY, CA) On Friday, August 7 Jeff Gorman, candidate for Congressional District 20, sent a formal request to incumbent Congressman Jimmy Panetta to engage in formal, direct debates. "In these tense times, the people of the Central Coast deserve clarity regarding the positions their candidates would represent in Congress. To give the people of District 20 a fair hearing of our positions, it would seem reasonable to plan at least three debates before ballots are mailed. We should hold our first debate by the end of August. I would be pleased for the non-partisan Panetta Institute to facilitate and live-cast our debates. Given Congressman Panetta's close relationship with the chair and the co-chair of the Institute, I have asked him to ascertain their willingness to do this for our community. I await the Congressman's response."

Updated numbers from the Monterey County Health Department on Monday, August 17 report that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County are now at 6,548 people, while 61,107 people have been tested in the County. 1,724 of the cases are out of South Monterey County which include 454 in King City, 507 in Greenfield, 492 in Soledad, 184 in Gonzales, 15 in San Ardo, 53 in Chualar, while 19 cases are from other cities or towns in South Monterey County. In addition, 2,001 are from person to person transmissions, 1,777 have come from community transmissions, 391 people have been hospitalized, 46 people have died, 3,907 people have recovered, 1,935 are under investigation and 1,413 people who work in Agriculture have come down with COVID-19.